Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,931
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 10.2 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 16.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 89.8 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE12-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE12-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE12-E3/54 equivalent, this component delivers verified clamping performance, JEDEC-standardized unidirectional surge handling, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, and commercial-grade reliability in the industry-standard DO-201AD package - critical for automotive body electronics, industrial I/O protection, and telecom power supply front-end design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ leakage at 10.2 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction within <1 ns when transient voltage exceeds VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, enabling precise clamping during repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses at 0.01% duty cycle.
The device is rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a +0.078 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, supporting stable operation across extended thermal ranges. Its 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 15.4 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance define its derating behavior above 25 °C ambient, per Figure 2 and Figure 5 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA test current - defines precise triggering threshold for overvoltage events |
| VWM | 10.2 V maximum - ensures reliable non-conduction during normal 12 V rail operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 89.8 A - limits downstream voltage stress to safe levels during 1500 W transient absorption |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs waveform) - supports robust surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| IFSM | 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - withstands high-energy inrush or fault currents without failure |
| Junction Temp | -55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Leakage @ VWM | 5.0 µA max - minimizes standby power loss in battery-powered systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Current exit point during reverse-biased clamping | Marked with color band; tied to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low parameter drift over temperature and life |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.40 - provides tight voltage limiting with minimal overshoot during fast transients |
| Response time | <1 ns - protects sensitive CMOS inputs before damage occurs |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; suitable for lead-free reflow and wave soldering |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V CAN bus power lines and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamping element placed between VBAT and GND, triggered within nanoseconds to clamp spikes up to ±100 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in MCU GPIOs and CAN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on input terminal blocks, operating in parallel with optocoupler input stages. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles without degradation, maintaining signal integrity while reducing system-level filtering complexity. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Suppressing induced lightning surges on -48 V DC telecom rectifier outputs feeding base station backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS placed at power entry point, absorbing multi-kW transients before they reach DC/DC converters. Use Value: Achieves 1500 W pulse handling with 16.7 V clamping - keeps downstream converter enable thresholds intact during R.E.A. P.E. 60 compliance testing. |
Use Scenario: Clamping inductive kickback from brushed DC motor drivers in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine control boards). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional suppressor connected across H-bridge low-side FETs to divert flyback energy to ground. Use Value: Limits drain-source voltage to ≤16.7 V during turn-off, preventing avalanche stress and extending MOSFET lifetime beyond 10,000 cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | DO-214AA package; lower 600 W PPPM; 13.3 V VC @ 43.3 A; 1.15 mm profile vs. 2.5 mm height of 1.5KE12-E3/54 | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; insufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 where 1500 W is mandated | Select SMBJ12A only when board area is critical and surge threat level is limited to Level 2 or lower. |
| 1.5SMC12A | Surface-mount SMC (DO-214AB); identical 1500 W rating and VBR range; 16.7 V VC; requires reflow-compatible layout | Enables automated assembly but lacks axial-leaded mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Choose 1.5SMC12A for high-volume SMT production; retain 1.5KE12-E3/54 for through-hole reliability in automotive or industrial chassis mounting. |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5SMC12A, the 1.5KE12-E3/54 offers superior mechanical stability via axial leads, higher surge endurance in high-temperature ambient, and proven field reliability in legacy 12 V power systems - making it the preferred choice where serviceability, vibration resistance, and legacy design continuity matter.
Availability
1.5KE12-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and telecom power supply front-end designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and full traceability.
Supply support for 1.5KE12-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 power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and application-specific qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising cost or manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE12-E3/54 under maximum surge conditions?
The 1.5KE12-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 89.8 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 16.7 V during a full 1500 W transient event - critical for protecting 12 V logic interfaces and MOSFET gate drivers.
Is the 1.5KE12-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the 1.5KE12-E3/54 is widely deployed in automotive body electronics, though it is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix). For AEC-Q101 qualified versions, Vishay offers the 1.5KE12AHE3_B variant. The 1.5KE12-E3/54 itself meets key automotive surge requirements including ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and Pulse 3b, and operates reliably from -55 °C to +175 °C - making it appropriate for under-dash modules and non-safety-critical ECUs.
How does the 1.5KE12-E3/54 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like 1.5KE12CA?
The 1.5KE12-E3/54 is unidirectional and functions as a polarity-sensitive clamp - conducting only when cathode voltage exceeds anode by >11.4 V. In contrast, 1.5KE12CA is bidirectional and clamps symmetrically for AC or floating-line protection. The unidirectional version offers lower leakage (<5 µA) and tighter VC consistency, while the CA variant supports differential signal line protection but exhibits higher capacitance and dual-direction conduction.
What is the lead finish and soldering compatibility of the 1.5KE12-E3/54?
The 1.5KE12-E3/54 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. It supports both wave and reflow soldering, with a maximum solder dip temperature of 275 °C for 10 seconds. The E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing - ensuring reliability in lead-free assembly processes without tin whisker growth risk.
Can the 1.5KE12-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Yes, multiple 1.5KE12-E3/54 devices can be paralleled to distribute surge current, but matching VBR (11.4–12.6 V) and thermal layout is essential to ensure balanced current sharing. Vishay recommends using matched lots and symmetrical PCB traces with equal thermal mass. Parallel use increases total PPPM linearly but does not improve clamping voltage - VC remains ~16.7 V per device under individual surge conditions.
1.5KE12-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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
1.5KE12-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12-E3/54?
1.5KE12-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12-E3/54?
All 1.5KE12-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12-E3/54 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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