Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1.5KE91

Overview

1.5KE91 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with a nominal breakdown voltage of 91V, minimum V_BR of 81.9V at 1.0mA test current, maximum clamping voltage of 131V at 12A peak pulse current, and DO-201 axial package. It protects automotive power electronics, industrial motor drives, and DC power supply rails against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5KE91 datasheet, 1.5KE91 pinout, 1.5KE91 application, or 1.5KE91 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, real-world clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternative part comparisons - all specific to the 1.5KE91 (not generic 1.5KE series).

Technical Context

The 1.5KE91 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 81.9–100V breakdown range. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid voltage clamping during 10/1000μs transients, limiting downstream voltage to ≤131V at 12A IPP. It exhibits <1μA leakage above 10V and a temperature coefficient of 0.106%/°C for V_BR.

Designed for high-energy surge suppression in automotive and industrial environments, it meets ISO 7637-2 immunity requirements and supports steady-state power dissipation up to 5W at TL = 75°C on a 16mm × 16mm copper pad. Its DO-201 package enables through-hole mounting with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-201 package: axial leaded, cylindrical epoxy body with cathode band indicating the cathode terminal. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1.5KE91, SMBJ90A offers smaller footprint but sacrifices 60% peak power capacity and lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, while 1.5KE91A provides tighter V_BR control without altering thermal or mechanical integration - making it a drop-in upgrade for higher-reliability deployments.

Availability

1.5KE91 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and 48V DC power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 1.5KE91 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 specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, and rectifiers, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including AEC-Q101.

The 1.5KE series was designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 and RoHS/Halogen-free standards.

FAQ

What is the exact breakdown voltage range for 1.5KE91?

The 1.5KE91 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 81.9 V to 100 V at a test current of 1.0 mA, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This range reflects manufacturing tolerances and ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots. The 1.5KE91A variant tightens this to 86.5–95.5 V. All values are validated per JEDEC test methods and documented in Taiwan Semiconductor's official O2104 datasheet revision.

Is 1.5KE91 unidirectional or bidirectional?

The 1.5KE91 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by its single cathode band marking and specification of forward voltage (V_F = 3.5 V @ 50 A). Bidirectional variants in the same family use "CA" suffixes (e.g., 1.5KE91CA) and lack forward voltage ratings. The 1.5KE91 must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line to function correctly in reverse-bias clamping mode.

Does 1.5KE91 meet AEC-Q101 qualification?

The base 1.5KE91 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the 1.5KE91H variant - identifiable by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is fully qualified per AEC-Q101 Rev D. Qualification includes HTGB, H3TRB, TC, UHAST, and ESD testing. Always verify the full part number (e.g., 1.5KE91H) on the reel label or certificate of conformance when sourcing for automotive applications.

What is the clamping voltage of 1.5KE91 at its rated surge current?

The 1.5KE91 clamps to a maximum of 131 V at 12 A peak pulse current (I_PP) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated surge event. It is confirmed in the Electrical Specifications table on page 3 of the official Taiwan Semiconductor 1.5KE series datasheet (O2104).

Can 1.5KE91 replace 1.5KE91A in an existing design?

Yes, 1.5KE91 can replace 1.5KE91A mechanically and electrically, as both share identical DO-201 packaging, thermal ratings, and 1500W surge capability. However, the 1.5KE91 has a wider V_BR range (81.9–100 V) versus 1.5KE91A (86.5–95.5 V), resulting in greater variation in clamping onset. Use 1.5KE91 only if system-level surge margin accommodates this broader tolerance - otherwise retain 1.5KE91A for tighter control.