Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1N6278-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 1N6278-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N6278-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,681
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Product details
Overview
1N6278-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-side 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-E3/73 datasheet, 1N6278-E3/73 pinout, 1N6278-E3/73 application, or 1N6278-E3/73 equivalent, this part delivers verified transient suppression performance in commercial-grade 1.5KE axial package designs requiring robust ESD and surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-5, with validated thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) and JEDEC-compliant surge handling up to 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine).
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge energy away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response (<1 ns), while the 1.5KE molded epoxy case provides UL 94 V-0 flammability compliance and matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability standards.
The device is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature, supports 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, and exhibits 0.090 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR. It is not AEC-Q101 qualified - only HE3-suffix variants (e.g., 1.5KE20AHE3_B) carry automotive qualification.
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 working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized surge waveform |
| IFSM | 200 A - non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine), critical for input rectifier stage protection |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, informs PCB copper area and heatsinking requirements |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling operation in high-ambient industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: Axial-leaded DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE), molded epoxy body with color band indicating cathode end; RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., DC rail or signal trace); conducts during overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable VBR tolerance 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) ≈ 1.42 | Low incremental surge resistance enables effective voltage limiting with minimal overshoot |
| Response time <1 ns | Faster than MOVs or GDTs - protects sensitive CMOS inputs before damage occurs |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flame-retardancy requirements for enclosed industrial and telecom equipment |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Power Supply | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 24 V DC input stage of variable-frequency drives against load dump and inductive kickback from contactors and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed across bulk input capacitor to clamp transients before they reach PWM controller and gate drivers. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤27.7 V during 54.2 A surges, preventing latch-up or oxide rupture in 30 V-rated controllers and MOSFETs. |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN bus transceiver and microcontroller I/O pins from battery line transients during jump-start or alternator load dump. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS on VCC rail upstream of LDO regulator, activated within nanoseconds of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by suppressing >100 V spikes to safe levels without affecting normal 12 V operation or introducing signal distortion. |
| Telecom DSL Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Mainboard Power Rail |
Use Scenario: Guards ADSL/VDSL line driver ICs and transformer-coupled analog front-end against lightning-induced surges on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on secondary side of isolation transformer, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) for staged protection. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 µs surges up to 1500 W, extending field life in rural installations exposed to atmospheric discharge. |
Use Scenario: Secures 5 V and 12 V rails on washing machine or HVAC mainboard against ESD and relay-switching noise during user interaction or cycle transitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1.0 µA at 17.1 V) TVS placed adjacent to power entry connector to suppress fast transients before decoupling capacitors. Use Value: Prevents firmware corruption and reset faults caused by sub-100 ns transients that bypass bulk capacitance due to PCB inductance. |
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 (vs. axial DO-201AD); same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), slightly lower PPPM (600 W) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT placement; better suited for space-constrained consumer electronics vs. industrial through-hole layouts | Select SMBJ20A only if board real estate is constrained and surge threat level is ≤Level 3 (2 kV IEC 61000-4-5) |
| 1.5KE20A | Same die, identical electrical specs, but base P/N without E3/73 suffix - commercial grade, tape-and-reel packaging differs (E3/54 vs. E3/73) | No functional difference; E3/73 denotes 750-piece tape-and-reel (vs. 1400-piece E3/54), same RoHS compliance and JESD 201 whisker rating | 1.5KE20A is direct form-fit-function replacement; choose based on preferred reel size and logistics requirements |
Compared with 1N6278-E3/73, SMBJ20A trades package format and reduced surge margin for compactness, while 1.5KE20A offers identical protection performance in alternate packaging - enabling supply chain flexibility without design change.
Availability
1N6278-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, telecom line interface, automotive BCM input protection, and appliance mainboard power rail applications requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for 1N6278-E3/73 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, efficiency, and ruggedized packaging.
The 1N6278-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® 1.5KE family - engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments where failure modes include lightning, ESD, and inductive switching, targeting industrial, telecom, and transportation systems.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the 1N6278-E3/73?
The 1N6278-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5.3% tolerance about the nominal 20 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports predictable system-level surge margin analysis without derating overhead.
Is the 1N6278-E3/73 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No, the 1N6278-E3/73 is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It is a commercial-grade variant. Automotive-qualified versions use the HE3 suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20AHE3_B) and undergo additional stress testing per AEC-Q101. For automotive applications, specify the HE3-part number and verify qualification status via Vishay's official documentation.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1N6278-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1N6278-E3/73 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 JEDEC standard and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 30 V-rated downstream components.
Can the 1N6278-E3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the 1N6278-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5KE20CA) and lack polarity marking. Using 1N6278-E3/73 in reverse-biased AC applications would result in forward conduction and potential failure; always match polarity and directionality to circuit topology.
What is the thermal resistance of the 1N6278-E3/73, and how does it affect layout?
The 1N6278-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. In continuous power dissipation scenarios, this requires adequate PCB copper pour (≥1 in² per watt) and lead length optimization (0.375" recommended) to maintain TJ ≤175 °C - especially important in high-temperature industrial enclosures or sealed telecom units.
1N6278-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N6278-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N6278-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N6278-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N6278-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N6278-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N6278-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N6278-E3/73?
1N6278-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N6278-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including 1N6278-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N6278-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N6278-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N6278-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N6278-E3/73?
All 1N6278-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N6278-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N6278-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N6278-E3/73 Tags

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