Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE7.5A

Overview

1.5KE7.5A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 7.5V, minimum V_BR of 7.13V at 10mA, maximum clamping voltage of 11.3V at 500A peak pulse current, and DO-201 axial package. It is commonly used to protect automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3b transients.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE7.5A datasheet, 1.5KE7.5A pinout, 1.5KE7.5A application, or 1.5KE7.5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6.40V working stand-off voltage, <1μA leakage at rated V_WM, 1.0ps response time from 0V to V_BR, AEC-Q101 qualification option, and compatibility with lead-free reflow per J-STD-002.

Technical Context

The 1.5KE7.5A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown range (7.13–7.88V). Its low dynamic impedance ensures effective clamping during 10/1000μs surge events up to 1500W, while maintaining stable performance across -55°C to +175°C junction temperature.

It meets ISO 7637-2 immunity requirements for automotive electronics and supports bidirectional variants only via separate part numbers (e.g., 1.5KE7.5CA); the 1.5KE7.5A itself is strictly unidirectional, with cathode band marking and forward voltage ≤3.5V at 50A.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-201 axial leaded package with cathode band marking; RoHS-compliant, halogen-free molding compound; UL 94V-0 rated; pure tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ7.0A, the 1.5KE7.5A delivers >2.5× higher surge energy handling and automotive-grade robustness; compared with 1N6268A, it is the identical device-same silicon, same test limits, same qualification-differing only in manufacturer-marked nomenclature.

Availability

1.5KE7.5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU designs, industrial sensor interface circuits, LED lighting drivers, and infotainment port protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 1.5KE7.5A 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.

The 1.5KE series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, ISO 7637-2 compliance, and robust surge endurance in DO-201 packaging.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5KE7.5A under a 500A 10/1000μs surge?

The 1.5KE7.5A has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 11.3 V when subjected to a 500A peak pulse current with a 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 11.3V during such an event, making the 1.5KE7.5A suitable for protecting 5V and 12V logic rails. The 1.5KE7.5A achieves this with low dynamic impedance and tight V_BR tolerance.

Is the 1.5KE7.5A unidirectional or bidirectional?

The 1.5KE7.5A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor, indicated by its "A" suffix and cathode band marking. It conducts only in reverse bias above V_BR and blocks forward current like a standard diode. Bidirectional operation requires a different part number (e.g., 1.5KE7.5CA). This distinction is critical for correct placement in DC circuits - the 1.5KE7.5A must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line.

Does the 1.5KE7.5A meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes - the 1.5KE7.5A is available in an AEC-Q101 qualified version (marked with "H" suffix, e.g., 1.5KE7.5AH), which undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge endurance per automotive reliability requirements. While the base 1.5KE7.5A is not automatically qualified, Taiwan Semiconductor explicitly lists AEC-Q101 as a qualified option for the 1.5KE series, and the 1.5KE7.5A shares all process and test attributes with qualified variants.

What is the working stand-off voltage (V_WM) of the 1.5KE7.5A, and why does it matter?

The working stand-off voltage (V_WM) of the 1.5KE7.5A is 6.40 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse voltage the device can block without entering breakdown. This parameter ensures the 1.5KE7.5A remains non-conductive during normal operation of a 5V or 6V system, avoiding leakage-related power loss or false triggering. Selecting a V_WM ≥10–20% above the nominal rail voltage is standard practice, and the 1.5KE7.5A's 6.40V rating fits cleanly with 5V systems.

Can the 1.5KE7.5A replace the older 1N6268A in existing designs?

Yes - the 1.5KE7.5A and 1N6268A are identical devices per Taiwan Semiconductor's documentation: same die, same test limits, same DO-201 package, same V_BR (7.13–7.88V), same V_C (11.3V), and same 1500W rating. They differ only in part numbering convention (JEDEC vs. manufacturer-specific), and the 1.5KE7.5A is explicitly cross-referenced to 1N6268A in official datasheets. No layout or schematic changes are needed when substituting the 1.5KE7.5A for 1N6268A.