Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE540A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE540A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE540A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 459VWM 740VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,975
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1.5KE540A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 513 V to 567 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 459 V maximum working voltage (VWM), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 2.03 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps transients to ≤740 V at rated surge. It is used in industrial power supplies and telecom line interfaces where overvoltage events exceed 400 V.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE540A-E3/54 datasheet, 1.5KE540A-E3/54 pinout, 1.5KE540A-E3/54 application, or 1.5KE540A-E3/54 equivalent, this part delivers verified 1500 W transient suppression with low leakage (<1 µA at VWM), glass-passivated junction reliability, and RoHS-compliant matte tin leads - critical for high-voltage DC bus protection in harsh environments.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (513–567 V). Its clamping voltage (VC) is guaranteed ≤740 V at IPPM = 2.03 A under 10/1000 µs waveform, ensuring downstream ICs remain below absolute maximum ratings during lightning-induced surges.
It exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR of +0.110 %/°C, enabling predictable voltage drift across its operating junction temperature range (−55 °C to +175 °C), and maintains <1 µA reverse leakage at VWM = 459 V - essential for low-power standby circuits and high-impedance sensing nodes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 513 V / 567 V - defines the minimum and maximum voltage at which the device reliably enters avalanche conduction at 1 mA test current |
| VWM | 459 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; sets safe DC rail margin |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤740 V - clamped voltage during 2.03 A 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's worst-case overvoltage exposure |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient power handling capability; enables robust protection against lightning and inductive switching events |
| IPPM | 2.03 A - peak surge current supported at VC; directly correlates to energy absorption (E ≈ VC × IPPM × t) |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in sealed enclosures or high-ambient industrial settings |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient; informs heatsinking requirements for repetitive surge duty |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse surge return path | Connected to system ground or low-side reference; polarity must be observed for unidirectional operation |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal / Clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., +48 V telecom rail); color band identifies cathode end per JEDEC standard |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-earth) in properly filtered systems |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) ≤1.45 | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - critical for protecting 600 V-rated MOSFETs and rectifiers |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Reduces voltage rise during high-di/dt events, improving clamping fidelity for sub-microsecond spikes |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets global environmental compliance without sacrificing surge performance or lead finish reliability |
Applications
| Industrial AC/DC Power Supply Input Stage | Telecom -48 V DC Distribution Line |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting bridge rectifier inputs and bulk capacitor charging circuits from lightning-induced surges on 3-phase mains feeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between L/N and earth, absorbing >1 kV ring waves and 10/1000 µs surges. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic failure of 600 V IGBTs and electrolytic capacitors by limiting transient voltage to ≤740 V at full 1500 W rating. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V DC distribution boards in central office equipment exposed to induced surges from nearby power lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt protector on the negative rail, referenced to system ground, responding in <1 ns. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 459 V stand-off, preserving battery backup runtime while clamping 2.03 A surges to ≤740 V. |
| High-Voltage Motor Drive DC Bus | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes on 400–600 V DC bus segments feeding 3-phase inverters in HVAC and pump drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting clamp parallel to bus capacitors, triggered only during overvoltage excursions beyond 513 V. Use Value: Enables use of lower-voltage-rated (600 V) IGBT modules by constraining transient overshoot within safe SOA limits. |
Use Scenario: Protecting photovoltaic string combiner boxes and MPPT controller inputs from grid-coupled surge coupling and solar array transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on DC input terminals, selected for 459 V VWM to accommodate PV open-circuit voltage derating. Use Value: Survives repeated 1500 W surges without parameter shift, validated per IEC 61643-31 for renewable energy applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ540A | DO-214AC (SMA) package; 5% VBR tolerance vs. 513–567 V (10%); lower PPPM = 400 W | Lower power rating suits low-energy signal lines, not 1500 W DC bus protection | Select only for space-constrained PCBs where 400 W suffices and axial leads are impractical |
| ON Semiconductor 1N6299A | Same DO-201AD package; VBR = 143–158 V; VWM = 128 V; VC = 207 V - targets mid-voltage rails | Designed for 100–200 V systems (e.g., automotive 48 V, industrial 120 V AC control), not 450+ V rails | Use when protecting 150 V nominal circuits; not interchangeable with 1.5KE540A-E3/54 due to 3× lower VWM |
Compared with 1.5KE540A-E3/54, SMAJ540A offers surface-mount compatibility but sacrifices 73% peak power handling, while 1N6299A serves entirely different voltage classes - making 1.5KE540A-E3/54 uniquely suited for ≥450 V DC protection where axial lead robustness and 1500 W capability are mandatory.
Availability
1.5KE540A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, telecom infrastructure, motor drive DC buses, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE540A-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, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in mains-connected and high-voltage DC systems, emphasizing ruggedness, repeatable clamping, and long-term stability under thermal stress.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE540A-E3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 513 V to 567 V at 1 mA test current, representing a ±10% tolerance around the nominal 540 V rating. This wide tolerance is inherent to high-voltage avalanche diodes and is fully characterized in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88301, Rev. 09-Aug-2022). Designers must use the min/max values - not the nominal - for worst-case clamping analysis in the 1.5KE540A-E3/54 application.
Is 1.5KE540A-E3/54 bidirectional or unidirectional?
The 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor, indicated by the "A" suffix (as opposed to "CA" for bidirectional variants). It conducts in forward bias like a standard diode and clamps only in reverse bias above VBR. Bidirectional versions (e.g., 1.5KE220CA) exist only up to 220 V; 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is unidirectional only, with polarity marked by a cathode band on the DO-201AD package.
What is the maximum clamping voltage for 1.5KE540A-E3/54 at its rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is 740 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 2.03 A under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lot, and appears in Table 1 of the Vishay datasheet (88301). It defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events involving the 1.5KE540A-E3/54.
Can 1.5KE540A-E3/54 be used in AEC-Q101 qualified designs?
No - the 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is a commercial-grade device. Per the Vishay datasheet (page 2, note), "1.5KE250A to 1.5KE540A are commercial grade only." AEC-Q101 qualification applies only to variants with the "HE3" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE220AHE3_B) and is limited to devices up to 220 V. For automotive applications requiring 540 V standoff, alternative qualification pathways or higher-voltage qualified parts outside the 1.5KE family must be evaluated.
What is the thermal resistance and power derating behavior of 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
The 1.5KE540A-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W and a junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 15.4 °C/W. Its steady-state power dissipation (PD) is rated at 6.5 W at TL = 75 °C, derating linearly to zero at 175 °C. Surge power (1500 W) is non-repetitive; for repetitive surges, duty cycle and ambient temperature must follow Fig. 2 in the datasheet to avoid thermal runaway in the 1.5KE540A-E3/54.
1.5KE540A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 459V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 513V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 740V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.03A
- 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
1.5KE540A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE540A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE540A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
1.5KE540A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1.5KE540A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE540A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE540A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE540A-E3/54?
All 1.5KE540A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE540A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE540A-E3/54 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

