Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5KE540A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1.5KE540A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1.5KE540A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 459VWM 740VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,313
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Product details
Overview
1.5KE540A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in power rails and signal lines. It features a 513 V to 567 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 459 V standoff voltage (VWM), 740 V clamping voltage (VC) at 2.03 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 telecom infrastructure.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 datasheet, 1.5KE540A-E3/73 pinout, 1.5KE540A-E3/73 application, or 1.5KE540A-E3/73 equivalent, this device delivers verified clamping performance for overvoltage transients induced by inductive switching, lightning surges, and ESD events in high-voltage DC systems up to 459 V operating range.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: it remains high-impedance below VWM = 459 V, then avalanches sharply at VBR = 513–567 V to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance.
With a 10/1000 µs waveform rating of 1500 W and clamping voltage of 740 V at IPPM = 2.03 A, it provides deterministic overvoltage limiting for circuits where sustained >459 V transients must be suppressed without forward conduction - critical for protecting high-side gate drivers and HV analog front-ends.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 513 V / 567 V - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold under 1 mA test current; sets minimum overvoltage level before clamping begins |
| VWM | 459 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; system DC rail must stay ≤459 V to avoid leakage or premature conduction |
| VC @ IPPM | 740 V - clamped voltage during 2.03 A 10/1000 µs surge; determines worst-case stress on protected ICs or MOSFETs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust protection against lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5 |
| Junction Temp Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in harsh environments including industrial motor drives and outdoor telecom cabinets |
| Package | DO-201AD - axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case rated UL 94 V-0; compatible with through-hole PCB assembly and manual rework |
Pinout & Package
1.5KE540A-E3/73 uses the DO-201AD package: molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated axial leads, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and RoHS-compliant construction. The cathode is marked by a color band on the body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path; completes shunt path during avalanche conduction |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., +400 V rail); polarity-sensitive - reversal prevents clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress without parameter drift |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Supports single-event lightning surge suppression per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) on high-voltage DC buses |
| 740 V clamping voltage at 2.03 A | Limits transient overvoltage to safe margin below 800 V, protecting 600 V+ MOSFETs and isolated gate drivers |
| –55 °C to +175 °C operating range | Enables deployment in under-hood automotive modules, solar string inverters, and industrial PLC power stages |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade | Meets environmental compliance requirements for global industrial equipment without AEC-Q101 qualification overhead |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Telecom DC Feeder Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting primary-side DC bus in 400 V industrial SMPS against load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed across bulk capacitor to clamp transients exceeding 459 V. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤740 V during 1500 W surges, preventing overvoltage failure of 650 V Si MOSFETs and PWM controllers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V or +24 V telecom DC distribution lines against lightning-induced surges on outdoor plant wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage TVS mounted at line entry point to absorb multi-kV common-mode transients before reaching interface ICs. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to 740 V within nanoseconds, preserving integrity of PoE controllers and line-card ASICs. |
| Solar Inverter DC Link Protection | Motor Drive DC Bus Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding PV string inputs in central inverters from grid-switching transients and nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between positive DC input and chassis ground to suppress differential-mode overvoltages. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 1500 W pulses while maintaining VWM = 459 V compatibility with 1000 V-class DC link designs. | Use Scenario: Protecting IGBT gate driver supply rails in VFDs subjected to regenerative braking spikes and contactor bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across auxiliary 15–24 V supply to prevent latch-up or destruction of isolated gate drivers. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response and low dynamic impedance ensure clamping occurs before driver IC damage thresholds are exceeded. |
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 | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower PPPM = 400 W; VC = 871 V at 1.3 A | Not suitable for 1500 W surge events; limited to low-energy signal-line protection | Select only when space-constrained layouts require surface-mount and surge energy is ≤400 W |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC540A | DO-214AB (SMC) package; identical 1500 W rating and VBR/VC specs; higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 110 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Requires larger copper pour for thermal management; less effective in high-ambient-temperature enclosures | Preferable for SMT-only production but demands enhanced PCB heatsinking for equivalent reliability |
Compared with 1.5KE540A-E3/73, SMAJ540A offers smaller footprint but sacrifices 73% peak power handling, while 1.5SMC540A matches electrical performance yet requires greater board-level thermal design effort due to inferior junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
Availability
1.5KE540A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, telecom DC feeder systems, solar inverter DC links, and motor drive DC bus protection requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1.5KE540A-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, power handling, and industrial-grade qualification.
The 1.5KE series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in high-voltage DC systems - delivering consistent clamping performance, robust thermal design, and long-term stability in demanding power electronics applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 under standard test conditions?
The 1.5KE540A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 740 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.03 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a full-power transient event. Designers must ensure downstream components have voltage ratings exceeding 740 V to maintain functional safety.
Is the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 suitable for bidirectional surge protection?
No, the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional operation. Per Vishay documentation, bidirectional variants in the 1.5KE family are only available up to 1.5KE220CA; 1.5KE540A-E3/73 lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics and will not suppress positive- or negative-going transients equally. For AC or dual-polarity protection, a dedicated bidirectional part such as 1.5KE220CA must be selected instead.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) specification for the 1.5KE540A-E3/73, and why does it matter?
The standoff voltage (VWM) for the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is 459 V - the maximum continuous reverse voltage the device can withstand without significant leakage current (<1 µA). This parameter is critical because exceeding VWM risks premature conduction, increased power dissipation, and potential thermal runaway. System designers must ensure nominal DC operating voltage remains at least 10–15% below 459 V to accommodate ripple and tolerance margins.
Does the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 meet AEC-Q101 automotive qualification?
No, the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is a commercial-grade device and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. Vishay explicitly states that 1.5KE250A through 1.5KE540A are commercial grade only, with AEC-Q101 qualification limited to 1.5KE6.8AHE3_B through 1.5KE220AHE3_B variants. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101, engineers must select an HE3-suffixed part or consult Vishay's qualified product list - the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is intended for industrial, telecom, and renewable energy systems.
What package type and lead finish does the 1.5KE540A-E3/73 use?
1.5KE540A-E3/73 uses the DO-201AD axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. The "E3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. Its molded epoxy body meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and the cathode is identified by a color band on the body - essential for correct polarity orientation during PCB assembly.
1.5KE540A-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5KE540A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5KE540A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5KE540A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5KE540A-E3/73?
1.5KE540A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1.5KE540A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5KE540A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5KE540A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5KE540A-E3/73?
All 1.5KE540A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5KE540A-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 1.5KE540A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5KE540A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5KE540A-E3/73 Tags

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