Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1N6278-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 1N6278-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N6278-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,510
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Product details
Overview
1N6278-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in power rails and signal lines. It features a 19.0 V to 21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1.0 mA test current, 17.1 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 54.2 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the 1N6278-E3/54 datasheet, 1N6278-E3/54 pinout, 1N6278-E3/54 application, or 1N6278-E3/54 equivalent, this part delivers verified transient suppression performance in commercial-grade, through-hole 1.5KE package designs requiring robust surge immunity up to 175 °C junction temperature and JEDEC-compliant lead finish.
Technical Context
The 1N6278-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and supports DC-biased protection paths where reverse conduction must be blocked during normal operation.
It is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, with thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15.4 °C/W (junction-to-lead). The device sustains 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and exhibits 3.5 V max forward voltage at 100 A - critical for minimizing conduction loss during clamping events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamped voltage during full 1500 W surge, limiting stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability with 10/1000 µs waveform, validated per R.E.A. standards |
| IFSM | 200 A - single-cycle surge current handling without failure, supporting high-energy inductive load switching |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended thermal operating range enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial power supplies |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power dissipation up to 6.5 W |
Pinout & Package
Package: Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded, molded epoxy body meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; E3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line; conducts reverse avalanche current when VLINE exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity without external series impedance |
| <1 ns response time | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry experiences damaging overvoltage |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising surges, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V systems |
| 175 °C maximum junction temperature | Enables deployment in high-temperature environments such as motor drives and automotive ECUs |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontroller I/O against back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across power supply rails and signal inputs to clamp inductive kickback within safe limits. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V MCU GPIOs and 12 V logic-level MOSFET drivers during 100 V+ transients. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on LIN bus lines and sensor supply rails exposed to battery dump and load-dump conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V distribution network feeding door modules, seat controllers, and lighting nodes. Use Value: Maintains functional safety by limiting voltage excursions to ≤27.7 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), preserving CAN/LIN communication integrity. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains or Ethernet cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense in series with MOVs or gas discharge tubes to handle fast-rising edge components of combined surges. Use Value: Absorbs >90% of 10/1000 µs energy before secondary protectors activate, extending overall system surge lifetime. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage guard for microcontroller reset lines and relay coil flyback paths in washing machines and HVAC controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS (17.1 V) placed directly across 12 V relay coils and 3.3 V reset circuits. Use Value: Eliminates need for RC snubbers while ensuring reset signal integrity remains intact during 200 A coil de-energization events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Surface-mount SMB package (3.5 mm × 4.6 mm); 20 V VBR min, 27.7 V VC at 43.3 A; 600 W PPPM | Limited to PCB space-constrained designs; lower peak power requires parallel staging for 1500 W equivalence | Select when automated assembly, board density, or thermal interface to copper pour is prioritized over through-hole mechanical robustness |
| 1.5KE20A | Same 1.5KE package, identical electrical specs (VBR, VC, PPPM); differs only in packaging suffix (E3/54 = tape-and-reel, standard E3 = bulk) | No functional difference; identical performance and mounting in all applications | Choose 1.5KE20A for manual prototyping or small-batch builds where reel packaging is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ20A, the 1N6278-E3/54 provides 2.5× higher surge power in a mechanically stable axial package ideal for high-vibration environments; compared with 1.5KE20A, it offers identical protection performance with optimized logistics for high-volume SMT-compatible production using 13" paper tape reels.
Availability
1N6278-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for 1N6278-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and application-specific qualification.
The 1N6278-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of high-power TVS diodes engineered for robust transient immunity in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure due to voltage surges is unacceptable.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1N6278-E3/54?
The 1N6278-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per JEDEC standard. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage threshold design in 12 V–24 V systems. The 1N6278-E3/54 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range of –55 °C to +175 °C.
How does the 1N6278-E3/54 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like 1N6278CA?
The 1N6278-E3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, allowing it to block reverse current during normal operation while clamping positive transients. In contrast, 1N6278CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and clamps surges of either polarity - making it suitable for AC lines or differential data buses. The 1N6278-E3/54 is not interchangeable with 1N6278CA without circuit redesign.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1N6278-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The 1N6278-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V at its rated peak pulse current of 54.2 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per industry-standard test conditions and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. Designers use this figure to verify that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings during transient suppression.
Is the 1N6278-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
The 1N6278-E3/54 is qualified to commercial grade specifications and is widely deployed in automotive body electronics such as BCMs and lighting modules. While it is not AEC-Q101 qualified (that variant carries HE3 suffix), its 175 °C junction rating, robust epoxy package, and proven surge performance meet many OEM requirements for non-safety-critical subsystems. For AEC-Q101 compliance, specify 1N6278AHE3_B.
What packaging format does the 1N6278-E3/54 use and how many units are per reel?
The 1N6278-E3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel format with a base quantity of 1400 units per reel. The "54" in the part number denotes the preferred package code for this delivery mode, and the E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification. This packaging supports high-speed pick-and-place assembly while maintaining moisture sensitivity level (MSL) safety for through-hole reflow processes.
1N6278-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 51.5A
- 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
1N6278-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N6278-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N6278-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 1N6278-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N6278-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 1N6278-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N6278-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N6278-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N6278-E3/54?
1N6278-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N6278-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 1N6278-E3/54?
For technical support, including 1N6278-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N6278-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N6278-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N6278-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 1N6278-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N6278-E3/54?
All 1N6278-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N6278-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 1N6278-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N6278-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N6278-E3/54 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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