Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:779
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in 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 (VC) 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 against inductive switching transients and ESD events.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE12A-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE12A-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE12A-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust, low-clamping-voltage transient suppression in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O modules, and telecom power supply inputs where fast response (<1 ns), high surge current handling, and stable junction temperature operation up to +175 °C are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a silicon avalanche clamp, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low incremental surge resistance, and repeatable clamping behavior under repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses at 0.01 % duty cycle.
The device exhibits a 10.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 5 µA maximum reverse leakage at VWM, and a temperature coefficient of +0.078 %/°C - enabling predictable voltage drift across its -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction range. Its unidirectional polarity is marked by a cathode band on the molded epoxy case.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation window for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 5 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 89.8 A - clamping voltage during 1500 W transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 µs waveform |
| IFSM | 200 A - non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine) |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood or high-ambient environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, guiding heatsinking requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: Case Style 1.5KE - molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, RoHS compliant (E3 suffix), 0.968 g unit weight. Lead length 0.375" (9.5 mm). Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side in unidirectional clamp configuration; enables low-VF (3.5 V @ 100 A) during surge |
| Cathode | Avalanche breakdown node | Marked end; connected to protected line; initiates clamping when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term VBR stability and low parameter drift over temperature and life |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Handles severe transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a without degradation |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.4 - low ratio minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, protecting 12 V logic rails |
| Response time | <1 ns - effectively instantaneous clamping prevents damage to sensitive CMOS inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available in HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE12AHE3_B); not applicable to E3/54, but confirms family reliability pedigree |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients per ISO 16750-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed between power rail and ground, activated within nanoseconds upon overvoltage detection. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤16.7 V during 100 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog input channels of PLC analog I/O modules from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at connector entry point, clamping negative-going transients to ground while passing normal 0–10 V signals. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 10.2 V stand-off, with sub-ns response ensuring no transient coupling into precision ADC front-end. |
| Telecom DC Power Input | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V/24 V DC inputs of PoE-powered network switches and base stations against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor upstream of DC-DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W energy without failure, preserving converter UVP/OVP thresholds and avoiding brownout resets. | Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine control boards). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or between H-bridge supply and ground to clamp inductive kickback. Use Value: Withstands 200 A single-half-sine surge (8.3 ms), preventing MOSFET avalanche failure and reducing EMI radiated from flyback spikes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | 600 W PPPM, DO-214AA package, lower IPPM (62.7 A), same VBR range | Lower power handling limits use to <100 W surge environments; smaller footprint saves board space | Select SMBJ12A only when system-level surge testing confirms ≤600 W requirement and PCB layout favors SMC/SMB form factor. |
| 1.5KE12CA | Bidirectional variant (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V), same PPPM and package, symmetrical clamping | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where polarity reversal occurs | Choose 1.5KE12CA instead of 1.5KE12A-E3/54 only when bidirectional protection is mandated by interface standard or signal swing range. |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5KE12CA, the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 delivers higher surge margin (1500 W vs. 600 W) and proven ruggedness in high-energy automotive and industrial settings, while retaining compatibility with legacy 1.5KE footprint layouts - making it optimal for designs requiring maximum transient headroom without redesigning keep-out zones.
Availability
1.5KE12A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial programmable logic controllers, and telecom power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for 1.5KE12A-E3/54 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, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in 12 V and 24 V systems, balancing clamping performance, thermal robustness, and JEDEC-standardized through-hole manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports precise overvoltage design margins in safety-critical 12 V systems.
Does the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/54 itself is commercial-grade (E3 suffix), not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, the identical 1.5KE12AHE3_B variant is AEC-Q101 qualified and shares the same electrical specs and package. For automotive applications requiring formal qualification, engineers should specify the HE3 version - the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 remains suitable for non-automotive industrial and telecom use cases.
How does the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/54 clamps at 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 89.8 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), resulting in a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.4. This low ratio ensures minimal overvoltage overshoot during transient events, critical for protecting 12 V-rated ICs whose absolute maximum ratings often fall near 16–18 V.
Can the 1.5KE12A-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Yes - multiple 1.5KE12A-E3/54 devices can be paralleled to distribute surge current, provided matched VBR units are selected (e.g., same reel lot) and PCB layout ensures equal trace inductance to each device. Parallel use increases total IPPM capacity but requires careful thermal management, as power dissipation scales with the number of devices sharing the transient energy.
What is the lead finish and soldering compatibility of the 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE12A-E3/54 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, supporting both wave and reflow soldering. It passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing and tolerates solder dip at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds - confirming robust process compatibility for high-volume manufacturing environments.
1.5KE12A-E3/54 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:
- 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):
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12A-E3/54 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 1.5KE12A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE12A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
1.5KE12A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12A-E3/54 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 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12A-E3/54 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 1.5KE12A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12A-E3/54?
All 1.5KE12A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12A-E3/54, 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 1.5KE12A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12A-E3/54 Tags

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