Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE540A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE540A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE540A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 459VWM 740VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE540A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 513–567 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 740 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 0.54 A peak pulse current. It protects sensitive MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE540A-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE540A-E3/54 pinout, P4KE540A-E3/54 application, or P4KE540A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include standoff voltage (459 V), clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.31), AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of ESD and lightning-induced surges. Its unidirectional polarity-marked by cathode band-ensures correct orientation in DC-biased circuits such as input stages of AC/DC adapters and motor drive front-ends.
The device operates across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range and delivers 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. Derating follows Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 in the datasheet, with thermal resistance junction-to-lead (RθJL) at 66 °C/W confirming suitability for leaded through-hole mounting without forced cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 513 V / 567 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines reliable conduction onset under surge conditions |
| VWM | 459 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 740 V at 0.54 A - clamping voltage limiting transient stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - peak surge energy handling capacity per single event |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature environments like engine control units |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - thermal performance baseline for PCB layout and heatsinking decisions |
| IFSM | Not applicable - unidirectional only; no forward surge rating specified for this variant |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with glass passivated chip. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements. Overall length 25.4 mm min., lead diameter 0.71–0.86 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased surge conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., DC bus); conducts when transient exceeds VWM |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-earth) in properly designed interfaces |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix) | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine management and battery systems |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial equipment |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.31) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected MOSFET gate oxide or IC input structures |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Power Distribution Units |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drivers against turn-off voltage spikes during high-current switching in 400 V DC bus inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between gate and emitter to clamp negative-going transients below -20 V. Use Value: With VWM = 459 V and VC = 740 V, it avoids interference with normal 15 V gate drive while suppressing >1 kV spikes. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 12 V/24 V battery feed lines entering junction boxes exposed to load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power rail upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Handles 400 W pulses without degradation, meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements for commercial vehicle electronics. |
| Telecom Power Rectifiers | Renewable Energy Inverters |
|
Use Scenario: Input stage protection for AC/DC front-ends in base station power supplies subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS after MOVs, providing precise clamping where fast response is critical. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response ensures clamping occurs before downstream rectifier bridge or controller IC sustains damage. |
Use Scenario: DC link protection in solar string inverters where PV array transients couple into 600–1000 V DC bus lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed across DC bus capacitors to limit overvoltage during rapid disconnection events. Use Value: VWM = 459 V allows use in segmented DC bus topologies; 175 °C TJmax supports operation near heat-generating IGBT modules. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ540A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR range (513–567 V), 600 W PPPM | Requires PCB rework for SMT assembly; better high-frequency surge response due to lower parasitic inductance | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is preferred over manual through-hole insertion |
| 1.5KE540A | Same DO-41 package but higher PPPM = 1500 W; VBR = 513–567 V, VC = 740 V, VWM = 459 V | Higher energy handling suits applications with repeated surge exposure (e.g., utility metering), but larger thermal mass delays response | Choose when system-level testing reveals insufficient margin with 400 W rating, especially under multi-pulse stress |
Compared with SMBJ540A and 1.5KE540A, the P4KE540A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of cost, proven reliability in legacy through-hole designs, and sufficient surge rating for single-event protection in industrial controls-without requiring layout changes or derating for thermal accumulation.
Availability
P4KE540A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive power distribution units, and telecom rectifier systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE540A-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 automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE540A-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and renewable energy systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE540A-E3/54 under rated surge conditions?
The P4KE540A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 740 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 0.54 A using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88365 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The P4KE540A-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its operating temperature range.
Is the P4KE540A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE540A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Note (1) on page 3 of the Vishay datasheet 88365. Its construction-including glass passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker-resistant leads-meets automotive reliability requirements. The P4KE540A-E3/54 is commonly used in battery management and power distribution modules where 459 V standoff and 740 V clamping are required.
What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in P4KE540A-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads qualified to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The "/54" indicates packaging in 13-inch paper tape and reel with a base quantity of 5500 units, per the Ordering Information table on page 3 of the Vishay datasheet 88365. The P4KE540A-E3/54 is not AEC-Q101 qualified unless marked "HE3".
How does the thermal resistance of the P4KE540A-E3/54 affect PCB layout?
The P4KE540A-E3/54 has RθJA = 100 °C/W and RθJL = 66 °C/W, meaning its junction temperature rise depends heavily on lead-to-PCB copper area and ambient airflow. For reliable operation at full 400 W surge rating, PCB layout must provide ≥25 mm² of 2-oz copper connected to each lead. The P4KE540A-E3/54 should avoid placement near heat sources and allow ≥5 mm clearance to adjacent components.
Can the P4KE540A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No-the P4KE540A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by its cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants in the same family use the "CA" suffix (e.g., P4KE440CA). Using the P4KE540A-E3/54 in AC-coupled or floating applications would result in forward conduction during half-cycles, causing failure. Always verify polarity alignment before integrating the P4KE540A-E3/54 into schematics.
P4KE540A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 459V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 513V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 740V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 540mA
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE540A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE540A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE540A-E3/54 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 P4KE540A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE540A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE540A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE540A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE540A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE540A-E3/54?
P4KE540A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE540A-E3/54 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 P4KE540A-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE540A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE540A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE540A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE540A-E3/54 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 P4KE540A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE540A-E3/54?
All P4KE540A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE540A-E3/54, 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 P4KE540A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE540A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE540A-E3/54 Tags

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