Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,119
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 54.2 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE20-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE20-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE20-E3/54 equivalent, this part delivers verified transient suppression performance with RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, JEDEC-standard 1.5KE case, and AEC-Q101 qualification available in HE3 variants - critical for ESD and lightning-induced surge design validation.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: it remains high-impedance below VWM (17.1 V), then avalanches sharply at VBR (19.0–21.0 V) to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance.
Clamping occurs within <1 ns, limiting transient voltages to ≤27.7 V at 54.2 A (10/1000 µs), while thermal resistance (RθJL = 15.4 °C/W) supports reliable power dissipation under repetitive surges. The device is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature and handles 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - limits protected node voltage during worst-case 10/1000 µs transients |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak surge energy handling capacity per single 10/1000 µs pulse |
| IFSM | 200 A - withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge without failure, critical for inductive switch-off events |
| Junction Temp Range | -55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) - industry-standard axial lead package with 0.375" lead length, UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20-E3/54 uses a two-terminal DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial package. Polarity is marked by a cathode band; the banded end is the cathode (K), and the unmarked end is the anode (A). Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | High-side connection point for clamping to ground | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when VLINE > VBR |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference/return path | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return plane to complete clamping path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown voltage and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles high-energy transients from inductive load switching without degradation |
| Clamping response time < 1 ns | Protects fast-edge digital ICs and MOSFET gates before damage thresholds are exceeded |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during high di/dt events, improving clamping precision |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested | Meets IPC-J-STD-002B solderability and long-term interconnect integrity requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V CAN bus power inputs against load dump and alternator ripple transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between VBAT and chassis ground, triggered only during positive overvoltage events. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤27.7 V during 1500 W surges, preventing damage to downstream DC-DC converters and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS on 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output lines, clamping induced surges from nearby motor drives. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing transients before they corrupt ADC sampling or trigger false fault detection. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output protection in wall adapters supplying USB-C PD or PoE-powered devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on regulated 5 V/9 V/12 V rails, absorbing residual switching noise and ESD from hot-plug events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in connected SoCs and PMICs during repeated plug/unplug cycles. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection on Ethernet PHY power and data lines in enterprise switches exposed to lightning-induced surges on building cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamping element in multi-stage protection scheme, sharing energy with GDTs and polymer PTCs. Use Value: Absorbs initial 10/1000 µs surge energy (54.2 A peak) while maintaining low VC to avoid upsetting PHY bias conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA package (SMB), lower PPPM (600 W), same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), higher VC (32.4 V @ 18.9 A) | Compact surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; less robust for high-energy surges | Select SMBJ20A only when board area is limited and surge threat level is ≤600 W; verify layout thermal relief for SMB footprint. |
| 1.5KE20AHE3_B | Identical electrical specs and DO-201AD package; AEC-Q101 qualified, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker tested, HE3 suffix | Qualified for automotive-grade production; required for ASIL-B functional safety designs | Choose 1.5KE20AHE3_B for automotive OEM programs; 1.5KE20-E3/54 remains optimal for commercial/industrial cost-sensitive applications. |
Compared with SMBJ20A, 1.5KE20-E3/54 delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling and lower clamping voltage, making it suitable for harsher environments; versus 1.5KE20AHE3_B, it lacks AEC-Q101 qualification but offers identical protection performance at lower cost for non-automotive use.
Availability
1.5KE20-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, and telecom power supply designs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 1.5KE20-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, rectifiers, and protection devices with broad automotive and industrial certifications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in demanding DC power systems - balancing ruggedness, precision clamping, and manufacturability in axial-leaded form factors.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1.5KE20-E3/54?
The 1.5KE20-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, per Vishay Document 88301. This ±5 % tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports reliable overvoltage margin design in 24 V systems where 1.5KE20-E3/54 is commonly deployed.
Is the 1.5KE20-E3/54 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 1.5KE20-E3/54 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. The "E3" suffix explicitly denotes compliance with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002B solderability standards. No lead or other restricted substances exceed allowable thresholds per Vishay's material declarations.
Can the 1.5KE20-E3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the 1.5KE20-E3/54 is strictly unidirectional. Bidirectional variants require the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20CA); the "A" suffix in 1.5KE20-E3/54 confirms unidirectional polarity. Using 1.5KE20-E3/54 in reverse-biased AC applications would result in unintended conduction and potential failure.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE20-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of the 1.5KE20-E3/54 is 27.7 V at 54.2 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform), as specified in Vishay's 1.5KE6.8A–1.5KE540A datasheet (Rev. 09-Aug-2022). This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Does the 1.5KE20-E3/54 require heatsinking for standard operation?
No additional heatsinking is required for single-pulse or low-duty-cycle surge events. The 1.5KE20-E3/54 is rated for 6.5 W power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature (TL), and its RθJL of 15.4 °C/W allows adequate self-cooling in typical through-hole mounting. Continuous power dissipation must remain below 6.5 W.
1.5KE20-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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
1.5KE20-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE20-E3/54?
1.5KE20-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20-E3/54?
All 1.5KE20-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20-E3/54 Tags

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