STMicroelectronics 1.5KE120A
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120A
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 212VC DO201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,089
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE120A from STMicroelectronics is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppression diode in DO-201 package, designed for high-energy ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 120 V standoff voltage (VRM), 165 V clamping voltage (VCL) at 9.1 A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - deployed in industrial SMPS input stages and telecom line interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120A datasheet, 1.5KE120A pinout, 1.5KE120A application, or 1.5KE120A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC VDD tolerance, peak pulse power derating at elevated ambient, unidirectional polarity alignment with DC rail topology, and DO-201 thermal pad layout compatibility.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses planar junction technology to achieve low leakage (<1 µA at 102 V), stable breakdown behavior across -55 °C to +175 °C, and repeatable clamping performance under IEC 61000-4-2 (30 kV contact/air) and IEC 61000-4-4 (4 kV level 4) transients. Its dynamic resistance of 4.29 Ω enables predictable VCL rise under surge current.
The device's 10/1000 µs waveform rating (1500 W) and 8/20 µs capability (up to 212 A) reflect dual-use suitability: primary protection against lightning-induced surges and secondary defense against fast ESD events - with thermal design governed by junction-to-ambient impedance curves in DS0636.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VRM) | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; sets minimum system rail voltage compatibility. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 102–126 V at 1 mA - defines onset of avalanche conduction; ensures reliable triggering before downstream component overvoltage. |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 165 V at 9.1 A (10/1000 µs) - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge; critical for IC VDD absolute maximum rating margin. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 1500 W (10/1000 µs) - energy-handling capacity under standard lightning surge waveform; determines single-event survivability. |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom enclosures without derating. |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | ≤1 µA at VRM - minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| Dynamic Resistance (RD) | 4.29 Ω - quantifies VCL slope vs. IPP; used to calculate actual clamping under non-standard surge currents via VCL = VCL₀ − RD × (IPP₀ − IPP). |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE120A is housed in a DO-201 axial lead package (8.5–9.5 mm body length, 4.8–5.3 mm diameter, 0.96–1.06 mm lead diameter), with cathode identified by band marking and red tape orientation per STMicroelectronics tape-and-reel specification.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or return path; completes conduction loop during positive transients on cathode-connected rail. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., +120 V DC input); avalanche conduction initiates here when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity | 30 kV air/contact discharge - exceeds Level 4, enabling direct interface with exposed connectors without external shielding. |
| High-temperature operation | 175 °C max junction temperature - supports placement near heat-generating components (e.g., MOSFETs, transformers) without thermal shutdown risk. |
| Low dynamic resistance | 4.29 Ω - reduces clamping voltage overshoot under fast-rising transients, improving margin for 130 V-rated downstream devices. |
| UL 497B certification | QVGQ2.E136224 file number - validates compliance for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring regulatory approval. |
| Planar junction construction | Enables <1 µA leakage at VRM - critical for battery-backed systems and precision analog front-ends where quiescent current must be minimized. |
Applications
| Industrial SMPS Input Protection | Telecom Line Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 120 VDC input stage of DIN-rail mounted AC/DC converter subjected to EN 61000-4-5 ring wave surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary unidirectional TVS clamp placed between rectified DC bus and bulk capacitor, absorbing >1 kV surges before they reach PWM controller. Use Value: 165 V clamping ensures controller IC (rated to 180 V abs max) remains within safe operating area during 1500 W transient events. |
Use Scenario: DC feed line (−48 V) in central office DSLAM equipment exposed to induced lightning surges on copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-line, suppressing common-mode surges entering via tip/ring terminals. Use Value: 175 °C Tj rating allows mounting directly on PCB near line transformer without thermal derating, maintaining 1500 W surge capability. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Medical Power Supply Input |
|
Use Scenario: 120 V battery backup rail in BCM subjected to load dump transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (110 V, 100 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge suppressor downstream of main TVS array, handling residual overshoot after initial clamping. Use Value: 4.29 Ω RD enables precise VCL prediction under variable surge current, supporting deterministic worst-case analysis per ISO 26262 ASIL-B requirements. |
Use Scenario: Mains-derived 120 VDC auxiliary supply in Class II medical device with reinforced isolation barrier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolation-side TVS protecting isolated DC-DC controller inputs from coupling through Y-capacitors during EFT bursts. Use Value: UL 497B listing satisfies IEC 60601-1 clause 8.8.3.2 for surge protection on secondary circuits, eliminating need for additional certification testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A (STMicroelectronics) | Same VBR/VCL specs but in smaller SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W rating (10/1000 µs) vs. 1500 W. | Lower power handling limits use to lower-energy transients (e.g., board-level ESD only); unsuitable for mains-connected surge zones. | Select when space-constrained layouts require SMT mounting and surge threat level is ≤600 W. |
| 1N5388B (ON Semiconductor) | Zener-based regulator diode (120 V, 5 W) - not a TVS; no surge rating, no IEC 61000-4-2 compliance, higher Zzt (~100 Ω). | Only suitable for steady-state voltage regulation; cannot clamp fast transients or meet industrial surge immunity standards. | Avoid for surge protection; use only if function is DC voltage reference, not transient suppression. |
Compared with SMBJ120A, 1.5KE120A delivers 2.5× higher surge power headroom and axial-lead thermal mass for sustained dissipation; versus 1N5388B, it provides validated transient clamping response, not static regulation - making it the sole choice for IEC-compliant DC rail protection.
Availability
1.5KE120A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial SMPS input protection, telecom line interface, automotive body control modules, and medical power supply inputs requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for 1.5KE120A 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power management applications.
The 1.5KE series belongs to ST's high-power TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, high-temperature, high-energy surge protection in harsh-environment power conversion and communication infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage for 1.5KE120A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage (VCL) is 165 V at 9.1 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured per IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C) and accounts for dynamic resistance (4.29 Ω) effects under varying surge amplitudes.
Can 1.5KE120A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - 1.5KE120A is unidirectional only, with cathode-band marking and anode-to-ground orientation. For bidirectional protection, ST offers the pin-compatible 1.5KE120CA variant, which clamps symmetrically for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
How does junction temperature affect breakdown voltage?
VBR increases with temperature at a coefficient of +10.7 × 10⁻⁴/°C. At 125 °C, VBR rises ~10.7% above its 25 °C value (102–126 V), reaching approximately 113–139 V - a critical factor when designing margin for hot-environment deployments.
Is lead-free reflow compatible with the DO-201 package?
Yes - the device complies with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and supports ST's recommended reflow profile (peak 240–245 °C, 60–90 sec above 217 °C), with matte tin-plated leads meeting RoHS and JEDEC solderability requirements.
1.5KE120A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 102V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 114V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 212V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 47A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 1000pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-201
1.5KE120A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120A 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 1.5KE120A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE120A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE120A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE120A?
1.5KE120A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE120A 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 1.5KE120A?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120A 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 1.5KE120A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120A?
All 1.5KE120A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120A, 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 1.5KE120A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

