Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120HE3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 97.2VWM 173VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,410
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE120HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge 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), and clamps transients to ≤165 V at 9.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform. Used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120HE3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE120HE3/54 pinout, 1.5KE120HE3/54 application, or 1.5KE120HE3/54 equivalent, this part delivers 1500 W peak pulse power, AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix), RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging - critical for automotive-grade reliability and board-level ESD/lightning surge immunity.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling precise clamping with minimal overshoot during fast-rising transients (response time <1 ns).
Rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and derated above 25 °C ambient, it supports robust thermal performance with RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W. The HE3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset window for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises above 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤165 V at 9.1 A (10/1000 µs) - clamping voltage limiting stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity without failure |
| IFSM | 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current handling for repetitive load-switching events |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD package with 0.375" lead length, UL 94 V-0 rated |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE120HE3/54 uses a 2-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD package (Case Style 1.5KE). The cathode is marked by a color band on the body; polarity must be observed in series connection with protected circuitry.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line | Enables bidirectional protection only when paired with another TVS; used for unidirectional clamping to ground |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked with color band; connected to higher-potential side or ground | Standard connection: cathode to protected line, anode to ground for positive transient suppression |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over temperature and lifetime, minimizing drift in harsh environments |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3) | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and HAST |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) without degradation |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Prevents flame propagation during fault conditions, meeting safety standards for enclosed systems |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Eliminates tin whisker growth risk in long-life automotive and industrial deployments |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V/24 V battery-fed control modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤165 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (12 V systems), preventing MCU reset or gate oxide damage. |
Use Scenario: Shields digital input terminals of programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 24 V DC inputs, upstream of optocoupler or Schmitt trigger. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 102 V, ensuring signal integrity and noise immunity. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | MOSFET Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguards RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs against ESD and induced lightning on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), clamping fast transients near IC pins. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time prevents latch-up in transceivers; 165 V clamping avoids exceeding absolute max ratings of ±15 V receivers. |
Use Scenario: Prevents gate-source overvoltage in high-side N-channel MOSFET drivers during inductive switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamps VGS spikes across gate resistor to limit stress on driver IC output stage. Use Value: With 102 V VWM, it remains inactive during normal 12 V gate drive but activates instantly on >114 V spikes, preserving driver lifetime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 120 V VBR, 1000 W PPPM, 7.3 A IPPM, surface-mount | Limited to PCB space-constrained designs; lower surge rating reduces margin for severe lightning events | Select SMBJ120A only if board layout requires SMD and system-level surge testing validates 1000 W sufficiency. |
| 1.5KE120A-E3/54 | Same 1.5KE package and electrical specs, but commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101), E3 suffix only (JESD 201 Class 1A) | Approved for industrial/commercial use only; not validated for automotive temperature cycling or humidity testing | Choose 1.5KE120A-E3/54 for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
Compared with SMBJ120A and 1.5KE120A-E3/54, the 1.5KE120HE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 1500 W surge capacity, and axial-leaded DO-201AD mechanical robustness - making it the only option qualified for under-hood automotive surge protection where both reliability and energy handling are non-negotiable.
Availability
1.5KE120HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial power supply validation, and telecom infrastructure projects requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE120HE3/54 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE family was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, stable clamping, and UL-certified packaging for functional safety-critical systems.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE120HE3/54?
The 1.5KE120HE3/54 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 VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and temperature ranges, critical for predictable protection in automotive and industrial systems where overvoltage margins are tightly constrained.
Is the 1.5KE120HE3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the 1.5KE120HE3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode - it conducts only in reverse bias above VBR. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the 1.5KE120CA variant. Using the 1.5KE120HE3/54 in AC or dual-polarity circuits requires external configuration (e.g., back-to-back pairing), which increases board area and complexity versus a native bidirectional device.
Does the HE3 suffix on 1.5KE120HE3/54 indicate AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the HE3 suffix explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay's ordering nomenclature. This includes full stress testing for high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and unbiased highly accelerated stress test (UHAST). The 1.5KE120HE3/54 is approved for automotive under-hood applications where junction temperatures reach +175 °C and long-term reliability is mandatory.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE120HE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The 1.5KE120HE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 165 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 9.1 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This VC value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - a key parameter for verifying compatibility with downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.
How does the 1.5KE120HE3/54 differ from the commercial-grade 1.5KE120A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE120HE3/54 differs from 1.5KE120A-E3/54 in three verified aspects: (1) AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3) vs. commercial grade (E3), (2) JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance (vs. Class 1A), and (3) extended validation for automotive thermal and humidity stress profiles. Both share identical electrical specs and DO-201AD packaging, but only the HE3 version is approved for automotive production use.
1.5KE120HE3/54 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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KE
1.5KE120HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120HE3/54 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 1.5KE120HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE120HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE120HE3/54?
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1.5KE120HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE120HE3/54 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 1.5KE120HE3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120HE3/54 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 1.5KE120HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120HE3/54?
All 1.5KE120HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120HE3/54, 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 1.5KE120HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120HE3/54 Tags

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