Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE180C-E3/73

Overview

1.5KE180C-E3/73 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 180 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 171–189 V), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 246 V at 6.1 A, 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 154 V, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C - deployed in automotive power supply rails and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE180C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE180C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE180C-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified bidirectional clamping performance with RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy packaging - critical for ESD and lightning transient hardening in safety-critical embedded systems.

Technical Context

This device implements an avalanche-based silicon junction structure optimized for sub-nanosecond response (<1 ns) to fast-rising transients. Its bidirectional configuration enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without external polarity management, eliminating need for series diode pairs in AC-coupled or floating lines.

Thermal design relies on low junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_θJL = 15.4 °C/W) and derating per Fig. 2 above 25 °C ambient, supporting sustained operation under repetitive surge conditions up to 0.01% duty cycle. The 1.5KE package provides mechanical robustness with solderability validated to J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

1.5KE180C-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) package. No polarity marking is present - terminals are functionally symmetric due to bidirectional construction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with 1.5KE180C-E3/73, SMBJ180CA offers smaller footprint but sacrifices 60% peak power handling and raises clamping voltage by 45 V, while 1.5SMC180CA retains full 1500 W rating but demands more PCB thermal relief due to higher R_θJA, making the original 1.5KE180C-E3/73 optimal for high-reliability through-hole surge protection where lead thermal conduction is critical.

Availability

1.5KE180C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor signal line hardening, telecom AC/DC adapter input staging, and renewable energy inverter DC bus safeguarding requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 1.5KE180C-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 specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and long-term stability under thermal and electrical stress.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE180C-E3/73?

The 1.5KE180C-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 171 V to 189 V at 1 mA test current, representing a ±5.5% tolerance about the nominal 180 V rating. This tight V_BR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports predictable system-level surge margin calculations in designs using the 1.5KE180C-E3/73.

Is the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 meets key automotive requirements: it operates from –55 °C to +175 °C, supports load dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a protection, and its RoHS-compliant matte tin leads pass JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing. While not AEC-Q101 qualified itself (only HE3 variants are), the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where commercial-grade robustness suffices - including body control modules and infotainment power supplies.

How does the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?

The 1.5KE180C-E3/73 clamps at 246 V when subjected to its full 6.1 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), which is 36% above its minimum breakdown voltage of 171 V. This 75 V differential (V_C – V_BR(min)) reflects the device's incremental surge resistance and defines the maximum overvoltage imposed on protected circuitry - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings during surge events involving the 1.5KE180C-E3/73.

Can the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 be used in bidirectional AC circuits?

Yes, the "C" suffix in 1.5KE180C-E3/73 explicitly denotes bidirectional functionality, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. This makes it ideal for AC-coupled data lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD), transformer-isolated power supplies, and any floating or differential signaling path where voltage reversals occur - unlike unidirectional variants such as 1.5KE180A-E3/73 which require correct cathode orientation.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 at rated standoff voltage?

At its maximum working voltage (V_WM) of 154 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C, the 1.5KE180C-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current of 1.0 µA. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance circuits - essential for battery-powered sensors and precision analog front-ends where even nanoamp-level currents impact accuracy or runtime, confirming the 1.5KE180C-E3/73's suitability for low-power, high-fidelity protection roles.