Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE12A
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS 1500W 12V 5% UNIDIR DO-201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,019
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with a nominal breakdown voltage of 12 V, working stand-off voltage of 10.2 V, clamping voltage of 16.7 V at 94 A peak pulse current, and DO-201 axial package. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12A datasheet, 1.5KE12A pinout, 1.5KE12A application, or 1.5KE12A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, mechanical packaging details, real-world protection use cases, and validated alternative parts for ESD and inductive switching surge mitigation.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE12A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 11.4–12.6 V breakdown range at 1 mA test current. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid clamping response-typically under 1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR.
It sustains 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), handles up to 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current, and maintains junction temperature between –55 °C and +175 °C. Leakage current remains below 1 µA at 10.2 V, supporting low-power standby integrity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 11.4–12.6 V - Ensures reliable turn-on before system-level overvoltage damage occurs on 12 V rails. |
| VWM | 10.2 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage; compatible with standard 12 V automotive supply tolerances. |
| VC @ IPP = 94 A | 16.7 V - Clamped voltage during worst-case 10/1000 µs surge; keeps downstream ICs within safe operating area. |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak surge energy handling capacity per JEDEC standard; meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements. |
| IPP | 94 A - Maximum non-repetitive peak impulse current; sufficient for load-dump and inductive switch-off events. |
| Junction Temp Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and industrial motor controls. |
| Package | DO-201 - Axial-leaded, UL 94V-0 molded case; supports manual or wave soldering with tin-plated leads per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
DO-201 package: axial leaded, cylindrical epoxy body with cathode band marking. Cathode terminal is marked by a colored band; anode is unmarked end. Leads are pure tin-plated, compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference node | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; forms reverse-biased junction with cathode during surge. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to the rail being protected (e.g., 12 V battery feed); conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W surge rating (10/1000 µs) | Enables single-device protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump without parallel staging. |
| Clamping voltage ≤16.7 V @ 94 A | Keeps protected 12 V logic and microcontroller I/O pins below absolute maximum ratings during surge events. |
| Leakage current <1 µA @ 10.2 V | Minimizes quiescent power loss in always-on automotive modules (e.g., CAN nodes, body control units). |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness per stress test plan. |
| DO-201 mechanical robustness | Withstands 0.6" × 0.6" copper pad thermal dissipation and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance for long-term solder joint integrity. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input stage to clamp surges before regulator input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in buck controller ICs. |
Use Scenario: 24 V digital input modules receiving signals from solenoids, relays, or field sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end surge suppression on isolated digital inputs to protect optocoupler drivers and microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: Absorbs inductive kickback (Pulse 3b) without degrading signal rise time due to sub-1 ps response. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | ESD-Sensitive Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver circuits powered from unregulated 12 V supply in commercial lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across driver IC's VIN-to-GND to shunt surge energy away from internal FETs and current sense amplifier. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic failure during hot-swap or cable discharge events while maintaining <1 µA standby leakage. |
Use Scenario: Automotive ambient light or proximity sensor PCBs with exposed connectors near dashboard interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Board-level ESD protection on analog front-end lines feeding ADC or op-amp stages. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <16.7 V, preserving sensor offset accuracy and avoiding ADC saturation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ12A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower 400 W rating; VC = 19.9 V @ 20.1 A. | Lower surge capacity limits use to non-load-dump scenarios (e.g., ESD-only zones). | Select when board space constraints favor surface-mount and surge energy is ≤400 W. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12A | Identical electrical specs and DO-201 package; same AEC-Q101 qualification path; minor process variation. | No functional difference; fully interchangeable in automotive and industrial designs. | Preferred for dual-sourcing programs requiring second-source validation without redesign. |
Compared with Littelfuse SMAJ12A, the 1.5KE12A delivers 3.75× higher surge power handling and lower clamping voltage for critical 12 V rail protection; versus ON Semiconductor's 1.5KE12A, it offers identical performance with Taiwan Semiconductor's extended production continuity and tape-and-reel logistics support.
Availability
1.5KE12A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and LED lighting systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for 1.5KE12A 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment applications-including automotive power distribution, industrial motor drives, and outdoor lighting-where reliability under repeated surge stress is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE12A?
The 1.5KE12A has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current, corresponding to ±5% tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports predictable system-level overvoltage margining in 12 V architectures.
Is the 1.5KE12A unidirectional or bidirectional?
The 1.5KE12A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "CA" suffix and confirmed by its cathode-band marking and single-polarity clamping behavior. It conducts only during reverse overvoltage events and blocks forward current like a standard rectifier diode-making it ideal for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed.
Does the 1.5KE12A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base 1.5KE12A is not automatically AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Taiwan Semiconductor offers the AEC-Q101 variant as 1.5KE12AH (with "H" suffix). That version undergoes full stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D, including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling-required for automotive under-hood deployment.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12A during a surge event?
The maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12A is 16.7 V at 94 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge conditions and is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime per datasheet specifications.
Can the 1.5KE12A be used in place of the 1N6273A?
Yes-the 1.5KE12A and 1N6273A are functionally identical parts sharing the same electrical characteristics, DO-201 package, and marking. Taiwan Semiconductor lists them as dual-designated devices in the 1.5KE series datasheet; both deliver 11.4–12.6 V VBR, 10.2 V VWM, and 16.7 V VC, confirming direct interchangeability without design change.
1.5KE12A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 94A
- 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:
- DO-201
1.5KE12A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12A 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 1.5KE12A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE12A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12A?
1.5KE12A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12A 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 1.5KE12A?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12A 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 1.5KE12A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12A?
All 1.5KE12A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12A, 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 1.5KE12A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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