Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE16-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE16-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE16-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.9VWM 23.5VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,233
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE16-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 16 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 15.2–16.8 V at 1 mA), 13.6 V maximum working peak reverse voltage (VWM), 22.5 V clamping voltage (VC) at 66.7 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE16-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE16-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE16-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE16-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified clamping performance, RoHS-compliant commercial-grade packaging, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix variants), and direct integration into 100–200 V DC bus protection circuits without derating concerns below 125 °C ambient.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds its VBR threshold, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction within <1 ns, diverting surge current away from downstream components. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 µA at VWM) and repeatable breakdown behavior across temperature (-55 to +175 °C).
The device complies with JEDEC standard test conditions (10/1000 µs waveform, 0.01% duty cycle), supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), and exhibits low incremental surge resistance - enabling effective suppression of lightning-induced transients (per R.E.A. P.E. 60) and inductive switching spikes in motor drives and power converters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 15.2 V / 16.8 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation window for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 13.6 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.5 V at 66.7 A - clamping voltage during full 1500 W transient, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform, suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 200 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), supporting high-energy inductive load switching |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature range enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, informs heatsinking requirements for sustained surge duty |
Pinout & Package
Package: Axial leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band; RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix); 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction or clamping | Connected to ground or low-side reference; forms shunt path during reverse transient |
| Cathode | Current exit point during clamping; marked with color band | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche initiates when cathode-to-anode voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV (line-earth) without external series impedance |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage - critical for MCU I/O and CAN bus protection |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and body electronics requiring zero-failure reliability |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability safety standards for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial DC Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECU power inputs against load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between VBAT and chassis ground, clamping >200 V spikes within 1 ns. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by LDO regulators and microcontrollers to ≤22.5 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge gate drivers and current sense amplifiers from flyback voltage spikes during PWM switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor supply terminals to clamp inductive kickback before it propagates to control logic. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W energy bursts without degradation, enabling robust operation in 24 V/48 V industrial motor systems. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC input side of isolated DC/DC converter, upstream of secondary-side protection. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 µs surges up to 66.7 A while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 13.6 V - preserving standby power integrity. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on AC/DC adapter secondary outputs (e.g., 12 V, 19 V) feeding mainboard logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamping device after bulk capacitance, suppressing residual ringing and ESD events. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 (±8 kV contact) and IEC 61000-4-4 (±2 kV EFT) without additional filtering components. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16A | DO-214AA package (SMB), lower PPPM (600 W), same VBR range (15.2–16.8 V), higher VC (26.0 V) | Surface-mount only; suited for space-constrained PCBs but requires layout adaptation and reduced surge margin | Select SMBJ16A only when board real estate is limited and surge energy remains ≤600 W; verify thermal relief for repeated events. |
| 1.5KE16CA | Bidirectional variant (same VBR, VC, PPPM); symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines | Required for differential data lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) where polarity reversal occurs; not usable on DC rails with defined ground reference | Choose 1.5KE16CA only for bidirectional signal protection; unidirectional 1.5KE16-E3/73 remains optimal for grounded DC power rails. |
Compared with SMBJ16A, 1.5KE16-E3/73 provides 2.5× higher surge power headroom and lower clamping voltage, making it preferable for high-energy industrial transients; versus 1.5KE16CA, it offers superior DC rail protection due to asymmetric conduction and tighter leakage control at VWM.
Availability
1.5KE16-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power conditioning, industrial motor drive inputs, telecom line interface protection, and consumer appliance power supply inputs requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE16-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 diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and AEC-Q qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising cost or footprint.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE16-E3/73?
The 1.5KE16-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 15.2 V to 16.8 V at 1 mA test current, representing a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 16 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes from -55 °C to +175 °C, critical for predictable protection in safety-critical power rails.
Is the 1.5KE16-E3/73 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE16-E3/73 carries the E3 suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7(c)-I. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability standards and pass JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, confirming suitability for lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes in commercial-grade manufacturing.
Can the 1.5KE16-E3/73 be used in automotive applications?
The 1.5KE16-E3/73 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the functionally identical 1.5KE16AHE3_B (HE3 suffix) is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. For under-hood or ECU applications requiring qualification, specify the HE3 variant - the 1.5KE16-E3/73 remains valid for non-automotive industrial and telecom designs where qualification is not mandated.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE16-E3/73 during a surge event?
The 1.5KE16-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 22.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 66.7 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This VC value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, ensuring downstream components like 3.3 V or 5 V logic ICs experience no more than 22.5 V stress - well below typical absolute maximum ratings of 30–40 V for most interface ICs.
How does the 1.5KE16-E3/73 compare to MOV-based protection?
Unlike metal-oxide varistors (MOVs), the 1.5KE16-E3/73 offers precise, repeatable clamping with sub-nanosecond response, no degradation after repeated surges, and negligible capacitance (<100 pF). MOVs exhibit voltage drift and wear-out; the 1.5KE16-E3/73 maintains stable VBR and leakage over 100,000+ surge events, making it preferred for protecting high-speed digital interfaces and precision analog circuits where MOV parasitics cause signal integrity issues.
1.5KE16-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.9V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 63.8A
- 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
1.5KE16-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE16-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE16-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 1.5KE16-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE16-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 1.5KE16-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE16-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE16-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE16-E3/73?
1.5KE16-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE16-E3/73 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 1.5KE16-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE16-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE16-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE16-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE16-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 1.5KE16-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE16-E3/73?
All 1.5KE16-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE16-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 1.5KE16-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE16-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE16-E3/73 Tags

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