STMicroelectronics 1.5KE12CA
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12CA
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 21.7VC DO201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,877
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12CA from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, designed for high-energy surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 10.2–12.6 V), 16.7 V clamping voltage (VCL) at 90 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - deployed in AC/DC front-end protection of industrial power supplies and telecom interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12CA datasheet, 1.5KE12CA pinout, 1.5KE12CA application, or 1.5KE12CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, IEC 61000-4-2 ±30 kV ESD robustness, 10/1000 µs surge rating, thermal stability at Tj = 175 °C, and DO-201 mechanical compatibility with high-power PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE12CA implements planar-junction silicon avalanche technology optimized for fast response (<1 ps) to transients while maintaining low leakage (<5 µA at VRM = 10.2 V) and stable VBR temperature coefficient (αT = 7.8 × 10−4/°C). Its bidirectional symmetry enables symmetric clamping on both polarities without external polarity management.
It delivers 16.7 V clamping at 90 A (10/1000 µs) with dynamic resistance RD = 0.046 Ω, enabling predictable voltage limiting during surge events. The device sustains 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and meets IEC 61000-4-4 level 4 (4 kV) and MIL-STD-883 Method 3015 compliance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 10.2 / 11.4 / 12.6 V - ensures reliable avalanche initiation above normal operating voltage with tight tolerance for consistent protection threshold |
| VCL @ IPP = 90 A | 16.7 V - maximum clamped voltage seen by downstream circuitry during 10/1000 µs surge, defining safe overvoltage margin |
| PPP (10/1000 µs) | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity under standard lightning-surge waveform, critical for AC input stage hardening |
| IPP (max) | 90 A - peak surge current handled at rated clamping voltage, directly sizing upstream fusing and trace routing |
| Tj operating range | −55 to +175 °C - supports operation in high-ambient environments like enclosed industrial enclosures or automotive under-hood locations |
| ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-2) | ±30 kV contact/air - exceeds level 4, eliminating need for secondary ESD stages in user-interface or sensor ports |
| Package | DO-201 - axial-leaded, 9.5 mm body length, 5.05 mm diameter, rated for >260 °C soldering, compatible with wave and reflow |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE12CA uses the DO-201 axial package with two terminals: cathode (marked band) and anode. No polarity distinction is required for bidirectional operation - either terminal may serve as line or return path in symmetrical protection schemes.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Surge current entry (positive half-cycle) | Conducts during positive transients; forms one half of symmetrical clamping path with cathode |
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current entry (negative half-cycle) | Conducts during negative transients; completes bidirectional conduction path with anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC lines or differential buses without polarity awareness or external diode pairing |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports UL 1449 Type 2 SPD requirements and withstands repeated lightning-induced surges in telecom and grid-tied equipment |
| Low dynamic resistance (0.046 Ω) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, preserving timing margins in microcontroller reset and communication lines |
| 175 °C max junction temperature | Permits placement near heat-generating components (e.g., bridge rectifiers, MOSFETs) without derating or thermal isolation |
| UL 497B certified (QVGQ2.E136224) | Validates suitability for primary-side telecom surge protection per industry safety standards, reducing certification effort |
Applications
| AC/DC Power Input Protection | Industrial Ethernet PHY Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Installed across L-N and L/N-PE in 230 VAC SMPS front-end to suppress lightning-induced surges and switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp limiting peak stress on bridge rectifier and bulk capacitor to <17 V. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic failure of downstream electrolytic capacitors and MOSFETs during 10/1000 µs surges up to 1500 W. |
Use Scenario: Placed on TX+/TX− and RX+/RX− pairs of 10/100BASE-TX PHY to absorb ESD and EFT events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage limiter ensuring differential swing remains within PHY receiver common-mode range during ±30 kV ESD. Use Value: Eliminates packet loss and link dropouts caused by transient-induced PHY latch-up or data corruption. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs | Smart Meter Voltage Sensing Circuit |
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied switch inputs (e.g., door ajar, hood open) against load-dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS absorbing 200 A IFSM pulses while holding sensed node below MCU GPIO absolute maximum rating. Use Value: Enables direct connection of mechanical switches to MCU pins without series resistors or RC filters, reducing BOM count. |
Use Scenario: Guarding precision voltage divider feeding ADC in revenue-grade electricity meters exposed to utility grid surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-stability clamping element preserving <0.1% gain accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset shift in resistor network. Use Value: Maintains metrological integrity during IEC 61000-4-4 level 4 (4 kV) bursts, avoiding recalibration or false billing events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA (STMicroelectronics) | 600 W rating, SMB package, lower VCL = 19.9 V @ 30 A, 30% smaller footprint | Better suited for space-constrained DC/DC converter outputs; insufficient for 1500 W AC line surges | Select when board area is limited and surge energy ≤600 W; verify thermal relief for continuous 175 °C operation |
| 1.5SMC12CA (ON Semiconductor) | Same 1500 W rating and DO-201 package, but VBR = 10.5–12.7 V, VCL = 17.0 V @ 88.2 A, αT = 7.5 × 10−4/°C | Functionally interchangeable in most designs; minor VCL and tempco variance requires layout review for margin-critical systems | Drop-in replacement where second-source qualification is required; validate clamping margin at end-of-life Tj |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5SMC12CA, the 1.5KE12CA provides higher surge energy headroom (1500 W vs. 600 W) and tighter VBR tolerance (±10.5% vs. ±11.7%), making it preferred for mains-connected equipment where long-term reliability under repeated surges is mandatory.
Availability
1.5KE12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AC/DC power input protection, industrial Ethernet PHY interface hardening, and automotive BCM input conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE12CA 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, delivering intelligent power, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The 1.5KE series belongs to ST's high-power TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust front-end surge protection in harsh environments - emphasizing thermal resilience, repeatable clamping, and regulatory compliance for safety-critical infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the difference between 1.5KE12A and 1.5KE12CA?
The "A" suffix denotes unidirectional TVS diodes with cathode/anode polarity, suitable for DC rail protection where surge direction is known. The "CA" suffix indicates bidirectional devices with symmetrical clamping - no polarity marking needed - ideal for AC lines, differential signals, or floating grounds. Both share identical VBR, VCL, and power ratings.
Can 1.5KE12CA be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - paralleling discrete TVS diodes causes current imbalance due to VBR tolerances (±10.5%) and thermal runaway risk. For >90 A surge capability, select a higher-rated part (e.g., 3KP12CA) or implement staged protection with MOV + TVS. Derating curves in DS0636 confirm single-device limits.
What is the maximum recommended PCB trace width for 1.5KE12CA leads?
ST recommends ≥1.5 mm trace width per lead with ≥2 cm² copper pour beneath each pad for thermal dissipation. The DO-201 package has 0.96–1.06 mm lead diameter; traces must accommodate 200 A IFSM without exceeding 10 °C rise - verified via IPC-2221B calculations using 2 oz copper and 10 mil thickness.
Does 1.5KE12CA meet RoHS and REACH requirements?
Yes - 1.5KE12CA is manufactured in ST's ECOPACK2-compliant facilities, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (Pb-free matte tin plating) and REACH SVHC thresholds. Full material declarations and test reports are available under ST document number ECOPACK2-1.5KE12CA.
1.5KE12CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 461A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 3000pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-201
1.5KE12CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12CA 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 1.5KE12CA reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE12CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12CA?
1.5KE12CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12CA 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 1.5KE12CA?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12CA 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 1.5KE12CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12CA?
All 1.5KE12CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12CA, 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 1.5KE12CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12CA Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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