Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,542
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE120CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge 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-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives for ESD/lightning transient suppression in DC power rails and bidirectional data lines.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating circuits without polarity concerns, and it complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) when applied per layout guidelines.
The device is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, with thermal resistance RθJL = 15.4 °C/W enabling effective lead-based heat dissipation. It supports repetitive surge events only within derated power limits above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V - ensures reliable conduction onset across manufacturing tolerance and temperature |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V - clamped voltage during 9.1 A 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per single pulse |
| IPPM | 9.1 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current supported at rated VC |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, RoHS-compliant, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE120CA-E3/54 uses the standard axial-leaded DO-201AD package (Case Style 1.5KE), with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional construction. 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 (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path | No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - enables placement in AC or floating nodes without orientation check |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and humidity exposure, critical for long-life automotive modules |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands lightning-induced surges on 24 V industrial buses per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.45 - low overvoltage margin preserves margin for downstream 150 V-rated MOSFETs or controllers |
| Response time | <1 ns - faster than MOVs or GDTs, preventing latch-up in CMOS ICs during fast transients |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available as HE3 variant - validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics reliability requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN transceivers and Hall-effect sensors from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in 12 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across supply rail or signal line to shunt surge energy before it reaches sensitive analog front-ends. Use Value: Maintains VWM = 102 V while clamping to 165 V, preserving headroom for 120 V-rated protection ICs and avoiding false resets. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on input terminals to clamp induced transients from motor drives or relay switching in factory environments. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 0.01% duty cycle without degradation, supporting continuous operation. |
| Telecom Power Supply Rail | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 48 V telecom rectifier outputs subjected to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between VOUT and return to clamp both positive and negative excursions during AC-coupled surge events. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR (114–126 V) ensures identical clamping in either polarity, eliminating need for dual unidirectional devices. | Use Scenario: Protection of microcontroller GPIOs driving TRIACs or relays in smart home appliances subject to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local TVS mounted at PCB edge near connector to divert fast-edge transients before propagation into digital logic. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response prevents latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V MCUs, and 175 °C TJmax accommodates enclosure temperature rise near motors. |
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), 1000 W PPPM, VC = 193 V @ 7.2 A | Lower power rating and higher clamping voltage reduce margin for 120 V systems | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is lower (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2) |
| 1.5SMC120CA | SMD DO-214AB (SMC) package, same 1500 W rating, VC = 165 V @ 9.1 A, but surface-mount only | Eliminates through-hole assembly; requires reflow-compatible layout and thermal pad design | Choose for automated SMT production where axial leads are incompatible with assembly process |
Compared with 1.5KE120CA-E3/54, SMBJ120CA offers smaller footprint but sacrifices 33% peak power and increases clamping voltage by 28 V - reducing safety margin in high-energy surge environments; 1.5SMC120CA matches electrical performance exactly but mandates SMT implementation and alters thermal path via PCB copper.
Availability
1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and telecom power rail stabilization requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE120CA-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against lightning, load dump, and inductive switching is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE120CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 114 V to 126 V at test current IT = 1.0 mA, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 120 V rating. This tolerance is guaranteed per JEDEC standard and remains stable across –55 °C to +125 °C operating range. The 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 maintains this specification under all qualified production lots and meets Vishay's screening for parameter consistency.
Is 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free status per IEC 61249-2-21. The molding compound meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and matte tin-plated leads satisfy J-STD-002 solderability requirements. The 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is not AEC-Q101 qualified by default - that requires the "HE3" suffix variant.
How does the clamping voltage of 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 clamps to 165 V at its rated peak pulse current of 9.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform), yielding a clamping ratio of 1.45 relative to its minimum VBR of 114 V. This ratio reflects low incremental surge resistance and ensures predictable overvoltage limiting. Unlike Zener diodes, the 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is not intended for regulation - its VC defines the maximum stress imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Can 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 be used in AC line applications?
Yes, the bidirectional construction of 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 makes it suitable for AC line protection where symmetrical voltage transients occur - such as across transformer secondaries or AC-coupled communication lines. Its VWM = 102 V allows use on 72 VRMS (102 VPK) AC circuits. However, it must be paired with appropriate current-limiting impedance and is not rated for direct connection to mains voltage without additional isolation or series protection.
What is the thermal resistance and derating behavior of 1.5KE120CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer through its axial leads. Power derating begins linearly above TA = 25 °C, reaching ~50% of rated 6.5 W at TA = 75 °C (per Fig. 5). For sustained surge duty, ambient temperature and PCB copper area must be controlled - the 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is not rated for continuous power dissipation beyond its DC limit.
1.5KE120CA-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:
- -
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120CA-E3/54?
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Once your 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120CA-E3/54?
All 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120CA-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 1.5KE120CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120CA-E3/54 Tags

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