Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE160C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE160C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE160C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 130VWM 230VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,272
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE160C-E3/73 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), 136 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 219 V clamping voltage at 6.8 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and telecom line protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE160C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE160C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE160C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE160C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-standard 1.5KE package details, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct alternative part comparisons for ESD and lightning transient design validation.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance to clamp fast transients induced by inductive switching or lightning surges. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without external polarity management.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it supports high-reliability applications with 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and complies with JESD22-B106 solder dip (275 °C, 10 s). The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 152 V / 168 V - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within defined tolerance band under 1 mA test current |
| VWM | 136 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 219 V - clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, limiting downstream component stress |
| IPPM | 6.8 A - peak pulse current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform, defining surge energy handling |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power dissipation, enabling protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating supporting under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance indicating required heatsinking for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC-standard Case Style 1.5KE - molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, 0.042" (1.07 mm) lead diameter.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode | Bidirectional terminal pair | No polarity marking; symmetric conduction in both directions - connects across protected line and ground without orientation dependency |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV (line-earth) in properly designed circuits |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage damage - critical for MOSFET gate and MCU I/O protection |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high-current surges, reducing stress on downstream components |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance and environmental compliance for commercial-grade deployment |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground to clamp ±100 V transients within <1 ns. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and precision ADCs exposed to vehicle electrical noise. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS absorbing repetitive 1 kV/42 Ω surges per IEC 61000-4-4, placed upstream of optocoupler input. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and extends service life of isolation barriers in factory automation systems. |
| Telecom Line Protection | AC-DC Power Supply Secondary Side |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers against lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device connected line-to-line and line-to-ground in hybrid transformer interface circuits. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity while meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge requirements without adding series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing secondary-side flyback spikes and cross-talk transients in offline SMPS outputs feeding sensitive loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across +VOUT and GND to clamp overshoot exceeding 136 V standoff rating. Use Value: Prevents overvoltage shutdown or capacitor degradation in 12 V/24 V regulated outputs under dynamic load changes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | DO-214AA package (smaller footprint), 1500 W rating, VBR = 178–197 V, VC = 259 V @ 5.8 A | Higher clamping voltage and lower IPPM; suited for space-constrained PCBs where thermal mass is limited | Select SMBJ160CA when board area is constrained and 259 V clamping is acceptable for downstream voltage margin |
| SMCJ160CA | DO-214AB package, 1500 W rating, VBR = 178–197 V, VC = 259 V @ 5.8 A, RθJA = 35 °C/W | Lower thermal resistance enables higher duty-cycle operation; larger footprint than 1.5KE but smaller than axial leaded alternatives | Choose SMCJ160CA for improved thermal performance in high-ambient-temperature industrial enclosures |
Compared with 1.5KE160C-E3/73, SMBJ160CA trades lower mounting height for higher clamping voltage, while SMCJ160CA offers superior thermal dissipation in compact surface-mount form - neither is pin-compatible, but all three deliver 1500 W surge protection at ~160 V standoff.
Availability
1.5KE160C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O conditioning, and telecom line safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE160C-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 for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated - including engine control units, factory automation, and infrastructure communications equipment.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KE160C-E3/73?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 152 V to 168 V at 1 mA test current, measured per JEDEC standard. This tolerance band ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable design margining against overvoltage events in 136 V nominal systems.
Is the 1.5KE160C-E3/73 unidirectional or bidirectional?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/73 is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "C" suffix. It provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity marking on the package - ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, and floating ground systems where voltage reversal occurs.
What does the "E3/73" suffix mean in 1.5KE160C-E3/73?
The "E3" denotes RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/73" specifies packaging in 73 mm tape-and-reel format (1400 pcs per reel). This configuration ensures compatibility with automated SMT placement and meets environmental and reliability requirements for commercial-grade deployments.
Can the 1.5KE160C-E3/73 replace a unidirectional 1.5KE160A-E3/73 in circuit design?
No - the 1.5KE160C-E3/73 is bidirectional and lacks cathode marking, while the 1.5KE160A-E3/73 is unidirectional with polarity-dependent clamping. Substitution requires verifying system-level polarity constraints, grounding topology, and transient directionality; direct replacement may compromise protection in DC-biased rails.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE160C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE160C-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 219 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM = 6.8 A) using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and must be validated against downstream component absolute maximum ratings.
1.5KE160C-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):
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE160C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 1.5KE160C-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE160C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE160C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE160C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE160C-E3/73?
All 1.5KE160C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE160C-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 1.5KE160C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE160C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE160C-E3/73 Tags

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