Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KA16HE3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KA16HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KA16HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.9VWM 23.5VC 1.5KA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,711
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Product details
Overview
1.5KA16HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in harsh environments. It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamps at 23.5 V under 63.8 A peak pulse current, and operates up to +185 °C junction temperature - ideal for protecting MOSFETs and sensor signal lines in automotive powertrain control units.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KA16HE3/73 datasheet, 1.5KA16HE3/73 pinout, 1.5KA16HE3/73 application, or 1.5KA16HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC Q101 qualification, 14.4–17.6 V breakdown range, low 0.086 %/°C VBR tempco, and HE3 suffix compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under repeated surge stress and maintains performance across -65 °C to +185 °C operating range. Its unidirectional polarity and 12.9 V stand-off voltage enable reliable DC line protection without reverse leakage degradation at elevated temperatures.
The device meets automotive reliability requirements via solder dip tolerance (260 °C, 40 s), RoHS/WEEE compliance, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy encapsulation. Its 10/1000 µs waveform response ensures fast suppression of load-switching transients in 12 V and 24 V vehicle systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 14.4 V / 17.6 V - defines minimum clamping threshold and maximum guaranteed breakdown under 1 mA test current |
| VWM | 12.9 V - maximum continuous working voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 23.5 V - clamping voltage at 63.8 A peak pulse, limiting downstream IC stress during surge events |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform, suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a |
| TJ max | +185 °C - enables placement near hot engine-control electronics without derating loss |
| IFSM | 200 A - withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge, critical for alternator load dump survival |
| Tempco of VBR | 0.086 %/°C - low drift ensures stable clamping across wide ambient temperature swings |
Pinout & Package
Case Style 1.5KA: axial-leaded DO-201AD package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode denoted by color band; UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy body; lead length 9.5 mm (0.375″).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to protected circuit ground reference | Provides low-impedance path to ground during reverse-transient clamping |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail) | Defines polarity-sensitive connection - must align with system voltage polarity to avoid forward conduction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables consistent clamping performance over 1000+ surge cycles without parameter shift |
| AEC Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| HE3 suffix compliance | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - eliminates tin whisker risk in long-life automotive modules |
| 1500 W 10/1000 µs rating | Handles worst-case ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) without failure in 24 V systems |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time) |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain ECU Protection | Industrial Motor Drive Gate Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and MOSFET gate drivers from load-dump and inductive kickback in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between 12 V supply rail and ground, triggered within <1 ns to limit voltage to ≤23.5 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic and 20 V-rated gate drivers during 100 V/100 ms load dump events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding isolated gate drivers in variable-frequency drives exposed to back-EMF from 3-phase induction motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted directly at driver output pins to clamp flyback spikes before they reach SiC MOSFET gates. Use Value: Enables use of lower-VGS rated gate drivers by limiting transient overshoot to 23.5 V, reducing BOM cost and layout area. |
| Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection | Telecom DC Power Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN bus and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and switching noise in body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed on signal line with series resistor; clamps ±30 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 to <25 V. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 12.9 V stand-off while surviving >1000 ESD strikes without parameter shift. | Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on 48 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding base station radios and remote radio heads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on DC input rail, coordinated with upstream MOVs for multi-stage protection. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges per IEEE C62.41 Category C3 without thermal runaway, supporting 20-year field life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16A | Lower PPPM (600 W), SMC package, bidirectional option available | Not AEC Q101 qualified; limited to commercial/industrial ambient (-40 to +125 °C) | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and 1500 W surge margin is unnecessary |
| 1.5KE16A | Same PPPM (1500 W), DO-201AE package, no HE3 whisker compliance | Lacks JESD201 Class 2 qualification; not approved for automotive under-hood deployment | Acceptable for non-automotive industrial use where tin whisker risk is mitigated by conformal coating or shorter lifetime |
Compared with SMBJ16A and 1.5KE16A, the 1.5KA16HE3/73 uniquely combines AEC Q101 qualification, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and +185 °C operation - making it the only choice for long-life, high-reliability automotive powertrain applications requiring zero field failures.
Availability
1.5KA16HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, industrial motor drive gate protection, and telecom DC input surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KA16HE3/73 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The 1.5KA family was engineered specifically for AEC Q101-compliant transient suppression in automotive power systems - emphasizing thermal robustness, surge endurance, and long-term parametric stability under vibration and thermal cycling.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KA16HE3/73?
The 1.5KA16HE3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 14.4 V to 17.6 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This range ensures reliable triggering above the 12.9 V stand-off voltage while accommodating process variation and temperature effects - critical for predictable clamping behavior in automotive 12 V systems.
Is the 1.5KA16HE3/73 suitable for 24 V automotive systems?
Yes, the 1.5KA16HE3/73 is suitable for 24 V automotive systems when used on sub-circuits referenced to 12 V rails (e.g., sensor supplies, LIN buses) or as secondary clamping after primary suppression. Its 23.5 V clamping voltage at 63.8 A and +185 °C rating support placement near hot components in 24 V architectures, though primary load-dump protection typically requires higher VWM devices like 1.5KA33HE3/73.
Does the 1.5KA16HE3/73 have bidirectional capability?
No, the 1.5KA16HE3/73 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the "FEATURES" section of Vishay document 88300. It conducts in forward bias like a standard diode and clamps reverse transients - making it appropriate for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. For AC or bidirectional signal lines, a dedicated bidirectional variant (e.g., 1.5KA16CA) would be required.
What does the HE3 suffix indicate on the 1.5KA16HE3/73?
The HE3 suffix on the 1.5KA16HE3/73 denotes RoHS-compliant, high-reliability automotive grade construction meeting AEC Q101 qualification and JESD201 Class 2 tin whisker resistance. This ensures suitability for long-life automotive modules where tin whisker growth could cause latent short circuits - a requirement not met by standard HE or non-suffixed variants.
How does the 1.5KA16HE3/73 perform under high-temperature conditions?
The 1.5KA16HE3/73 maintains full specification compliance up to +185 °C junction temperature, with derating curves provided in Figure 2 of document 88300. At 150 °C, its reverse leakage remains ≤10 µA at VWM, and clamping voltage increases only marginally due to its low 0.086 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient - enabling reliable operation in engine bay and transmission control environments.
1.5KA16HE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.9V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 63.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KA
1.5KA16HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KA16HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KA16HE3/73 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 1.5KA16HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KA16HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KA16HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 1.5KA16HE3/73 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 1.5KA16HE3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KA16HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KA16HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KA16HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KA16HE3/73 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 1.5KA16HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KA16HE3/73?
All 1.5KA16HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KA16HE3/73, 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 1.5KA16HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KA16HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KA16HE3/73 Tags

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