Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE24

Overview

P4KE24 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-side overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 24V nominal breakdown voltage, 19.4V working stand-off voltage, 34.7V maximum clamping voltage at 12A peak pulse current, and operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range - deployed in automotive lighting control modules and industrial PLC I/O protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE24 datasheet, P4KE24 pinout, P4KE24 application, or P4KE24 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage (<1μA @ 19.4V), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via H-suffix variants), DO-41 package thermal derating behavior, and compatibility with J-STD-002 soldering standards.

Technical Context

The P4KE24 functions as a unidirectional avalanche diode that enters conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its 21.6–26.4V breakdown range (tested at 1mA). Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid voltage clamping during transients, with typical response time <1.0ps from 0V to V_BR.

It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for peak pulse power rating and supports non-repetitive 400W surges per 10/1000μs waveform. Thermal performance is rated for 175°C max junction temperature, with steady-state power dissipation of 1W at 75°C lead temperature on 5×5 mm copper pads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy body with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated and compliant with J-STD-002 solderability requirements. Weight ≈ 0.300 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TVS diode applications.

Compared with SMAJ24A and 1.5KE24A, the P4KE24 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, precise 24V unidirectional clamping, and AEC-Q101-ready variants - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial PCBs where DO-41 placement and thermal management are well established.

Availability

P4KE24 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC I/O protection, DC power supply input staging, and ESD-sensitive sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for P4KE24 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and thyristors - serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The P4KE series was engineered for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 readiness, tight parametric tolerances, and DO-41 manufacturability for legacy and new-design through-hole assembly.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE24 under standard test conditions?

The P4KE24 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 34.7 V when subjected to a 10/1000μs surge waveform at 12 A peak pulse current (I_PPM). This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 34.7 V during a 400W transient event - a critical parameter for protecting 30V-rated ICs in automotive and industrial systems. The P4KE24 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the P4KE24 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?

The P4KE24 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps only in reverse bias and conducts forward current like a standard rectifier. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the DO-41 package body - the banded end connects to the protected line, while the anode connects to ground or the lower-potential reference. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE24CA) exist in the same family but are distinct orderable parts with different marking and electrical symmetry.

Does the P4KE24 meet automotive reliability standards?

The base P4KE24 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE24H variant - identifiable by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is fully AEC-Q101 qualified and tested for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and ESD per the automotive standard. TSC provides qualification reports upon request, and P4KE24H is recommended for under-hood, infotainment, and ADAS subsystems where automotive-grade reliability is mandatory.

What is the leakage current specification for the P4KE24 at its working stand-off voltage?

The P4KE24 specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (I_D) of 1 μA when biased at its working stand-off voltage (V_WM) of 19.4 V. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and signal integrity impact in always-on circuits such as battery-backed sensors or 24V industrial control inputs. Measured at 25°C, leakage remains <5 μA up to 125°C - supporting reliable operation in thermally demanding enclosures.

Can the P4KE24 be used in surface-mount designs?

No - the P4KE24 is exclusively packaged in the axial-leaded DO-204AL (DO-41) format and is not compatible with surface-mount assembly processes. For SMT equivalents, consider the SMAJ24A (DO-214AC) or SMCJ24A (DO-214AB) families, which share similar voltage ratings and 400W surge capability but differ in package dimensions, thermal resistance, and mounting method. Migration to SMT requires PCB redesign and requalification of clamping performance under board-level thermal conditions.