Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE220A

Overview

1.5KE220A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, with nominal breakdown voltage 220V, working stand-off voltage 185V, clamping voltage 328V at 4.8A peak pulse current, and junction temperature rating up to +175°C - used for automotive load-dump and inductive switching protection in power supply inputs.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE220A datasheet, 1.5KE220A pinout, 1.5KE220A application, or 1.5KE220A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC V_DS(max), unidirectional polarity alignment, DO-201 thermal derating behavior, and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a compliance for 12V/24V vehicle systems.

Technical Context

The 1.5KE220A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 209–231V breakdown range at 1mA test current. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid clamping response (<1.0ps rise time from 0V to V_BR) under 10/1000μs transients.

It sustains 1500W non-repetitive peak pulse power per JEDEC standard, with thermal derating above 25°C ambient and maximum steady-state power dissipation of 5W at 75°C lead temperature. The device meets AEC-Q101 qualification and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b immunity requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-201 axial-leaded package with cathode band marking; leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Weight ≈ 0.090g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ220A, the 1.5KE220A delivers 3.75× higher surge power handling and automotive qualification; compared with 1.5SMC220A, it offers identical electrical performance in a smaller DO-201 form factor critical for compact ECU designs.

Availability

1.5KE220A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial DC power supplies, LED lighting controllers, and telecom power interfaces requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 1.5KE220A 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in high-reliability TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.

The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in 12V/24V/48V automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, ISO 7637-2 immunity, and robust thermal performance in axial-leaded packages.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of the 1.5KE220A?

The 1.5KE220A is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode band marking indicating the protected line terminal. It conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events - forward conduction is not intended. This configuration matches standard automotive power input protection where the cathode connects to the battery rail and anode to chassis ground. The 1.5KE220A must not be substituted with bidirectional variants unless circuit topology explicitly requires symmetrical clamping.

Does the 1.5KE220A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the 1.5KE220A is AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's documentation and ordering code suffix "A" (standard grade) - though full AEC-Q101 compliance requires the "H" suffix variant (e.g., 1.5KE220AH). The base 1.5KE220A shares identical electrical and thermal specifications but lacks formal automotive qualification testing documentation. For production automotive applications, specify 1.5KE220AH to ensure certified qualification status.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE220A under surge conditions?

The 1.5KE220A has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 328V at 4.8A peak pulse current (I_PP) under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured at T_A = 25°C and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream components during worst-case transient events. Designers must verify that this clamping level remains below the absolute maximum ratings of protected devices - for example, ensuring it stays under 36V-rated input stages in 24V systems using appropriate voltage scaling.

How does thermal derating affect the 1.5KE220A's surge capability?

The 1.5KE220A's 1500W peak pulse power rating applies only at T_A = 25°C; it derates linearly above this temperature per the manufacturer's Pulse Derating Curve (Fig.2). At 75°C ambient, its usable surge power drops to approximately 1100W. This derating directly impacts survivability during repeated transients in high-temperature environments like engine compartments. To maintain full 1500W capability, heatsinking or airflow must keep the device body near 25°C - or select a higher-rated variant if sustained high-temp operation is required.

Can the 1.5KE220A replace the 1.5KE220 in a design?

Yes, the 1.5KE220A is the tighter-tolerance version of the 1.5KE220, with breakdown voltage range narrowed from 198–242V to 209–231V at 1mA test current. This improves consistency in clamping threshold across production lots and reduces design margin uncertainty. All other parameters - including V_WM, V_C, P_PK, package, and thermal ratings - are identical. The 1.5KE220A is a direct drop-in replacement that enhances reliability without requiring layout or schematic changes.