Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20A/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20A/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20A/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,985
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20A 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 19.0 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 17.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 54.2 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive power supply inputs and industrial sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20A datasheet, 1.5KE20A pinout, 1.5KE20A application, or 1.5KE20A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance under surge conditions, JEDEC-standard package dimensions, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for automotive-grade design validation.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE20A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns) to transient events. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 3.5 V forward voltage at 100 A, enabling robust surge handling without latch-up in series-connected protection schemes.
Thermal performance is defined by 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance and 15.4 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance, supporting operation up to 175 °C junction temperature. Derating follows JEDEC curves: power dissipation drops linearly above 25 °C ambient, reaching ~4.0 W at 75 °C case temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min) | 19.0 V - guaranteed avalanche initiation threshold at 1 mA test current; defines lowest voltage at which clamping begins |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; ensures no conduction during normal DC bias |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - clamped voltage at 54.2 A peak pulse; determines worst-case overvoltage seen by protected IC |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power with 10/1000 µs waveform; validates capability against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 200 A - non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine); supports single-event load dump survival |
| TJ max | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance to ambient; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD molded epoxy body (1.0" × 0.285", 25.4 mm × 7.2 mm), UL 94 V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional configuration; must be routed with minimal inductance |
| Cathode | Protected line connection / clamping node | Marked with color band; ties to input rail or signal line being safeguarded; carries full surge current during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge cycles without parameter drift |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive power inputs |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive downstream components experience damaging overvoltage |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | Supports automotive applications requiring qualification per stress-test standard for discrete semiconductors |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC – VBR differential, reducing let-through energy during clamping |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECU power rail exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt TVS device placed directly at connector entry point to clamp surges before DC/DC converter input. Use Value: Limits peak rail voltage to ≤27.7 V during 54.2 A surge, preventing damage to 36 V-rated input stages of buck controllers. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop interface in factory automation PLC modules subjected to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between signal line and ground to suppress fast-rising transients on analog input traces. Use Value: Clamps 8/20 µs surges to <30 V within 1 ns, preserving 16-bit ADC accuracy and avoiding latch-up in op-amp front-end buffers. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: 19 V output of laptop AC/DC adapter vulnerable to capacitor discharge events and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS (VWM = 17.1 V) placed across output terminals to absorb short-duration overvoltage spikes. Use Value: Maintains regulation integrity by clamping >20 V excursions without leakage current degradation at nominal 19 V output. |
Use Scenario: DSL line card interface exposed to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair copper lines (ITU-T K.20/K.21). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage unidirectional TVS on line-side transformer secondary to limit common-mode voltage stress on PHY IC. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W pulses while holding clamping voltage below 30 V, protecting 3.3 V Ethernet PHYs with integrated line drivers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA package (smaller footprint), 20 V VWM, 32.4 V VC @ 46.7 A, 600 W PPPM | Lower power rating; suited for space-constrained PCBs where 1500 W margin is not required | Select SMBJ20A when board area is critical and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 |
| 1.5KE20CA | Bidirectional variant; same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), identical PPPM and package, but symmetrical clamping | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity reversal may occur | Choose 1.5KE20CA only when protecting bidirectional data lines (e.g., RS-485) or transformer-coupled interfaces |
Compared with 1.5KE20A, SMBJ20A trades 60% lower surge power for 40% smaller footprint, while 1.5KE20CA retains full 1500 W capability but adds symmetrical clamping essential for AC or differential signaling - neither is pin-compatible due to differing leadform and polarity marking.
Availability
1.5KE20A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution units, industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom line interface cards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
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
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications demanding proven surge endurance, AEC-Q101 qualification, and consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE20A?
The 1.5KE20A has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5.3% tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight distribution ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable coordination with downstream overvoltage protection thresholds in power management ICs.
Is 1.5KE20A RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE20A-E3 variant is RoHS compliant (per EU Directive 2011/65/EU) and meets Vishay's halogen-free definition (≤900 ppm bromine, ≤900 ppm chlorine, total ≤1500 ppm halogens). The "E3" suffix denotes commercial-grade, lead-free, matte tin-plated leads conforming to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing.
Can 1.5KE20A be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - 1.5KE20A is not recommended for parallel operation due to mismatch in VBR tolerance and dynamic impedance, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, Vishay specifies series/parallel configurations only with matched lots and external balancing resistors; standalone use of a single 1.5KE20A is preferred.
What is the maximum operating temperature for 1.5KE20A?
The 1.5KE20A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C and an operating storage temperature range of −55 °C to +175 °C. At ambient temperatures above 25 °C, power derating applies per Figure 5 in the datasheet: for example, at 75 °C ambient, maximum continuous power drops to approximately 4.0 W with infinite heatsink conditions.
Does 1.5KE20A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base 1.5KE20A is commercial-grade; however, the 1.5KE20AHE3_B variant is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per Note (2) on page 3 of the datasheet. This qualified version undergoes stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling, making it suitable for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications where reliability certification is mandatory.
1.5KE20A/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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54.2A
- 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
1.5KE20A/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20A/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20A/54 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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The price and inventory of 1.5KE20A/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE20A/54 is usually 5 days.
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6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20A/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20A/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 1.5KE20A/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20A/54?
All 1.5KE20A/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20A/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 1.5KE20A/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20A/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20A/54 Tags

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