Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18CA-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18CA-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18CA-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:126
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18CA-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), 17.1 V to 18.9 V breakdown voltage range at 1 mA test current, and clamps to ≤25.2 V at 59.5 A peak pulse current. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection where fast response (<1 ns) and robust surge handling are required.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-standardized package dimensions, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade sourcing details - all specific to the 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 variant.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical avalanche breakdown in both polarities, enabling direct placement across AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for consistent clamping under repetitive 10/1000 µs transients at 0.01% duty cycle.
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage of 25.2 V at 59.5 A IPPM, with a temperature coefficient of +0.089 %/°C for VBR, and supports operation from –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. Stand-off voltage is 15.3 V, reverse leakage is ≤1.0 µA at VWM, and it meets JESD22-B106 solderability requirements (275 °C, 10 s).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 µs) | 1500 W - sustains single high-energy surges common in automotive load-dump or lightning-induced transients |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold at which avalanche conduction begins bidirectionally |
| Clamping Voltage VC | ≤25.2 V at 59.5 A IPPM - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge, protecting 24 V logic and analog front-ends |
| Stand-off Voltage VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA, ensuring no false triggering |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment |
| Package Thermal Resistance | RθJL = 15.4 °C/W - allows direct lead-to-heatsink thermal path for sustained surge dissipation without PCB copper pour |
| Response Time | <1 ns - clamps transients faster than silicon rectifiers or MOVs, preserving integrity of high-speed digital signals |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE18CA-E3/51 uses the standard axial-leaded Case Style 1.5KE package (JEDEC DO-201AD), with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional function. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - simplifies layout on differential or floating lines like RS-485 or CAN bus stubs |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current conduction path | Each lead carries full surge current; thermal path optimized via RθJL = 15.4 °C/W to external heatsink or PCB copper |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures ±5% VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.44) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - critical for 16 V-rated microcontrollers and transceivers |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3 suffix) | Meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance; suitable for non-automotive industrial and consumer applications |
| UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case | Provides flame-retardant mechanical encapsulation for safety-critical power supply and interface modules |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting Hall-effect and thermistor signal lines in engine control units exposed to ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a/b transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry, shunting surge energy before reaching op-amp input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤25.2 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V/12 V sensor signal conditioning circuits. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current-loop inputs in programmable logic controllers subjected to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protector across loop terminals, operating in parallel with precision shunt regulator. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/40 Ω surge to <25.2 V within 1 ns, maintaining loop accuracy and avoiding ADC saturation or reset events. |
| Telecom Line Card Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY and PoE controller pins from lightning-induced surges on outdoor DSL or fiber termination units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on secondary-side data lines, coordinated with primary GDT/MOV stages. Use Value: Provides sub-25 V clamping with <1 ns response, preserving signal integrity on 100BASE-TX differential pairs. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across motor terminals to clamp inductive flyback voltage during MOSFET switching transitions. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W pulses without failure, eliminating need for snubber RC networks and reducing BOM count. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | Lower peak power (600 W), smaller SMB package (surface-mount), higher VC/VBR ratio (1.53) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs with lower surge exposure (IEC 61000-4-2 ESD only) | Select SMBJ18CA when board area is limited and surge levels are below 3 kV; not suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| 1.5SMC18CA | Same 1500 W rating but SMC package (surface-mount), slightly higher VBR min (17.1 V) and max (19.0 V), same VC (25.2 V) | Used where automated assembly and reflow compatibility are required, with identical clamping performance | Choose 1.5SMC18CA for SMT production lines; retains full 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 protection level in compact footprint. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5SMC18CA, the 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 offers identical clamping voltage and superior thermal dissipation via axial leads, making it optimal for high-reliability through-hole designs where manual assembly or heatsinking is preferred.
Availability
1.5KE18CA-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial analog I/O safeguarding, and telecom line-card surge immunity requiring stable component supply and traceable commercial-grade sourcing.
Supply support for 1.5KE18CA-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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, balancing rugged axial packaging with precise bidirectional clamping for legacy and new-design robustness.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, measured per JEDEC standard. This tight ±5% tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for protecting 16 V-rated interface ICs without premature conduction.
Is 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 suitable for automotive applications?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix) and not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, Vishay offers the HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE18CAHE3_B). The 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 remains appropriate for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment power rails or cabin sensor interfaces where qualification is not mandated.
How does the clamping voltage of 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 compare to its breakdown voltage?
At 59.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), the 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 clamps to ≤25.2 V - a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.44. This low ratio reflects minimal voltage overshoot during surge events, directly protecting downstream components rated for ≤28 V absolute maximum.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect layout for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W. This enables effective heat transfer from the die to external heatsinks or large copper pours via its axial leads - unlike surface-mount alternatives that rely on PCB thermal vias. Layout should maximize lead contact area and avoid narrow traces.
Does 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 have polarity markings, and how is it installed?
No - the 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 is a bidirectional TVS and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Both leads are functionally identical, allowing installation in either orientation across differential lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN), AC-coupled sensors, or floating power rails without risk of reverse connection.
1.5KE18CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
1.5KE18CA-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
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1.5KE18CA-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18CA-E3/51?
All 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18CA-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18CA-E3/51 Tags

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