Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE15C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE15C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE15C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.1VWM 22VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5KE15C-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 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 14.3–15.8 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps to ≤21.2 V at 70.8 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE15C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE15C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE15C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE15C-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified bidirectional transient suppression with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - critical for high-reliability board-level ESD and lightning surge protection.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast-response (<1 ns) clamping of bidirectional transients. Its unmarked body indicates bidirectional polarity, and it exhibits low incremental surge resistance and excellent clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.41 at rated IPPM).
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it supports repetitive surge events at ≤0.01% duty cycle and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Thermal resistance is 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling effective heat dissipation through PCB copper pours or lead-frame conduction.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 14.3–15.8 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional surges |
| Stand-off Voltage VWM | 12.8 V maximum - ensures no conduction during normal 12 V system operation |
| Clamping Voltage VC | ≤21.2 V at 70.8 A (10/1000 µs) - limits downstream IC stress to safe levels during surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power PPPM | 1500 W - sustains single 1 ms transients common in ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 testing |
| Leakage Current ID | ≤1.0 µA at VWM - prevents signal integrity degradation or battery drain in always-on circuits |
| Operating Temperature | -55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without derating |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE (DO-201AD) - industry-standard axial-leaded package with 0.375" lead length for manual or wave soldering |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE15C-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD package (Case Style 1.5KE) with no polarity marking - confirming its bidirectional function. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and rated for 275 °C dip soldering (10 s max).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - enables symmetrical clamping without orientation constraints |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path to PCB copper or heatsink | Thermal resistance RθJL = 15.4 °C/W allows direct conduction cooling via PCB traces or chassis mounting |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity when properly laid out with low-inductance paths |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Provides flame-retardant mechanical protection and dielectric isolation for high-voltage transient containment |
| JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Eliminates tin whisker risk in long-life industrial and automotive applications without conformal coating |
| RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and China RoHS II - no exemptions required for Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr⁶⁺, PBB, PBDE |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across differential signal pair or supply rail to limit transient overvoltage before it reaches sensitive front-end circuitry. Use Value: Clamps 12 V line surges to ≤21.2 V within <1 ns, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in automotive-grade MCUs and analog front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced transients and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector mounted directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before entering optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input stages. Use Value: Maintains 12.8 V stand-off while clamping 1 kV/0.5 A surges to 21.2 V - preserving signal integrity and enabling >100,000 surge cycles per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in outdoor telecom equipment from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS stage in multi-stage protection network, working with GDTs and series impedance to manage energy division. Use Value: Fast 1 ns response captures initial surge edge; 1500 W rating handles residual energy after upstream gas discharge tube crowbarring. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller-based motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF) clamp across motor terminals or H-bridge supply rails to prevent voltage reversal and back-EMF damage. Use Value: Limits flyback voltage to 21.2 V during 70.8 A turn-off events - protecting MOSFETs rated for 30 V VDS and reducing need for oversized snubbers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | DO-214AA (SMB) package; lower 600 W PPPM; 15.6 V VC at 38.8 A | Higher board density but reduced surge handling - suitable only for lighter-duty IEC 61000-4-2 ESD or low-energy transients | Select SMBJ15CA only if space-constrained layouts preclude axial DO-201AD and surge requirements stay below 600 W. |
| 1.5SMC15CA | DO-214AB (SMC) package; same 1500 W rating; 21.2 V VC at 70.8 A; slightly higher VBR (14.3–16.0 V) | Surface-mount alternative with identical clamping performance but requires reflow-compatible layout and thermal pad design | Choose 1.5SMC15CA for automated SMT production where axial leaded assembly is impractical, provided thermal vias support RθJA ≤ 40 °C/W. |
Compared with 1.5KE15C-E3/73, SMBJ15CA trades surge robustness for compactness, while 1.5SMC15CA matches peak power but demands SMT process control - making 1.5KE15C-E3/73 optimal for through-hole reliability-critical designs with proven thermal conduction paths.
Availability
1.5KE15C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE15C-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, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing rugged packaging, tight VBR tolerances, and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
The 1.5KE15C-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 14.3 V to 15.8 V at a test current of 1.0 mA, measured per JEDEC standard. This specification is confirmed in Vishay's official datasheet document 88301, revision 09-Aug-2022, Table on page 2. The narrow 10% tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots of the 1.5KE15C-E3/73.
Is 1.5KE15C-E3/73 unidirectional or bidirectional?
The "C" suffix in 1.5KE15C-E3/73 explicitly denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning it functions identically for positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5KE15A), the 1.5KE15C-E3/73 has no color band marking and is intended for AC-coupled or differential signal protection where polarity reversal occurs.
What does the "E3/73" suffix mean in 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/73" denotes tape-and-reel packaging: 750 pieces per 13-inch reel (standard for DO-201AD devices). This packaging format is confirmed in Vishay's Ordering Information table on page 3 of document 88301 for the 1.5KE15C-E3/73.
Can 1.5KE15C-E3/73 be used in automotive applications?
Yes - while the base 1.5KE15C-E3/73 is commercial grade, it meets key automotive requirements including -55 °C to +175 °C operating temperature, UL 94 V-0 flammability, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. For AEC-Q101 qualification, Vishay offers the HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE15CHE3_B); however, the 1.5KE15C-E3/73 remains widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment interfaces.
What is the clamping voltage of 1.5KE15C-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
At its rated peak pulse current of 70.8 A (10/1000 µs waveform), the 1.5KE15C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of Vishay document 88301 and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge conditions - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream IC survival.
1.5KE15C-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):
- 12.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.5V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 68.2A
- 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
1.5KE15C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE15C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE15C-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 1.5KE15C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE15C-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 1.5KE15C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE15C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
1.5KE15C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE15C-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 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE15C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE15C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE15C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE15C-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 1.5KE15C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE15C-E3/73?
All 1.5KE15C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE15C-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 1.5KE15C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE15C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE15C-E3/73 Tags

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