Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE440C-E3/54

Overview

1.5KE440C-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 418 V to 462 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 376 V maximum standoff voltage (V_WM), 602 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 2.5 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching surges.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE440C-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE440C-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE440C-E3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, unmarked bidirectional clamping solution with glass-passivated junction, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy package - critical for automotive, industrial, and telecom surge protection design validation.

Technical Context

This TVS diode employs a silicon avalanche structure with glass-passivated chip junction for stable, repeatable clamping behavior under repetitive 10/1000 µs transients. Its bidirectional polarity enables symmetrical clamping on AC lines or differential signal paths without polarity sensitivity.

It delivers 602 V clamping voltage at 2.5 A IPPM with low incremental surge resistance, enabling fast response (<1 ns) and minimal let-through energy to downstream circuitry. Thermal resistance is specified at R_θJL = 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation under pulsed stress without heatsinking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

1.5KE440C-E3/54 uses a two-terminal axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) package. As a bidirectional TVS, it has no polarity marking; both terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable in circuit placement.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ440CA and 1.5KE440A-E3/54, the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 provides superior thermal mass and higher surge endurance in a proven axial format, making it preferred for industrial-grade reliability where PCB real estate permits and bidirectional clamping is acceptable.

Availability

1.5KE440C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, telecom power feeds, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 1.5KE440C-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and compliance across automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications demanding >1000 W surge capability, wide temperature operation, and long-term parametric stability under repeated stress.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 under standard test conditions?

The 1.5KE440C-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 602 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at 2.5 A peak pulse current. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a defined surge event. The 1.5KE440C-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 RoHS compliant and qualified for automotive use?

Yes, the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 carries the E3 suffix, indicating RoHS compliance and adherence to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. However, it is not AEC-Q101 qualified - that qualification applies only to HE3-suffixed variants (e.g., 1.5KE440CHE3_B). The 1.5KE440C-E3/54 is rated for commercial-grade operation and is widely deployed in industrial and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.

How does the bidirectional nature of the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 affect its circuit implementation?

The 1.5KE440C-E3/54 has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions, allowing placement across any two nodes subject to differential transients - such as AC mains inputs, RS-485 buses, or transformer-coupled signal lines. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 eliminates orientation checks during assembly and avoids failure modes caused by reverse installation.

What is the thermal resistance specification for the 1.5KE440C-E3/54, and how does it impact layout?

The 1.5KE440C-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_θJL) of 15.4 °C/W, measured with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length. This low value enables effective heat dissipation into PCB copper via the leads, reducing reliance on external heatsinking. For optimal thermal performance, designers should use ≥10 mm² of 2 oz copper connected to each lead of the 1.5KE440C-E3/54.

Can the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge handling capacity?

Yes, the 1.5KE440C-E3/54 may be paralleled to increase total peak pulse power handling, but only with careful attention to matching - including V_BR tolerance (±5 %), lead length symmetry, and thermal coupling. Mismatched units can cause current imbalance and premature failure. For most applications, selecting a single higher-rated device (e.g., 1.5KE510C-E3/54) is more reliable than paralleling 1.5KE440C-E3/54 units.