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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,286
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 12 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps to ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A peak pulse current. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 equivalent, this device delivers verified bidirectional clamping performance with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (HE3 variant), and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance - critical for high-reliability board-level ESD and lightning surge protection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, responding in <1 ns to transient overvoltages. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<5 µA at 10.2 V stand-off), while its 1500 W pulse rating supports repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges per JEDEC standards.
The device is rated for bidirectional operation only (no polarity marking), with symmetrical clamping behavior in both directions. Its thermal resistance (RθJL = 15.4 °C/W) enables effective heat dissipation through leads, and maximum junction temperature is specified at +175 °C - suitable for under-hood automotive and industrial environments.
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 for bidirectional surge events |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 5 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A - actual clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient power handling capability without failure under standardized waveform |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature enclosures and engine-control modules |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD package with 0.375" lead length, UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy |
| RoHS | E3 suffix - RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, JESD201 Class 1A whisker tested |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) package. No polarity marking is present, confirming bidirectional functionality. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional clamping node | Either terminal serves as input/output path - no cathode band; identical electrical behavior in both directions |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and current conduction path | Leads conduct surge current and dissipate heat; RθJL = 15.4 °C/W enables reliable thermal transfer to PCB copper |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry experiences overvoltage damage |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Provides flame-retardant mechanical protection and meets safety requirements for enclosed systems |
| JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability applications, eliminating latent short-circuit risk |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt clamp placed across differential or single-ended signal lines upstream of interface ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 12 V automotive electronics. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input modules from induced surges on 24 V DC field wiring exposed to relay switching and motor noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor on terminal blocks and optocoupler input stages. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges without failure, maintaining system uptime in factory automation environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers against lightning-induced surges on outdoor-facing ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection element in hybrid surge suppression circuits with GDTs and MOVs. Use Value: Fast clamping (<1 ns) complements slower primary protectors, reducing let-through energy to sub-100 V levels. | Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on AC/DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs and DC bus rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping device parallel to bulk capacitor to suppress switching spikes and line transients. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 µs surges up to 1500 W, extending adapter lifetime in unregulated grid conditions. |
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 (surface-mount), lower IPPM (32.9 A) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs where 600 W surge margin suffices | Select when board area is limited and peak surge energy is below 600 W; not drop-in due to package and power rating mismatch |
| 1.5KE12A-E3/73 | Unidirectional version; includes cathode band marking; identical VBR, VC, and PPPM | Required where DC bias or polarity-sensitive circuits demand unidirectional clamping | Choose only if circuit topology mandates polarity-aware protection; otherwise 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 provides symmetric coverage |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12A-E3/73, the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 uniquely combines 1500 W bidirectional clamping, axial-leaded mechanical robustness, and UL 94 V-0 compliance - making it optimal for high-energy, polarity-agnostic protection in ruggedized designs.
Availability
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness against lightning, ESD, and load dump is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at a test current of 1 mA, measured per JEDEC standard. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage protection design margins in the 12 V system domain. The value is confirmed in Vishay's Document Number 88301, Table on page 2.
Is the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 meets key automotive requirements including AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (in HE3 variants), operation from –55 °C to +175 °C, and robust surge handling per ISO 7637-2. While the E3 suffix denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance, the underlying 1.5KE12CA platform is explicitly referenced in Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualified part numbering scheme (e.g., 1.5KE12CAHE3_B), confirming its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted protection.
How does the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 differ from the unidirectional 1.5KE12A-E3/73?
The 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode marking, whereas the 1.5KE12A-E3/73 is unidirectional with a visible cathode band and forward conduction capability. Both share identical VBR, VC, and PPPM ratings, but the CA version is required for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic signal lines such as Ethernet pairs or differential sensor outputs - where reverse-bias conduction must be protected.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 during a surge event?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 is 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 89.8 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge conditions and is critical for ensuring compatibility with 12 V logic and interface ICs' absolute maximum ratings.
Does the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 require a heatsink for normal operation?
No - the 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 relies on lead conduction for thermal dissipation and is characterized with RθJL = 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead). Under typical PCB mounting with ≥10 mm² of 1 oz. copper connected to each lead, it safely handles repetitive surges without external heatsinking. However, for sustained high-duty-cycle events or ambient temperatures above 75 °C, derating per Figure 2 in Vishay Document 88301 is required to maintain TJ ≤ 175 °C.
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73?
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12CA-E3/73?
All 1.5KE12CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12CA-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12CA-E3/73 Tags
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