Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,155
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE18C-E3/54 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), 17.1–18.9 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 - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE18C-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE18C-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE18C-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy package, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (HE3 variant), JEDEC 1.5KE case compatibility, and thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient).
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both polarities. Its bidirectional architecture enables protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints, and its 10/1000 µs waveform response supports lightning-induced surge standards per REA PE-60.
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 exhibits low incremental surge resistance and fast sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns), ensuring effective clamping before sensitive downstream components (e.g., microcontrollers, RS-485 transceivers) experience overvoltage stress. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and -55 °C to +175 °C operating range support under-hood automotive and industrial environments.
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 transient detection |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤25.2 V at 59.5 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge power handling capacity per single 1 ms pulse |
| IPPM | 59.5 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely conducts |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature engine control units and industrial motor drives |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance indicating need for adequate PCB copper area or heatsinking in sustained surge scenarios |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC 1.5KE molded epoxy case (Case Style 1.5KE), RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; clamping node in reverse bias | Bidirectional symmetry means either terminal serves as cathode/anode depending on transient polarity - no polarity marking on device body |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; clamping node in reverse bias | Identical electrical behavior to Anode due to bidirectional construction; terminals are functionally interchangeable for surge conduction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge events |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive interfaces |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before propagation into protected circuitry - critical for high-speed data lines and MCU GPIOs |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Mold compound self-extinguishes under flame exposure, satisfying safety requirements for enclosed systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3 variants (e.g., 1.5KE18CAHE3_B) are qualified for automotive use; E3 suffix meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting wheel speed sensor outputs from load dump and inductive switching transients in chassis modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair (e.g., ABS sensor output) to clamp ±25 V surges without DC bias disruption. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream signal conditioners while maintaining signal integrity below 15.3 V DC operating range. | Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed between A/B bus lines and ground to suppress common-mode surges up to ±1 kV (IEC 61000-4-4/5). Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤25.2 V, keeping transceiver inputs within absolute maximum ratings and avoiding communication lockup. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier and controller ICs against lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected across bridge rectifier output to clamp positive/negative transients before bulk capacitor and PWM controller. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W pulses without degradation, enabling compact design versus MOV-based solutions with higher capacitance and aging drift. | Use Scenario: Protecting DSL or POTS line interface circuits from induced surges on outdoor telecom cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed in series with line transformer secondary to clamp longitudinal surges before codec and SLIC devices. Use Value: Bidirectional clamping ensures protection regardless of surge polarity; low VC/VBR ratio (1.48) minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | 600 W peak power, SMC package (smaller footprint), lower IPPM (32.3 A), same VBR range (16.2–19.8 V) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; less robust for high-energy surges | Select when board area is limited and surge energy is ≤600 W; verify thermal derating for ambient >75 °C |
| 1.5SMC18CA | Same 1500 W rating and VBR, but SMC package (JEDEC DO-214AB), higher RθJA (~100 °C/W), different lead form | Used where automated SMT placement is required instead of through-hole 1.5KE | Choose for reflow assembly; confirm mechanical retention and creepage distance meet system safety standards |
Compared with 1.5KE18C-E3/54, SMBJ18CA offers smaller size but reduced surge margin, while 1.5SMC18CA matches power rating but requires SMT layout changes and has inferior thermal performance - the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 remains optimal for through-hole, high-reliability, high-energy transient suppression.
Availability
1.5KE18C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, consumer power adapters, and telecom line cards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE18C-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 ruggedized performance.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated via robust, standardized, and safety-certified protection devices.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional types, it has no cathode band marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths where polarity is undefined.
Does the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 itself is commercial-grade (E3 suffix); however, the AEC-Q101-qualified variant is 1.5KE18CAHE3_B. That part undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. For automotive designs, specify the HE3 variant - the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 is suitable for non-automotive industrial or consumer applications requiring the same electrical specs.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 59.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88301 and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
How does the 1.5KE18C-E3/54 differ from the unidirectional 1.5KE18A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical VBR (17.1–18.9 V) in both directions and no polarity marking, whereas 1.5KE18A-E3/54 is unidirectional with a cathode band, forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 100 A), and only reverse-direction clamping. Use the "C" version for AC signals or floating lines; use "A" for DC-biased rails where forward conduction must be blocked.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for the 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
The 1.5KE18C-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. To maintain TJ ≤175 °C under repetitive surge conditions, PCB copper area around the leads must be sufficient - minimum 1 in² (6.5 cm²) of 2 oz copper per lead is recommended. Poor thermal design risks parametric shift or premature failure during frequent transient events.
1.5KE18C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 14.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 56.6A
- 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
1.5KE18C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18C-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 1.5KE18C-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18C-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 1.5KE18C-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18C-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
1.5KE18C-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18C-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 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18C-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 1.5KE18C-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18C-E3/54?
All 1.5KE18C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18C-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 1.5KE18C-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18C-E3/54 Tags

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