onsemi 1.5KE20A
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20A
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC AXIAL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,262
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20A from ON Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for parallel clamping protection of sensitive electronics against ESD, lightning surges, and inductive switching transients. It features a 17.1 V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 20 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 54 A peak pulse current (IPP), and sub-1 ns response time - deployed in power supplies, industrial controls, and medical equipment input stages.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include VRWM margin over operating voltage, VC vs. protected IC's absolute maximum rating, surge current capability under IEC 61000-4-5 waveforms, and axial lead package compatibility with through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE20A operates as a Zener-based avalanche clamp: under normal bias it presents <5 µA leakage above VRWM; during transients exceeding VBR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to limit voltage across the load. Its 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables 5.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL ≤ 75°C with 3/8″ lead length.
It complies with UL 497B for isolated loop circuit protection and meets Class 3 ESD immunity (>16 kV HBM). The device uses ON Semiconductor's Surmetic axial-leaded plastic package (Case 41A), with cathode polarity marked by a band and Pb-free construction certified per RoHS.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VRWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; must exceed system DC bus or signal rail voltage. |
| VBR @ IT=1 A | 19–21 V - breakdown threshold at 1 mA test current; defines onset of avalanche conduction. |
| VC @ IPP=54 A | 27.7 V - maximum clamped voltage during 1 ms 54 A surge; determines worst-case stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 1500 W @ 1 ms - peak transient power handling; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surge testing. |
| Response Time | <1 ns - enables suppression before most logic or analog ICs experience latch-up or damage. |
| Leakage Current | <5 µA @ VRWM - negligible standby power loss and minimal signal distortion in high-impedance circuits. |
| ESD Rating | Class 3 (>16 kV HBM) - exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 for robust board-level ESD immunity. |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20A uses an axial-leaded plastic package (ON Semiconductor Case 41A), with cathode identified by a colored band. Leads are tinned, solderable, and rated for 260°C for 10 seconds at 1/16″ from case.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or common return path; carries full surge current during clamping. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., VIN, signal); polarity band identifies this terminal. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Supports high-energy transients without failure - critical for AC mains inputs and motor drive feedback lines. |
| UL 497B recognition | Validated for isolated loop protection in telecom and industrial interfaces requiring safety certification. |
| Sub-1 ns response | Clamps before fast-rising ESD events propagate into CMOS/MOS gate oxides or ADC front-ends. |
| Pb-free Surmetic package | RoHS-compliant axial lead construction with corrosion-resistant finish and reliable solder wetting. |
| Low zener impedance | Maintains tight clamping voltage across varying surge currents - improves consistency of protection margin. |
Applications
| AC/DC Power Supply Input Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed across AC line inputs or DC bus rails to absorb lightning-induced surges and switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed in parallel with rectifier output or bulk capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤27.7 V, preventing overvoltage damage to bridge rectifiers, PFC controllers, and primary-side MOSFETs. | Use Scenario: Mounted at field-side terminals of programmable logic controller (PLC) digital input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient suppressor referenced to 24 V DC common, shunting induced noise from solenoid coils or relay contacts. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 54 A surges while maintaining <5 µA leakage - avoids false triggering and preserves signal integrity. |
| Medical Equipment Signal Line Protection | Telecom Interface Isolation Protection |
Use Scenario: Applied to analog sensor inputs (e.g., temperature, pressure) in patient-monitoring devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on low-voltage signal paths (<5 V), grounded via short trace to shield plane. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents ESD-induced latch-up in precision op-amps and SAR ADCs without adding signal distortion. | Use Scenario: Used on secondary side of isolated RS-485 or Ethernet transformers to protect PHY ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UL 497B-recognized clamp on isolated data lines, referenced to isolated ground. Use Value: Meets telecom surge immunity requirements while enabling certified isolation barrier compliance without additional components. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Surface-mount SMB package; 20 V VRWM; 32.4 V VC @ 46.7 A; lower PPK (600 W) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; suited for space-constrained consumer electronics, not high-surge industrial use | Select when board real estate is limited and surge energy is ≤600 W; verify thermal relief for sustained pulses |
| 1N6278AG | Same die, identical electrical specs, Pb-free axial package - direct JEDEC-registered variant of 1.5KE20A | No functional or layout difference; differs only in marking and packaging format (tape & reel vs. box) | Drop-in replacement with identical performance; preferred for automated assembly where tape-and-reel feeding is required |
Compared with SMBJ20A, the 1.5KE20A delivers 2.5× higher surge power and axial through-hole mounting for mechanical robustness in high-vibration environments; compared with 1N6278AG, it shares identical clamping behavior but differs in packaging logistics and orderable form factor.
Availability
1.5KE20A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AC/DC power supply input protection, industrial PLC digital I/O protection, and medical equipment signal line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE20A 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
ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, sensors, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and cloud power applications.
The 1.5KE20A belongs to the 1.5KE Series Mosorb TVS family - engineered for high-reliability, high-energy transient suppression in harsh industrial and medical environments where axial-leaded robustness and UL-certified protection are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the working peak reverse voltage (VRWM) of the 1.5KE20A?
The 1.5KE20A has a working peak reverse voltage (VRWM) of 17.1 V. This value represents the maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device can withstand in reverse bias without entering avalanche conduction. Designers must ensure system operating voltage remains below this threshold to prevent premature clamping or excessive leakage current in normal operation.
What clamping voltage does the 1.5KE20A achieve during a surge event?
The 1.5KE20A achieves a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated 54 A peak pulse current (IPP) with a 1 ms waveform. This clamping level is guaranteed across temperature and ensures protected downstream components - such as microcontrollers or interface ICs - remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during transient events.
Is the 1.5KE20A RoHS compliant and what package type does it use?
Yes, the 1.5KE20A is RoHS compliant and uses ON Semiconductor's Pb-free Surmetic axial-leaded plastic package (Case 41A). The device features corrosion-resistant leads rated for 260°C soldering at 1/16″ from the case for 10 seconds, and polarity is marked by a cathode band - making it suitable for manual or wave-solder assembly in industrial-grade products.
How does the 1.5KE20A differ from the 1N6278AG?
The 1.5KE20A and 1N6278AG are electrically identical parts sharing the same die, VRWM (17.1 V), VBR (19–21 V), and VC (27.7 V). The distinction lies solely in part numbering convention and packaging format: 1N6278AG is the JEDEC-registered designation and commonly supplied in tape-and-reel, whereas 1.5KE20A is ON Semiconductor's proprietary ordering code, often shipped in bulk boxes - both are functionally interchangeable.
Does the 1.5KE20A meet any safety certifications for circuit protection?
Yes, the 1.5KE20A is UL Recognized under UL 497B (File #E210057) for isolated loop circuit protection. This certification validates performance in surge endurance, dielectric withstand, discharge, and temperature testing - confirming suitability for safety-critical telecom, industrial control, and medical applications where certified transient suppression is mandated.
1.5KE20A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Series:
- Mosorb™
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- Axial
1.5KE20A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20A 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 1.5KE20A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE20A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20A?
1.5KE20A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20A 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 1.5KE20A?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20A 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 1.5KE20A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20A?
All 1.5KE20A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20A, 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 1.5KE20A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20A Tags

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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