Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE540-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE540-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE540-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 437VWM 772VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,674
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Product details
Overview
P4KE540-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 540 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 740 V maximum clamping voltage (VC), 0.54 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range - deployed in automotive power supply rail protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE540-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE540-E3/73 pinout, P4KE540-E3/73 application, or P4KE540-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include standoff voltage (459 V), clamping ratio (1.37× VBR), DO-41 package thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and unidirectional polarity marking.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages while maintaining low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional configuration enables cathode-referenced clamping on positive-going surges only, with reverse leakage limited to 1.0 μA at 459 V standoff.
The device complies with IEC 61000-4-5 (10/1000 μs waveform) and supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 %, derated linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Thermal design relies on lead-to-ambient conduction (RθJA = 100 °C/W) and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 513–567 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise clamping initiation threshold under controlled DC stress |
| Standoff Voltage VWM | 459 V maximum - ensures no conduction during normal 450 V DC operation, e.g., 400 V nominal EV battery rails |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 740 V at 0.54 A peak pulse - limits transient voltage seen by downstream MOSFETs or controllers during lightning/surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - sustains single high-energy transients without failure, compliant with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a |
| Operating Temperature | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive placement and industrial motor drive environments |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22-A110 |
| Package | DO-41 (DO-204AL) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy body and matte tin-plated leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy-molded body, 2.0–2.7 mm diameter, 5.2 mm minimum length, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102. Cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to system ground or low-side reference; completes clamping loop during positive transients |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 400 V bus); conducts when VLINE exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term leakage stability under thermal cycling |
| 400 W 10/1000 μs rating | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a severity level for 12 V/24 V/48 V automotive systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for engine control units, ADAS power supplies, and infotainment DC-DC inputs |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage margin required by protected ICs, reducing need for oversized input capacitors |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in enclosed enclosures per automotive and industrial safety standards |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial DC Link Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 400 V battery management system (BMS) input against load dump and alternator surge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between HV+ and chassis ground to clamp positive transients before they reach DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤740 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 650 V SiC MOSFETs and ensuring ASIL-B compliance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding variable-frequency drive (VFD) DC link capacitor banks from switching-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS absorbing energy from IGBT turn-off overshoot and regenerative braking transients. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, extending capacitor lifetime and avoiding nuisance tripping of overvoltage protection. |
| Telecom Rectifier Output Clamping | Renewable Energy Inverter Input Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Securing -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against induced lightning surges on long copper runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cathode tied to output rail, anode to ground - clamps positive excursions while blocking steady-state reverse bias. Use Value: 1.0 μA max leakage at 459 V ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on network infrastructure. |
Use Scenario: Shielding solar inverter MPPT controller inputs from grid-switching transients and nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at PV string input terminals to divert surge current away from sensitive analog sensing circuitry. Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature allows direct mounting near heat-generating power stages without derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ540A | Same VBR (513–567 V), but SMC package (DO-214AB); 600 W PPPM rating; RθJA = 40 °C/W | Better thermal performance and higher surge rating, but requires PCB rework due to surface-mount footprint | Select SMBJ540A when board space permits SMD layout and higher 600 W surge immunity is required. |
| 1.5KE540A | Same DO-41 package and VBR, but 1500 W PPPM (10/1000 μs); larger die; higher VC = 850 V | Higher energy handling at cost of increased clamping voltage - may exceed protected device's absolute max rating | Choose 1.5KE540A only if system-level testing confirms 850 V clamping is acceptable for downstream components. |
Compared with SMBJ540A and 1.5KE540A, P4KE540-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial-lead compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge capability - making it ideal for legacy automotive harness interfaces and through-hole industrial power modules where thermal budget and footprint constraints favor DO-41.
Availability
P4KE540-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial DC link surge suppression, and renewable energy inverter input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE540-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE540-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family - engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for P4KE540-E3/73?
The P4KE540-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 513 V to 567 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This 10 % tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes from –55 °C to +175 °C.
Is P4KE540-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4KE540-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its DO-41 package, 175 °C max junction temperature, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a make it appropriate for engine control units, battery disconnect units, and high-voltage DC-DC converters in 48 V and EV architectures.
What does the "E3/73" suffix indicate in P4KE540-E3/73?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/73" specifies packaging in 750-piece bulk pack (per Vishay ordering code convention). This differs from /54 (5500-piece tape-and-reel) and HE3 (AEC-Q101 qualified variant).
How does P4KE540-E3/73 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE540CA?
P4KE540-E3/73 is unidirectional and clamps only positive transients relative to ground, with cathode marked by a band. P4KE540CA is bidirectional and protects both polarities - but its VBR is specified only up to 440 V, so it cannot replace P4KE540-E3/73 in 540 V standoff applications without redesign.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE540-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE540-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 740 V when subjected to its rated 0.54 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events.
P4KE540-E3/73 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):
- 437V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 486V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 772V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 520mA
- 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)
P4KE540-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE540-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE540-E3/73 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 P4KE540-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE540-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE540-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE540-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE540-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE540-E3/73?
P4KE540-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE540-E3/73 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 P4KE540-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE540-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE540-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE540-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE540-E3/73 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 P4KE540-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE540-E3/73?
All P4KE540-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE540-E3/73, 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 P4KE540-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE540-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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