Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE160CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE160CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE160CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 136VWM 219VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 160 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 152–168 V), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 219 V at 6.8 A, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes in industrial and automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection design validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for sub-nanosecond response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating circuits without polarity constraints.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform per R.E.A., with clamping voltage tightly controlled at 219 V (max) at rated IPPM = 6.8 A. Thermal resistance is specified as RθJL = 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation up to TJ = 175 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 152 V / 168 V - Ensures reliable conduction onset above normal operating voltage while avoiding false triggering. |
| VWM | 136 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VC @ IPPM | 219 V - Clamping voltage at 6.8 A peak pulse current; determines maximum stress imposed on protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability under 10/1000 µs transient; critical for lightning and inductive load suppression. |
| IPPM | 6.8 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to VC; used to size series impedance and verify protection margin. |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - Wide junction temperature range supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.375" lead length; compatible with legacy PCB layouts. |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 is housed in a DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial-leaded package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional construction. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and qualified to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - enables placement in AC or floating nodes without orientation check. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress without parameter drift. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment and automotive ECUs. |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients within <1 ns - faster than MOVs or GDTs - preserving integrity of high-speed digital and analog signals. |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability; suitable for commercial and industrial production. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, reducing risk of downstream component failure. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting gate drivers and microcontroller I/O from inductive kickback during relay or solenoid switching in PLCs and CNC controllers. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across DC bus or signal lines upstream of sensitive logic. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤219 V during 6.8 A surges, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and sensor inputs (e.g., ambient temperature, door position) against battery dump and load dump events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on power rails and communication lines in BCM subassemblies. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W pulses while maintaining VWM = 136 V - sufficient margin above 12 V nominal and 14 V alternator regulation. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered Ethernet switch ports and DSL line cards from induced lightning surges on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage surge suppressor on primary side of isolated DC/DC converters feeding PHY ICs. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to 219 V before secondary-side TVS or crowbar circuits engage - extends system-level surge withstand capability. |
Use Scenario: Securing microcontroller reset lines and front-panel button inputs in washing machines and HVAC controllers exposed to ESD and relay noise. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance, high-power transient absorber on low-speed control signals with minimal signal distortion. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry eliminates layout polarity concerns during manual assembly; RoHS/E3 compliance meets global consumer safety standards. |
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 | DO-214AA (SMB) surface-mount package; same 160 V VBR, but lower PPPM = 600 W and higher VC = 259 V at 2.3 A. | Designed for space-constrained PCBs; unsuitable for 1500 W surge events requiring 1.5KE-level energy absorption. | Select SMBJ160CA only when board area is critical and surge threat level is ≤600 W (e.g., secondary-side protection). |
| 1.5SMC160CA | DO-214AB (SMC) package; identical 152–168 V VBR and 1500 W rating, but VC = 259 V at 5.8 A - 40 V higher clamping than 1.5KE160CA-E3/54. | Higher clamping voltage reduces protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic; better suited for 24 V+ systems where 259 V is acceptable. | Choose 1.5SMC160CA if SMC footprint is preferred and system can tolerate higher clamping; otherwise, 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 provides superior voltage limiting. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5SMC160CA, the 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 delivers the lowest clamping voltage (219 V) at full 1500 W rating in a proven through-hole package - making it optimal for high-reliability primary-side surge protection where voltage margin and mechanical robustness are prioritized.
Availability
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power feeds, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 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, ruggedness, and industry-standard qualification.
The 1.5KE family was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 152 V to 168 V at test current IT = 1.0 mA. This VBR window ensures predictable turn-on behavior while providing adequate margin above its 136 V stand-off voltage (VWM) - critical for avoiding false triggering during normal operation. The specification is validated per JEDEC standards and applies identically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 6(c)-IV. Its matte tin-plated leads meet JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements, and the molded epoxy case satisfies UL 94 V-0 flammability. No lead or other restricted substances exceed threshold limits defined in Annex II of the RoHS directive.
How does the clamping voltage of 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 compare to similar TVS diodes?
The 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 219 V at its rated peak pulse current of 6.8 A (10/1000 µs). This is significantly lower than alternatives like 1.5SMC160CA (259 V) and SMBJ160CA (259 V), giving it a tighter protection margin - especially valuable for safeguarding 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails downstream of the clamp. Lower VC directly reduces stress on protected ICs during surge events.
Can 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 be used in automotive applications?
While the base 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 is commercial-grade, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant 1.5KE160CAHE3_B for automotive use. The 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 itself is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment power supplies - provided system-level qualification confirms suitability for the specific environmental and reliability requirements.
What is the thermal resistance of 1.5KE160CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W, measured with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length. This value enables effective heat dissipation into the PCB copper or chassis during repetitive surge events. Its junction-to-ambient resistance (RθJA) is 75 °C/W - meaning sustained power dissipation must remain well below 6.5 W to avoid exceeding the 175 °C maximum junction temperature.
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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):
- 6.8A
- 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
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 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-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54?
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Once your 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE160CA-E3/54?
All 1.5KE160CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE160CA-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE160CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE160CA-E3/54 Tags

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