Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5KE120A-E3/54 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), 165 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 9.1 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs waveform), and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It is commonly deployed to protect MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120A-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE120A-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE120A-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE120A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include standoff voltage (102 V), clamping ratio (1.375), thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads rated per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses 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-controlled avalanche breakdown mechanism, with VBR tolerance ±5 % and temperature coefficient of 0.107 %/°C - enabling stable performance across automotive and industrial ambient ranges.
The device complies with JEDEC DO-15 mechanical standards (Case Style 1.5KE), supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), and delivers 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Its 102 V working maximum voltage (VWM) ensures reliable blocking during normal operation while allowing margin for line ripple.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 9.1 A - peak clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized lightning/surge test conditions |
| IFSM | 200 A - surge current rating for 8.3 ms half-sine wave, critical for inductive load turn-off events |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables use in high-temperature environments such as engine control units or enclosed power supplies |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode identified by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side of protected circuit; conducts during positive surges when used in reverse-biased configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC) to clamp negative transients to ground or absorb positive transients via reverse breakdown |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-line) without derating in typical PCB layouts |
| Clamping voltage ≤165 V at 9.1 A | Provides >30 V safety margin below 200 V-rated MOSFET gate oxide limits in 120 VAC-derived DC rails |
| –55 °C to +175 °C operating range | Validates suitability for under-hood automotive modules and industrial inverters without thermal derating penalties |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 1A (E3 suffix) |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drivers against voltage spikes induced by rapid inductive load switching in 3-phase inverters. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between gate driver output and IGBT gate, referenced to source. Use Value: Limits transient overshoot to ≤165 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 600 V-class IGBTs during 100 A turn-off events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers from load dump and jump-start transients in door module ECUs. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping device on 12 V supply rail upstream of LDO regulators and communication ICs. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to <165 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (75 V/200 ms), preserving regulator input ratings and avoiding brownout resets. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on 48 V DC power inputs of remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage TVS on main DC input, coordinated with MOV and gas discharge tube in multi-stage protection network. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to divert >90 % of 1500 W surge energy before slower secondary protectors activate, reducing let-through voltage. | Use Scenario: Protection of microcontroller reset pins and ADC reference inputs against ESD and relay coil flyback in washing machine main boards. IC Role / Device Role: Localized TVS on 3.3 V or 5 V supply traces feeding sensitive analog/digital peripherals. Use Value: Maintains VWM = 102 V - safely isolates 5 V logic from 24 V solenoid drive circuits while clamping ESD to <165 V. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 120 V VBR, 1000 W PPPM, lower IPPM (6.2 A), smaller footprint | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs where 1500 W rating is not required; lacks axial lead mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Select SMBJ120A when board area is limited and surge threat level is ≤IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3; retain 1.5KE120A-E3/54 for high-energy industrial transients. |
| 1.5KE120CA | Bidirectional variant (120 V symmetric breakdown), same DO-15 package and 1500 W rating, no polarity marking | Required for AC-coupled signal lines or full-bridge rectifier outputs where bidirectional clamping is mandatory | Choose 1.5KE120CA only when protecting balanced differential pairs or transformer-isolated interfaces; 1.5KE120A-E3/54 remains optimal for standard DC rail protection. |
Compared with SMBJ120A, 1.5KE120A-E3/54 delivers 50 % higher surge power handling and superior mechanical stability via axial leads, while 1.5KE120CA provides symmetrical clamping essential for AC paths - making 1.5KE120A-E3/54 the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, high-energy DC rail protection in ruggedized systems.
Availability
1.5KE120A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power feeds, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE120A-E3/54 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, power efficiency, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment power electronics, targeting applications where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated - including industrial automation, transportation, and infrastructure systems.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE120A-E3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 114 V to 126 V at 1 mA test current, representing a ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 120 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and simplifies design margining for protected circuits. The parameter is measured per JEDEC standard and confirmed in Vishay's 88301 datasheet revision 09-Aug-2022.
Is 1.5KE120A-E3/54 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE120A-E3/54 is RoHS compliant and lead-free, as indicated by the "E3" suffix in its part number. It meets JEDEC JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing requirements and uses matte tin-plated leads that comply with J-STD-002 solderability standards. The device is classified as commercial grade and does not carry AEC-Q101 qualification - for automotive-qualified variants, the HE3 suffix (e.g., 1.5KE120AHE3_B) must be selected.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE120A-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5KE120A-E3/54 is 165 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 9.1 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value reflects worst-case clamping performance under full-rated surge stress and is critical for verifying safe operating margins relative to downstream component voltage ratings. The clamping ratio (VC/VBR) is approximately 1.375, confirming efficient energy diversion.
Can 1.5KE120A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional protection applications?
No, 1.5KE120A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not suitable for bidirectional protection. Its cathode band marking and asymmetric IV curve require correct polarity orientation in-circuit. For bidirectional applications - such as AC signal lines or transformer-coupled interfaces - the 1.5KE120CA variant must be used instead. Using 1.5KE120A-E3/54 in reverse-biased AC configurations risks catastrophic failure due to forward conduction during negative half-cycles.
What is the thermal resistance and power derating behavior of 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE120A-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W and a junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W. Its steady-state power dissipation (PD) is rated at 6.5 W on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, with linear derating above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the Vishay 88301 datasheet. At 100 °C ambient, usable PD drops to ~4.5 W - a key consideration for sealed enclosures or high-temperature deployments.
1.5KE120A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120A-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120A-E3/54 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-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
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4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
1.5KE120A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE120A-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120A-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
All 1.5KE120A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120A-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120A-E3/54 Tags

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