Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE12CA
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS 1500W 12V 5% BIDIR DO-201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,925
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, designed for high-energy surge protection in automotive and industrial systems. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 12 V, clamping voltage of 17.3 V at 91 A peak impulse current, and meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b immunity requirements for vehicle electronics.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12CA datasheet, 1.5KE12CA pinout, 1.5KE12CA application, or 1.5KE12CA equivalent, this device serves as a robust, AEC-Q101-qualified solution for ESD and inductive switching transient suppression on power rails and signal lines where bidirectional clamping and low dynamic impedance are critical.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE12CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical breakdown characteristics in both polarities, enabling protection against reverse- and forward-polarity transients without polarity sensitivity. Its 10/1000 μs surge rating of 1500 W and sub-5 ns response time ensure rapid clamping before downstream ICs experience overvoltage stress.
It exhibits a maximum working stand-off voltage of 10.2 V, leakage current under 1 μA at VWM, and a temperature coefficient of VBR at 0.078 %/°C - supporting stable operation across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperatures. The DO-201 package provides mechanical robustness and thermal performance suitable for leaded PCB mounting with 0.375" copper pad heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines reliable conduction onset window for bidirectional clamping |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without significant leakage |
| VC @ IPP | 16.7 V at 94 A peak impulse current - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPK | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability per JEDEC standard waveform, derated above 25 °C ambient |
| IPP (max) | 94 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without failure |
| TJ (max) | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood automotive environments |
| Response Time | <5.0 ns - time from 0 V to VBR under bidirectional transient, ensuring protection before IC damage thresholds |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201 axial-leaded package with cathode band marking (not applicable for bidirectional 1.5KE12CA - no polarity marking required per datasheet note for CA suffix types).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No functional distinction between leads - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity |
| Leads (tin-plated) | Interconnect interface | Solderable per J-STD-002; supports manual or wave soldering; requires 0.375" copper pad for full 5 W steady-state dissipation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per stress test plan |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Withstands Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling) without degradation |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables tight clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.47) - minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - suitable for environmentally regulated industrial and automotive production |
| 175 °C max junction temp | Supports placement near heat sources (e.g., engine control units, motor drivers) without thermal derating penalties |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load dump pulses (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator-induced surges on 12 V battery-fed ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power input prior to DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤16.7 V, preventing overvoltage damage to 16 V-rated input capacitors and controller ICs. |
Use Scenario: Protects digital input modules from field-wiring induced EFT bursts and inductive kickback from solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at connector entry point to shunt fast transients before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Sub-5 ns response ensures clamping occurs within first 10 ns of EFT event (IEC 61000-4-4), preserving signal integrity. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Telecom Line Interface Surge Guard |
Use Scenario: Guards constant-current LED driver ICs against supply rail transients caused by nearby relay switching or motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across driver VIN and GND to clamp positive/negative spikes simultaneously. Use Value: 1500 W surge rating handles repetitive 10/1000 μs events common in factory lighting control panels. |
Use Scenario: Shields RS-485 transceivers and isolation amplifiers on building automation bus lines from lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed differential-mode across A/B lines and common-mode from line-to-ground. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR (11.4–12.6 V) enables balanced clamping without skew, maintaining signal common-mode range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA (Bourns) | 600 W rating, SMB package (surface-mount), lower IPP (62 A), same VBR range (11.4–12.6 V) | Designed for space-constrained PCBs; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification; not rated for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a | Select when board area is limited and automotive qualification is unnecessary; verify thermal relief for 600 W derating. |
| 1.5SMC12CA (ON Semiconductor) | Same 1500 W rating and DO-201 package; VC = 16.7 V at 94 A; AEC-Q101 qualified; identical ISO 7637-2 coverage | Drop-in replacement with identical electrical specs and qualification - validated for same automotive use cases | Preferred for dual-sourcing; shares identical pinout, thermal profile, and test report documentation with 1.5KE12CA. |
Compared with SMBJ12CA, the 1.5KE12CA delivers 2.5× higher surge energy handling and automotive qualification; compared with 1.5SMC12CA, it offers identical protection performance but differs in manufacturer-specific process controls and traceability reporting - both support direct substitution in DO-201 layouts.
Availability
1.5KE12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O modules, and LED driver power rail protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in power management, protection, and signal conditioning devices.
The 1.5KE series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, ISO 7637-2 immunity, and extended temperature operation.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in 1.5KE12CA?
The "CA" suffix in 1.5KE12CA denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device functions identically in both polarities, with symmetrical breakdown voltage (11.4–12.6 V) and clamping behavior. Unlike unidirectional "C" variants, 1.5KE12CA has no cathode marking and is used where polarity-agnostic surge protection is required, such as across differential signal lines or AC-coupled rails.
Is 1.5KE12CA qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, 1.5KE12CA is AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's documentation and meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b test requirements. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock - confirming suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE12CA during a surge event?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5KE12CA is 16.7 V at a peak impulse current (IPP) of 94 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the operating temperature range and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a full-rated surge event.
Can 1.5KE12CA be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like 1.5KE12C?
No - 1.5KE12CA is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, while 1.5KE12C is unidirectional with a defined cathode band. Substituting 1.5KE12CA for 1.5KE12C may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased circuits. Use 1.5KE12CA only where bidirectional clamping is explicitly required and circuit topology supports symmetrical protection.
What is the thermal derating behavior of 1.5KE12CA above 25°C ambient?
1.5KE12CA follows the JEDEC-standard pulse derating curve: its 1500 W peak power rating linearly decreases above 25°C ambient, reaching ~75% capacity at 75°C and ~50% at 125°C. For continuous power dissipation, the device supports 5 W at lead temperature (TL) = 75°C with 0.375" copper pad heatsinking - derating to zero at 175°C junction temperature.
1.5KE12CA 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):
- 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
1.5KE12CA 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.
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