Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE20C
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20C.pdf
- Description:
- 1500W, 20V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,424
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, with nominal breakdown voltage 20V, working stand-off voltage 16.2V, clamping voltage 29.1V at 54A peak pulse current, and junction temperature rating up to +175°C - designed for automotive ECU power rail protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20C datasheet, 1.5KE20C pinout, 1.5KE20C application, or 1.5KE20C equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 10/1000μs surge capability, <1.0ps response time, low dynamic impedance, and AEC-Q101 qualification status where specified.
Technical Context
The 1.5KE20C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 18.0–22.0V breakdown range (tested at 1.0mA), clamping transients to ≤29.1V while dissipating up to 1500W peak power. It exhibits <1μA leakage above 10V and maintains stable performance across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range.
Its DO-201 axial package features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is marked by cathode band; it is not rated for bidirectional use unless explicitly suffixed "CA".
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 18.0V / 22.0V - guaranteed avalanche conduction onset within this range at 1.0mA test current |
| VWM | 16.2V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPP | 29.1V @ 54A - clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, defining protected circuit's worst-case overvoltage |
| PPK | 1500W - peak non-repetitive surge power handling per JEDEC standard waveform |
| TJ max | +175°C - maximum allowable junction temperature, enabling under-hood automotive deployment |
| IR @ VWM | <1μA - ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on systems |
| Response time | <1.0ps - near-instantaneous turn-on critical for protecting fast-edge logic and microcontrollers |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201 axial leaded case with cathode band marking; UL 94V-0 molding compound; 0.090g typical weight; lead finish: pure tin, J-STD-002 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to system ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V battery rail); cathode band identifies this terminal physically |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500W surge rating | Withstands automotive load dump and inductive switching surges without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | Available in H-suffix variants (e.g., 1.5KE20CH) for automotive-grade reliability validation |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables tight clamping margin (VC – VBR = ~7.1V), minimizing stress on downstream ICs |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off), Pulse 2a/2b (battery disconnection), and Pulse 3a/3b (switching noise) |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and global environmental compliance requirements for automotive PCBs |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V supply rail of BCM microcontroller from alternator load dump and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and LDO input, conducting only during negative transients. Use Value: Clamps 12V rail to ≤29.1V during 1500W surges, preventing LDO overvoltage failure and ensuring MCU reset integrity. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channel of industrial PLC against field-wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection device mounted at connector entry point, shunting transients before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to 29.1V with sub-nanosecond response, preserving optocoupler and Schmitt trigger reliability. |
| LED Headlamp Driver Power Stage | Automotive Infotainment USB Power Rail |
Use Scenario: Shielding buck converter MOSFET gate driver supply from high-dV/dt transients induced by PWM switching and motor loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local rail clamp adjacent to gate driver IC, absorbing energy before it couples into sensitive analog control paths. Use Value: Maintains gate drive stability by limiting supply rail overshoot to 29.1V, avoiding false turn-on and shoot-through risk. | Use Scenario: Suppressing conducted transients on 5V USB VBUS line entering infotainment head unit from vehicle harness. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protector upstream of USB power switch and load switch ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and permanent damage to USB interface ICs by clamping surges to ≤29.1V within <1ps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ20A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 20V VBR min 18.0V, VC = 32.4V @ 46.3A; 400W rating | Lower power rating limits use to non-load-dump scenarios; surface-mount only | Select for space-constrained PCBs where 400W surge immunity suffices and through-hole mounting is unavailable |
| ON Semiconductor 1N6278A | JEDEC-registered equivalent; identical VBR, VWM, VC, and PPK; same DO-201 package and unidirectional polarity | No functional difference; qualified to same AEC-Q101 standards when ordered with H suffix | Drop-in alternative with identical electrical and mechanical behavior - suitable for dual-sourcing and supply chain diversification |
Compared with 1.5KE20C, SMAJ20A offers smaller footprint but reduced surge capacity (400W vs. 1500W), while 1N6278A delivers identical performance and form factor, enabling seamless second-source procurement without layout or reliability revalidation.
Availability
1.5KE20C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and LED lighting power supplies requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE20C 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and automotive-qualified components since 1979.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing robustness, AEC-Q101 compliance, and ISO 7637-2 immunity.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the 1.5KE20C?
1.5KE20C is a unidirectional TVS diode, with cathode marked by a band on the DO-201 body. It conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events - forward conduction is not intended for protection. This distinguishes it from bidirectional variants like 1.5KE20CA, which lack polarity marking and protect both voltage polarities.
Does the 1.5KE20C meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base 1.5KE20C part is not automatically AEC-Q101 qualified; qualification applies only to versions with the "H" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20CH). These undergo stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D including HTGB, AC-H3TRB, and ESD. Always verify ordering code suffix and consult TSC's official qualification reports for 1.5KE20C-specific compliance status.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE20C under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE20C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1V when subjected to its rated 54A peak pulse current (IPP) under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events.
Can the 1.5KE20C be used in bidirectional protection applications?
No - the 1.5KE20C is strictly unidirectional and must not be used for bidirectional protection. For symmetrical transient suppression (e.g., data lines or AC-coupled rails), select the 1.5KE20CA variant, which uses a back-to-back diode configuration and omits cathode marking. Using 1.5KE20C in bidirectional roles risks catastrophic failure during positive transients.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the 1.5KE20C above 25°C ambient?
The 1.5KE20C's peak pulse power rating decreases linearly above 25°C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet: at 75°C ambient, it retains ~70% of its 1500W rating (~1050W); at 125°C, ~40% (~600W). Derating is based on junction temperature limits (TJ ≤ 175°C) and assumes standard PCB mounting - heatsinking improves margin.
1.5KE20C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- 1.5KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-201
1.5KE20C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20C 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 1.5KE20C reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5KE20C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20C?
1.5KE20C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20C 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 1.5KE20C?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20C 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 1.5KE20C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20C?
All 1.5KE20C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20C, 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 1.5KE20C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20C Tags

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