Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE47A-E3/54

Overview

P4KE47A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 40.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 44.7–49.4 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and clamps to ≤64.8 V at 6.2 A peak pulse current. Used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE47A-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE47A-E3/54 pinout, P4KE47A-E3/54 application, or P4KE47A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected device V_DS/V_CC, thermal resistance (R_θJL = 66 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-41 lead-form compatibility with through-hole PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This TVS operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its specified V_BR range (44.7–49.4 V at 1.0 mA). Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits low incremental surge resistance for stable clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs transients at 0.01% duty cycle.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJL = 66 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and R_θJA = 100 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, L_Lead = 10 mm), enabling operation up to +175 °C junction temperature. The device meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing and UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements for molded epoxy encapsulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with axial leads; matte tin-plated terminals solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102; cathode marked by color band on body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ43A and 1.5KE47A, the P4KE47A-E3/54 offers AEC-Q101 qualification and optimal thermal resistance (66 °C/W) in a compact DO-41 through-hole package-making it preferred for automotive and thermally constrained industrial designs where 400 W surge immunity suffices.

Availability

P4KE47A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC input circuits requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and DO-41 through-hole compatibility.

Supply support for P4KE47A-E3/54 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and ruggedized packaging.

The P4KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive under-hood, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure-where consistent clamping performance and long-term stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of P4KE47A-E3/54 and how does it relate to system protection?

The P4KE47A-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 64.8 V at its rated peak pulse current of 6.2 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. For example, if an MCU's I/O pin has a 65 V absolute maximum rating, the P4KE47A-E3/54 provides a 0.2 V safety margin-critical for ensuring reliability without overdesign. Its low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.36) reflects optimized junction design for minimal overshoot.

Is P4KE47A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, P4KE47A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive electronics including engine control units, body modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The "HE3" suffix denotes full AEC-Q101 compliance, while the "E3" suffix (as in P4KE47A-E3/54) indicates RoHS-compliant commercial grade with optional AEC-Q101 qualification available. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and robust DO-41 construction meet under-hood thermal and mechanical requirements.

How does the DO-41 package of P4KE47A-E3/54 affect thermal performance?

The DO-41 (DO-204AL) package of P4KE47A-E3/54 delivers a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_θJL) of 66 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pours or external heatsinks via its axial leads. This is significantly better than surface-mount equivalents like SMBJ43A (R_θJA ≈ 40 °C/W but no direct lead path), making P4KE47A-E3/54 ideal for high-reliability through-hole designs where sustained surge duty cycles demand stable thermal management without forced airflow.

What is the difference between P4KE47A-E3/54 and P4KE47CA-E3/54?

P4KE47A-E3/54 is unidirectional, with a cathode band marking and forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A), intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. P4KE47CA-E3/54 is bidirectional-no polarity marking, symmetrical clamping in both directions, and used for AC lines or differential signal protection. Their V_WM, V_BR, and V_C values differ accordingly: P4KE47CA has V_WM = 40.2 V (same), but V_BR = ±44.7–49.4 V and V_C = ±64.8 V. Select P4KE47A-E3/54 only for single-polarity DC applications.

Can P4KE47A-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?

No-P4KE47A-E3/54 should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors due to manufacturing variations in V_BR (±5%), which cause uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. Each device must handle its full rated surge independently. For higher current capability, select a single higher-rated part such as 1.5KE47A (1500 W) or verify matched-bin devices with V_BR tolerance ≤1%-a practice not supported by standard P4KE47A-E3/54 distribution.