Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE15A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE15A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE15A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:500
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE15A-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 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 in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE15A-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE15A-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE15A-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified transient suppression performance with glass-passivated junction reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification availability (HE3 variant), RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging - critical for ESD and lightning surge hardening in safety-critical embedded systems.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects standardized lightning-surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5, and its <1 ns response time ensures protection before sensitive components experience overstress.
The device exhibits 0.084 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, enabling stable clamping across -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction range. With 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 15.4 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance, thermal management relies on PCB copper area and lead soldering - not heatsinks - for typical 1-pulse surge events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage without leakage degradation |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 70.8 A - clamping voltage during 1500 W surge, limiting downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability for 10/1000 µs transients (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4) |
| IFSM | 200 A - non-repetitive forward surge rating (8.3 ms half-sine), supports inrush current robustness |
| Junction Temp | -55 °C to +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves battery life and signal integrity in always-on circuits |
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 | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal input) to clamp overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive electronics |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.41 | Low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast transients |
| Response time < 1 ns | Faster than MOVs or polymer-based protectors - prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in MOSFETs/ICs |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, suitable for high-reliability commercial and industrial assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between power rail and ground, activated within nanoseconds of overvoltage event. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤21.2 V during 1500 W surges, preventing damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected across sensor output and ground to suppress ESD and switching noise. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity with only 1.0 µA leakage at 12.8 V, while clamping 8 kV HBM ESD events below 21.2 V. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for isolated 48 V to 5 V buck converters in telecom infrastructure equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient suppressor on input bus, coordinated with upstream fuses and downstream ceramic capacitors. Use Value: Absorbs repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 0.01% duty cycle without parameter drift or thermal runaway. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on Ethernet PHY power pins in enterprise switches exposed to induced lightning surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping device placed adjacent to connector to minimize trace inductance impact. Use Value: Achieves sub-22 V clamping at 70.8 A, reducing stress on PoE controller ICs and magnetics by >35% vs. Zener-only solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 600 W PPPM, same VBR range (14.3–15.8 V), higher thermal resistance (100 °C/W) | Lower power handling limits use to single-event or low-duty-cycle surges; preferred where board space is constrained | Select SMBJ15A only if 1500 W rating is unnecessary and surface-mount assembly is required. |
| 1.5KE15CA | Bidirectional variant (no polarity marking), identical VBR/VC/PPPM, but rated for ±15 V symmetric clamping | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where polarity reversal occurs | Choose 1.5KE15CA only when protecting bidirectional data lines - 1.5KE15A-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional. |
Compared with SMBJ15A, 1.5KE15A-E3/73 delivers 2.5× higher surge power margin and better thermal coupling via axial leads; compared with 1.5KE15CA, it provides optimized clamping for DC rails with cathode-defined polarity - eliminating risk of misorientation during manual assembly.
Availability
1.5KE15A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and DC-DC converter input surge suppression requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for 1.5KE15A-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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - delivering consistent 1500 W surge capability, AEC-Q101 qualification options, and robust glass-passivated junctions for mission-critical overvoltage protection.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
The 1.5KE15A-E3/73 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 predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for coordinating with downstream overvoltage lockout thresholds in power management ICs.
Is the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 meets commercial-grade specifications, and its AEC-Q101-qualified variant (1.5KE15AHE3_B) is explicitly certified for automotive use. The base 1.5KE15A-E3/73 shares identical electrical characteristics, glass-passivated junction, and thermal performance, making it widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment power supplies.
How does the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 compare to MOV-based protection?
The 1.5KE15A-E3/73 offers significantly faster response (<1 ns vs. ~25 ns for MOVs), no wear-out mechanism under repeated surges, and tighter voltage clamping (21.2 V vs. ≥30 V for comparable MOVs). Unlike MOVs, the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 maintains stable parameters over lifetime and does not degrade after multiple 1500 W events - essential for high-availability industrial systems.
What is the meaning of the "-E3/73" suffix in 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant matte tin plating meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/73" specifies packaging in 13" diameter paper tape and reel with 750 units per reel (per Vishay ordering code convention). This format ensures compatibility with automated SMT placement equipment and satisfies environmental compliance requirements for commercial and industrial manufacturing.
Can the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - paralleling 1.5KE15A-E3/73 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR tolerance (±5%) causing uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, Vishay specifies dedicated higher-power variants (e.g., 3KP15A) or recommends coordinated multi-stage protection using upstream current-limiting resistors or PTCs with the 1.5KE15A-E3/73 as the final clamping stage.
1.5KE15A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE15A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE15A-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 1.5KE15A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE15A-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 1.5KE15A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE15A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
1.5KE15A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE15A-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 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE15A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE15A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE15A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE15A-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 1.5KE15A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE15A-E3/73?
All 1.5KE15A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE15A-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 1.5KE15A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE15A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE15A-E3/73 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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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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