Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,117
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 19.0–21.0 V), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and clamps to ≤27.7 V at 54.2 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, glass-passivated junction reliability, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy package, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (HE3 variant), and compatibility with JEDEC 1.5KE case style mounting.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical avalanche breakdown in both directions, enabling robust transient suppression without polarity sensitivity. Its 10/1000 µs waveform response delivers 1500 W peak pulse power while maintaining low incremental surge resistance and sub-nanosecond response time (≤1 ns).
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 uses a passivated silicon junction in a molded epoxy case rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operation. It exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR of 0.090 %/°C and is specified for ≤1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM, supporting stable clamping under long-term bias conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset across manufacturing lot and temperature range |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - clamped voltage during 54.2 A transient, defining worst-case overvoltage seen by protected circuit |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform, critical for lightning and ESD immunity |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | JEDEC 1.5KE - axial-leaded, through-hole molded epoxy case with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating |
| RoHS | E3 suffix - RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded package (JEDEC Case Style 1.5KE) with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional TVS function. Leads are matte tin-plated, 0.038–0.042 inch diameter, 0.375 inch length, suitable for wave or hand soldering per JESD 22-B106 (275 °C, 10 s max).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as cathode or anode depending on transient polarity - no orientation required during PCB placement |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path for transient energy dissipation | Leads conduct clamped surge current to ground or rail; thermal resistance RθJL = 15.4 °C/W supports pulsed power handling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge protection without derating in standard layouts |
| Sub-nanosecond response time | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience damaging overvoltage - critical for MOSFET gate and microcontroller I/O protection |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Prevents flame propagation in fault conditions, meeting safety requirements for industrial and automotive enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3 variants available - enables direct use in automotive powertrain and body electronics where qualification is mandatory |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress transients up to ±100 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in connected transceivers and ADC front-ends, maintaining ASIL-B functional safety integrity. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers from induced surges on 24 V DC field wiring exposed to motor switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (17.1 V) allows normal 24 V operation while clamping fast-rising transients (>1 kV/µs) to safe levels. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and component failure in DIN-rail mounted control systems operating in factory electromagnetic environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers against lightning-induced surges on outdoor copper pairs per ITU-T K.20/K.21. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS placed before common-mode chokes and isolation transformers, absorbing differential-mode surges up to 1500 W. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents burnout in telecom infrastructure equipment deployed in rural or coastal locations. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12–24 V DC outputs of AC/DC adapters and DC/DC converters subjected to back-EMF from connected loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp referenced to output rail, limiting voltage excursions during hot-swap or short-circuit recovery events. Use Value: Extends lifetime of downstream regulators and protects battery management ICs from overvoltage stress during dynamic load changes. |
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 | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. axial 1.5KE); same 20 V VBR, 1500 W PPPM, but lower IPPM (68.8 A vs. 54.2 A) and higher VC (32.4 V) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; less effective for high-current transients due to higher clamping voltage | Select SMBJ20CA when board area is limited and layout allows tighter thermal coupling to copper pour |
| 1.5KE20A-E3/73 | Unidirectional version - identical VBR, PPPM, and package, but marked with cathode band and higher forward voltage (3.5 V) | Required only where DC bias polarity is fixed and reverse conduction must be blocked | Choose 1.5KE20A-E3/73 only if system architecture mandates unidirectional blocking; otherwise 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 offers greater design flexibility |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20A-E3/73, the 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 provides optimal balance of axial-leaded mechanical robustness, lowest clamping voltage (27.7 V), and true bidirectional symmetry - making it preferred for legacy through-hole designs and mixed-polarity surge environments.
Availability
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and telecom line interface applications requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where 1500 W surge capability and wide temperature operation (-55 °C to +175 °C) are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73?
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current (IT). This ±5 % tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset across temperature and production lots, supporting robust design margining in surge protection circuits.
Is 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 carries the E3 suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU, with matte tin-plated leads and no lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE. It meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing requirements.
Can 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 be used in automotive applications?
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 itself is commercial-grade; however, the HE3 variant (e.g., 1.5KE20CAHE3_B) is AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, specify the HE3 version - it shares identical electrical specs but adds stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per automotive standards.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 at rated peak pulse current?
At its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A (10/1000 µs waveform), the 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
How does the bidirectional nature of 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 affect PCB layout?
The 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, simplifying PCB layout and eliminating risk of incorrect placement. This symmetry allows flexible routing on AC-coupled lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or any node where transient polarity is unpredictable - reducing assembly errors and test overhead.
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73?
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20CA-E3/73?
All 1.5KE20CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20CA-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20CA-E3/73 Tags

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