STMicroelectronics 1.5KE7V5CARL

Overview

1.5KE7V5CARL from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional Transil™ TVS diode designed for high-energy transient voltage suppression in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 7.5 V nominal breakdown voltage (V_BR), 11.3 V clamping voltage (V_CL) at 132 A peak pulse current (I_PP), and 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), making it suitable for protecting 5 V and 3.3 V logic interfaces, USB ports, and industrial I/O circuits against ESD and lightning-induced surges.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE7V5CARL datasheet, 1.5KE7V5CARL pinout, 1.5KE7V5CARL application, or 1.5KE7V5CARL equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping ratio (V_CL/V_BR = 1.51), low leakage (<500 µA @ 6.4 V), DO-201 axial package compatibility, and UL 497B certification for telecom surge protection.

Technical Context

This bidirectional TVS diode operates symmetrically across both polarities, enabling single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its silicon avalanche structure delivers sub-nanosecond response time and stable clamping performance over junction temperatures from –65 °C to +175 °C.

The device exhibits a voltage temperature coefficient (α_T) of +6.1 × 10^–4 /°C and dynamic impedance of 14.5 Ω, ensuring predictable V_CL rise under repeated transients. Capacitance is 8500 pF at 0 V (measured at 1 MHz), confirming suitability for low-speed (<1 Mbps) data lines and power-supply rail protection rather than high-frequency interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in DO-201 axial leaded package (JEDEC standard), with cathode band marking omitted due to bidirectional symmetry - both leads are electrically identical and interchangeable in circuit layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1.5KE7V5CARL, SMBJ7.5CA trades power robustness for compactness, while 1.5SMC7.5CA matches power but demands more careful PCB thermal design - the DO-201 axial form remains optimal for manual repair, high-reliability field service, and legacy through-hole layouts.

Availability

1.5KE7V5CARL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, USB host port protection, and AC-DC adapter feedback circuits requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 1.5KE7V5CARL 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, delivering intelligent power, sensing, and control solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The Transil™ TVS diode product line targets robust, standards-compliant overvoltage protection for mission-critical power and signal interfaces - emphasizing reliability, UL certification, and wide operating temperature range.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable surge current for 1.5KE7V5CARL under IEC 61000-4-5 testing?

The device sustains 132 A peak pulse current (I_PP) at 11.3 V clamping voltage for the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This corresponds to Level 4 compliance (4 kV line-to-earth, 2 kA source impedance) when mounted on a PCB with ≥10 mm lead length and adequate copper area. Repeated surges require derating per Figure 4 in the datasheet.

Can 1.5KE7V5CARL be used to protect a 3.3 V logic rail?

No - its 7.13 V minimum breakdown voltage exceeds the 3.3 V rail's absolute maximum rating, risking permanent conduction and system reset. For 3.3 V protection, ST recommends SMAJ5.0A (unidirectional) or SMBJ5.0CA (bidirectional), both with V_BR starting at 5.6 V and V_CL ≤9.2 V.

Does the "RL" suffix indicate tape-and-reel packaging only, or does it affect electrical specs?

The "RL" suffix denotes tape-and-reel delivery (1900 pcs/reel per Table 6); it has zero impact on electrical or thermal specifications. All 1.5KE7V5CA variants - whether RL, ammopack, or bulk - share identical V_BR, V_CL, P_PP, and R_th(j-l) values, as confirmed in Tables 3 and 4 of Doc ID 2913 Rev 4.

How does the bidirectional configuration affect PCB layout versus unidirectional TVS diodes?

Bidirectional operation eliminates polarity marking and orientation checks during placement - both leads are functionally identical. Layout requires symmetric trace routing and equal copper area on each side to maintain balanced clamping. Unlike unidirectional types, no series blocking diode or DC bias network is needed for AC-coupled lines like RS-485 or LIN bus.