Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE160A
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE160A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE160A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 136VWM 219VC DO201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,648
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE160A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with a nominal breakdown voltage of 160 V, clamping voltage of 219 V at 7.1 A peak pulse current, and DO-201 package. It delivers fast response (<1.0 ps), low dynamic impedance, and meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b for automotive load-dump and EFT immunity in power rail protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE160A datasheet, 1.5KE160A pinout, 1.5KE160A application, or 1.5KE160A equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, mechanical package data, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative parts - all specific to the 1.5KE160A variant, not the broader 1.5KE series.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE160A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering at a minimum breakdown voltage of 152 V and maximum of 168 V under 1.0 mA test current. Its clamping action limits transient voltages to ≤219 V at 7.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform), with junction temperature rated from –55 °C to +175 °C.
It features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing. Polarity is marked by a cathode band; it is not bidirectional - no C or CA suffix - and does not support bipolar operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR Min / Max | 152 V / 168 V @ IT = 1.0 mA - defines reliable turn-on threshold range for overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 136 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; sets safe DC operating margin |
| VC @ IPP | 219 V @ 7.1 A (10/1000 µs) - peak clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during surge |
| PPK | 1500 W - single-pulse surge power handling capability per JEDEC standard waveform |
| IPP Max | 7.1 A - maximum non-repetitive peak impulse current the device can safely divert |
| Junction Temp Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-201 - axial-leaded, through-hole package with 0.090 g mass and standardized lead spacing |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201 - axial-leaded, molded plastic case with cathode band marking polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; forms current path during reverse-biased clamping |
| Cathode | High-side transient input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V battery rail); blocks VWM until VBR exceeded |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Surge rating | 1500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform - handles automotive load dump without failure |
| Clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.36 (219 V / 160 V) - tight voltage control preserves downstream IC tolerance margins |
| Leakage performance | <1 µA @ 136 V - negligible standby current in always-on systems like CAN bus nodes |
| Response speed | <1.0 ps rise time from 0 V to VBR - faster than most microsecond-scale transients, ensuring early clamping |
| Environmental compliance | AEC-Q101 qualified, RoHS-compliant, halogen-free (IEC 61249-2-21), UL 94V-0 - suitable for automotive production |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery line in engine control unit exposed to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC converter input to clamp surges above 136 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤219 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated input stages while maintaining <1 µA leakage at nominal 13.5 V operation. |
Use Scenario: 24 V digital input channel on programmable logic controller subjected to inductive kickback from solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector across input terminals, shunting energy before reaching optocoupler or MCU GPIO. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs transients to 219 V within <1 ps, preserving signal integrity and enabling robust 24 V industrial interface design. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Telecom Line Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver board powered from 160 V DC supply in outdoor signage, subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on high-side input, placed upstream of buck controller IC. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W pulses without degradation, holding output voltage below 219 V to protect MOSFET gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers. |
Use Scenario: Low-voltage telecom interface (e.g., RS-485 transceiver) connected to long external wiring in building automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on VCC rail, complementing primary gas discharge tube (GDT) protection. Use Value: Provides sub-nanosecond response to fast ESD/EFT events, clamping residual transients after GDT firing to protect 3.3 V or 5 V transceivers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ160A | Same DO-201 package, 1500 W rating, but VBR = 178–198 V (min/max), VC = 259 V @ 5.8 A - higher clamping voltage and lower IPP | Less effective clamping margin for 160 V nominal rails; requires revalidation of downstream voltage tolerance | Select only if system allows ≥259 V transient exposure and layout supports identical DO-201 footprint |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC160A | Same 160 V nominal, DO-214AB (SMA) package - surface-mount, smaller footprint, VC = 221 V @ 6.8 A - nearly identical clamping but different thermal profile | Requires PCB redesign (SMD vs. through-hole); better for space-constrained boards but lower thermal mass than DO-201 | Choose for automated assembly or compact designs; verify thermal derating in high-ambient environments |
Compared with 1.5KE160A, SMAJ160A offers higher VBR and looser clamping, while 1.5SMC160A matches clamping performance but shifts to SMD packaging - affecting thermal management, assembly process, and board layout compatibility.
Availability
1.5KE160A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, LED driver overvoltage clamping, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE160A 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and thyristors for automotive and industrial markets.
The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, ISO 7637-2 compliance, and robust DO-201 packaging for under-hood and factory-floor reliability.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE160A?
The 1.5KE160A has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 152 V to 168 V when tested at 1.0 mA (IT). This is confirmed in the Electrical Specifications table on page 3 of the Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet (Version O2104), where the row for "1N6300A 1.5KE160A" explicitly lists these values - distinct from the non-A variant (1.5KE160) which specifies 144–176 V.
Is 1.5KE160A bidirectional or unidirectional?
The 1.5KE160A is unidirectional. It carries no "C" or "CA" suffix, and its marking diagram (page 7) shows a cathode band - confirming polarity-sensitive operation. Bidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5KE160CA) are separate part numbers with symmetrical VBR in both directions; the 1.5KE160A is rated only for reverse-biased clamping.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE160A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5KE160A is 219 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPP) of 7.1 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Specifications table (page 3) and reflects worst-case clamping performance under JEDEC-defined surge conditions.
Does 1.5KE160A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes - the "A" suffix in 1.5KE160A denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, as stated in the FEATURES section (page 1) and confirmed in the ORDERING INFORMATION table (page 4), where "H" indicates AEC-Q101 and "A" is used interchangeably in TSC's 1.5KE nomenclature for qualified parts. The device is rated for automotive under-hood use up to +175 °C junction temperature.
What package type does 1.5KE160A use, and are leads lead-free?
The 1.5KE160A uses the DO-201 axial-leaded package, with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability requirements. It is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21 - confirming lead-free construction and environmental compliance without compromising solder joint reliability.
1.5KE160A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 136V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 152V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 219V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 7.1A
- 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:
- DO-201
1.5KE160A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE160A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE160A 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 1.5KE160A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE160A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE160A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE160A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE160A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE160A?
1.5KE160A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE160A 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 1.5KE160A?
For technical support, including 1.5KE160A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE160A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE160A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE160A 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 1.5KE160A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE160A?
All 1.5KE160A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE160A, 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 1.5KE160A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE160A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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