Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE160CA
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE160CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS 1500W 160V 5% BIDIR DO-201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,631
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE160CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, with 160V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR min 144V, max 176V), 130V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 230V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 6.8A peak impulse current, and <1μA leakage above 10V - designed for automotive-grade ESD and load-dump protection in power supply rails and interface lines.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE160CA datasheet, 1.5KE160CA pinout, 1.5KE160CA application, or 1.5KE160CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b compliance, DO-201 mechanical data, and real-world design guidance for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE160CA is a bipolar (bidirectional) TVS diode optimized for unidirectional and bidirectional surge immunity without polarity dependency. It exhibits low dynamic impedance and sub-nanosecond response time (<1ps from 0V to VBR), enabling effective clamping of fast transients such as EFT and ISO 7637-2 pulses.
Its 1500W peak pulse power rating (10/1000μs waveform), 175°C maximum junction temperature, and DO-201 package with pure tin-plated leads support robust operation in automotive and industrial power systems where thermal cycling and mechanical reliability are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 130 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC/AC rail margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 144 V / 176 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1mA test current; ensures predictable clamping onset. |
| VC @ IPP | 230 V at 6.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports high-energy transients like load dump. |
| ID @ VWM | <1 μA - Ultra-low leakage at rated stand-off voltage; minimizes standby power loss and signal distortion. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronic components per stress test requirements. |
Pinout & Package
DO-201 axial-leaded package with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; 1.5KE160CA is bidirectional and marked per standard DO-201 polarity convention (no cathode band required). Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (reverse bias) | Accepts surge energy during positive transients relative to cathode side; symmetric in bidirectional operation. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (forward bias) | Accepts surge energy during negative transients; functionally identical to anode in 1.5KE160CA due to bidirectional symmetry. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Provides symmetrical transient suppression on AC lines or floating buses without polarity constraints. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated against Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (battery line transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (switching noise). |
| Fast response time | <1 ps (0V to VBR) ensures clamping initiates before sensitive downstream ICs experience overvoltage stress. |
| Halogen-free construction | Meets IEC 61249-2-21; supports RoHS-compliant manufacturing and end-of-life recycling requirements. |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables tighter clamping voltage control under high di/dt surges, reducing voltage overshoot across protected nodes. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump transients (up to 120V, 400ms) on 12V battery-fed ECUs in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of LDOs and microcontrollers to limit input voltage excursion. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5V/3.3V logic by holding rail voltage ≤230V during 1500W surge events. | Use Scenario: Shields 4–20mA current-loop transmitters from EFT bursts in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt element across signal pair to divert ±2kV/5kHz EFT energy away from precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Maintains analog accuracy by limiting differential-mode transient voltage to ≤230V while adding <0.5pF capacitance at signal frequency. |
| LED Driver Output Protection | DC-DC Converter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Guards constant-current LED drivers against inductive kickback when driving solenoid-based dimming circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across driver output to clamp flyback spikes before they reach MOSFET drain or controller feedback node. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubbers by absorbing 1500W spikes with 230V clamping, extending MOSFET lifetime and reducing BOM count. | Use Scenario: Protects buck converter input capacitors and high-side FETs from ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (−150V, 40ms) induced by alternator disconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense on VIN rail, clamping transients before they propagate into switching regulator IC and gate drivers. Use Value: Enables reliable start-up after load dump by maintaining input voltage within 130–230V window, avoiding UVLO lockout or overvoltage shutdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | 600W rating (vs. 1500W), DO-214AA package, lower VC (259V @ 5.8A), same VWM/VBR range | Not suitable for load-dump duty cycles; limited to ESD/EFT in space-constrained PCBs | Select SMBJ160CA only if peak power demand is ≤600W and board area is constrained. |
| 1.5SMC160CA | Same 1500W rating and VBR/VWM specs, but SMC (DO-214AB) package with higher thermal mass and surface-mount footprint | Requires rework of through-hole layout; better thermal performance in high-repetition surge scenarios | Choose 1.5SMC160CA when automated assembly, thermal cycling endurance, or higher IPC ratings are prioritized over axial lead compatibility. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5SMC160CA, the 1.5KE160CA uniquely combines 1500W surge capacity, DO-201 axial form factor, AEC-Q101 qualification, and ISO 7637-2 validation - making it the preferred choice for legacy automotive harness interfaces and industrial through-hole power modules requiring proven field reliability.
Availability
1.5KE160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial power supplies, LED lighting systems, and sensor interface designs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE160CA 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 with global distribution and AEC-Q101 certification capabilities.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing rugged packaging, repeatable clamping performance, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 and AEC-Q101 stress tests.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE160CA under a 10/1000μs surge?
The 1.5KE160CA clamps to a maximum of 230 V when subjected to a 10/1000μs waveform at 6.8 A peak impulse current (IPP), as specified in the Electrical Specifications table. This value is measured at TA = 25°C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The 1.5KE160CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range up to +175°C junction temperature.
Is the 1.5KE160CA unidirectional or bidirectional?
The 1.5KE160CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix per the 1.5KE series naming convention. It provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, making it suitable for AC-coupled lines, floating buses, and differential signal pairs. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5KE160A), the 1.5KE160CA does not feature a cathode band marking and functions identically in either orientation.
Does the 1.5KE160CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification standards?
Yes, the 1.5KE160CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the FEATURES section of the official Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet (Version O2104). This qualification confirms successful completion of stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and mechanical shock - validating its suitability for automotive electronic control units and under-hood applications.
What is the maximum leakage current of the 1.5KE160CA at its working stand-off voltage?
The 1.5KE160CA exhibits a maximum blocking leakage current (ID) of less than 1 μA at its 130 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), as confirmed in the Electrical Specifications table. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems and prevents signal degradation in high-impedance sensing paths. The specification holds across the full operating temperature range from −55°C to +175°C.
Which international standards does the 1.5KE160CA comply with for automotive transient immunity?
The 1.5KE160CA meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (battery line transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (switching noise), as documented in the FEATURES section. These compliance statements are based on direct testing per the standard's waveform definitions and amplitude limits, confirming the 1.5KE160CA's ability to protect downstream electronics against real-world automotive electrical disturbances.
1.5KE160CA 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
1.5KE160CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE160CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE160CA 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 1.5KE160CA reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE160CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE160CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE160CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE160CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE160CA?
1.5KE160CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE160CA 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 1.5KE160CA?
For technical support, including 1.5KE160CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE160CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE160CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE160CA 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 1.5KE160CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE160CA?
All 1.5KE160CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE160CA, 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 1.5KE160CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE160CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE160CA Tags

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