Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE20-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE20-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE20-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,402
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE20-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-side overvoltage protection in 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 maximum working 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 power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE20-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE20-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE20-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE20-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-standard DO-201AD package details, polarity marking convention, clamping performance under surge conditions, and direct alternative options for circuit protection redesigns.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold, it avalanches rapidly (<1 ns response) to divert surge current away from downstream components. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for repeatable clamping under repetitive transients.
The device complies with JEDEC standard 1.5KE case style (DO-201AD), uses matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, and supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) - enabling robust protection against inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges on 12–24 V systems.
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 window for reliable overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises above 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability, sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 200 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), supporting motor driver and relay coil suppression |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-201AD (JEDEC 1.5KE) - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE20-E3/73 uses the standard DO-201AD axial package (Case Style 1.5KE), with cathode identified by a color band on the body. Leads are matte tin-plated and compliant with JESD 22-B102 solderability requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction or bidirectional clamping | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path in unidirectional configurations |
| Cathode | Current exit point during reverse-biased clamping | Marked with color band; connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail or signal trace) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures ±5% VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.46 | Low ratio minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, protecting 3.3 V/5 V logic |
| Response time < 1 ns | Faster than MOVs or GDTs, enabling protection of high-speed digital interfaces |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, suitable for lead-free reflow assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients (up to +35 V) on 12 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between power rail and chassis ground, responding within 1 ns to limit voltage excursion. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in microcontrollers and CAN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff device mounted at connector interface to clamp transients before reaching optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 24 V nominal, ensuring clean logic-level recognition while surviving repeated 1 kV/500 A surges. |
| DC-DC Converter Output Protection | Sensor Signal Line Clamping |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding output stage of isolated 5 V/3.3 V DC-DC converters against reflected transients from downstream loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side TVS placed across output capacitor to clamp overshoot during startup or short-circuit recovery. Use Value: Limits output voltage to ≤27.7 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preserving LDO regulators and ADC reference integrity. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA transmitter lines) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional clamp referenced to signal common, minimizing distortion on 10 kHz bandwidth signals. Use Value: Adds <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance (per datasheet Fig. 4), preserving signal fidelity while suppressing ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
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), 200 W PPPM, lower IPPM (10.1 A), same VBR range | Lower power handling limits use to sub-100 W surge environments; surface-mount only | Select SMBJ20A for space-constrained PCBs where 1500 W rating is unnecessary and SMT assembly is preferred. |
| 1.5KE20AHE3_B | Identical electrical specs and DO-201AD package; AEC-Q101 qualified, higher reliability screening | Approved for automotive under-hood applications per AEC-Q101; not required for commercial-grade designs | Choose 1.5KE20AHE3_B when qualifying for automotive OEM programs requiring stress-tested components. |
Compared with 1.5KE20-E3/73, SMBJ20A offers smaller footprint but reduced surge capacity, while 1.5KE20AHE3_B provides identical protection with automotive qualification - making the original ideal for cost-sensitive industrial power systems needing full 1500 W capability without AEC-Q101 overhead.
Availability
1.5KE20-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive control units, and sensor interface circuits requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and proven surge resilience.
Supply support for 1.5KE20-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 and JEDEC-standard compliance.
The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure due to voltage spikes must be eliminated.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1.5KE20-E3/73?
The 1.5KE20-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, corresponding to a ±5% tolerance. This tight specification ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage margin design in 12 V and 24 V systems where the 1.5KE20-E3/73 is commonly deployed.
Does 1.5KE20-E3/73 have AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, 1.5KE20-E3/73 is a commercial-grade part with RoHS compliance (E3 suffix) but no AEC-Q101 qualification. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101, the functionally identical 1.5KE20AHE3_B variant is available - it shares the same electrical characteristics and DO-201AD package but undergoes additional stress testing per AEC-Q101 standards.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5KE20-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1.5KE20-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
How is polarity identified on the 1.5KE20-E3/73 package?
The 1.5KE20-E3/73 uses a color band (typically black or dark gray) on the cathode end of its DO-201AD axial package. The banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., +12 V rail), while the unbanded end connects to ground - establishing unidirectional clamping action from cathode to anode during overvoltage events.
Can 1.5KE20-E3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, 1.5KE20-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional. Bidirectional variants in the same family use the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20CA). Using 1.5KE20-E3/73 in reverse-biased AC applications would result in forward conduction and potential failure; always verify polarity marking and select CA-suffixed parts for symmetrical surge protection.
1.5KE20-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE20-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE20-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE20-E3/73 transactions.
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1.5KE20-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE20-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE20-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE20-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE20-E3/73?
All 1.5KE20-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE20-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 1.5KE20-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE20-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE20-E3/73 Tags

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