Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KA20HE3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KA20HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KA20HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,430
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Product details
Overview
1.5KA20HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the 1.5KA case style, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 29.1 V clamping voltage at 51.5 A peak pulse current, and 18.0–22.0 V breakdown voltage at 1 mA test current. It operates from –65 °C to +185 °C and is AEC-Q101 qualified for engine control units and powertrain electronics.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KA20HE3/73 datasheet, 1.5KA20HE3/73 pinout, 1.5KA20HE3/73 application, or 1.5KA20HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 16.2 V stand-off voltage, 3.5 V max forward voltage at 100 A, 200 A IFSM surge rating, and RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix meeting JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under high-temperature transients and features a molded epoxy body with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Its unidirectional polarity and cathode band marking support straightforward integration into DC power rail protection circuits.
Designed for automotive environments, it delivers consistent performance across –65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature range and maintains low incremental surge resistance during repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses - critical for protecting MOSFETs and ICs against load dump and inductive switching events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 µs) | 1500 W - sustains automotive load dump surges without failure |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 18.0–22.0 V at 1 mA - defines precise overvoltage triggering threshold |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 29.1 V at 51.5 A IPPM - limits downstream voltage stress during surge |
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 16.2 V - ensures no conduction during normal 12 V/24 V system operation |
| Max Reverse Leakage (ID) | 1.0 µA at VWM, TJ = 150 °C - minimizes standby power loss in hot environments |
| Operating Temperature | –65 °C to +185 °C - supports under-hood placement per AEC-Q101 |
| Surge Current (IFSM) | 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - withstands motor commutation spikes |
Pinout & Package
Package: Case Style 1.5KA - axial-leaded, molded epoxy body, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, UL 94 V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Current exit point; marked by color band | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery feed) - clamps when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables stable VBR and low dynamic impedance across temperature and lifetime |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) requirements for 12 V systems |
| HE3 suffix compliance | RoHS-compliant, high-reliability grade with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.5) | Minimizes overvoltage margin needed for protected ICs' absolute maximum ratings |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit Protection | Automotive Lighting Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller I/O and power supply inputs in ECU modules exposed to alternator load dump and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and LDO input to clamp transients before regulation. Use Value: 29.1 V clamping ensures MCU VDD remains below 30 V during 1500 W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. | Use Scenario: Safeguards LED driver ICs and MOSFETs in headlamp modules subjected to PWM switching noise and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Mounted across driver output to absorb energy from inductive ballast or LED string flyback. Use Value: 200 A IFSM rating handles repeated 8.3 ms surges from lamp turn-off, extending driver IC lifetime. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) | Start-Stop System Relay Interface |
Use Scenario: Shields CAN transceivers and window motor drivers from battery line transients during jump-start or alternator regulation faults. IC Role / Device Role: Installed on 12 V main rail upstream of DC-DC converters and interface ICs. Use Value: 1.0 µA leakage at 16.2 V prevents battery drain in sleep mode while maintaining fast response to >18 V events. | Use Scenario: Protects relay coil drive circuitry in start-stop systems where frequent engagement causes high di/dt-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role: Placed across relay coil to suppress flyback voltage and reduce contact arcing. Use Value: 3.5 V VF at 100 A enables efficient energy dissipation during coil de-energization without excessive heat buildup. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A-E3/52 | Surface-mount SMB package; 20 V standoff; 32.4 V clamping at 46.7 A; 600 W rating | Limited to PCB space-constrained designs; lower power handling than 1.5KA20HE3/73 | Select when board area is constrained and peak surge energy is ≤600 W |
| 1.5KE20A | Through-hole DO-201 package; same 20 V standoff; 32.4 V clamping; 1500 W rating; non-automotive grade | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and HE3 whisker resistance; not rated for under-hood use | Select for cost-sensitive industrial applications where automotive qualification is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ20A-E3/52 and 1.5KE20A, the 1.5KA20HE3/73 provides higher thermal robustness via axial leads, guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance, and superior high-temperature leakage performance - making it the preferred choice for production automotive power electronics requiring long-term reliability.
Availability
1.5KA20HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, automotive lighting systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for 1.5KA20HE3/73 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KA series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive power distribution networks, targeting robustness against load dump, ISO 7637-2 pulses, and under-hood thermal stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KA20HE3/73 and how is it measured?
The 1.5KA20HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1 V, measured at 51.5 A peak pulse current using a 10/1000 µs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5 and ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. This value ensures protected downstream components remain within safe operating voltage limits during surge events. The 1.5KA20HE3/73 achieves this clamping performance consistently across its full temperature range due to its PAR® construction.
Is the 1.5KA20HE3/73 suitable for 24 V automotive systems?
Yes, the 1.5KA20HE3/73 is suitable for 24 V automotive systems. Its 16.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM) provides adequate margin above nominal 24 V rail (typically 27–28 V max during charging), while its 29.1 V clamping voltage stays well below the 36 V absolute maximum rating of most 24 V-rated power ICs. The 1.5KA20HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and tested for operation up to +185 °C, supporting under-hood deployment in commercial vehicle applications.
What does the HE3 suffix mean on the 1.5KA20HE3/73?
On the 1.5KA20HE3/73, the HE3 suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, high-reliability, automotive-grade construction. It confirms compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, and qualification to AEC-Q101. The HE3 variant also meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements and is rated for extended temperature operation - distinguishing it from standard commercial-grade equivalents. The 1.5KA20HE3/73 is explicitly designated for automotive use in the Vishay datasheet.
How does the 1.5KA20HE3/73 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes?
The 1.5KA20HE3/73 is unidirectional only, optimized for DC power line protection where polarity is fixed - such as battery feeds or regulated rails. Unlike bidirectional TVS diodes, it offers lower capacitance and tighter VBR tolerance in the reverse direction, but cannot protect AC or polarity-reversal scenarios. For 12 V/24 V automotive DC systems, the 1.5KA20HE3/73 provides superior clamping efficiency and thermal stability compared to bidirectional alternatives of equivalent power rating.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the 1.5KA20HE3/73 and how is it validated?
The 1.5KA20HE3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +185 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 stress test conditions including high-temperature operating life (HTOL) and temperature cycling. This rating is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88300 and enables direct mounting on high-heat zones like engine compartments or near power relays. Derating curves in Figure 2 show usable pulse power down to zero percent at +175 °C ambient, ensuring functional safety margins for the 1.5KA20HE3/73 in real-world automotive thermal environments.
1.5KA20HE3/73 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):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 51.5A
- 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
1.5KA20HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KA20HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KA20HE3/73 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 1.5KA20HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KA20HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KA20HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KA20HE3/73?
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Once your 1.5KA20HE3/73 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 1.5KA20HE3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KA20HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KA20HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KA20HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KA20HE3/73 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 1.5KA20HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KA20HE3/73?
All 1.5KA20HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KA20HE3/73, 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 1.5KA20HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KA20HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KA20HE3/73 Tags

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