Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE20HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,944
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping inductive switching surges and ESD events on DC power rails and signal lines. It features 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 19.0–21.0 V), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 14.4 A peak pulse current, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20HE3/73 datasheet, P4KE20HE3/73 pinout, P4KE20HE3/73 application, or P4KE20HE3/73 equivalent, key selection considerations include its unidirectional polarity, DO-41 leaded package compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly, 175 °C max junction temperature, low 0.090 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient, and suitability for protecting 12–24 V automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, and sensor supply lines against ISO 7637-2 pulses.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device: when reverse-biased voltage exceeds VBR (19.0–21.0 V), it avalanches to limit transient energy across protected circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 17.1 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), while the DO-41 package provides mechanical robustness and thermal resistance of 100 °C/W (junction-to-ambient).
The P4KE20HE3/73 variant is AEC-Q101 qualified and uses the HE3 suffix denoting matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test, RoHS compliance, and solderability per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 - distinguishing it from commercial-grade E3-suffix parts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - defines precise avalanche initiation range under 1.0 mA test current; enables accurate overvoltage threshold setting |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; must exceed system nominal voltage (e.g., 12 V or 24 V rail) to avoid leakage conduction |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 14.4 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient; determines worst-case stress on downstream ICs during surge events |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - peak transient energy handling capacity; supports common automotive load-dump and inductive-switching standards |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures without derating |
| IFSM | 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current rating for unidirectional forward conduction; relevant for reverse-polarity protection configurations |
| Leakage ID | ≤1.0 μA at VWM - ensures minimal standby power loss and no false triggering on stable DC rails |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with axial leads; cathode indicated by color band on body; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during reverse-polarity fault events |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply); avalanches when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors requiring reliability under thermal cycling and vibration |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage drift over time, and immunity to humidity-induced parameter shift |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b, and SAE J1113-11 surge immunity requirements for 12 V systems |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients - critical for safeguarding 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces powered from protected rails |
| DO-41 mechanical robustness | Withstands >50 g mechanical shock and 10 s solder dip at 275 °C - suitable for high-reliability industrial reflow and wave-solder processes |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power input and LIN bus lines in BCMs from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping device placed between fused 12 V rail and local regulator input; responds within <1 ns to clamp transients above 17.1 V. Use Value: Prevents damage to LDOs and microcontrollers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), maintaining system uptime in vehicle electrical architecture. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on optocoupler input side; clamps inductive kickback from solenoid/valve drivers before signal conditioning stage. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and component failure caused by repetitive 400 W transients, extending mean time between failures (MTBF) in harsh industrial environments. |
| Automotive HVAC Blower Motor Driver | Medical Patient Monitor Sensor Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC blower motors connected to H-bridge drivers in HVAC systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals in unidirectional configuration; conducts reverse current during flyback events to limit voltage to ≤27.7 V. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide rupture in MOSFETs and latch-up in driver ICs, ensuring ASIL-B functional safety compliance without additional snubber circuits. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog front-end inputs of patient monitors from ESD and electrocautery interference in clinical settings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. <100 pF) TVS on differential sensor lines (e.g., thermistor or SpO₂ photodiode); clamps ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and diagnostic accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset errors below 0.5 % full-scale, supporting IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR (19.0–21.0 V), slightly higher VC (32.4 V @ 12.3 A), 600 W PPPM | Designed for automated SMT assembly; unsuitable for manual repair or high-vibration environments where axial lead retention is preferred | Select SMBJ20A only when board space is constrained and reflow process is fully controlled; P4KE20HE3/73 remains optimal for serviceable, high-reliability through-hole designs. |
| 1.5KE20A | Same DO-41 package but higher PPPM (1500 W), larger junction, higher VC (36.5 V @ 41.1 A), non-AEC-Q101 rated | Targeted at industrial power supplies and AC line protection; lacks automotive qualification and tighter VBR tolerance | Choose 1.5KE20A only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications needing higher surge margin; P4KE20HE3/73 delivers superior consistency and qualification for automotive OEM programs. |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20HE3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, tight 5 % VBR tolerance, and DO-41 mechanical stability - making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial applications demanding traceable reliability, manual assembly compatibility, and validated thermal performance up to 175 °C.
Availability
P4KE20HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and medical sensor interface designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge suppression.
Supply support for P4KE20HE3/73 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE series belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and medical systems where consistent clamping behavior and long-term parametric stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for P4KE20HE3/73?
The P4KE20HE3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current (VBR min/max), per Vishay Document Number 88365, page 2. This 5 % tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset and is verified during 100 % production testing. The value applies strictly to the P4KE20HE3/73 variant and is not interpolated from adjacent part numbers.
Is P4KE20HE3/73 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No - P4KE20HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by its "A" suffix and absence of "CA" designation. It conducts only in reverse bias above VBR and blocks forward current up to 3.5 V. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or data buses), P4KE20CA or P4KE20CAHE3/73 would be required. The P4KE20HE3/73 datasheet explicitly states polarity as unidirectional.
Does P4KE20HE3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes - the HE3 suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, verified per Vishay's internal certification and documented in the "MECHANICAL DATA" section of Document 88365. This includes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and solderability - confirming suitability for under-hood and cabin automotive applications such as ECUs, lighting modules, and infotainment power supplies.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20HE3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4KE20HE3/73 is 27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table on page 2 of Document 88365 and represents the worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry during a 400 W transient event.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 in P4KE20HE3/73?
The HE3 suffix indicates AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, whereas E3 denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance only. Both share DO-41 packaging and RoHS status, but P4KE20HE3/73 undergoes extended reliability testing for automotive use - including 1000-cycle temperature cycling and 1000-hour biased HAST - which P4KE20E3/73 does not.
P4KE20HE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE20HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20HE3/73 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for P4KE20HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20HE3/73?
P4KE20HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20HE3/73 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for P4KE20HE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE20HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20HE3/73 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that P4KE20HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20HE3/73?
All P4KE20HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20HE3/73, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The P4KE20HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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