Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5KE120A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 120 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 114–126 V at 1 mA), 102 V maximum working voltage (VWM), 165 V clamping voltage (VC) at 9.1 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120A-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE120A-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE120A-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE120A-E3/51 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, and compatibility with JEDEC-standard 1.5KE package mounting and thermal derating curves.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast transient response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its clamping behavior is defined by a well-characterized VC–IPPM curve per Fig. 7 of the datasheet, with thermal resistance RθJL = 15.4 °C/W enabling effective lead-based heat dissipation during repetitive surges.
The device complies with JEDEC standards for surge testing (8.3 ms half-sine, 4 pulses/min max) and supports stable operation up to TJ = 175 °C. Its 102 V stand-off voltage ensures reliable blocking during normal operation while maintaining margin against system transients - critical for 110–120 V AC-derived DC rails and 24 V industrial bus protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction begins, ensuring predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; sets safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 9.1 A (10/1000 µs) - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; determines downstream component stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient power handling capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; enables robust lightning/ESD immunity |
| IFSM | 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current rating for unidirectional forward conduction; validates reliability under high-energy inductive switch-offs |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - extended junction temperature range supports under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial use |
| RθJL | 15.4 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, supporting sustained surge duty cycles |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC-standard Case Style 1.5KE - molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated axial leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, 0.210" (5.3 mm) body diameter. Cathode identified by color band on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry (unidirectional) | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; conducts during positive transients when cathode is at higher potential |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal (marked with band) | Connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC); avalanche conduction initiates here during overvoltage, shunting current to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature, minimizing parameter drift in harsh environments |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Clamping voltage ≤165 V at 9.1 A | Limits voltage stress on downstream 150 V-rated MOSFETs and logic ICs during transient events |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance and J-STD-002 solderability standards for high-reliability assembly |
| –55 °C to +175 °C operation | Validates use in engine control units, motor drives, and outdoor power electronics without thermal derating penalties |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 120 VDC output rails in DIN-rail-mounted switching power supplies against load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt protector placed across output capacitor, clamping transients within 1 ns to prevent MOSFET gate oxide failure. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing catastrophic failure of downstream DC-DC converters during 1500 W surge events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus interface ICs and microcontroller I/O pins in door module ECUs exposed to battery voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between LIN line and chassis ground, absorbing negative-going transients from relay coil de-energization. Use Value: Enables compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a test requirements while preserving signal integrity at 19.2 kbps. |
| Telecom Remote Terminal Unit | Factory Automation Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers in outdoor base station remote terminals from induced lightning surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired with common-mode choke; 1.5KE120A-E3/51 clamps differential-mode overvoltage on A/B lines to <165 V. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary protection stages, reducing BOM count and PCB area in space-constrained enclosures. | Use Scenario: Protecting analog input channels of PLC analog I/O modules connected to 4–20 mA current loops in high-noise factory floors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at connector entry point to clamp fast transients (<1 ns rise time) before reaching precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Prevents offset drift and latch-up in instrumentation amplifiers during ESD events, maintaining ±0.1% measurement accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (vs. axial 1.5KE), VC = 196 V @ 3.1 A | Not suitable for 1500 W surge environments; limited to board-level secondary protection | Select only if space-constrained layouts and reduced surge threat level permit lower power rating |
| 1.5KE120CA | Bidirectional variant; same VBR/VC specs but symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating lines | Required for protection of transformer-isolated or differential signaling lines (e.g., CAN, RS-422) | Choose 1.5KE120CA only when protecting bidirectional signals or AC rails; 1.5KE120A-E3/51 remains optimal for DC rail clamping |
Compared with SMBJ120A, 1.5KE120A-E3/51 delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling and lower clamping voltage at rated current, making it suitable for primary protection; versus 1.5KE120CA, it offers superior DC blocking margin and simpler polarity-aware layout, ideal for fixed-polarity power rails.
Availability
1.5KE120A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply design, automotive electronic control units, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE120A-E3/51 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and industry-standard qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in demanding DC power and signal line applications, balancing clamping precision, surge robustness, and manufacturability in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE120A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE120A-E3/51 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 114 V to 126 V measured at 1 mA test current, per the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88301. This tolerance ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lots and temperature extremes, directly supporting design margin calculations for protected circuits.
Does 1.5KE120A-E3/51 meet automotive qualification standards?
The 1.5KE120A-E3/51 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the 1.5KE120AHE3_B variant (same electrical specs) which is AEC-Q101 qualified. Engineers selecting 1.5KE120A-E3/51 for automotive applications must validate its performance under vehicle-specific stress conditions, as the E3/51 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade only.
How does the clamping voltage of 1.5KE120A-E3/51 compare to similar TVS diodes?
At its rated 9.1 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), the 1.5KE120A-E3/51 clamps to 165 V - significantly lower than alternatives like SMBJ120A (196 V at 3.1 A). This tighter clamping reduces stress on downstream 150 V-rated components, improving system-level surge survivability without requiring additional protection stages.
Can 1.5KE120A-E3/51 be used in bidirectional signal protection?
No - 1.5KE120A-E3/51 is strictly unidirectional and marked with a cathode band. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential buses), the 1.5KE120CA variant must be used. Using 1.5KE120A-E3/51 in reverse-biased AC applications risks permanent damage due to lack of reverse avalanche capability.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for 1.5KE120A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE120A-E3/51 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area on both leads - minimum 250 mil² per lead recommended - and avoid thermal isolation. Lead length should remain near the standard 0.375" (9.5 mm) per JEDEC spec to preserve thermal path integrity.
1.5KE120A-E3/51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 102V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 114V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 165V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 9.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KE
1.5KE120A-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120A-E3/51 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-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120A-E3/51 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-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 1.5KE120A-E3/51 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-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120A-E3/51 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-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120A-E3/51?
All 1.5KE120A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120A-E3/51, 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-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120A-E3/51 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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