Diodes Incorporated 1.5KE6V8CA-B

Overview

1.5KE6V8CA-B from Diodes Incorporated is a bidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 5.80V reverse standoff voltage, 6.45V minimum breakdown voltage at 10mA test current, 10.5V maximum clamping voltage at 143A peak pulse current, and operates across –55°C to +175°C. It is used in automotive body control modules to protect CAN transceiver I/O against ISO 7637-2 load dump and ESD events.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE6V8CA-B datasheet, 1.5KE6V8CA-B pinout, 1.5KE6V8CA-B application, or 1.5KE6V8CA-B equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC V_CC, peak pulse current capability under 1.0ms waveform, temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage, and DO-201 axial lead mechanical compatibility with high-reliability board mounting.

Technical Context

This bidirectional TVS uses glass-passivated silicon junction technology to achieve fast sub-nanosecond response to transients while maintaining low leakage (<1000μA at 5.80V). Its symmetrical avalanche structure enables equal clamping performance for positive and negative polarity surges without external polarity orientation.

The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (±30kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 (±4kV), and ISO 16750-2 load dump requirements when applied with appropriate series impedance. Its 0.057%/°C V_BR temperature coefficient ensures stable clamping threshold across extended automotive temperature ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

1.5KE6V8CA-B is housed in a DO-201 axial-leaded package with tin-finished leads solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208. The device has two terminals with no polarity marking for bidirectional operation; both ends are electrically identical.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1N6267A, the 1.5KE6V8CA-B provides bidirectional capability in an axial-leaded through-hole package with verified 1500W surge handling-making it uniquely suited for legacy automotive and industrial designs requiring mechanical robustness and polarity-agnostic protection.

Availability

1.5KE6V8CA-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, telecom power feeding interfaces, and medical patient monitoring ports requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status.

Supply support for 1.5KE6V8CA-B 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in ASE, J-Devices, and its own facilities.

This part belongs to Diodes' 1.5KE series of high-power axial TVS diodes, engineered specifically for AEC-Q200-compliant automotive and harsh-environment industrial surge protection where mechanical durability and repeatable clamping performance are critical.

FAQ

Is 1.5KE6V8CA-B still in active production?

No-Diodes Incorporated has officially discontinued the 1.5KE6V8CA-B, marking it "OBSOLETE – PART DISCONTINUED" in DS21503 Rev. 12 (May 2023). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory with full traceability and offers controlled-lifecycle supply support for ongoing production programs.

What is the difference between 'A' and 'CA' suffixes in this series?

The 'A' suffix denotes unidirectional TVS diodes with cathode band marking; 'CA' indicates bidirectional versions with identical terminals and no polarity marking. For 1.5KE6V8CA-B, the 'C' confirms symmetrical clamping behavior for both polarities, essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating interfaces.

Can 1.5KE6V8CA-B replace 1.5KE6V8A in existing designs?

Yes-but only if the circuit does not rely on unidirectional conduction or polarity-specific layout. The bidirectional version clamps equally on both polarities, whereas the unidirectional 1.5KE6V8A blocks reverse current until breakdown. Layout must verify no unintended forward-bias paths exist.

Why does the datasheet list VRWM = 5.80V but VBR(min) = 6.45V?

VRWM (reverse standoff voltage) is the maximum DC voltage at which leakage remains ≤1000μA; VBR(min) is the lowest voltage at which the device enters avalanche conduction at 10mA test current. The 0.65V gap ensures reliable blocking during normal operation while guaranteeing clamping activation before downstream component damage thresholds are exceeded.