Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE12-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE12-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE12-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,374
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE12-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of 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 working 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.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE12-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE12-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE12-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE12-E3/73 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, glass-passivated, RoHS-compliant surge protector for automotive ECUs, industrial I/O modules, and telecom power supplies where fast clamping (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and AEC-Q101 qualification (in HE3 variants) are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates by avalanche breakdown to clamp transient overvoltages before they reach downstream ICs or MOSFETs. Its junction is glass passivated for stable leakage and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress. The device responds in under 1 ns and maintains clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01 % duty cycle, supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), and exhibits 3.5 V forward voltage at 100 A - enabling effective coordination with upstream fuses or polymeric PTCs in overcurrent-protected circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without leakage exceeding 5 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 89.8 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 1500 W transient |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge power handling capability with standard 10/1000 µs lightning surge waveform |
| IFSM | 200 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), critical for coordination with slow-blow fuses |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature engine bay or industrial power supply environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: Axial-leaded DO-201AD case (Case Style 1.5KE), molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal during forward conduction or reverse surge clamping | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal; marked with color band | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche breakdown occurs when cathode-to-anode voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<5 µA at VWM) over lifetime and temperature |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Clamping response time <1 ns | Protects sensitive CMOS inputs and gate drivers before transient energy couples into silicon |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, suitable for commercial and industrial reflow/solder dip assembly |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validated for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring safety agency certification |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-supplied ECU power input exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamping device placed directly at connector entry point to limit voltage to ≤16.7 V during 1500 W surges. Use Value: Prevents damage to MCU power pins and LDO regulators by clamping within 1 ns and sustaining 89.8 A peak current without failure. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA analog sensor loop in factory automation subject to inductive switching noise and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable unidirectional TVS (cathode to signal, anode to ground) suppresses both positive and negative transients on the loop. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 10.2 V standoff while clamping fast edges to protect op-amp front-end and ADC inputs. |
| Telecom DC Power Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output Protection |
Use Scenario: -48 V DC telecom power feed entering remote radio unit, subjected to lightning-induced surges per ITU-T K.20/K.21. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected cathode-to-line to clamp positive surges; coordinated with GDT or MOV for differential-mode suppression. Use Value: Delivers 1500 W pulse handling with UL 497B recognition, meeting telecom infrastructure safety and reliability requirements. |
Use Scenario: 5 V/12 V USB-C PD adapter output exposed to user-induced ESD and cable hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage limiter placed after DC-DC converter output filter to protect connected devices. Use Value: Low VC/VBR ratio (1.47×) ensures minimal overshoot during fast transients, preserving USB compliance and end-equipment reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 600 W PPPM, same VBR range (11.4–12.6 V), lower IPPM (32.9 A) | Surface-mount only; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-current axial layouts | Select SMBJ12A only when board space is constrained and peak surge energy is ≤600 W. |
| 1.5KE12AHE3_B | Same DO-201AD package and electrical specs, but AEC-Q101 qualified and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistant | Required for automotive production; not needed for commercial/industrial use where qualification is not mandated | Choose 1.5KE12AHE3_B for automotive OEM programs; 1.5KE12-E3/73 remains optimal for cost-sensitive industrial applications. |
Compared with SMBJ12A, 1.5KE12-E3/73 provides 2.5× higher surge power handling and axial-leaded mechanical robustness; compared with 1.5KE12AHE3_B, it offers identical protection performance at lower cost where AEC-Q101 is not required - making 1.5KE12-E3/73 the preferred choice for general-purpose high-energy clamping.
Availability
1.5KE12-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply, consistent lead-time visibility, and traceable sourcing for long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for 1.5KE12-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, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - delivering 1500 W surge capability in a rugged axial package optimized for industrial power supplies, automotive subsystems, and telecom equipment.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE12-E3/73?
The 1.5KE12-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current, corresponding to ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for coordinating with downstream overvoltage lockout thresholds in protected circuits.
Is 1.5KE12-E3/73 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No - 1.5KE12-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. For bidirectional AC or data-line applications, Vishay offers the 1.5KE12CA variant. Using 1.5KE12-E3/73 in bidirectional configurations risks forward conduction during negative transients, compromising protection integrity and potentially damaging the device.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE12-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE12-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 89.8 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This VC value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full 1500 W transient event, enabling accurate margining against IC absolute maximum ratings.
Does 1.5KE12-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base 1.5KE12-E3/73 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the functionally identical 1.5KE12AHE3_B variant - same electrical specs and DO-201AD package - which is fully AEC-Q101 qualified and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. For automotive production, specify the HE3_B version instead of 1.5KE12-E3/73.
How does the thermal resistance of 1.5KE12-E3/73 affect its power handling?
With a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W, the 1.5KE12-E3/73 can dissipate up to 6.5 W continuously on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. In real-world PCB layouts, derating is required: at 25 °C ambient, usable continuous power drops to ~3.5 W without heatsinking. This informs layout decisions like copper pour area and standoff height for thermal management.
1.5KE12-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE12-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE12-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE12-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE12-E3/73?
1.5KE12-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE12-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE12-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE12-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE12-E3/73?
All 1.5KE12-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE12-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 1.5KE12-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE12-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE12-E3/73 Tags

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