Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE15A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE15A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE15A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5KE15A-E3/51 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 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA), 12.8 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 21.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 70.8 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 1.5KE15A-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE15A-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE15A-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE15A-E3/51 equivalent, this device is evaluated for robust transient suppression in automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line interface circuits where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.41), and AEC-Q101-qualified variants are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for high-energy transient absorption. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking, and it operates within -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range with 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions, with clamping performance validated up to 70.8 A peak pulse current and 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage - enabling reliable protection of 12 V and 15 V systems without forward conduction during normal operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold at which clamping initiates, ensuring compatibility with 15 V nominal rail tolerance |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; ensures no leakage or conduction during normal 12 V system operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 70.8 A - clamping voltage under full 1500 W surge; limits protected circuit stress to safe margin below 24 V IC absolute max ratings |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity design |
| IPPM | 70.8 A - peak pulse current capacity; enables protection against 1 kA line surges after series impedance attenuation |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial deployments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance; informs heatsinking requirements when operating near PD = 6.5 W steady-state dissipation limit |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, 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 | Ground-reference terminal in unidirectional configuration | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; completes clamping loop during positive transients on cathode side |
| Cathode | Protected-line connection terminal | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace); conducts surge current to ground when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing without derating in standard PCB layouts |
| Clamping time <1 ns | Responds faster than MOVs or GDTs, preventing voltage overshoot before protection activates |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC rise under high di/dt events, preserving margin for downstream 24 V tolerant components |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | Enables drop-in qualification path for automotive applications requiring stress-tested TVS components |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply input of BCM microcontroller and CAN transceivers from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed upstream of LDO regulators and ESD diodes; responds within sub-nanosecond to suppress >100 V spikes. Use Value: Limits input rail excursion to ≤21.2 V during 1500 W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic domains. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor in optocoupler input stage; clamps reverse polarity and surge energy before signal conditioning. Use Value: Maintains VWM = 12.8 V headroom below 24 V nominal, enabling clean detection of valid logic-high states while rejecting >1 kV transients. |
| Telecom Line Interface Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Power Stage |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on POTS or DSL line interface cards exposed to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS paired with gas discharge tube (GDT) for coordinated staged clamping; handles residual energy after coarse GDT diversion. Use Value: Clamps differential surges to ≤21.2 V with minimal capacitance, preserving signal integrity up to 1 MHz without filtering distortion. | Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection for half-bridge MOSFET gates and bootstrap supplies in washing machine motor inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rail clamp on 15 V gate driver supply; absorbs inductive kickback from high-side switch turn-off. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 70.8 A pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, preventing gate driver IC failure during frequent motor commutation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | Lower package power rating (600 W), smaller SMB package (vs. DO-201AD), higher VC/VBR ratio (1.49 vs. 1.41) | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs with lower surge threat levels (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2) | Select SMBJ15A only if board area is critical and peak surge energy remains ≤600 W; verify thermal relief for repeated events. |
| 1.5SMC15A | Same 1500 W rating but SMC package (surface-mount), slightly higher VC (22.5 V), identical VBR range | Preferred for automated SMT assembly and higher-density layouts; requires reflow-compatible layout and thermal pad design. | Choose 1.5SMC15A for new SMT designs targeting production scalability; retain 1.5KE15A-E3/51 for through-hole legacy or high-reliability manual assembly. |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 offers superior thermal mass and proven field reliability in high-energy through-hole applications, while its DO-201AD package simplifies mechanical mounting and improves creepage distance for 12–24 V industrial environments.
Availability
1.5KE15A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE15A-E3/51 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications where robustness, repeatable clamping, and long-term stability under thermal stress are mandatory - especially in automotive, industrial, and infrastructure equipment.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE15A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 14.3 V to 15.8 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 15 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping initiation across production lots and supports precise coordination with downstream overvoltage protection thresholds in 12 V and 15 V systems. The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 maintains this specification under JEDEC-standard test conditions at TA = 25 °C.
Does the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base 1.5KE15A-E3/51 is RoHS-compliant commercial-grade; however, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant 1.5KE15AHE3_B for automotive use. That part undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 itself is not AEC-Q101 certified, but its construction and thermal specs (TJ max = +175 °C, RθJA = 75 °C/W) align with automotive environmental requirements when properly mounted.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 70.8 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standard and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 achieves this with a clamping ratio of ~1.41 (VC/VBR), confirming efficient energy diversion without excessive overvoltage stress.
Can the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 is strictly a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE15CA). Using the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 in AC or bipolar signal paths would result in forward conduction during negative half-cycles, causing failure. For bidirectional protection at 15 V, specify 1.5KE15CA or confirm compatibility with the 1.5KE15A-E3/51's polarity-sensitive layout.
How does the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 compare to MOV-based protection in terms of response time?
The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 responds in less than 1 nanosecond, significantly faster than metal-oxide varistors (MOVs), which typically exhibit 20–50 ns response. This sub-ns clamping prevents initial voltage overshoot that can damage sensitive CMOS inputs, gate oxides, or precision analog front-ends. Unlike MOVs, the 1.5KE15A-E3/51 also offers precise, repeatable VBR and no degradation after repeated surges - making it preferable for mission-critical protection where timing and consistency matter. The 1.5KE15A-E3/51 is therefore selected when protecting high-speed or low-voltage logic interfaces.
1.5KE15A-E3/51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 70.8A
- 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
1.5KE15A-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE15A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE15A-E3/51 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 1.5KE15A-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE15A-E3/51 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE15A-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE15A-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE15A-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE15A-E3/51?
1.5KE15A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE15A-E3/51 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 1.5KE15A-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE15A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE15A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE15A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE15A-E3/51 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 1.5KE15A-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE15A-E3/51?
All 1.5KE15A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE15A-E3/51, 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 1.5KE15A-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE15A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE15A-E3/51 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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