Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE12C
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12C.pdf
- Description:
- 1500W, 12V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,662
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, with nominal breakdown voltage 12V, working stand-off voltage 9.72V, clamping voltage 17.3V at 91A peak pulse current, and fast response time <1.0ps - used for ESD and surge protection of automotive power rails and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12C datasheet, 1.5KE12C pinout, 1.5KE12C application, or 1.5KE12C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, DO-201 terminal mapping, ISO 7637-2 compliance details, and real-world protection use cases for 12V supply rail hardening and microcontroller I/O line safeguarding.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE12C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 10.8–13.2V breakdown range at 1mA test current. It clamps transients to ≤17.3V at 91A (10/1000μs waveform), limiting energy dissipation to 1500W non-repetitive pulses while maintaining low dynamic impedance and leakage <1μA above 10V.
Designed for automotive-grade reliability, it meets AEC-Q101 qualification and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b immunity standards. Its DO-201 package supports lead-free soldering per J-STD-002, with pure tin plating and UL 94V-0 molding compound - enabling robust mounting on PCBs with 0.6"×0.6" copper pads for thermal derating up to 175°C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 10.8V / 13.2V at 1mA - defines reliable turn-on threshold for overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 9.72V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPP | 17.3V at 91A (10/1000μs) - peak clamped voltage protecting downstream ICs from destructive overshoot |
| PPK | 1500W - single-pulse surge handling capacity suitable for load-dump and EFT events |
| IR @ VWM | <1μA - negligible standby leakage preserving low-power system integrity |
| TJ max | +175°C - high-temperature operation compatible with under-hood automotive environments |
| Response time | <1.0ps - sub-picosecond turn-on ensures suppression before sensitive circuitry is stressed |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201 axial-leaded through-hole package with cathode band marking; body length 5.2–5.7mm, diameter 2.7–3.2mm, lead spacing 5.0–5.5mm; UL 94V-0 rated epoxy; pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path / low-side reference | Connected to ground or lower-potential node during normal operation; carries forward surge current up to 200A (8.3ms half-sine) |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail); conducts avalanche current when transient exceeds VBR, diverting energy to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress-test requirements including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Withstands Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (EFT) without degradation |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables tight clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) for minimal overvoltage margin during surge |
| Halogen-free construction | Meets IEC 61249-2-21, supporting RoHS-compliant and environmentally regulated designs |
| 1500W surge rating | Handles worst-case load-dump events in 12V vehicle systems without failure or parameter shift |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients (up to 120V, 400ms) on 12V battery-fed ECUs in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor, clamping surges before they reach DC-DC converters and MCU power inputs. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 17.3V, preventing damage to 24V-tolerant regulators and ensuring uninterrupted operation during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., 4–20mA loop transmitters) from ESD and cable-induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting fast transients (<1ns rise) before signal conditioning amplifiers and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Sub-1ps response prevents latch-up in op-amps; clamping at 17.3V avoids saturation of rail-to-rail input stages operating from ±15V supplies. |
| Microcontroller I/O Line Hardening | Lighting System Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding GPIO, UART, and CAN transceiver pins against contact discharge (±8kV HBM) and board-level EFT bursts in embedded control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete TVS placed directly at connector or header, with short trace to ground plane to minimize inductance and preserve clamping speed. Use Value: Leakage <1μA avoids signal distortion on high-impedance inputs; 17.3V clamp protects 5V-tolerant I/O cells without requiring level-shifting buffers. | Use Scenario: Mitigating switching spikes from LED driver MOSFETs and inductive ballasts in automotive headlamps and streetlight controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across driver output terminals to absorb flyback energy during PWM turn-off transitions. Use Value: 1500W rating absorbs repetitive 10/1000μs spikes up to 91A; DO-201 mechanical robustness withstands vibration and thermal cycling in outdoor enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ12A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 12V unidirectional; 400W PPK; VC = 19.9V @ 21.7A | Lower surge rating limits use to consumer-grade or low-energy industrial signals, not automotive load-dump | Select when space-constrained SMT layout is required and peak surge energy is ≤400W |
| ON Semiconductor 1N6269A | DO-201 package; 8.2V nominal; VBR = 7.38–9.02V; VC = 12.5V @ 200A | Lower clamping voltage but mismatched VWM (6.63V) - unsuitable for 12V rail where steady-state voltage exceeds VWM | Use only for 5V or 3.3V interface protection where lower standoff is acceptable |
Compared with 1.5KE12C, SMAJ12A offers surface-mount convenience but sacrifices 60% surge capacity and increases clamping voltage by 2.6V; 1N6269A provides tighter clamping but cannot sustain 12V nominal rail voltage without excessive leakage - making 1.5KE12C the sole fit for robust 12V automotive and industrial power-line protection.
Availability
1.5KE12C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface hardening, and LED lighting controller development requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE12C 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and thyristors - with global distribution and AEC-Q101 qualification capability.
The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing rugged packaging, ISO 7637-2 compliance, and consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12C under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The 1.5KE12C clamps to a maximum of 17.3V when subjected to a 91A peak pulse current with a 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream components connected to the protected line will not experience voltage exceeding 17.3V during such transients - critical for safeguarding 5V or 12V-rated ICs in automotive and industrial systems.
Is the 1.5KE12C suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the 1.5KE12C is a unidirectional TVS diode and must be used with correct polarity - cathode connected to the protected line, anode to ground. For bidirectional protection, the 1.5KE12CA variant (with 'CA' suffix) is specified; it provides symmetrical clamping in both directions and is marked without polarity band. Using 1.5KE12C in reverse-biased configuration for AC signals will result in forward conduction and potential failure.
Does the 1.5KE12C meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the 1.5KE12C is AEC-Q101 qualified when ordered with the 'H' suffix (e.g., 1.5KE12CH). The base 1.5KE12C part may be manufactured to the same process but requires verification of the ordering code's qualification status. Always confirm AEC-Q101 compliance via the full orderable part number and Taiwan Semiconductor's official qualification reports before deployment in automotive applications.
What is the working stand-off voltage (VWM) of the 1.5KE12C, and why does it matter?
The 1.5KE12C has a working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 9.72V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse voltage it can block without significant leakage. This value ensures compatibility with nominal 12V systems where normal operating voltage stays below 9.72V, preventing false triggering while allowing safe margin above typical battery voltages (13.5–14.4V). Exceeding VWM risks elevated leakage and premature wear.
How does the 1.5KE12C compare to the 1.5KE12A variant?
The 1.5KE12A has tighter breakdown tolerance (11.4–12.6V vs. 10.8–13.2V for 1.5KE12C), resulting in higher minimum VBR and slightly lower VC (16.7V vs. 17.3V). Both share identical package, surge rating, and thermal specs. Choose 1.5KE12A when precise clamping onset is required; select 1.5KE12C for broader manufacturing tolerance and cost-sensitive volume applications where 10.8V turn-on is acceptable.
1.5KE12C 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 91A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-201
1.5KE12C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12C 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 1.5KE12C reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE12C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12C?
1.5KE12C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12C 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 1.5KE12C?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12C 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 1.5KE12C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12C?
All 1.5KE12C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12C, 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 1.5KE12C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12C Tags

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