Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE36-E3/54

Overview

1.5KE36-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in power rails and signal lines. It features a 34.2 V to 37.8 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1 mA, 30.8 V maximum standoff voltage (V_WM), 49.9 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 30.1 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching surges.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE36-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE36-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE36-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE36-E3/54 equivalent, this part is selected for robust, low-clamping, high-energy transient suppression in automotive power supplies, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line interface circuits where fast response (<1 ns), glass-passivated junction reliability, and JEDEC-standard 1.5KE package compatibility are required.

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds V_BR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream components. Its 15.4 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables effective heat dissipation during repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses, while the 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient rating supports operation up to +175 °C junction temperature.

The device uses a glass-passivated silicon junction for stable V_BR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1 µA at V_WM), and immunity to moisture-induced degradation. It complies with JEDEC standards for surge testing and meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; cathode indicated by color band on body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ36A and 1.5KE36A, the 1.5KE36-E3/54 offers full 1500 W surge capability in the industry-standard DO-201AD outline, making it preferred for high-energy automotive and industrial applications where SMBJ36A would require parallel devices, and where 1.5KE36A lacks the E3 RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 1A whisker-tested qualification of the -E3/54 variant.

Availability

1.5KE36-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply, consistent lot-to-lot parametric performance, and full RoHS/JESD201 compliance.

Supply support for 1.5KE36-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 diodes, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and AEC-Q qualification.

The 1.5KE series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where sustained surge immunity and long-term parameter stability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1.5KE36-E3/54?

The 1.5KE36-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 34.2 V to 37.8 V at a test current of 1 mA, measured per JEDEC standard. This tight ±5% tolerance ensures predictable clamping behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, directly supporting design margin calculations for protected circuits. The 1.5KE36-E3/54 maintains this specification under all qualified operating conditions from –55 °C to +175 °C.

Is the 1.5KE36-E3/54 unidirectional or bidirectional?

1.5KE36-E3/54 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor, meaning it clamps only in reverse bias - its cathode must be connected to the higher-potential side of the protected line. Unlike bidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5KE36CA), it does not suppress positive transients on the anode side. This configuration is optimal for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed and forward conduction is not required.

Does the 1.5KE36-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?

The base 1.5KE36-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, the AEC-Q101-qualified version is designated as 1.5KE36AHE3_B. While 1.5KE36-E3/54 shares identical electrical specs and DO-201AD packaging, it is not certified to AEC-Q101. For automotive applications requiring qualification, engineers must specify the HE3_B suffix variant - the 1.5KE36-E3/54 itself is intended for industrial and telecom use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.

What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE36-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

At its rated peak pulse current of 30.1 A (I_PPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform, the 1.5KE36-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 49.9 V. This value is measured under standardized test conditions and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full 1500 W transient event. Designers use this figure to verify that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.

Can the 1.5KE36-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge handling?

While multiple 1.5KE36-E3/54 devices can be paralleled to increase total surge current capacity, Vishay does not recommend this without careful derating and matching. Variations in V_BR tolerance (±5%) may cause uneven current sharing, leading to premature failure of one unit. For >1500 W requirements, Vishay specifies higher-power families (e.g., 3KP series) instead of paralleling 1.5KE36-E3/54 units - the 1.5KE36-E3/54 is optimized for single-device 1500 W protection.