Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 97.2VWM 173VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,711
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE120C-E3/73 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, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE120C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE120C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE120C-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified bidirectional clamping with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - critical for reliability in harsh-environment designs.
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 on AC lines or differential signal paths without polarity constraints.
Rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform and derated above 25 °C per JEDEC standards, it sustains repetitive surges at 0.01% duty cycle. Thermal resistance is 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting robust thermal management in compact PCB layouts.
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 reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 9.1 A - clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during 10/1000 µs transients |
| PPPM | 1500 W - handles lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 without degradation |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive or industrial motor drive environments |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD package with 0.375" lead length, UL 94 V-0 compliant |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1 µA - negligible standby current draw in always-on systems like battery-backed sensors |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE120C-E3/73 uses an axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional function. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, rated for 275 °C dip soldering (10 s max).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | No cathode band; either lead serves as input/output - simplifies layout on AC or differential lines |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and electrical interface | 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length enables mechanical strain relief and efficient heat transfer to PCB copper |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage damage - critical for microcontroller I/O protection |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Prevents flame propagation in fault conditions - required for safety-certified power supply designs |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD 201 Class 1A leads | Ensures long-term solder joint integrity in high-reliability applications without whisker-induced shorts |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers against inductive kickback from 24 V solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across DC bus or signal inputs to limit transient excursions to ≤165 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 100 V-rated MOSFETs and op-amps during repeated relay actuation cycles. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on LIN bus lines exposed to load dump and jump-start events in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt device that clamps line-to-ground spikes within 1 ns, preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 12 V nominal, ensuring no impact on LIN bus biasing while surviving 100 A/10 ms pulses. |
| Telecom Power Rectification | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for offline SMPS front-ends subjected to AC line surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp parallel to bridge rectifier output, absorbing energy before bulk capacitor. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W pulses without parameter shift, enabling single-device compliance with EN 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
Use Scenario: ESD and surge hardening of touch-button and display interface lines in washing machine control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF) bidirectional suppressor placed directly at connector entry points. Use Value: Clamps 8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 without affecting 10 kHz PWM touch sensing signals. |
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, lower 600 W PPPM, 120 V VBR (114–126 V), 177 V VC @ 3.4 A | Surface-mount only; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-current leaded layouts | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤600 W; verify thermal pad design for SMB footprint |
| 1.5KE120A-E3/73 | Unidirectional variant; identical VBR, VC, and PPPM, but marked with cathode band and higher forward voltage (5.0 V @ 100 A) | Requires polarity-aware placement; not usable on AC or floating differential lines | Choose only for DC-only rails where unidirectional clamping suffices and polarity alignment is guaranteed |
Compared with 1.5KE120C-E3/73, SMBJ120CA trades peak power and leaded ruggedness for SMT density, while 1.5KE120A-E3/73 sacrifices bidirectional flexibility for marginally better forward conduction - neither offers pin-compatible replacement, and both require layout or schematic revision.
Availability
1.5KE120C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE120C-E3/73 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in power conversion and interface protection, emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and long-term stability under thermal and electrical stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The 1.5KE120C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 165 V at its rated peak pulse current of 9.1 A under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standard and guarantees predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream components such as 150 V-rated MOSFETs or analog front-ends. The clamping performance remains stable across –55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperatures.
Is the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 RoHS compliant and qualified for automotive use?
Yes, the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 carries the "E3" suffix indicating RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification. While it is not AEC-Q101 qualified (which requires the "HE3" suffix), its construction - including glass-passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 epoxy, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker-tested leads - meets many automotive subsystem requirements. For AEC-Q101 needs, consider 1.5KE120CAHE3_B instead.
How does the bidirectional nature of the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 affect circuit placement?
The 1.5KE120C-E3/73 has no polarity marking and conducts identically in both directions, making it ideal for AC mains inputs, differential data lines (e.g., RS-485), or floating sensor outputs. Unlike unidirectional variants such as 1.5KE120A-E3/73, it eliminates orientation errors during assembly and avoids reverse-bias failure modes in bipolar signal paths - simplifying layout and reducing BOM complexity.
What is the maximum leakage current of the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 at its working voltage?
At its maximum steady-state reverse voltage (VWM = 102 V), the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 exhibits ≤1 µA reverse leakage current at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on circuits such as battery-backed real-time clocks or low-power IoT sensor nodes, and remains below 5 µA even at +125 °C junction temperature per datasheet characterization.
Can the 1.5KE120C-E3/73 be used in parallel to increase surge handling capacity?
Yes, multiple 1.5KE120C-E3/73 devices can be paralleled to distribute surge current, provided they are matched for VBR (within ±3%) and mounted with symmetric thermal paths. However, derating is required: two units do not double PPPM due to dynamic impedance mismatch. For >1500 W requirements, Vishay recommends using higher-rated families like 3KP or 5KP series instead of parallel 1.5KE units.
1.5KE120C-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 97.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 108V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 173V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 8.7A
- 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
1.5KE120C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120C-E3/73 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 1.5KE120C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE120C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE120C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE120C-E3/73?
1.5KE120C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE120C-E3/73 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 1.5KE120C-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120C-E3/73 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 1.5KE120C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120C-E3/73?
All 1.5KE120C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120C-E3/73, 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 1.5KE120C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120C-E3/73 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
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
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 …

