Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE30

Overview

P4KE30 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 30 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 27.0–33.0 V at 1 mA), 24.3 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 43.5 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 9.6 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O modules, and AC/DC adapter input stages.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE30 datasheet, P4KE30 pinout, P4KE30 application, or P4KE30 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, low leakage (<1 µA at 24.3 V), fast clamping response (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR), and AEC-Q101 qualification option (P4KE30H).

Technical Context

The P4KE30 operates as a silicon avalanche diode that remains non-conductive below VWM (24.3 V) and enters low-impedance clamping mode above VBR (min 27.0 V), diverting surge energy to ground while limiting downstream voltage to ≤43.5 V. Its junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +175 °C, supporting under-hood and industrial ambient conditions.

It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression, delivers 400 W surge capability at 10/1000 µs, and exhibits a 0.097 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient - enabling stable clamping performance across thermal gradients without external compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with P6KE30A and 1.5KE30A, the P4KE30 provides the best balance of compact DO-41 form factor, precise 24.3 V stand-off compatibility with 24 V systems, and verified AEC-Q101 availability - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-limited automotive and industrial DC protection where 400 W surge handling suffices.

Availability

P4KE30 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and AC/DC adapter output stabilization requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for P4KE30 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The P4KE30 belongs to TSC's P4KE series of standardized 400 W TVS diodes engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability overvoltage protection in 6.8 V–440 V DC systems - emphasizing AEC-Q101 readiness, tight parameter distribution, and consistent DO-41 manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE30 under standard test conditions?

The P4KE30 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 43.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 9.6 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees the protected circuit will not experience more than 43.5 V during such transients - critical for safeguarding 3.3 V, 5 V, and 24 V logic and power ICs. The P4KE30 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the P4KE30 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?

The P4KE30 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only in reverse bias above its breakdown voltage and blocks 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 (e.g., 24 V rail), while the unbanded end connects to ground. Bidirectional variants require "CA" suffix (e.g., P4KE30CA), which the P4KE30 does not carry.

Does the P4KE30 meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes - the P4KE30H variant is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, AC/DC life test, and temperature cycling. While the base P4KE30 is not automatically qualified, Taiwan Semiconductor documents AEC-Q101 compliance for the "H" suffix version, making it suitable for automotive body control, lighting, and infotainment power rail protection where component reliability is mandated.

What is the leakage current specification for the P4KE30 at its working stand-off voltage?

The P4KE30 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1 µA when biased at its working stand-off voltage of 24.3 V and tested at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and no measurable loading effect on high-impedance nodes such as voltage dividers, sensor references, or microcontroller reset inputs - preserving accuracy and stability in precision analog and low-power embedded systems.

Can the P4KE30 be used in place of the P4KE30A, and what is the key difference?

No - the P4KE30 and P4KE30A are distinct variants: P4KE30 has a VBR range of 27.0–33.0 V, while P4KE30A tightens this to 28.5–31.5 V with improved parameter consistency. Their VWM also differs (24.3 V vs. 25.6 V), affecting compatibility with 24 V system margins. Substitution requires validation of clamping behavior and leakage under actual operating conditions; they are not drop-in replacements despite identical package and power rating.