Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,687
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), and clamps to ≤25.2 V at 59.5 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, thermal derating curves, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for automotive-grade design-in.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both polarities due to its bidirectional CA construction. Its 10/1000 µs waveform response enables protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients without degradation under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle conditions.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. The 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 exhibits low incremental surge resistance and fast sub-nanosecond response time, ensuring effective suppression before sensitive downstream circuitry sustains damage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold for bidirectional transient clamping |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 59.5 A - clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform, enabling high-energy surge absorption |
| IFSM | Not applicable - bidirectional device has no forward surge rating; unidirectional variants only specify 200 A |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without derating loss |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, UL 94 V-0 compliant housing |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE18CA-E3/54 uses the standard DO-201AD axial package (Case Style 1.5KE) with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. No polarity marking is present on bidirectional variants; terminals are non-polarized and function identically in either orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Both ends serve as symmetrical clamping terminals; no cathode band - enables placement without orientation check |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without failure when properly mounted |
| Sub-nanosecond response | Clamps transients within 1 ns - faster than MOVs or polymer-based protectors, preserving signal integrity |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | 1.5KE18CAHE3_B variant available for automotive applications requiring qualification traceability |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across differential signal pairs or supply rails upstream of interface ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤25.2 V while absorbing 1500 W spikes - preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3 V/5 V sensor front-ends. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from induced surges on field wiring in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V DC input terminals, coordinated with series impedance and filtering. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by surviving repeated 1 kV/40 Ω surges per IEC 61000-4-4 without parameter shift or catastrophic failure. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter ESD |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers against lightning-induced common-mode surges on outdoor copper lines. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), providing low-clamp precision for semiconductor-level defense. Use Value: Clamps residual transients to 25.2 V after GDT crowbarring - protecting 100BASE-TX transformers and magnetics rated for <30 V isolation. | Use Scenario: Adding robustness to USB-C and barrel-jack inputs in AC/DC adapters against user-handling ESD and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role: Input-stage TVS on primary-side DC bus, placed before rectifier and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Handles ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1500 W surges without degradation - extending adapter lifetime in retail and medical environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | 600 W PPPM, DO-214AA package, lower IPPM (33.3 A), same VBR range (17.1–18.9 V) | Surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; lacks axial lead mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Select SMBJ18CA when board area is limited and surge energy rarely exceeds 600 W; retain 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 for legacy through-hole designs or higher-energy threats. |
| 1.5KE18CAHE3_B | Identical electrical specs; AEC-Q101 qualified, HE3 suffix denotes whisker-tested leads and automotive-grade screening | Required for automotive OEM production; commercial E3 version not approved for safety-critical vehicle subsystems | Choose 1.5KE18CAHE3_B for new automotive programs; 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 remains valid for industrial/commercial use where qualification is not mandated. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CAHE3_B, the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 offers the highest surge energy margin (1500 W) in a through-hole package, making it optimal for high-reliability industrial power entry and retrofit applications where AEC-Q101 is unnecessary but mechanical stability matters.
Availability
1.5KE18CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O protection, telecom line conditioning, and consumer power adapter surge hardening requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for 1.5KE18CA-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 and application-specific performance.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where sustained surge immunity and long-term parametric stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, measured in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes from –55 °C to +175 °C, directly supporting compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing.
Is the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and lead-free matte tin plating per JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The epoxy body meets UL 94 V-0 flammability standards, and all materials are documented in Vishay's compliance portal under document number 99912.
How does the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 differ from unidirectional 1.5KE18A variants?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode marking, whereas the 1.5KE18A is unidirectional with a cathode band and specified forward voltage (VF = 3.5 V at 100 A). The 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 supports AC-coupled or floating signal line protection; the unidirectional version is restricted to DC-biased rails with defined polarity.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 at rated peak pulse current?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 59.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured across the device terminals during standardized surge testing and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V, 5 V, and 24 V logic and interface ICs.
Can the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge handling capacity?
While the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 datasheet notes TVS diodes can be used in parallel to increase peak power ratings, doing so requires matched VBR units and careful layout to ensure current sharing. For the 1.5KE18CA-E3/54, parallel use is feasible only with bin-selected devices (±2% VBR matching) and symmetric trace lengths - otherwise, imbalance may cause premature failure of one unit while the other remains underutilized.
1.5KE18CA-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:
- -
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18CA-E3/54?
1.5KE18CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18CA-E3/54?
All 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18CA-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 1.5KE18CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18CA-E3/54 Tags

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