onsemi 1.5KE20ARL4
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20ARL4
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20ARL4.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC AXIAL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,888
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20ARL4 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.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20ARL4 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, VRWM compatibility with DC bus voltage, surge current handling under IEC 61000-4-5 waveforms, and axial-leaded Surmetic package thermal performance under repetitive surge conditions.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE20ARL4 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with sharp Zener-like breakdown characteristics, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 20 V nominal VBR at 1 mA test current. Its low dynamic impedance ensures stable clamping during 1 ms 1500 W pulses, while its <1 ns intrinsic response enables suppression before downstream CMOS/MOS logic is damaged.
Designed for unidirectional operation, it conducts only in reverse bias above VRWM and blocks up to 17.1 V in normal operation. The device meets UL 497B for isolated loop circuit protection and carries Class 3 HBM ESD rating (>16 kV), making it suitable for front-end protection in AC/DC adapters and programmable logic controllers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 1500 W @ 1 ms - sustains single high-energy surges per IEC 61000-4-5 without failure |
| Working Peak Reverse Voltage | 17.1 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage it blocks during normal operation |
| Breakdown Voltage | 20 V @ 1 mA - precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction begins |
| Clamping Voltage | 27.7 V @ 54 A IPP - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge |
| Leakage Current | <5 µA @ 17.1 V - negligible standby power loss and signal integrity impact |
| Response Time | <1 ns - limits overshoot before clamping engages, critical for protecting fast logic |
| ESD Rating | Class 3 HBM (>16 kV) - withstands human-body-model discharges without degradation |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20ARL4 uses an axial-leaded Surmetic plastic package (Case 41A), with cathode identified by a polarity band. Leads are tin-plated, solderable at 260°C for 10 seconds at 1/16″ from case body. Mounting position is unrestricted.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Reverse-bias reference terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; defines clamping reference point |
| Cathode | Transient voltage input terminal | Connected to line being protected (e.g., DC input rail); polarity band marks this terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Enables robust protection against 10/1000 µs surges up to 54 A without thermal runaway |
| UL 497B recognition | Validated for use in telecom and industrial isolated loop circuits requiring safety certification |
| Low zener impedance | Maintains tight clamping across temperature and current, minimizing voltage excursion during surge |
| Pb-free axial package | Complies with RoHS; void-free molded plastic ensures mechanical reliability and moisture resistance |
| Sub-1 ns response | Reduces risk of logic upset or latch-up in microcontrollers and FPGAs exposed to fast transients |
Applications
| AC/DC Power Supply Input Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed across AC rectified DC bus or DC input terminals of switch-mode power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode providing parallel overvoltage clamping during lightning-induced surges on mains-connected rails. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤27.7 V, preventing damage to primary-side controllers (e.g., UC384x) and bulk capacitors rated for 25–35 V. | Use Scenario: Placed at digital input terminals of programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional transient suppressor guarding optocoupler inputs and level-shifting buffers. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges from inductive load switching while maintaining <5 µA leakage to avoid false triggering. |
| Medical Equipment ESD Protection | Communication Interface Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Mounted on patient-monitor sensor interface boards handling analog front-end signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-line ESD clamp on low-voltage analog lines (e.g., ECG leads) compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. Use Value: Withstands >16 kV HBM discharges without parameter shift, preserving signal fidelity and calibration stability. | Use Scenario: Applied to RS-232 or RS-485 data lines in building automation gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS protecting transceivers (e.g., MAX232, SN65HVD72) from cable-induced surges. Use Value: Clamps induced transients to 27.7 V within 1 ns, preventing latch-up in UART peripherals operating at 3.3 V or 5 V. |
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 | Surface-mount SMB package; 20 V VBR; 30 V VC @ 43.5 A; lower 600 W peak power | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; suited for space-constrained consumer electronics | Select when board area is limited and surge duty is less severe than industrial 1500 W requirements |
| 1N6278A | Same axial package and electrical specs; obsolete JEDEC marking; identical VRWM/VBR/VC/IPP | No functional difference; legacy part number used interchangeably in older BOMs | Acceptable for legacy design continuity but 1.5KE20ARL4 preferred for Pb-free compliance and tape-and-reel logistics |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1N6278A, the 1.5KE20ARL4 delivers higher surge robustness in an industry-standard axial format with UL 497B certification - making it optimal for high-reliability industrial power entry and control I/O protection where leaded mounting and certified safety are required.
Availability
1.5KE20ARL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AC/DC power supplies, industrial PLCs, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE20ARL4 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 supplier delivering energy-efficient, high-performance silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and IoT applications.
The 1.5KE20ARL4 belongs to the 1.5KE series of Mosorb transient voltage suppressors - engineered specifically for high-power, high-reliability clamping in harsh electromagnetic environments such as factory automation and medical power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE20ARL4 under maximum rated surge current?
The 1.5KE20ARL4 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 54 A, measured using the standard 1 ms exponential waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full 1500 W transient event and is critical for ensuring compatibility with downstream components' absolute maximum ratings.
Is the 1.5KE20ARL4 RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE20ARL4 is a Pb-free device manufactured in ON Semiconductor's Surmetic axial package, fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The "RL4" suffix explicitly denotes RoHS-compliant, tape-and-reel packaging. Material content documentation confirms absence of brominated flame retardants and halogenated compounds per IEC 61249-2-21.
How does the 1.5KE20ARL4 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like 1.5KE20A?
The 1.5KE20ARL4 is unidirectional and blocks up to 17.1 V in forward bias while clamping only in reverse - ideal for DC rail protection. In contrast, bidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5KE20A) conduct symmetrically in both directions and are used for AC line or differential signal protection. Using 1.5KE20ARL4 on AC lines would cause forward conduction and failure.
Can the 1.5KE20ARL4 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - paralleling 1.5KE20ARL4 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in dynamic impedance and avalanche turn-on characteristics, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher current capability, select a higher-rated device such as 3KP20A or use external current-sharing resistors with derated total capacity.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-lead for the 1.5KE20ARL4?
The 1.5KE20ARL4 has a thermal resistance of 20°C/W from junction to lead (RJL), measured with 3/8″ lead length at TL ≤ 75°C. This value governs steady-state power dissipation limits (5.0 W) and informs heatsinking decisions when the device experiences repetitive surges or elevated ambient temperatures in enclosed enclosures.
1.5KE20ARL4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Series:
- Mosorb™
- 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):
- 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
1.5KE20ARL4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20ARL4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20ARL4 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 1.5KE20ARL4 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20ARL4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE20ARL4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20ARL4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20ARL4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20ARL4?
1.5KE20ARL4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20ARL4 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 1.5KE20ARL4?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20ARL4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20ARL4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20ARL4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20ARL4 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 1.5KE20ARL4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20ARL4?
All 1.5KE20ARL4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20ARL4, 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 1.5KE20ARL4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20ARL4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20ARL4 Tags

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onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
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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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
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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