Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,302
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-side overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 19.0 V to 21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1.0 mA test current, 17.1 V maximum stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 54.2 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20A-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE20A-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE20A-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE20A-E3/51 equivalent, this device is selected for robust, low-clamping-voltage transient suppression in automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power supply front-ends where fast response (<1 ns), high surge current tolerance, and stable thermal performance up to 175 °C junction temperature are required.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance above VWM (17.1 V), then rapidly avalanches below 27.7 V when subjected to transients exceeding VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and repeatable clamping behavior across temperature.
The 1.5KE20A-E3/51 uses a standardized DO-201AD package with axial leads, rated for 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), and exhibits 0.090 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - enabling predictable voltage threshold drift in wide-temperature environments such as engine control units and outdoor base stations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation window for reliable overvoltage triggering without false trips. |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; ensures no conduction during nominal 15 V rail operation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during 1500 W transient events. |
| IPPM | 54.2 A (10/1000 µs) - quantifies surge current handling capacity for lightning and ESD immunity design. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power rating determines survivability against standardized surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated axial leads; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or low-potential return path; completes shunt path during avalanche conduction. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V supply rail); voltage clamping occurs between cathode and anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge testing on 12–24 V systems without derating. |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.42 | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - critical for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaced via level shifters. |
| Response time < 1 ns | Outperforms MOVs and polymer-based suppressors in speed-sensitive applications like CAN bus protection and ADC front-ends. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option (HE3 suffix) | Enables direct use in automotive powertrain and chassis modules requiring qualified components - not applicable to -E3/51 variant. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs of microcontroller-based door lock actuators from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between VIN and GND, triggered within sub-nanosecond to limit voltage to ≤27.7 V during 100 V/200 ms load dump events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in MCU power management ICs and driver FETs exposed to ISO 16750-2 transient profiles. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V optocoupler-isolated digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level transient suppressor mounted at terminal block entry point, clamping before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Enables >20 kV ESD and 1 kV/500 A surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-4/5 without adding active circuitry or PCB space overhead. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board |
Use Scenario: Suppressing lightning-induced surges on -48 V DC telecom rectifier outputs feeding backplane distribution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across output capacitor bank to clamp positive-going transients only. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing crowbar-triggered shutdowns during outdoor cabinet surges while preserving -48 V regulation integrity. |
Use Scenario: Protecting H-bridge gate drivers from inductive kickback generated by brushed DC motor commutation in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode connected across motor terminals or across low-side FET drain-source to absorb flyback energy. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks, reducing BOM count and board area while sustaining >100,000 cycle motor life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 200 W peak power, lower VC (32.4 V), higher IPPM (6.2 A) | Lower power handling; suited for PCB space-constrained designs but insufficient for 1500 W surge events. | Select SMBJ20A only when system-level surge energy is limited to <200 W and layout prohibits axial-leaded devices. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Bidirectional variant, same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), identical PPPM, but symmetrical clamping in both polarities | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) where negative transients occur. | Choose 1.5KE20CA instead of 1.5KE20A-E3/51 only if bidirectional protection is mandated by interface standard or circuit topology. |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20CA, the 1.5KE20A-E3/51 delivers industry-standard 1500 W surge capability in a rugged axial package ideal for high-energy industrial and automotive power rail protection - whereas SMBJ20A trades power for compactness, and 1.5KE20CA adds bidirectional symmetry at no power penalty but requires polarity-agnostic circuit placement.
Availability
1.5KE20A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom power supply front-ends requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant sourcing, and full traceability through Vishay's commercial-grade production line.
Supply support for 1.5KE20A-E3/51 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, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was developed for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment power systems - targeting applications where failure modes include lightning strikes, load dump, and electrostatic discharge in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE20A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE20A-E3/51 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing a ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports deterministic overvoltage protection design without margin over-specification.
Does 1.5KE20A-E3/51 meet automotive qualification standards?
The 1.5KE20A-E3/51 is a commercial-grade part and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the 1.5KE20AHE3_B variant (same electrical specs, HE3 suffix) which is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications. Engineers requiring automotive qualification must specify the HE3 version - the -E3/51 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial packaging only.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE20A-E3/51 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE20A-E3/51 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can 1.5KE20A-E3/51 be used in bidirectional signal protection?
No - the 1.5KE20A-E3/51 is a unidirectional TVS diode intended for DC rail protection where transients occur only in one polarity. For bidirectional signal lines such as RS-485 or CAN, the 1.5KE20CA variant must be used. Using 1.5KE20A-E3/51 on AC or floating signals risks reverse-bias breakdown and permanent damage.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for 1.5KE20A-E3/51?
The 1.5KE20A-E3/51 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W under standard mounting conditions (lead length 9.5 mm). This value guides thermal design for sustained power dissipation and must be adjusted for actual PCB copper area, airflow, and enclosure constraints to avoid exceeding the +175 °C maximum junction temperature.
1.5KE20A-E3/51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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):
- 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-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20A-E3/51 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-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20A-E3/51 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-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20A-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20A-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20A-E3/51?
1.5KE20A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20A-E3/51 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-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20A-E3/51 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-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20A-E3/51?
All 1.5KE20A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20A-E3/51, 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-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20A-E3/51 Tags

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