Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,847
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20C-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage at IPPM, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE20C-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE20C-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE20C-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, JEDEC 1.5KE package dimensions, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives - all critical for surge protection layout validation and BOM selection.
Technical Context
This device implements a glass-passivated silicon PN junction optimized for fast transient response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns.
It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and maintains stable clamping performance up to TJ = 175 °C. The 1.5KE case supports lead-free soldering per JESD 22-B106 (275 °C, 10 s) and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where clamping initiates in both directions |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - clamped voltage during 1500 W transient, limiting stress on downstream components |
| IPPM | 54.2 A - peak pulse current capability under 10/1000 µs waveform, directly tied to 1500 W rating |
| PPPM | 1500 W - standardized surge handling capacity enabling robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - high-temperature operation support for under-hood automotive and industrial power supply environments |
| RθJL | 15.4 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance ensures efficient heat dissipation into PCB copper or heatsink |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20C-E3/54 uses the standard JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking (bidirectional symmetry). Dimensions: 5.3 mm diameter × 9.5 mm length, lead spacing 7.2 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional clamping node | No cathode band; either lead serves as input/output - enables placement in AC or floating circuits without orientation check |
| Leads (both) | Thermal and electrical interface | Designed for through-hole mounting with ≥10 s solder dip at 275 °C; supports traceable sourcing and JESD 22-B102 solderability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-earth) when properly mounted |
| Clamping response time <1 ns | Protects sub-microsecond-sensitive logic and analog front-ends before damage occurs |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test requirements (HTOL, TC, HAST) |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flame-retardant safety standards for enclosed industrial and telecom equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and alternator ripple in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across power rail or signal line to limit transients to safe levels before reaching sensitive IC inputs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V MCUs by clamping surges to ≤27.7 V while sustaining 54.2 A pulses. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop sensors and RS-485 nodes from ESD and field-induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector that diverts transient energy away from precision op-amps and isolators during cable hot-plug events. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting clamping overshoot to <10% above VWM, avoiding false triggering in analog measurement circuits. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Power Adapter Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding DSL and POTS line interface ICs against lightning-induced surges on outside plant wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS placed at connector entry point to absorb >1 kV, 10/700 µs telecom surges before secondary protection stages. Use Value: Delivers 1500 W pulse handling with <1 ns response, meeting ITU-T K.20/21 requirements for Class B equipment. |
Use Scenario: Adding overvoltage resilience to AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs exposed to mains transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-stage clamping device parallel to bulk capacitor to suppress ringing and switch-mode noise spikes. Use Value: Reduces need for oversized capacitors by clamping 100 V+ spikes to 27.7 V, improving efficiency and reducing board space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | DO-214AA package (SMB), lower PPPM = 600 W, same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), higher IPPM = 32.9 A | Surface-mount only; better suited for high-density PCBs but requires thermal relief pads for equivalent power dissipation | Select SMBJ20CA when board space is constrained and thermal management via copper pour is feasible |
| 1.5KE20CAHE3_B | Same 1.5KE package, identical electrical specs, but AEC-Q101 qualified and revision-coded (B) | Approved for automotive production use including engine control modules and ADAS power domains | Choose 1.5KE20CAHE3_B for OEM automotive programs requiring full qualification documentation and traceable lot history |
Compared with 1.5KE20C-E3/54, SMBJ20CA trades axial-leaded robustness for SMT compactness and reduced assembly cost, while 1.5KE20CAHE3_B adds automotive-grade reliability validation without altering clamping performance or footprint - enabling direct substitution where qualification compliance is mandatory.
Availability
1.5KE20C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power rails, industrial PLC analog inputs, and telecom line card surge protection requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for 1.5KE20C-E3/54 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, balancing surge capacity, thermal stability, and manufacturability in axial-leaded form factors.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 under maximum rated surge current?
The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 54.2 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during transient events. The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining bidirectional symmetry and thermal stability up to 175 °C junction temperature.
Is the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions - no cathode band or polarity marking is present on the device. This allows flexible placement across AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating grounds without orientation constraints. The "C" suffix in 1.5KE20C-E3/54 explicitly denotes bidirectional functionality, distinguishing it from unidirectional variants like 1.5KE20A-E3/54.
What is the maximum operating temperature and thermal resistance of the 1.5KE20C-E3/54?
The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C and a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W. This low RθJL enables effective heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper or heatsink through its axial leads. The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 sustains full 1500 W surge capability at ambient temperatures up to 25 °C, with linear derating above that per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88301.
Does the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base 1.5KE20C-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, the functionally identical 1.5KE20CAHE3_B variant is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. That part shares identical electrical parameters, package, and pinout with the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 but includes full stress-test validation (HTOL, TC, HAST) and traceable manufacturing records required for Tier 1 automotive programs. For non-automotive applications, the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 delivers equivalent protection performance.
How does the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 compare to the SMBJ20CA in terms of surge handling and board integration?
The 1.5KE20C-E3/54 offers 1500 W peak pulse power in a through-hole DO-201AD package, while the SMBJ20CA delivers 600 W in an SMD DO-214AA (SMB) package. Though both share the same 19.0–21.0 V VBR range, the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 supports higher surge energy absorption and simpler thermal management via lead conduction. The SMBJ20CA requires careful PCB layout with thermal vias and copper area to match the 1.5KE20C-E3/54's thermal performance - making the 1.5KE20C-E3/54 preferable for high-reliability, high-surge industrial designs.
1.5KE20C-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 51.5A
- 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
1.5KE20C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20C-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20C-E3/54 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-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20C-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20C-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20C-E3/54?
1.5KE20C-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20C-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20C-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20C-E3/54?
All 1.5KE20C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20C-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20C-E3/54 Tags

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