Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,629
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 12 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), and clamps transients to ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A, making it suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 equivalent, this device delivers verified bidirectional clamping performance with glass-passivated junction reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification availability (HE3 variant), and RoHS-compliant matte tin leads - critical for automotive, industrial, and telecom surge protection design.
Technical Context
This TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities due to its bidirectional construction, enabling single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its low incremental surge resistance and sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns) ensure effective clamping before sensitive downstream components experience damaging overvoltage.
The device uses a molded epoxy case (Case Style 1.5KE) with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and is rated for continuous operation from –55 °C to +175 °C. Thermal resistance is 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable power dissipation up to 6.5 W on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold under standardized test conditions |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum steady-state reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 5 µA, ensuring no conduction during normal operation |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A - actual clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, directly limiting stress on protected circuitry |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs waveform) - peak surge energy handling capacity for lightning and switching transient immunity |
| IPPM | 89.8 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without degradation |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables use in high-temperature environments including under-hood automotive and industrial power supplies |
| Package | DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.375" lead length, compatible with standard wave-solder processes |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is housed in a DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial-leaded package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional functionality. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked ends) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Either end serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - eliminates orientation concerns during placement |
| Leads (axial) | Connection interface | 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length supports mechanical stability and thermal relief; compliant with JESD 22-B106 (275 °C, 10 s solder dip) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, low-leakage performance across temperature and lifetime, critical for long-term reliability in harsh environments |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides proven immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) when properly mounted with low-inductance layout |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients within <1 ns - faster than MOVs or GDTs - preserving signal integrity in high-speed interfaces |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | HE3 suffix versions meet automotive-grade stress testing (e.g., temperature cycling, HTRB), enabling use in ADAS and body control modules |
| UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case | Self-extinguishing housing prevents flame propagation in fault conditions, satisfying safety requirements for industrial and telecom equipment |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Power Distribution |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontrollers from inductive kickback during relay or solenoid switching in PLCs and CNC systems. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across DC bus or control inputs to limit transient excursions to safe levels. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic and MOSFET gates by clamping spikes to ≤16.7 V while sustaining 89.8 A surge current. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 12 V battery-fed circuits such as lighting control modules and window lift ECUs exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role: Primary TVS on power input rail, operating in parallel with upstream fuses and downstream LDOs. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W transients and operates up to +175 °C ambient, meeting AEC-Q101 thermal and surge requirements when paired with HE3 variant. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Sensor Hub Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceiver lines subjected to induced lightning surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional shunt device placed between differential pair and ground, leveraging symmetry for common-mode transient suppression. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to ≤16.7 V with minimal capacitance impact, preserving signal rise/fall times in multi-Mbps data links. |
Use Scenario: Input protection for MEMS accelerometers, temperature sensors, and touch controllers in smart home hubs exposed to ESD and board-level EFT. IC Role / Device Role: Low-leakage (≤5 µA at 10.2 V) front-end clamp that remains inactive during normal 3.3 V operation. Use Value: Prevents false triggering or sensor offset drift by maintaining <1 µA leakage below VWM, while responding in <1 ns to 8 kV contact ESD events. |
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 | Smaller SMB package (surface-mount), lower 600 W PPPM, same 12 V VBR range and bidirectional configuration | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; less suited for high-energy surges requiring 1500 W capability | Select SMBJ12CA only if board area is limited and surge threat level is ≤600 W (e.g., secondary protection or low-power interfaces) |
| 1.5KE12A-E3/54 | Unidirectional version with cathode band marking; identical VBR, VC, and PPPM, but conducts only in reverse direction | Required where polarity is fixed (e.g., DC power rails with known ground reference); not usable on AC or floating nodes | Choose 1.5KE12A-E3/54 for unidirectional DC protection; retain 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 when protecting bidirectional signals, transformer-coupled lines, or unknown-polarity inputs |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12A-E3/54, the 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 uniquely combines through-hole mechanical robustness, 1500 W surge capacity, and true bidirectional symmetry - making it the only option among the three suitable for high-energy, polarity-agnostic protection in industrial and automotive primary circuits.
Availability
1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive power distribution modules, telecom line interfaces, and consumer sensor hub designs requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE12CA-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 diodes, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments - delivering 1500 W pulse capability, wide temperature operation, and robust packaging for industrial, automotive, and telecom infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 has a specified 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 predictable clamping behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for consistent protection margin design in 12 V systems.
Is 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the "E3" suffix in 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 explicitly denotes RoHS compliance and lead-free construction. The matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability standards and pass JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, confirming suitability for commercial and industrial assembly processes without lead-based solder restrictions.
Can 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 be used in automotive applications?
The base 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is commercial-grade; however, the AEC-Q101 qualified variant 1.5KE12CAHE3_B is available for automotive use. While 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 shares identical electrical specs and operates up to +175 °C, only the HE3_B version undergoes full AEC-Q101 stress testing - required for safety-critical vehicle subsystems.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 during a surge event?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is 16.7 V at its rated peak pulse current of 89.8 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value represents the worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry during a full 1500 W transient, establishing the absolute upper bound for downstream component voltage stress.
How does the bidirectional nature of 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 affect its PCB layout?
The bidirectional design of 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 eliminates polarity marking and orientation constraints - either lead may connect to any node in the protected path. This simplifies layout, reduces assembly errors, and enables symmetric placement across differential pairs or floating references without risk of reverse installation.
1.5KE12CA-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:
- -
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54?
1.5KE12CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12CA-E3/54?
All 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12CA-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 1.5KE12CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12CA-E3/54 Tags

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