Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE160C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE160C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE160C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 130VWM 230VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,720
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE160C-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails 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 from −55 °C to +175 °C - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial motor drives and telecom power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE160C-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE160C-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE160C-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE160C-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, clamping performance under standardized transients, and direct alternatives with documented voltage and power differences.
Technical Context
This device is a glass-passivated, unidirectional/bidirectional silicon avalanche diode optimized for transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-5 and ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. Its bidirectional configuration enables symmetrical clamping on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, exhibits <1 ns response time, and maintains low incremental surge resistance - critical for limiting voltage overshoot during lightning-induced surges or inductive switching events in 48 V DC systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 152 V / 168 V - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within ±5% tolerance at 1 mA test current |
| VWM | 136 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 219 V - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit when subjected to full 6.8 A transient current |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge energy absorption capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform |
| IPPM | 6.8 A - maximum non-repetitive peak pulse current supported at rated clamping voltage |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - junction temperature limit enabling operation in high-ambient environments like automotive engine bays |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case rated UL 94 V-0, compatible with wave soldering |
Pinout & Package
JEDEC DO-201AD (1.5KE) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bidirectional types; lead length 9.5 mm; RoHS-compliant per JESD 201 Class 1A (E3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Bidirectional terminals conduct equally in both directions - no cathode band; interchangeable in PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge cycles without parameter drift |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports EN 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity testing on 50 Ω source impedance |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.37 | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components compared to MOVs or polymer-based suppressors |
| Response time < 1 ns | Engages before most semiconductor failure mechanisms initiate - protects gate oxides and ESD-sensitive inputs |
| Operating TJ up to +175 °C | Validates use in under-hood automotive modules and industrial power converters without derating |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Telecom Power Supplies |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drivers and auxiliary power rails against switching transients from 400 V DC bus inverter stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across DC link input to clamp repetitive 1–2 kV spikes induced by fast dV/dt switching. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤219 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 650 V IGBTs and ensuring >100,000-cycle reliability. | Use Scenario: Surge protection on −48 V DC distribution lines feeding remote radio units in cellular base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS installed at line entry point to absorb lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining <1 µA leakage at 136 V to avoid system standby current penalties. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Industrial Sensor Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Input protection for LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins exposed to load dump and jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between LIN line and ground to shunt transients while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Clamps 100 V transients to 219 V within nanoseconds, meeting ISO 16750-2 pulse 5a requirements without adding capacitance. | Use Scenario: Protection of analog front-end inputs (e.g., 4–20 mA loops, RTD bridges) in PLC analog I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage TVS connected across differential sensor inputs to suppress EFT bursts and electrostatic discharge. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA reverse leakage at 136 V, avoiding measurement offset errors in 24-bit ADC systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ160CA | Same 160 V VBR, but 400 W PPPM (SMA package); lower clamping voltage (224 V @ 1.8 A) | Lower energy handling limits use to sub-1 kV transients; unsuitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 | Select when space-constrained layouts require SMD mounting and surge energy is ≤400 W |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC160CA | Same 160 V VBR, 1500 W PPPM, but SMC (DO-214AB) package; slightly higher VC (230 V @ 6.5 A) | SMD footprint eliminates axial lead routing; thermal resistance differs due to package geometry | Choose for automated assembly and where board real estate favors surface-mount over through-hole |
Compared with 1.5KE160C-E3/54, SMAJ160CA offers smaller size but only 27% of the surge energy rating, while 1.5SMC160CA matches power capability in an SMD form - making the latter a drop-in functional alternative for reflow-compatible designs requiring identical clamping robustness.
Availability
1.5KE160C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, automotive body control modules, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE160C-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 AEC-Q101 qualification.
The 1.5KE series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where long-term stability under repeated surge stress is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for the 1.5KE160C-E3/54?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 152 V to 168 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This tight ±5% tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage margin design in 136 V nominal systems.
Is the 1.5KE160C-E3/54 unidirectional or bidirectional?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/54 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor, indicated by the "C" suffix. It provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - no cathode marking, no polarity sensitivity - making it ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating power domains where voltage reversal may occur.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE160C-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 219 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 6.8 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC standard test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Does the 1.5KE160C-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base 1.5KE160C-E3/54 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the variant 1.5KE160CHE3_B (with HE3 suffix) which is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed in Document Number 88301, Note (2) - for automotive under-hood and body electronics applications.
What package type does the 1.5KE160C-E3/54 use, and is it RoHS compliant?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/54 uses the JEDEC DO-201AD (1.5KE) axial-leaded package with molded epoxy body and matte tin-plated leads. It is RoHS compliant per JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test, as indicated by the "E3" suffix and confirmed in Vishay Document 88301, Mechanical Data section.
1.5KE160C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 130V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 144V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 230V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 6.5A
- 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
1.5KE160C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE160C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE160C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE160C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE160C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE160C-E3/54?
All 1.5KE160C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE160C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE160C-E3/54 Tags

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