Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,629
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in signal and power lines. It features a 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage at 1 mA, 15.3 V maximum working voltage, 25.2 V clamping voltage at 59.5 A peak pulse current, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It protects MOSFETs and ICs against lightning-induced transients in industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, thermal resistance (RθJL = 15.4 °C/W), and direct alternatives for ESD/lightning surge protection design.
Technical Context
This device uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for sub-nanosecond response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.
It complies with UL 497B (QVGQ2 recognition) and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 1500 W - sustains single 10/1000 µs surges up to this level without failure |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 17.1–18.9 V @ 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where clamping initiates in both directions |
| Working Voltage (VWM) | 15.3 V max - ensures no conduction during normal operation, preserving signal integrity |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 25.2 V @ 59.5 A - limits transient voltage seen by downstream circuitry to safe levels |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in harsh automotive and industrial environments |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJL) | 15.4 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer from junction to lead for high-reliability mounting |
| Leakage Current (ID) | 1.0 µA max @ VWM - minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC Case Style 1.5KE - molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, RoHS compliant (E3 suffix). Dimensions: 5.3 mm × 5.3 mm × 9.5 mm (L × W × H), lead length 9.5 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Reversible terminals | No polarity marking; symmetric conduction in either direction - simplifies PCB layout for AC or floating nodes |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-to-line) without degradation |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience damaging overvoltage (tR < 1 ns) |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validated for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring safety certification |
| JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-humidity or high-temperature deployments |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Automotive CAN Bus Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 4–20 mA current-loop sensors from inductive switching transients in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair to clamp ±25 V surges without disrupting DC bias. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity while limiting transient voltage to 25.2 V, preventing damage to precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CAN transceivers (e.g., TJA1042) against load-dump and jump-start events in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed between CAN_H/CAN_L lines and ground to suppress common-mode surges up to 1500 W. Use Value: Enables compliance with ISO 16750-2 pulse 5a/b without adding series impedance or latency to the bus. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | AC-DC Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHYs and PoE controllers on DSLAM line cards from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair feeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device across data pairs referenced to chassis ground, operating in parallel with GDTs. Use Value: Provides fast secondary clamping after gas discharge tube crowbarring, reducing let-through energy to <10 mJ. |
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage suppression on offline AC input after MOV primary stage in industrial SMPS designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting TVS absorbing residual ringwave energy missed by slower MOVs during line transients. Use Value: Prevents transformer insulation breakdown and rectifier avalanche by clamping spikes to ≤25.2 V within nanoseconds. |
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 | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (3.5 mm × 4.6 mm), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Better suited for space-constrained consumer electronics; insufficient for 1500 W industrial surges | Select when board area is critical and surge threat level is ≤IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 |
| 1.5KE18A-E3/73 | Unidirectional variant; identical VBR, VWM, VC, and PPPM but requires cathode orientation and adds DC blocking risk | Applicable only in DC-biased circuits where polarity is fixed and reverse conduction must be blocked | Choose only if system-level grounding mandates unidirectional clamping and polarity is guaranteed |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18A-E3/73, the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 uniquely delivers 1500 W bidirectional clamping in a through-hole package with proven thermal performance (RθJL = 15.4 °C/W), making it optimal for high-energy industrial and automotive surge protection where layout flexibility and polarity independence are required.
Availability
1.5KE18CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, automotive CAN bus protection, telecom line card surge suppression, and AC-DC power supply input stages requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 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 demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and safety certification compliance (UL 497B, AEC-Q101).
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 under maximum rated surge current?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 59.5 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees predictable overvoltage limiting for protected circuitry downstream of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73.
Is the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
No - the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 carries the commercial-grade E3 suffix and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, select the HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE18CAHE3_B), which is explicitly listed in the datasheet as AEC-Q101 qualified per Note (2) on page 3. The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 remains appropriate for industrial and telecom applications.
How does the bidirectional nature of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during placement. Unlike unidirectional variants such as 1.5KE18A-E3/73, it requires no cathode alignment and can protect AC-coupled or floating differential signals without risk of reverse conduction - simplifying layout and reducing assembly errors.
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for continuous operation of the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73?
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 supports a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table. This rating applies under steady-state power dissipation (PD = 6.5 W) with infinite heatsink conditions at TL = 75 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88301.
Can the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 be used in parallel to increase total surge handling capacity?
Yes - the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 may be paralleled to increase aggregate peak pulse power, provided matched units are used and layout symmetry ensures equal current sharing. However, due to VBR tolerance (±5%), derating of total capacity by ≥20% is recommended. Parallel operation is documented in Vishay's application notes for high-energy protection schemes involving the 1.5KE18CA-E3/73.
1.5KE18CA-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18CA-E3/73?
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Once your 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18CA-E3/73?
All 1.5KE18CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18CA-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18CA-E3/73 Tags

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