Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120CA-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120CA-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120CA-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,838
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 120 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 114–126 V), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 165 V at 9.1 A, 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 102 V, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives for ESD/lightning surge protection design validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for sub-nanosecond response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without polarity marking, supporting AC-coupled lines and differential buses.
Rated for 1500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, it sustains 6.5 W steady-state dissipation on infinite heatsink and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient - with thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V - ensures reliable conduction onset within ±5% tolerance at 1 mA test current |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 9.1 A - clamping voltage limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 µs transients |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge handling capacity for lightning-induced or inductive-switching events |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and high-temp industrial environments |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, RoHS-compliant molded epoxy body rated UL 94 V-0 |
| Leakage @ VWM | ≤1.0 µA - minimizes standby power loss in always-on circuits |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 uses the standard axial-leaded DO-201AD package (Case Style 1.5KE), with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional operation. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and qualified for 275 °C solder dip (10 s max).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Identical clamping behavior in either direction; no cathode band or polarity identification required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) without degradation |
| Sub-nanosecond response | Clamps transients within <1 ns - faster than MOVs or polymer-based protectors |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available in HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE120CAHE3_B) for automotive-grade production use |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across signal/power rails upstream of protected ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤165 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in 5 V/12 V interface ICs. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers from induced surges on 24 V DC field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector mounted at connector entry point, shunting energy before reaching optocouplers or microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 1500 W surges while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 102 V, enabling low-power monitoring without false triggers. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY front-ends and DSL line drivers against lightning-induced common-mode transients on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS in hybrid protection circuit (with gas discharge tube and series impedance). Use Value: Symmetrical 114–126 V breakdown ensures balanced clamping on differential pairs, reducing EMI generation during clamping. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters to prevent damage from capacitor discharge or feedback loop faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp device across DC output rails (e.g., 12 V, 19 V), activated only during fault conditions. Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature allows operation near transformer heat sources without thermal shutdown or parameter drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120CA | DO-214AA package (SMB), lower PPPM = 600 W, same VBR range (114–126 V), higher IPPM = 4.3 A | Surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; not suitable for high-energy 1500 W surges | Select when board area is limited and surge threat level is ≤600 W (e.g., consumer USB ports) |
| 1.5SMC120CA | DO-214AB (SMC) package, identical PPPM = 1500 W, same VBR/VC, but higher thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 110 °C/W) | Surface-mount drop-in for automated assembly; requires larger copper pour for thermal management | Choose for SMT production where axial leads are incompatible, and thermal layout supports ≥2 in² 2-oz copper |
Compared with 1.5KE120CA-E3/51, SMBJ120CA trades peak power headroom for compactness, while 1.5SMC120CA retains full 1500 W capability but demands more careful thermal design due to higher junction-to-ambient resistance.
Availability
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE120CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and application-specific qualification.
The 1.5KE family was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising signal fidelity or thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 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 VBR window ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for protecting 12 V and 24 V systems where overvoltage margins are narrow. The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 maintains this specification per Vishay Document 88301 Rev. 09-Aug-2022.
Is the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the base 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 is commercial-grade, but its AEC-Q101-qualified variant (e.g., 1.5KE120CAHE3_B) is explicitly approved for automotive use per Vishay's documentation. The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 itself shares identical electrical and thermal characteristics, making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems like infotainment power rails or body control module sensors when qualified by the end customer. Its –55 °C to +175 °C operating range fully covers under-hood thermal requirements.
How does the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 compare to unidirectional TVS diodes like 1.5KE120A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for AC signals or differential lines, whereas 1.5KE120A-E3/51 is unidirectional with a cathode band and forward voltage drop (~3.5 V). The "CA" suffix denotes bidirectional construction - no polarity marking, identical VBR in both directions, and no DC forward conduction path. This makes the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 ideal for protecting RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet lines, while 1.5KE120A-E3/51 suits DC power rail clamping where polarity is fixed.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 at rated surge current?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 165 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 9.1 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range. The 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 achieves this with low incremental surge resistance, minimizing voltage overshoot beyond VC.
Does the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 require heatsinking in typical applications?
No active heatsink is required for transient suppression, as the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 handles energy in short pulses (≤1 ms). However, its steady-state power dissipation is limited to 6.5 W on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. In continuous operation (e.g., high-frequency surge repetition), PCB copper area and thermal vias become critical - the 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 benefits from ≥1 in² of 2-oz copper connected to both leads to manage average power and prevent junction overheating beyond 175 °C.
1.5KE120CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120CA-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE120CA-E3/51?
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120CA-E3/51?
All 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120CA-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120CA-E3/51 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
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
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…

