Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12CA-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12CA-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12CA-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,937
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE12CA-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps to ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A, enabling protection of MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives with documented differences in standoff voltage and surge current capability.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at VWM = 10.2 V), then avalanches within <1 ns when transient voltage exceeds VBR, diverting up to 89.8 A (10/1000 µs) while limiting voltage to ≤16.7 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<5 µA).
Designed for bidirectional transients, it has no polarity marking and symmetrical VBR/VC characteristics in both directions. Thermal resistance is RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +175 °C with 6.5 W steady-state dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional surges |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 5 µA; sets safe operating margin below VBR |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A - actual clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, directly protecting downstream 12 V logic rails |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs) - peak surge energy handling capacity compatible with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 testing |
| IPPM | 89.8 A - peak surge current capability determines minimum trace width and PCB layout robustness |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment |
| RθJL | 15.4 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows effective heat transfer to PCB copper without external heatsink |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; RoHS-compliant E3 suffix; UL 94 V-0 rated.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional terminal pair | No polarity marking required; symmetric conduction in both directions for AC line or differential signal protection |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<5 µA), and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive electronics without external circuitry |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.39 | Low incremental surge resistance enables tighter voltage control than MOVs or polymer-based protectors |
| Response time < 1 ns | Protects fast-switching MOSFET gates and high-speed data lines before transient energy reaches sensitive nodes |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | HE3 suffix versions support automotive-grade qualification; E3/51 is commercial grade but shares identical die and package |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed across input terminals to clamp voltage excursions above 16.7 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (4–20 mA) and digital I/O (RS-485) of PLC modules exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device on differential bus lines or single-ended sensor supply paths. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting transients to ≤16.7 V while adding <1 pF capacitance-no data rate degradation. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DSL Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters subjected to lightning-induced surges on mains-connected outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector between DC output and ground, triggered within nanoseconds. Use Value: Replaces slower MOVs with superior response and tighter clamping, reducing risk of downstream capacitor overvoltage failure. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection for DSL line cards against longitudinal surges coupled from telephone exchange lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across tip/ring pair to absorb common-mode transients per GR-1089-CORE. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 µs surges up to 1500 W while maintaining low capacitance (<100 pF) to preserve high-frequency DSL signal fidelity. |
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 | Lower PPPM = 600 W; smaller SMB package (3.5 mm × 3.5 mm); VC = 19.9 V @ 30.1 A | Used where board space is constrained and surge energy is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 | Select SMBJ12CA only if peak surge current remains below 30 A and PCB real estate is premium. |
| 1.5SMC12CA | Same PPPM = 1500 W but SMC package (7.1 mm × 6.2 mm); VC = 19.2 V @ 78.7 A; higher thermal mass | Preferred for high-reliability industrial designs requiring enhanced thermal cycling endurance | Choose 1.5SMC12CA when long-term thermal stability under repeated surges outweighs footprint constraints. |
Compared with 1.5KE12CA-E3/51, SMBJ12CA trades surge capacity for compactness, while 1.5SMC12CA retains full 1500 W rating in a thermally superior package-neither is pin-compatible, but all three share identical VBR and bidirectional functionality for drop-in functional replacement in system-level design.
Availability
1.5KE12CA-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapters, and telecom DSL line cards requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE12CA-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, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive environments.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, balancing surge robustness, thermal performance, and JEDEC-standardized manufacturability for high-volume assembly.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at test current IT = 1.0 mA, representing ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports reliable system-level surge margin calculations in designs using the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51.
Is the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 suitable for automotive applications?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix) and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, its underlying die and package are identical to the AEC-Q101-qualified 1.5KE12CAHE3_B variant. For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems-such as infotainment power rails or body control module sensors-the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 may be used with appropriate system-level validation, though the HE3_B version is required for formal automotive qualification.
How does the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 clamps to a maximum of 16.7 V at its rated peak pulse current of 89.8 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This yields a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.39, indicating low incremental surge resistance. That ratio is critical for ensuring protected circuits remain below absolute maximum ratings-e.g., a 16 V-rated IC powered from a 12 V rail stays safely within limits during transient events involving the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51.
What is the thermal resistance of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. Effective heat dissipation relies on generous copper pour connected to both leads; minimum recommended pad size is 25 mm² per lead. Without adequate copper, sustained 6.5 W dissipation will exceed the 175 °C max junction temperature-so PCB layout must prioritize thermal relief when using the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 in high-duty-cycle applications.
Does the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 have polarity markings, and how is it installed on the PCB?
No-the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 is a bidirectional TVS and carries no polarity marking on its molded epoxy case. It is installed symmetrically across the protected line and ground (or differential pair), with either lead connectable to either node. This eliminates orientation errors during automated placement and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating signal paths where polarity reversal is possible-making the 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 ideal for RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet PHY protection.
1.5KE12CA-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:
- -
- 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):
- 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
1.5KE12CA-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12CA-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12CA-E3/51?
1.5KE12CA-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12CA-E3/51?
All 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12CA-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12CA-E3/51 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

