Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE18HE3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE18HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE18HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,621
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE18HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 25.2 V at 59.5 A, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE18HE3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE18HE3/73 pinout, 1.5KE18HE3/73 application, or 1.5KE18HE3/73 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, AEC-Q101-qualified surge protector for automotive power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line protection where fast clamping (<1 ns), low incremental resistance, and high surge current tolerance are critical.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for bidirectional-capable unidirectional operation - polarity marked by cathode band. Its clamping behavior is defined by a 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and it exhibits a temperature coefficient of +0.089 %/°C for VBR, ensuring stable breakdown across operating range.
Thermal performance is characterized by RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W, supporting reliable operation under transient surges up to 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) without thermal runaway. The device complies with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing and UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold for avalanche conduction onset |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 59.5 A - clamped voltage during full 1500 W transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs) - peak surge handling capacity for lightning or inductive switch-off events |
| IFSM | 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - single-pulse forward surge rating for unidirectional configuration |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded package with matte tin leads |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE18HE3/73 is housed in a DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is identified by a color band on the body. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to protected circuit ground or low-side rail | Provides low-VF path during surge conduction when cathode is held above anode |
| Cathode | Marked terminal; connected to protected line or positive rail | Enables rapid avalanche breakdown when transient exceeds VWM; determines polarity of protection |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring high-reliability surge immunity |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Clamping response time <1 ns | Protects sensitive ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) before voltage overshoot damages gate oxides |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding | Prevents flame propagation in safety-critical enclosures such as EV charging stations and industrial PLCs |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed between VBAT and chassis ground, triggered within nanoseconds of overvoltage event. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.2 V during 1500 W surges, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V regulators and MCU I/O pins. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers from field-induced ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across input terminals to divert surge energy before reaching precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients below 25.2 V while adding <1 pF capacitance - no bandwidth degradation. |
| Telecom Line Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY power pins and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on DC bias lines, coordinated with gas discharge tubes (GDTs) for staged protection. Use Value: Provides fast, low-clamp backup stage after GDT fires, ensuring total clamping stays below 30 V for IEEE 802.3af compliance. | Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs subjected to mains transients (IEC 61000-4-4). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp across bulk capacitor, absorbing energy from switching noise and line spikes. Use Value: Extends capacitor lifetime by limiting voltage excursions to 25.2 V, reducing dielectric stress and leakage current rise. |
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 (SMB), lower PPPM = 600 W, same VBR range (17.1–18.9 V) | Surface-mount only; unsuitable for through-hole designs or high-power dissipation without heatsinking | Select SMBJ18A only when board space is constrained and surge energy is limited to ≤600 W. |
| 1.5KE18A-E3/54 | Same DO-201AD package and electrical specs, but commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101 qualified) | Lacks automotive qualification; not approved for under-hood or safety-critical vehicle systems | Choose 1.5KE18A-E3/54 for cost-sensitive consumer or industrial applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A-E3/54, the 1.5KE18HE3/73 uniquely delivers AEC-Q101 qualification in a through-hole DO-201AD package with full 1500 W surge capability - making it the only option among the three suitable for automotive power rail protection requiring both high energy handling and automotive reliability validation.
Availability
1.5KE18HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface design, and telecom infrastructure projects requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for 1.5KE18HE3/73 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 diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The 1.5KE series was developed for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, consistency, and regulatory compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE18HE3/73?
The 1.5KE18HE3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5.6% tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures predictable turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for consistent protection margin in automotive and industrial systems using the 1.5KE18HE3/73.
Is the 1.5KE18HE3/73 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE18HE3/73 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. The "E3" suffix denotes compliance with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and the matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. The device also satisfies JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements, confirming long-term reliability in lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes for the 1.5KE18HE3/73.
Does the 1.5KE18HE3/73 require a heatsink for continuous operation?
No, the 1.5KE18HE3/73 does not require a heatsink for its rated continuous power dissipation of 6.5 W at TL = 75 °C. Its RθJL = 15.4 °C/W allows adequate heat transfer through the leads alone under typical PCB mounting conditions. However, for repetitive surge events or elevated ambient temperatures, PCB copper pour and lead length optimization are recommended to maintain junction temperature below +175 °C for the 1.5KE18HE3/73.
How does the 1.5KE18HE3/73 differ from bidirectional variants like 1.5KE18CA?
The 1.5KE18HE3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking; it conducts only in reverse avalanche mode and blocks forward voltage up to ~3.5 V. In contrast, 1.5KE18CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no polarity marking. The 1.5KE18HE3/73 is selected for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed, whereas 1.5KE18CA suits AC-coupled or floating signal lines - a functional distinction confirmed in Vishay's 88301 datasheet for the 1.5KE18HE3/73.
Can the 1.5KE18HE3/73 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Yes, the 1.5KE18HE3/73 can be used in parallel to increase total surge current capacity, but only with careful layout: matched trace lengths, shared thermal plane, and individual series impedance (e.g., small resistors) to ensure current sharing. Vishay's application notes confirm parallel use for >1500 W requirements, though derating and thermal coupling must be validated per design - a practice applied successfully in high-reliability 1.5KE18HE3/73 deployments for EV charging and industrial motor drives.
1.5KE18HE3/73 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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KE
1.5KE18HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE18HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE18HE3/73 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 1.5KE18HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE18HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE18HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE18HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE18HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE18HE3/73?
1.5KE18HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE18HE3/73 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 1.5KE18HE3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE18HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE18HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE18HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE18HE3/73 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 1.5KE18HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE18HE3/73?
All 1.5KE18HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE18HE3/73, 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 1.5KE18HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE18HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE18HE3/73 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

