Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE8.2

Overview

P4KE8.2 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 8.2 V, clamps transients up to 12.5 V at 33 A peak pulse current, and operates within -55°C to +175°C junction temperature range-ideal for automotive body electronics and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE8.2 datasheet, P4KE8.2 pinout, P4KE8.2 application, or P4KE8.2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6.63 V working stand-off voltage, <1 μA reverse leakage at rated VWM, 0.065 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient, and DO-41 package compatibility with manual and automated through-hole assembly.

Technical Context

The P4KE8.2 uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to provide fast, repeatable clamping during ESD and lightning-induced surges. Its 10/1000 μs waveform rating confirms compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surge immunity requirements.

Designed as a unidirectional device, it exhibits forward conduction only in one polarity and requires correct cathode-band orientation during PCB layout. Its low dynamic impedance ensures minimal voltage overshoot under high di/dt transients typical in inductive load switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking on one end. Leads are pure tin-plated and compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with P4KE8.2A, the P4KE8.2 offers wider V_BR tolerance and slightly higher clamping but lower cost and broader availability; versus 1.5KE8.2, it trades peak energy capacity for compact DO-41 fit and faster response-making it optimal for space-constrained DC rail protection.

Availability

P4KE8.2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, LED driver inputs, and USB-C port ESD protection requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for P4KE8.2 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 P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in harsh-environment DC systems where reliability and AEC-Q101 qualification are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE8.2 under standard surge conditions?

The P4KE8.2 clamps to a maximum of 12.5 V when subjected to its rated 33 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that downstream components experience no more than 12.5 V during surge events, making it suitable for protecting 5 V logic circuits. The P4KE8.2 maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the P4KE8.2 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?

The P4KE8.2 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode. Polarity is marked by a distinct cathode band on the DO-41 package body. This configuration provides superior low-leakage performance (<1 μA at 6.63 V) compared to bidirectional variants and must be oriented correctly in-circuit to protect against positive transients on supply rails or signal lines.

Does the P4KE8.2 meet automotive qualification standards?

The base P4KE8.2 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE8.2H variant-identical in electrical specs and DO-41 packaging-is fully AEC-Q101 certified for stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. For automotive applications such as body control modules or lighting controllers, specify P4KE8.2H to ensure compliance with automotive reliability requirements.

What is the thermal derating behavior of the P4KE8.2 above 25°C ambient?

The P4KE8.2's peak pulse power remains constant at 400 W up to 25°C ambient, then derates linearly per Figure 2 in the datasheet-reaching approximately 200 W at 75°C ambient when mounted on 5 × 5 mm copper pads. Steady-state power dissipation is limited to 1 W at 75°C lead temperature. Engineers must consider board copper area and airflow when deploying P4KE8.2 in enclosed high-temperature environments.

Can the P4KE8.2 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?

No-P4KE8.2 devices should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors, as minor V_BR mismatches (±8%) cause current hogging and premature failure of the lower-breakdown unit. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated device like P4KE12 or use a purpose-designed multi-chip TVS array. The P4KE8.2 is optimized for discrete, single-point protection in cost-sensitive designs.