Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4SMA170CH

Overview

P4SMA170CH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, rated for 400W peak pulse power, 153–187V breakdown voltage (V_BR), and 138V working stand-off voltage (V_WM). It provides robust ESD and surge protection for automotive-grade DC/DC converters, lighting systems, and SMPS input stages.

For engineers reviewing the P4SMA170CH datasheet, P4SMA170CH pinout, P4SMA170CH application, or P4SMA170CH equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (244V @ 1.7A), AEC-Q101 qualification, ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b compliance, and unidirectional/bidirectional configuration flexibility via CH suffix.

Technical Context

The P4SMA170CH is a glass-passivated, single-die TVS diode optimized for fast transient suppression with sub-1ps response time and <1μA reverse leakage at V_WM. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetric clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.

Designed for automotive and industrial environments, it operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range, meets J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1, and features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, cathode-banded unidirectional variant; P4SMA170CH is bidirectional - no polarity marking required. Weight: 0.060 g. Molding compound UL 94V-0 rated.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ170CA and 1.5KE170CA, the P4SMA170CH offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, DO-214AC SMT compatibility, and 400W surge handling in compact form - ideal for space-limited automotive modules requiring automated assembly and ISO 7637-2 immunity.

Availability

P4SMA170CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, on-board DC/DC converters, and industrial switching power supplies requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and RoHS/halogen-free compliance.

Supply support for P4SMA170CH 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, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and automotive-qualified components.

The P4SMA170CH belongs to TSC's P4SMAxH/AH family of surface-mount TVS diodes engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive subsystems and industrial power conversion where high reliability, low leakage, and precise clamping are mandatory.

FAQ

What does the "CH" suffix indicate in P4SMA170CH?

The "CH" suffix in P4SMA170CH denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device clamps transients equally in both directions, with no anode/cathode polarity requirement. This differs from "H"-suffixed unidirectional variants and enables use in AC-coupled circuits, differential buses, or floating grounds where polarity cannot be guaranteed. The P4SMA170CH maintains identical electrical specs (V_BR, V_C, P_PPM) as its unidirectional counterpart but eliminates orientation-dependent placement errors during SMT assembly.

Is P4SMA170CH compliant with automotive qualification standards?

Yes, P4SMA170CH is AEC-Q101 qualified and tested per the full stress test schedule including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TC), unbiased highly accelerated stress test (UHAST), and human-body model (HBM) ESD. It also meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b for automotive electrical disturbances - making it suitable for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where reliability under harsh conditions is critical. The P4SMA170CH data sheet explicitly lists AEC-Q101 in its FEATURES section.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA170CH and how is it measured?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of P4SMA170CH is 244 V, measured at peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 1.7 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform per R.E.A. definition. This value represents the highest voltage that appears across the P4SMA170CH terminals during worst-case transient conduction - directly determining the voltage stress imposed on downstream components like MOSFETs, regulators, or microcontrollers. It is verified per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in the Electrical Specifications table on page 3 of the official P4SMA6.8(A)H–P4SMA200(A)H datasheet.

Can P4SMA170CH replace unidirectional P4SMA170H in existing designs?

No - P4SMA170CH cannot be a direct drop-in replacement for unidirectional P4SMA170H without circuit review. Although both share identical V_WM, V_BR, and V_C ratings, the P4SMA170CH is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas P4SMA170H requires correct anode/cathode orientation. Replacing P4SMA170H with P4SMA170CH in a DC-biased rail may cause unintended conduction or fail to suppress certain transient polarities. Use P4SMA170CH only where bidirectional clamping is intentionally designed into the circuit topology.

What packaging and reel quantity is available for P4SMA170CH?

P4SMA170CH is supplied in DO-214AC (SMA) package on 7,500-piece tape-and-reel format per standard ordering code P4SMA170CH. The reel complies with EIA-481-D standards and supports high-speed pick-and-place equipment. Each reel includes J-STD-020 Level 1 moisture sensitivity labeling, RoHS-compliant green molding compound, and matte tin-plated leads qualified per J-STD-002 for solderability. Traceability data (lot code, date code, factory ID) is marked on the tape cover and matches the marking diagram in the datasheet.