Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,499
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20C-E3/73 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 1.0 mA), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 27.7 V at 54.2 A, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20C-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE20C-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE20C-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE20C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives with documented parameter differences - all validated against Vishay Document #88301 (Rev. 09-Aug-2022).
Technical Context
This device implements a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast transient response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns.
Rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform and 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (unidirectional only), it sustains 6.5 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C with RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for overvoltage detection |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity per IEEE/ANSI C62.35-compliant 10/1000 µs pulse |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA; sets safe operating margin below VBR |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby current in always-on systems |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment |
| Package | JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, UL 94 V-0 rated housing with matte tin-plated leads |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20C-E3/73 uses a two-terminal axial package (JEDEC DO-201AD / Case Style 1.5KE) with no polarity marking - consistent with its bidirectional function. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on instantaneous polarity - eliminates orientation constraints during PCB placement |
| Leads (axial) | Thermal and electrical interface | 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length specified for thermal resistance testing; RθJL = 15.4 °C/W enables predictable board-level thermal design |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress without parameter drift |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 µs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) without degradation |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) ≈ 1.42 | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - critical for safeguarding 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces |
| Response time < 1 ns | Activates before most semiconductor junctions can avalanche, preventing latent damage in sensitive gate oxides |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability - qualified for commercial and industrial assembly |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of microcontroller GPIOs and CAN transceiver signal lines from load-dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry points to shunt surge energy before reaching downstream ICs. Use Value: Withstand 10/1000 µs surges up to 54.2 A while limiting voltage to ≤27.7 V - preserving integrity of 3.3 V MCU I/O and ISO 11898-compliant CAN PHYs. |
Use Scenario: Input protection for LIN bus transceivers and sensor supply rails exposed to battery reverse connection and jump-start events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (VWM = 17.1 V) blocks normal 12 V operation while clamping >20 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Enables robust 12 V system design without external polarity protection diodes - reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
|
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on -48 V DC power inputs of remote radio units and DSLAM line cards subjected to lightning-induced common-mode transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input terminals to clamp both positive and negative excursions relative to ground. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles multiple 10/1000 µs surges per IEC 61000-4-5; 175 °C max junction temperature supports sealed, fanless enclosures. |
Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection for touch-panel interfaces and relay driver outputs in washing machines and HVAC controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF typical) clamping device mounted adjacent to connectors to minimize trace inductance. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents latch-up in capacitive touch ICs; 1.0 µA leakage at 17.1 V avoids false triggering in low-power sleep modes. |
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), 600 W PPPM, VC = 32.4 V @ 18.5 A, lower thermal mass | Higher clamping voltage and lower surge rating - suitable for space-constrained designs where 1500 W is not required | Select SMBJ20CA when PCB real estate is limited and peak surge currents remain below 20 A; verify layout thermal relief for sustained 6.5 W dissipation. |
| 1.5SMC20CA | DO-214AB package (SMC), same 1500 W rating, VC = 27.7 V @ 54.2 A, but surface-mount format | No axial leads - requires rework of through-hole footprint; better high-frequency performance due to lower parasitic inductance | Choose 1.5SMC20CA for automated SMT assembly and improved ESD immunity above 100 MHz; confirm board-level creepage/clearance meets IEC 60664-1. |
Compared with 1.5KE20C-E3/73, SMBJ20CA trades surge capacity for compactness, while 1.5SMC20CA retains full 1500 W capability in a surface-mount form - enabling higher-density layouts but requiring PCB redesign and thermal pad optimization.
Availability
1.5KE20C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, and telecom power feeds requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE20C-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and AEC-Q101 qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - delivering consistent clamping performance across –55 °C to +175 °C with glass-passivated junctions and UL 94 V-0 molding.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE20C-E3/73?
The 1.5KE20C-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at test current IT = 1.0 mA, corresponding to ±5% tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, as confirmed in Vishay Document #88301 Table on page 2.
Is 1.5KE20C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, 1.5KE20C-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and rated for –55 °C to +175 °C operation, making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive subsystems. While the base E3 suffix is commercial grade, AEC-Q101-qualified variants (e.g., 1.5KE20CAHE3_B) exist - verify part number suffix with Vishay for qualification status before deployment in safety-critical ECUs.
How does the bidirectional nature of 1.5KE20C-E3/73 affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional construction of 1.5KE20C-E3/73 eliminates polarity marking and orientation constraints - either lead may connect to line or ground. This simplifies layout in AC-coupled or floating circuits (e.g., RS-485, CAN, Ethernet PHYs) and reduces assembly errors. No silkscreen polarity indicator is needed, unlike unidirectional TVS devices.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE20C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5KE20C-E3/73 is 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case transient events.
Can 1.5KE20C-E3/73 be used in parallel to increase surge handling capacity?
Yes, 1.5KE20C-E3/73 may be paralleled to distribute surge current - but only with careful attention to matching VBR (±1% preferred), symmetric PCB layout, and individual current-limiting resistors. Mismatched units risk current hogging and premature failure; Vishay recommends verifying balance via pulse testing per Application Note AN8001 before production use.
1.5KE20C-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20C-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 1.5KE20C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20C-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 1.5KE20C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20C-E3/73?
1.5KE20C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20C-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 1.5KE20C-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20C-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 1.5KE20C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20C-E3/73?
All 1.5KE20C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20C-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 1.5KE20C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20C-E3/73 Tags

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