Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,414
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18A-E3/54 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 17.1 V to 18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 25.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 59.5 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive power supply input stages and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18A-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE18A-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE18A-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE18A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-standard DO-201AD package details, polarity marking guidance, thermal derating behavior, and direct-fit alternatives for ESD and lightning surge protection design validation.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, triggering when transient voltage exceeds its VBR range and clamping to ≤25.2 V at 59.5 A. Its glass-passivated junction enables sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable performance across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature.
It complies with JEDEC standards for transient suppression, supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM), and exhibits 0.089 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR. The device is RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), commercial-grade, and rated for 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at IT = 1 mA - defines precise conduction onset threshold for reliable overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA; sets safe DC operating margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 59.5 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's peak stress level |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 200 A - 8.3 ms half-sine surge current rating; supports high-energy inductive switching transients |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; informs PCB copper area and heatsinking requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD (JEDEC standard), molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band; RoHS-compliant E3 suffix; 0.968 g unit weight; 13" paper tape and reel packaging (54 per reel).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; must be routed with low-inductance path to ground reference |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit point during reverse-biased clamping | Connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., +12 V); clamps transients to ground via low-impedance return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides single-event surge immunity exceeding IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV open-circuit / 2 kA short-circuit test levels |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) experience damaging overvoltage |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., EFT bursts), improving clamping precision |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | Enables drop-in qualification path for automotive applications using HE3 suffix versions (not applicable to E3/54) |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp on main power rail; activates within <1 ns to limit voltage to ≤25.2 V during 100–400 V transients. Use Value: Prevents permanent damage to voltage regulators and MCU power domains without requiring active control or timing coordination. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop sensors in factory automation subject to cable-induced ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable unidirectional TVS placed across signal and return lines; clamps common-mode surges up to ±1500 W. Use Value: Maintains analog accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset shift and avoids latch-up in op-amp front-ends. |
| Telecom DC Power Feeds | Consumer Power Adapter Output Stage |
Use Scenario: -48 V telecom rectifier outputs subjected to lightning-induced surges on long building-entry cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-rail; clamps positive-going surges while blocking normal negative bias. Use Value: Enables compliance with GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge immunity without adding series impedance or affecting regulation stability. |
Use Scenario: USB-C PD adapter secondary-side 20 V output lines vulnerable to hot-plug transients and capacitive coupling noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on output rail; triggered only during fault events, remaining invisible during steady-state operation. Use Value: Eliminates need for post-regulator LC filtering by absorbing >95 % of 10/1000 µs energy before it reaches connected devices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | DO-214AA package; 1500 W rating; VBR = 20.0–22.2 V; VC = 29.2 V @ 51.7 A; lower RθJA (50 °C/W) | Better thermal performance in space-constrained layouts; slightly higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 18 V systems | Select SMBJ18A when board real estate is limited and thermal management favors SMT; verify VC compatibility with downstream IC abs max ratings |
| 1.5KE18CA | Bidirectional variant; same VBR/VC specs but symmetric clamping; no polarity marking; requires no ground reference for AC-coupled lines | Required for differential signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where both polarities of surge must be suppressed | Choose 1.5KE18CA only when protecting bidirectional or AC signals; not interchangeable with 1.5KE18A-E3/54 due to polarity and circuit topology |
Compared with 1.5KE18A-E3/54, SMBJ18A offers superior thermal efficiency in surface-mount designs but raises clamping voltage by 4 V, while 1.5KE18CA provides symmetrical protection essential for communication buses but cannot replace unidirectional rail protection without redesigning grounding strategy.
Availability
1.5KE18A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom DC feeds, and consumer power adapter output protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for 1.5KE18A-E3/54 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, power handling, 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 demand proven surge resilience and long-term parametric stability.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE18A-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V measured at 1 mA test current (IT). This specification is confirmed in Vishay's official datasheet document 88301, revision 09-Aug-2022, Table on page 2. The 1.5KE18A-E3/54 uses tight-tolerance process control to ensure consistent triggering behavior across production lots.
Is 1.5KE18A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
The 1.5KE18A-E3/54 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the 1.5KE18AHE3_B variant (same electrical specs, HE3 suffix) which is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, 1.5KE18A-E3/54 remains viable - but always validate against ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 test profiles using the actual 1.5KE18A-E3/54 sample.
How does the clamping voltage of 1.5KE18A-E3/54 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The 1.5KE18A-E3/54 clamps to 25.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 59.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform), which is approximately 33 % above its minimum breakdown voltage of 17.1 V. This VC–VBR margin ensures sufficient headroom for downstream ICs rated to 28 V absolute maximum, while maintaining effective suppression of transients exceeding 18.9 V.
What is the meaning of the "-E3/54" suffix in 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/54" indicates packaging: 54 units per reel in 13-inch diameter paper tape. This ordering code is explicitly defined in the "Ordering Information" section of Vishay document 88301, page 3.
Can 1.5KE18A-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Yes - multiple 1.5KE18A-E3/54 devices can be paralleled to distribute surge current, but only if matched for VBR (within ±1 %) and mounted with identical thermal paths. Mismatched units may cause current hogging and premature failure. Vishay confirms this practice in Application Notes section (page 5), noting that parallel configurations require careful layout to balance dynamic impedance and thermal coupling.
1.5KE18A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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:
- 25.2V
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18A-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18A-E3/54 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-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
1.5KE18A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18A-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18A-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
All 1.5KE18A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18A-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18A-E3/54 Tags

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