Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,072
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 17.1 V to 18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 59.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤25.2 V at rated surge. It is widely used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients and ESD in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE18A-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE18A-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE18A-E3/51 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-standard 1.5KE package details, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance curves, and direct alternatives with documented parameter differences - all specific to the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 unidirectional TVS configuration.
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. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 3.5 V max forward voltage at 100 A, per JEDEC 1N6277A specification.
The 1.5KE18A-E3/51 is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature, with thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead). It complies with JESD 22-B106 solder dip (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| IPPM | 59.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform) - peak surge current it safely clamps without failure |
| VC | ≤25.2 V at IPPM - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated transient |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized surge conditions |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in high-ambient environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance indicating required heatsinking for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 5.3 mm diameter × 9.5 mm length (0.210" × 0.375"), UL 94 V-0 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line; conducts during overvoltage to shunt surge current to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surges |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V–24 V systems |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive downstream components experience damaging overvoltage |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes let-through voltage stress on protected ICs or MOSFETs during clamping event |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade (E3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance for automated assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges above 15.3 V. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤25.2 V during 59.5 A surge, preventing damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA loops) and digital I/O of PLC modules from field-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point to divert fast transients before reaching op-amps or ADC inputs. Use Value: Sub-ns response ensures clamping occurs prior to propagation through PCB traces, preserving signal integrity. |
| DC Motor Drive Gate Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Shielding N-channel MOSFET gate drivers from inductive kickback when driving brushed DC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected between gate and source to clamp negative VGS spikes exceeding -15.3 V. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide breakdown by limiting reverse gate voltage to ≤25.2 V magnitude during turn-off events. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection on Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceiver lines exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS used in series with common-mode chokes to suppress differential-mode transients. Use Value: 1500 W rating supports compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.44 telecom surge immunity standards. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | DO-214AA package (smaller footprint), 1500 W rating, VBR = 20.0–22.2 V, VC = 29.2 V at 51.7 A | Higher clamping voltage and lower IPPM; suited for space-constrained PCBs where thermal mass is limited | Select SMBJ18A only if board layout requires surface-mount and thermal design accommodates higher VC. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Bidirectional variant (same VBR range), symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating lines | Required for protecting bidirectional data lines (e.g., RS-232, USB D+/D−) where both polarities must be suppressed | Choose 1.5KE18CA only when protecting signals referenced to neither rail - not a drop-in replacement for 1.5KE18A-E3/51. |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18CA, the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 offers lower clamping voltage (25.2 V vs. 29.2 V) and axial-leaded mechanical robustness ideal for high-energy, high-reliability power-line protection - making it preferred for industrial motor drives and automotive power distribution where lead strength and thermal mass matter.
Availability
1.5KE18A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, DC motor drive gate safeguarding, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE18A-E3/51 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and industry-standard qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against lightning, load dump, and ESD is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE18A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE18A-E3/51 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5.6% tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports predictable system-level overvoltage margining in designs using the 1.5KE18A-E3/51.
Is 1.5KE18A-E3/51 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7a. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and it passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing - confirming suitability for lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes in modern manufacturing of the 1.5KE18A-E3/51.
Can 1.5KE18A-E3/51 be used in bidirectional circuits?
No - the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 is strictly unidirectional, with cathode marked by a color band. For bidirectional protection, Vishay specifies the 1.5KE18CA variant. Using the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 in reverse-biased AC applications risks catastrophic failure due to lack of reverse avalanche capability; always verify polarity alignment before integrating the 1.5KE18A-E3/51 into any design.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE18A-E3/51 at its rated surge current?
The 1.5KE18A-E3/51 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated 59.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value - measured per JEDEC test conditions - defines the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during full-rated transient events, directly informing safe operating margins for downstream components in systems using the 1.5KE18A-E3/51.
How does thermal derating affect 1.5KE18A-E3/51's power handling above 25 °C?
Per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet, the 1.5KE18A-E3/51's peak pulse power (PPPM) derates linearly above 25 °C ambient: at 75 °C, it retains ~75% of rated 1500 W; at 125 °C, ~50%; and at 175 °C junction, pulse capability drops to zero. Designers must apply this curve when sizing heatsinking or estimating surge survivability in high-temperature enclosures housing the 1.5KE18A-E3/51.
1.5KE18A-E3/51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 59.5A
- 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
1.5KE18A-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18A-E3/51 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-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18A-E3/51 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-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18A-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18A-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18A-E3/51?
1.5KE18A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18A-E3/51 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-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18A-E3/51 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-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18A-E3/51?
All 1.5KE18A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18A-E3/51, 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-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18A-E3/51 Tags

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