Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE120HE3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE120HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE120HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 97.2VWM 173VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,141
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE120HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in 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, and 1500 W peak pulse power dissipation with a 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE120HE3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE120HE3/73 pinout, 1.5KE120HE3/73 application, or 1.5KE120HE3/73 equivalent, this AEC-Q101-qualified, RoHS-compliant TVS offers verified surge immunity for automotive power electronics, industrial motor controls, and telecom line protection where stable clamping performance and low incremental surge resistance are critical.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: it remains high-impedance below its 114–126 V breakdown threshold, then rapidly transitions to low-impedance conduction during transient events. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and fast response time (~1 ns), enabling effective suppression of sub-microsecond spikes.
The device delivers 165 V clamping at 9.1 A (10/1000 µs), with a 102 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and <1.0 µA reverse leakage at rated VWM. Thermal resistance is 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation up to 175 °C junction temperature under pulsed conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 114–126 V at 1 mA - defines precise clamping initiation threshold for overvoltage detection |
| Stand-off Voltage VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 165 V at 9.1 A (10/1000 µs) - limits transient voltage seen by protected circuitry |
| Peak Pulse Power PPPM | 1500 W - sustains single 1 ms surges without failure per JEDEC standard |
| Peak Pulse Current IPPM | 9.1 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely diverts |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Current exit point during reverse-biased clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal input); color band identifies this terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term parameter consistency |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides industry-standard surge handling for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance in power supply inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC – VBR differential (ΔVC = 41 V), reducing stress on downstream components |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Mold compound meets safety requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V vehicle power distribution networks from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamping element placed between battery rail and ground. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤165 V within nanoseconds, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate drivers and bus voltage sensors in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on DC link to absorb commutation spikes and regenerative energy surges. Use Value: Withstands 9.1 A pulses without degradation, maintaining system uptime in harsh factory environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Power Supply Input |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHYs and PoE injectors from induced lightning surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level surge suppressor on secondary-side DC outputs feeding communication modules. Use Value: 1500 W rating meets ITU-T K.20/21 requirements for central office equipment protection. |
Use Scenario: Securing AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs against mains-borne transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated protector across bulk capacitor terminals to limit overvoltage during brownouts. Use Value: 102 V VWM allows safe operation with 100–120 VAC inputs while clamping to 165 V during surges. |
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; 120 V VBR, 170 V VC at 8.5 A; 600 W rating | Lower power rating and smaller footprint - suited for space-constrained PCBs with moderate surge exposure | Select when board area is limited and peak surge energy does not exceed 600 W |
| 1.5KE120A-E3/54 | Same electrical specs and DO-201AD package; commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101 qualified) | Lacks automotive qualification - acceptable for industrial/commercial use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated | Choose for cost-sensitive designs requiring identical clamping but no automotive reliability validation |
Compared with 1.5KE120HE3/73, SMBJ120A trades surge capacity for compactness, while 1.5KE120A-E3/54 matches form/fit/function but omits AEC-Q101 validation - making the HE3/73 uniquely suitable for automotive power systems requiring certified reliability.
Availability
1.5KE120HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, industrial motor control, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE120HE3/73 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 electronics, delivering consistent clamping performance across wide temperature ranges and extended service life in mission-critical systems.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KE120HE3/73?
The 1.5KE120HE3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 114 V to 126 V measured at 1 mA test current, per Vishay Document 88301. This ±5% tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset and supports reliable overvoltage detection in 120 V nominal systems. The 1.5KE120HE3/73 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.
Is the 1.5KE120HE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the 1.5KE120HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay's documentation, confirming its reliability for automotive use including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. The HE3 suffix explicitly denotes RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification - a key differentiator from commercial-grade variants like 1.5KE120A-E3/54. This makes the 1.5KE120HE3/73 appropriate for under-hood and chassis-mounted deployments.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE120HE3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE120HE3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 165 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 9.1 A. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of Vishay Document 88301 and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Does the 1.5KE120HE3/73 have polarity marking, and how is it identified?
Yes, the 1.5KE120HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode with polarity clearly marked: a color band (typically black or dark gray) on the cathode end of the DO-201AD package. This band must be oriented toward the higher-potential side (e.g., protected power rail), while the anode connects to ground or return. Bidirectional variants use "CA" suffixes and lack such marking - confirming the 1.5KE120HE3/73 is strictly unidirectional.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of the 1.5KE120HE3/73?
The 1.5KE120HE3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W and a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C, as specified in Vishay Document 88301. These parameters enable sustained operation in high-ambient environments such as automotive engine compartments or industrial enclosures, provided lead temperature (TL) is maintained ≤75 °C per the derating curve in Figure 5.
1.5KE120HE3/73 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:
- 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
1.5KE120HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE120HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE120HE3/73 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 1.5KE120HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE120HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE120HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 1.5KE120HE3/73 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 1.5KE120HE3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE120HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE120HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE120HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE120HE3/73 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 1.5KE120HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE120HE3/73?
All 1.5KE120HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE120HE3/73, 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 1.5KE120HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE120HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE120HE3/73 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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