Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,090
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 89.8 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE12A-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE12A-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE12A-E3/51 equivalent, this part delivers verified clamping performance, JEDEC-standard 1.5KE package compatibility, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and documented thermal derating behavior up to 175 °C junction temperature.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response (<1 ns), while the 1.5KE molded epoxy case provides UL 94 V-0 flammability compliance and mechanical robustness.
Designed for single-pulse transients (e.g., ESD, inductive switching, lightning-induced surges), the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 sustains 1500 W peak pulse power only under strict 10/1000 µs waveform conditions with ≤0.01% duty cycle. Its 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation and 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance require careful PCB copper area planning for thermal management in continuous operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA test current - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 10.2 V maximum working voltage - sets safe DC operating limit below breakdown to prevent leakage-induced stress |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V clamping voltage at 89.8 A peak pulse - determines worst-case voltage seen by protected IC during surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) - quantifies single-event surge energy handling capability |
| IPPM | 89.8 A maximum peak pulse current - specifies absolute surge current limit before device failure |
| TJ max. | 175 °C maximum junction temperature - constrains ambient + self-heating budget in high-power or high-density layouts |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance - requires ≥1.5 cm² of 2-oz copper pour for safe 6.5 W continuous dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC-standard 1.5KE axial-leaded DO-201AD molded epoxy case (1.0" × 0.210" body, 0.042" lead diameter), RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal input) to clamp positive transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without external series impedance |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.4 | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic and automotive MCU inputs |
| Response time < 1 ns | Engages before most semiconductor junctions fail under ESD or lightning-induced dV/dt events |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy case | Meets flame-retardancy requirements for industrial and automotive end-equipment safety certifications |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Automotive Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V DC input rail in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamping element placed between rail and ground, triggered within 1 ns of overvoltage event. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream buck controllers and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: LIN bus or analog sensor signal line (e.g., pressure transducer) in engine control units subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end transient suppressor mounted at connector entry point, absorbing >90% of surge energy before conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping induced spikes to <17 V while exhibiting <5 µA leakage at 10.2 V operating voltage. |
| Consumer Equipment AC/DC Adapter Output | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side 12 V output of wall adapter powering USB hubs and peripheral controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage guard on regulated output, coordinated with upstream OVP and current limiting. Use Value: Survives repeated 1500 W surges without parameter shift, enabling 10-year field reliability in CE-marked consumer products. |
Use Scenario: Protection of Ethernet PHY interface on DSLAM line cards exposed to induced lightning on copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense in hybrid protection circuit (with gas discharge tube and PTC), handling initial fast-rising edge. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to 16.7 V within 1 ns, reducing stress on secondary protection components and extending system MTBF. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | DO-214AA (SMB) surface-mount package; same VBR range but lower PPPM (600 W); 10× smaller footprint | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs where thermal mass is managed via copper pads; not suitable for through-hole legacy designs | Select SMBJ12A when board real estate is limited and peak surge energy is ≤600 W; verify thermal pad layout meets 600 W pulse requirements. |
| 1.5KE12CA | Bidirectional variant (no polarity marking); identical VBR, VC, and PPPM; same 1.5KE package | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where voltage polarity reversal occurs | Choose 1.5KE12CA only when protecting bidirectional signals; unidirectional 1.5KE12A-E3/51 offers lower leakage and simpler layout for DC rails. |
Compared with SMBJ12A, the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling in a through-hole package ideal for high-reliability industrial power stages; versus 1.5KE12CA, it provides tighter leakage control and simplified polarity-aware placement on unidirectional DC lines.
Availability
1.5KE12A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply protection, automotive sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge mitigation requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE12A-E3/51 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, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding industrial and automotive environments.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in DC power distribution networks, emphasizing rugged packaging, tight parametric tolerances, and validated performance under IEC/ISO surge standards.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for the 1.5KE12A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/51 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current (VBR), measured per JEDEC standard. This ±5% tolerance ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable design margining against 12 V nominal systems.
Does the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 meet automotive qualification standards?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/51 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications, Vishay offers the 1.5KE12AHE3_B variant (same electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualified). The 1.5KE12A-E3/51 remains suitable for non-safety-critical industrial and consumer use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
How does the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/51 clamps at 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 89.8 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.4. This ratio reflects low incremental surge resistance and ensures protected circuits experience minimal overvoltage beyond the breakdown threshold.
Can the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 be used in bidirectional signal protection?
No - the 1.5KE12A-E3/51 is unidirectional only, with cathode marked by a color band. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential buses), the 1.5KE12CA variant must be used. Using 1.5KE12A-E3/51 on bidirectional signals risks forward conduction during negative half-cycles and potential failure.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the 1.5KE12A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/51 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 6.5 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. In practical PCB layouts, derating applies: at 25 °C ambient with 1.5 cm² of 2-oz copper, usable continuous power is ~2.5 W due to RθJA = 75 °C/W.
1.5KE12A-E3/51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 89.8A
- 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
1.5KE12A-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12A-E3/51 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-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12A-E3/51 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-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12A-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12A-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12A-E3/51?
1.5KE12A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12A-E3/51 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-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12A-E3/51 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-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12A-E3/51?
All 1.5KE12A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12A-E3/51, 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-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12A-E3/51 Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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