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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,942
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12C-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 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 1.5KE12C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE12C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE12C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE12C-E3/73 equivalent, this device delivers fast sub-nanosecond response, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.32), and AEC-Q101 qualification - critical for robust ESD and lightning transient protection in harsh environments.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with no polarity marking and identical electrical characteristics forward and reverse. Its glass-passivated junction enables stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance, while its 1.5KE package supports high thermal dissipation (RθJL = 15.4 °C/W) under repetitive surge conditions.
The device complies with UL 497B (QVGQ2 recognition) and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing (E3 suffix). It is rated for operation from −55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 of the datasheet.
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 overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤16.7 V at 89.8 A - ensures protected circuitry sees no more than 16.7 V during worst-case 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs) - sustains high-energy transients common in automotive load dump or lightning-induced surges |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous working voltage; must exceed normal signal swing to avoid leakage conduction |
| ID @ VWM | ≤5.0 µA - ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and power efficiency in standby or low-current modes |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive or high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD package with 0.375" lead length; UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy body |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE12C-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) package. As a bidirectional TVS, it has no polarity marking - both leads are electrically symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (both) | Surge current path (bidirectional) | Provides identical clamping in either direction; installed across protected line and ground without orientation concern |
| Leads (matte tin plated) | Thermal and electrical interface | Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102; supports 275 °C solder dip (10 s max); enables PCB heat sinking via lead frame |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates polarity-checking during assembly and simplifies layout |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamping action initiates in ~1 ns - intercepts fast transients before sensitive ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, ADC inputs) experience overstress |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability (vibration, temperature cycling, HTRB) - suitable for engine control, ADAS sensor, and infotainment modules |
| UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) | Approved for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring third-party safety certification |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.32 typical - minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing stress on downstream 12 V-rated components |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus or analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground; responds within 1 ns to suppress transients up to ±100 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in microcontroller input buffers and op-amp front-ends exposed to automotive electrical noise. | Use Scenario: Shielding PLC digital input channels from induced surges on long field wiring in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground TVS on 24 V DC input; clamps 1 kV/500 A surge (IEC 61000-4-5) to safe levels before optocoupler or Schmitt trigger. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series impedance or RC filtering, preserving signal edge integrity and enabling direct connection to microcontroller GPIO. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Power Supply Input Clamping |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on POTS or DSL line cards against lightning-induced surges entering building premises. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT); handles residual energy and fast-rising edges missed by GDT. Use Value: Reduces let-through voltage to <17 V, protecting SLIC, codec, and Ethernet PHY ICs rated for 3.3 V or 5 V operation. | Use Scenario: Clamping 12 V DC input rails in embedded power supplies against switching transients from relay coils or motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt device across input capacitor; activates only during overvoltage events >12.6 V, remaining inert during normal regulation. Use Value: Avoids crowbar circuits or complex active OVP, lowering BOM count while meeting IEC 61000-4-4 EFT immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | DO-214AA (SMB) package; lower 600 W PPPM; VC = 19.9 V @ 30.1 A | Higher clamping voltage and lower surge rating - suited for space-constrained, lower-energy applications | Select SMBJ12CA when board area is limited and surge threat level is moderate (e.g., consumer USB ports). |
| 1.5SMC12CA | Surface-mount SMC package; same 1500 W rating; VC = 19.2 V @ 78.7 A; slightly higher clamping ratio | No through-hole leads - requires reflow-compatible layout and lacks axial mechanical strain relief | Choose 1.5SMC12CA for automated SMT production where thermal pad access and footprint density outweigh leaded robustness needs. |
Compared with 1.5KE12C-E3/73, SMBJ12CA trades surge capacity and clamping performance for compactness, while 1.5SMC12CA matches power rating but sacrifices mechanical ruggedness and thermal path efficiency - making 1.5KE12C-E3/73 optimal for high-reliability, high-energy, through-hole deployments.
Availability
1.5KE12C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial digital I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE12C-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and application-specific validation.
The 1.5KE family was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where failure due to voltage surges is unacceptable.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE12C-E3/73?
The 1.5KE12C-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current, representing a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports predictable system-level overvoltage margining in designs using the 1.5KE12C-E3/73.
Is the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free status per Vishay's material declaration. The molding compound meets UL 94 V-0, and matte tin-plated leads comply with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing - confirming suitability for environmentally regulated industrial and automotive applications using the 1.5KE12C-E3/73.
Can the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like 1.5KE12A?
No - the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 is strictly bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas 1.5KE12A is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: 1.5KE12C-E3/73 is appropriate for AC-coupled or floating lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN), while 1.5KE12A suits DC-biased rails (e.g., 12 V supply to ground). Using 1.5KE12C-E3/73 in a unidirectional configuration risks improper clamping.
What is the maximum allowable mounting torque for the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 leads?
Vishay does not specify a maximum mounting torque for the 1.5KE12C-E3/73. Instead, mechanical integrity relies on proper lead forming: minimum bend radius ≥0.06", maximum lead tension ≤5 lbs, and avoidance of repeated bending. Excessive torque or stress on the leads may crack the epoxy body or delaminate the passivated junction - compromising surge performance and long-term reliability of the 1.5KE12C-E3/73.
Does the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
No - the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 is commercial grade only. AEC-Q101 qualification applies only to parts with the "HE3" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE12CHE3_B). While the 1.5KE12C-E3/73 shares identical electrical specs and construction, it lacks the extended reliability testing required for automotive under-hood use. For AEC-Q101 compliance, specify 1.5KE12CHE3_B instead of 1.5KE12C-E3/73.
1.5KE12C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 86.7A
- 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
1.5KE12C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12C-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 1.5KE12C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12C-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 1.5KE12C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12C-E3/73?
1.5KE12C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12C-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 1.5KE12C-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12C-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 1.5KE12C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12C-E3/73?
All 1.5KE12C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12C-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 1.5KE12C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12C-E3/73 Tags
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