Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20CA-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20CA-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20CA-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,688
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 27.7 V at 54.2 A, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 datasheet, 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 pinout, 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 application, or 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, JEDEC 1.5KE package dimensions, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade sourcing details - all critical for surge protection design validation and BOM selection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast transient response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping in both polarities without polarity marking, supporting AC-coupled or floating signal line protection.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions with 0.01% duty cycle, and maintains stable clamping performance up to 175 °C junction temperature - validated per JEDEC test methods and compliant with UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where clamping initiates reliably |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - actual clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge energy absorption capability under 10/1000 µs waveform |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - extended thermal operating envelope for under-hood or industrial environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, critical for PCB layout and heatsinking decisions |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, UL 94 V-0 rated |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 uses the standard axial-leaded DO-201AD package (Case Style 1.5KE), with no polarity marking due to its bidirectional construction. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals serve identical roles - bidirectional conduction enables AC or floating-line protection without orientation constraints |
| Leads (anode & cathode) | Thermal and electrical interface | Provide mechanical mounting and conduct heat to PCB copper; RθJL = 15.4 °C/W supports lead-based thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and industrial motor drive environments |
| Clamping response time <1 ns | Protects sensitive CMOS inputs and high-speed logic before damage occurs |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validates suitability for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring safety certification |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, enabling use in high-reliability commercial applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 and pulse 2a transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail to clamp negative and positive spikes before they reach LDOs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Clamps 27.7 V at 54.2 A, limiting rail excursion below 30 V and preserving downstream IC functionality during repetitive surges. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA analog sensor outputs from ESD and field wiring inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected between signal and return lines to absorb differential-mode transients without disrupting DC bias. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal protection on both signal polarities, maintaining analog accuracy during 8/20 µs surges up to 1500 W. |
| Telecom Line Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding DSL or Ethernet PHY front-ends against lightning-induced surges on outdoor lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS deployed at line entry point to shunt common-mode transients to ground before reaching transformer or PHY IC. Use Value: UL 497B recognition confirms compliance with telecom surge standards, while 175 °C rating supports operation near hot power components. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge immunity to AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across bulk capacitor to suppress turn-off spikes from mains switching or relay bounce. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles high-energy 10/1000 µs events without degradation, extending adapter lifetime in unstable grid environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (surface-mount), higher VC (32.4 V at 18.9 A) | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs but less robust for high-energy surges | Select when board area is limited and surge threat level is moderate (e.g., consumer USB ports) |
| 1.5KE20A-E3/54 | Unidirectional version; same VBR, VC, and PPPM, but marked cathode band and asymmetric clamping | Required only where polarity-sensitive DC circuits demand unidirectional clamping | Choose only if circuit topology mandates cathode-anode orientation (e.g., DC power input with ground-referenced rail) |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20A-E3/54, the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 offers superior energy handling in an axial through-hole package ideal for high-reliability power line protection - making it preferred for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where physical robustness and 1500 W surge margin are non-negotiable.
Availability
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for 1.5KE20CA-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, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and industry certifications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure resilience and standardized surge compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51?
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable system-level surge margin calculations in designs using the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51.
Is the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 carries the E3 suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7a. Its matte tin-plated leads meet JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements, and the molding compound complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability standards - all confirmed in Vishay document 88301 revision 09-Aug-2022 for the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51.
Does the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 require orientation during PCB placement?
No - the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical electrical characteristics in both directions, and carries no polarity marking on the package. This eliminates orientation dependency during assembly and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating signal paths where the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is deployed.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - a key parameter used in selecting the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 for IC-level overvoltage safeguarding.
Can the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 be used in automotive applications?
Yes - while the base 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is commercial grade, its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, UL 497B recognition, and proven 1500 W surge capability make it suitable for under-dash and engine-compartment-adjacent applications. For AEC-Q101 qualified versions, refer to the 1.5KE20CAHE3_B variant; the 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 itself meets core functional requirements for many automotive power rail protection schemes.
1.5KE20CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20CA-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 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20CA-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 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20CA-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20CA-E3/51?
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20CA-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 1.5KE20CA-E3/51?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20CA-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 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20CA-E3/51?
All 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20CA-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 1.5KE20CA-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20CA-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20CA-E3/51 Tags

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