Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1N6278A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1N6278A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N6278A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,559
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Product details
Overview
1N6278A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 19.0–21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 17.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage at 54.2 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range - used in automotive power supply input stages and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1N6278A-E3/54 datasheet, 1N6278A-E3/54 pinout, 1N6278A-E3/54 application, or 1N6278A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC 1.5KE package details, clamping performance under transient stress, thermal derating behavior, and direct alternatives with documented parameter divergence - all confirmed against Vishay Document #88301 (Rev. 09-Aug-2022).
Technical Context
The 1N6278A-E3/54 employs a glass passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), with VF = 3.5 V at 100 A per specification for devices ≤1.5KE220A.
It operates within a 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) and 15.4 °C/W junction-to-lead (RθJL) under standard mounting conditions. The device is RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), commercial grade, and rated for 10 s solder dip at 275 °C per JESD 22-B106.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - ensures reliable conduction onset above normal operating voltage while avoiding false triggering |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs transient, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability for lightning or inductive switch-off transients |
| IFSM | 200 A - surge current tolerance for 8.3 ms half-sine waveform, critical for automotive load dump survival |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - defines thermal rise under ambient convection cooling; requires PCB copper area planning |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length; UL 94 V-0 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to protected line ground or low-side reference; must handle full surge current path |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping node | Marked with color band; ties to protected circuit's positive rail or signal line requiring overvoltage clamp |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity without external series impedance |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) ≈ 1.37 | Indicates low dynamic impedance - critical for protecting 24 V logic interfaces and CAN transceivers |
| Response time < 1 ns | Acts before MOSFET gate oxide breakdown or microcontroller latch-up occurs during ESD/EFT events |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - suitable for high-reliability industrial assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to ISO 7637-2 load dump transients up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp on main power rail, absorbing energy before it reaches DC/DC converter input. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤27.7 V during 54.2 A surge, preventing damage to 36 V-rated buck controllers and MCU power domains. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop transmitter interfacing with PLC analog inputs in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable protection (via companion 1N6278CA variant) placed across signal and return lines. Use Value: Clamps induced surges from motor drive noise or relay switching to <30 V, preserving ADC input integrity and isolator lifetime. |
| Telecom DC Feeder Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Output Clamp |
Use Scenario: Central office DSLAM power feeders subject to lightning-induced longitudinal surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS mounted between tip/ring and ground, referenced to telecom earth potential. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W pulses per ITU-T K.20/K.21, enabling compliance with GR-1089-CORE surge requirements. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side 12 V output of wall-mounted AC/DC adapters powering USB hubs or smart speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage clamp after regulation, guarding against feedback loop failure or Zener drift. Use Value: Activates at 19.0 V and clamps to 27.7 V, preventing >30 V exposure to downstream USB-PD controllers and audio codecs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (vs. DO-201AD), VBR = 22.2–24.5 V, VC = 32.4 V @ 18.5 A | Not suitable for 1500 W surge events; limited to board-level ESD or low-energy EFT | Select when space-constrained layouts require SMT mounting and surge threat level is ≤IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 |
| 1.5KE20A | Same electrical specs and DO-201AD package; differs only in packaging format (bulk vs. tape-and-reel E3/54) and RoHS compliance coding | Functionally identical; no design change required if sourcing flexibility or legacy BOM alignment is needed | Choose for cost-sensitive production where reel packaging is unnecessary and E3/54 tape-and-reel logistics are not mandated |
Compared with SMBJ20A, the 1N6278A-E3/54 delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling and lower clamping voltage relative to breakdown, making it appropriate for harsher environments; versus 1.5KE20A, it offers identical protection performance with standardized RoHS-compliant tape-and-reel delivery for automated assembly.
Availability
1N6278A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial sensor interface clamping, telecom DC feeder protection, and consumer power adapter output safeguarding requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-energy transient immunity.
Supply support for 1N6278A-E3/54 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 automotive qualification.
The 1N6278A-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, high-power transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without sacrificing response speed or thermal margin.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for the 1N6278A-E3/54?
The 1N6278A-E3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on behavior in overvoltage protection circuits and aligns with JEDEC-standardized 1.5KE series specifications per Vishay Document #88301.
Is the 1N6278A-E3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the 1N6278A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional operation, Vishay specifies the 1N6278CA variant (or 1.5KE20CA). Using the 1N6278A-E3/54 in AC-coupled or symmetrical signal paths will result in forward conduction during negative transients, potentially damaging the device or failing to protect.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1N6278A-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The 1N6278A-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 54.2 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value is critical for determining safe voltage margins for downstream components such as 3.3 V or 5 V logic supplies and must be validated against actual layout parasitics and surge source impedance.
Does the 1N6278A-E3/54 meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, the 1N6278A-E3/54 is commercial-grade only. AEC-Q101 qualified versions carry the "HE3" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20AHE3_B). The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance but does not imply automotive qualification. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101, the 1N6278A-E3/54 must be replaced with an HE3-qualified variant.
How does thermal derating affect the 1N6278A-E3/54's power dissipation capability?
The 1N6278A-E3/54 has a rated power dissipation (PD) of 6.5 W at TL = 75 °C, derating linearly to zero at 175 °C junction temperature. Its RθJA of 75 °C/W means that at 25 °C ambient with minimal copper, junction temperature rises ~488 °C per watt - confirming it is intended for transient, not continuous, power dissipation. Continuous operation requires heatsinking or strict duty-cycle limitation.
1N6278A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54.2A
- 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
1N6278A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N6278A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N6278A-E3/54 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 1N6278A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N6278A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N6278A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N6278A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N6278A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N6278A-E3/54?
1N6278A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N6278A-E3/54 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 1N6278A-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1N6278A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N6278A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N6278A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N6278A-E3/54 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 1N6278A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N6278A-E3/54?
All 1N6278A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N6278A-E3/54, 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 1N6278A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N6278A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N6278A-E3/54 Tags

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