Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE18A
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS 1500W 18V 5% UNIDIR DO-201
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,054
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with a nominal breakdown voltage of 18 V, minimum VBR of 17.1 V at 1 mA test current, maximum clamping voltage of 25.5 V at 60 A peak impulse current, and DO-201 axial package. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18A datasheet, 1.5KE18A pinout, 1.5KE18A application, or 1.5KE18A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, mechanical package details, real-world protection use cases, and validated alternative parts for ESD and inductive switching surge suppression.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE18A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 17.1–18.9 V breakdown range. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid clamping response-typically under 1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR-and it sustains 1500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform.
It features a working stand-off voltage of 15.3 V, blocking leakage current <1 μA at that voltage, and clamps to ≤25.5 V at 60 A IPP. Junction temperature range is –55 °C to +175 °C, supporting under-hood automotive environments without derating up to 75 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 17.1–18.9 V - Ensures reliable turn-on before system-level overvoltage damages downstream ICs |
| VWM | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; sets safe margin below VBR for stable DC rail protection |
| VC @ IPP = 60 A | ≤25.5 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case stress on protected load |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports high-energy transients like load dump or inductive kick |
| IPP max | 60 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current; determines minimum PCB trace width and fuse coordination |
| Junction Temp Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - Enables deployment in engine control units, motor drivers, and other high-temp industrial locations |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201 axial leaded case with cathode band marking; RoHS-compliant, halogen-free molding compound; pure tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈ 0.090 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to ground or low-side return path in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V battery rail); conducts avalanche current during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
| 1500 W surge rating (10/1000 μs) | Withstands high-energy transients common in 12 V vehicle systems without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤25.5 V at 60 A | Keeps protected ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) within absolute maximum ratings during surge events |
| Leakage current <1 μA @ 15.3 V | Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-power sensor circuits |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance (Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b) | Meets OEM-level electromagnetic compatibility requirements for automotive electronics |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Motor Drive Input Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery line in engine control unit exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor to clamp transients before they reach PMIC and MCU. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤25.5 V during 100 V/40 ms load dump, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream silicon. |
Use Scenario: DC bus input of 3-phase inverter driving HVAC blower motor in commercial HVAC system. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression device across main DC input terminals, coordinated with MOV and ceramic capacitors. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W inductive kick energy from contactor opening, eliminating need for oversized bulk capacitance or active crowbar circuits. |
| LED Lighting Driver Input | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver board powered from 24 V industrial supply subject to EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on input stage, upstream of buck controller and gate driver ICs. Use Value: Suppresses 5 kV EFT pulses (IEC 61000-4-4) with sub-nanosecond response, preserving driver IC lifetime and light-output stability. |
Use Scenario: 24 V digital input channel of programmable logic controller interfacing with field sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element parallel to optocoupler input, shunting fast transients before isolation barrier. Use Value: Prevents false triggering and optocoupler degradation by limiting transient voltage to <26 V, maintaining signal integrity over 10+ year service life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ18A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower PPK = 400 W; VC = 29.2 V @ 13.7 A | Not suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump); limited to lower-energy ESD/EFT scenarios | Select only where surge energy is <400 W and layout space constraints favor surface-mount |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC18A | DO-214AB (SMC) package; identical 1500 W rating; VC = 27.7 V @ 54.3 A; slightly higher clamping | Compatible with same PCB footprint as 1.5KE18A in through-hole adapter designs; meets AEC-Q101 Grade 0 | Preferred for new designs requiring automotive qualification and SMC mechanical robustness |
Compared with 1.5KE18A, SMAJ18A trades surge capacity for compactness and cost, while 1.5SMC18A offers equivalent protection in a more rugged surface-mount package-enabling drop-in replacement in adapter boards but requiring rework for direct through-hole substitution.
Availability
1.5KE18A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial motor drive inputs, LED lighting driver inputs, and PLC digital input protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE18A 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment applications-including automotive subsystems and industrial controls-balancing surge robustness, thermal stability, and JEDEC-standard packaging.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the 1.5KE18A?
The 1.5KE18A is a unidirectional TVS diode with marked cathode band. It conducts only during reverse overvoltage events and blocks forward current like a standard rectifier diode. This configuration is used for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed, such as 12 V battery lines. The 1.5KE18A does not conduct in both directions-bidirectional variants use "CA" suffixes (e.g., 1.5KE18CA).
Does the 1.5KE18A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base 1.5KE18A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, TSC offers AEC-Q101-compliant versions under ordering codes such as 1.5KE18AH and 1.5KE18AHA0G. These variants undergo full stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D, including HTGB, H3TRB, and ESD. Always verify the full part number suffix when selecting for automotive applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE18A at rated surge current?
The 1.5KE18A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 60 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variations per TSC's datasheet specifications and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Can the 1.5KE18A be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No-the 1.5KE18A is strictly unidirectional and unsuitable for AC or bidirectional signal lines. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus), TSC specifies separate parts with "CA" suffixes such as 1.5KE18CA, which exhibit symmetrical breakdown in both polarities. Using 1.5KE18A on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction and failure during normal signal swing.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for the 1.5KE18A in DO-201 package?
TSC does not publish RθJA for the 1.5KE18A in free-air conditions; instead, thermal performance is defined via derating curves. At 75 °C ambient, the 1.5KE18A maintains full 1500 W surge capability when mounted on a 16 mm × 16 mm copper pad. Above 75 °C, peak power must be linearly derated per Figure 2 in the official datasheet-no fixed RθJA value is specified or usable for calculation.
1.5KE18A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 60A
- 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:
- DO-201
1.5KE18A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18A 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 1.5KE18A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE18A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18A?
1.5KE18A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18A 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 1.5KE18A?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18A 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 1.5KE18A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18A?
All 1.5KE18A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18A, 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 1.5KE18A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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