Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE550-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE550-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE550-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 495VWM 760VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,274
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Product details
Overview
P4KE550-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 550 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 495 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 760 V clamping voltage (VC) at 400 mA, 300 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients and lightning surges in industrial and telecom systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE550-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE550-E3/73 pinout, P4KE550-E3/73 application, or P4KE550-E3/73 equivalent, key selection considerations include unidirectional polarity, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, 150 °C maximum junction temperature, thermal resistance (RθJA = 125 °C/W), and clamping performance under standardized 10/1000 µs surge waveforms.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, entering avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 550 V breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low incremental surge resistance, enabling fast response (<1 ns) and consistent clamping at 760 V under 400 mA test current.
It is rated for non-repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses up to 300 W, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Thermal design must account for RθJL = 75 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and RθJA = 125 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), and PCB layout must minimize trace inductance to preserve clamping integrity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min) | 550 V - guaranteed minimum avalanche breakdown voltage at 100 µA test current; defines earliest conduction onset |
| VWM | 495 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; device remains non-conductive below this level |
| VC @ 400 mA | 760 V - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's peak stress level |
| PPPM | 300 W - peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); sets single-event surge energy limit |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - max DC reverse leakage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; constrains thermal design margin and PCB copper area |
| CJ @ 1 MHz, 0 V | 90 pF - junction capacitance at zero bias; impacts high-frequency signal line loading |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with UL 94 V-0 rating. Cathode indicated by color band on body. Matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, whisker-tested per JESD 201 Class 1A.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection in unidirectional configuration | Connected to ground or reference node; current flows from cathode to anode during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection; marked by color band | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when VIN > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| Unidirectional polarity only | Simplifies protection design for DC-biased lines; eliminates need for bidirectional symmetry |
| 760 V clamping at 400 mA | Provides predictable voltage limiting for downstream components rated ≤ 800 V |
| 90 pF capacitance at 0 V | Minimizes signal distortion on data lines up to ~200 MHz; suitable for RS-485, CAN, and sensor interfaces |
| RθJA = 125 °C/W | Defines required PCB copper area and airflow for thermal management in enclosed enclosures |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Telecom Power Interfaces |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and IGBTs against turn-off voltage spikes from inductive motor windings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed across DC bus or gate-source terminals to clamp transients within safe SOA limits. Use Value: Prevents destructive overvoltage events exceeding 760 V, preserving IGBT lifetime and system uptime without adding active control complexity. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on -48 V DC power inputs in central office equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on input rail, coordinated with upstream MOVs and downstream DC-DC converters. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤ 760 V, ensuring compliance with GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge immunity requirements. |
| Automotive Sensor Signal Lines | Consumer Power Adapters |
Use Scenario: Protection of analog outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature sensors) connected to ECU over long harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (90 pF) unidirectional clamp on signal line referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity while suppressing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a transients up to 300 W without distorting millivolt-level sensor signals. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient protection on 5–12 V DC output rails of wall adapters subjected to load dump and hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamping element after regulation, safeguarding USB ports and connected devices. Use Value: Clamps output overshoot to ≤ 760 V with <1 µA leakage, eliminating risk of false triggering in low-power standby modes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ55A | DO-214AA package; 55 V standoff (VWM = 49.5 V), lower clamping (93.6 V), higher capacitance (150 pF) | Designed for lower-voltage circuits (e.g., 3.3 V/5 V logic); unsuitable for 495 V DC bus protection | Select only for sub-60 V applications requiring surface-mount footprint and higher surge rating (600 W) |
| P6KE550A | Higher peak power (600 W), same DO-41 package and VBR/VWM, but larger case volume and higher thermal mass | Used where longer-duration transients or repeated surges demand greater energy absorption | Choose when system-level testing reveals 300 W insufficient; verify PCB lead length and heatsinking for RθJA impact |
Compared with SMBJ55A and P6KE550A, the P4KE550-E3/73 offers optimal balance of 495 V stand-off capability, axial DO-41 through-hole compatibility, and 300 W surge handling for cost-sensitive industrial power rail protection-without over-specifying package size or under-specifying voltage rating.
Availability
P4KE550-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power interfaces, and automotive sensor signal lines requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant manufacturing, and long-lifecycle availability.
Supply support for P4KE550-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 Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, passive elements, and sensors, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and power-handling capability.
The P4KE550-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS diode family, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in high-energy transient environments such as industrial power supplies and infrastructure equipment.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P4KE550-E3/73?
The P4KE550-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode. The cathode is marked by a color band on the DO-41 body. This configuration is intended for DC-biased protection applications where reverse voltage is not expected, such as across positive power rails or signal lines referenced to ground. Bidirectional variants are not offered in the P4KE550-E3/73 series.
How does the clamping voltage of the P4KE550-E3/73 behave under actual surge conditions?
The P4KE550-E3/73 specifies a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 760 V at 400 mA using a 10/1000 µs waveform. Under higher surge currents, VC increases linearly due to internal dynamic resistance (~1.9 Ω). For example, at 1 A surge, VC ≈ 760 V + (1 A − 0.4 A) × 1.9 Ω ≈ 761.1 V. This behavior is documented in Vishay's datasheet Figure 1 and confirmed by standardized IEC 61000-4-5 testing methodology.
Can the P4KE550-E3/73 be used in AC line protection?
No, the P4KE550-E3/73 is not suitable for AC line protection because it is unidirectional and rated only for DC stand-off voltage (VWM = 495 V). Applying AC voltage would cause forward conduction during negative half-cycles, leading to thermal failure. For AC mains protection, bidirectional TVS diodes (e.g., P4KE550CA) or MOV-based solutions with appropriate RMS voltage ratings and safety agency certifications are required instead of the P4KE550-E3/73.
What is the significance of the "E3/73" suffix in P4KE550-E3/73?
The "E3" denotes Vishay's RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade termination with matte tin plating and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/73" indicates packaging in 73" diameter tape-and-reel format (5500 pcs/reel), per Vishay's ordering code system. This differs from /54 (13" reel) and confirms the P4KE550-E3/73 is supplied in industry-standard automated assembly packaging compatible with SMT pick-and-place feeders despite being a through-hole device.
How does thermal resistance affect PCB layout for the P4KE550-E3/73?
The P4KE550-E3/73 has RθJA = 125 °C/W and RθJL = 75 °C/W. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under 1 W steady-state dissipation, the PCB must provide ≥ 1.5 cm² of 2-oz copper connected to both leads, with ≥ 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length for convection cooling. Layouts with short leads or minimal copper will exceed thermal limits during repetitive surges, degrading clamping consistency and accelerating wear-out of the P4KE550-E3/73.
P4KE550-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 495V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 550V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 760V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 400mA
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 90pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE550-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE550-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE550-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 P4KE550-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE550-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 P4KE550-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE550-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE550-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE550-E3/73?
P4KE550-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE550-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 P4KE550-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE550-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE550-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE550-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE550-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 P4KE550-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE550-E3/73?
All P4KE550-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE550-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 P4KE550-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE550-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE550-E3/73 Tags

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