Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1N6278HE3/73
- Part No.:
- 1N6278HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N6278HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,571
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Product details
Overview
1N6278HE3/73 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 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage (VC) 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 - deployed in automotive power supply inputs and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1N6278HE3/73 datasheet, 1N6278HE3/73 pinout, 1N6278HE3/73 application, or 1N6278HE3/73 equivalent, this part serves as a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified transient suppressor with verified 1.5KE package mechanical form, matte tin-plated leads, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case - critical for ESD/lightning surge hardening in high-reliability embedded systems.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve sub-nanosecond response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective clamping of fast-rising transients induced by inductive switching or lightning surges. Its 1500 W peak pulse power rating is defined per 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01 % duty cycle, and thermal performance is characterized by RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15.4 °C/W.
The device exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current of 1.0 µA at VWM, a forward voltage of 3.5 V at 100 A (per JEDEC spec), and a temperature coefficient of VBR of +0.090 %/°C - confirming stable voltage threshold behavior across automotive temperature ranges. Polarity is marked by a cathode band; no marking applies to bidirectional variants.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold under standardized test conditions |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA; sets safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 54.2 A - clamped voltage during 1500 W transient event; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs) - peak surge energy handling capacity; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments without derating loss |
| Package | Case Style 1.5KE - axial-leaded DO-201AD package (0.375" lead length); UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy body |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard |
Pinout & Package
1N6278HE3/73 is housed in a DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by a color band on the body. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and rated for solder dip at 275 °C max for 10 s (JESD 22-B106).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line | Provides low-VF path (3.5 V @ 100 A) during surge conduction; must be routed with adequate trace width |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked by color band; connected to higher-potential side or ground reference | Serves as clamping node - shunts transient energy to ground or rail when VAK exceeds VBR; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports protection against severe transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (1.2/50 µs + 8/20 µs) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring zero-failure field performance |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth under high humidity/temperature stress - critical for long-life industrial deployments |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Ensures non-propagation of flame during fault-induced overheating; required for safety-certified end equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and DC-DC input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤27.7 V, preventing damage to downstream LDOs and microcontrollers rated for 30 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop transmitters interfacing with PLC analog inputs in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not applicable; this unidirectional part protects loop supply against reverse polarity and inductive kickback. Use Value: Clamps reverse faults to <3.5 V forward drop while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 17.1 V nominal - preserving loop accuracy and compliance. |
| Telecom DSL Line Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: DSL modem line interface circuits subjected to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair copper lines. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage protector upstream of GDT and secondary TVS array on line card PCB. Use Value: Sub-ns response captures fast-rising edge of 8/20 µs surge; 1500 W rating handles multi-kV events without degradation. |
Use Scenario: Brushed DC motor driver PCBs in washing machines, where commutation spikes exceed 100 V. IC Role / Device Role: Freewheeling path clamp across motor terminals or H-bridge high-side switch. Use Value: Absorbs inductive energy with 27.7 V clamping, reducing MOSFET VDS stress and eliminating need for larger heatsinks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA (SMB) package; 20 V VBR; 300 W PPPM; lower surge capacity and different thermal profile | Surface-mount layout; suited for space-constrained consumer electronics, not high-energy automotive transients | Select SMBJ20A only if board area is constrained and peak surge energy remains ≤300 W; not a drop-in replacement for 1N6278HE3/73. |
| 1.5KE20AHE3_A | Same 1.5KE package, identical electrical specs, but AEC-Q101 qualified to revision A (vs. B for HE3/73); minor process update | Functionally interchangeable in all automotive applications; same pinout, thermal, and clamping behavior | Choose 1.5KE20AHE3_A only if legacy design validation used that revision; 1N6278HE3/73 offers latest qualification and whisker class. |
Compared with SMBJ20A, 1N6278HE3/73 delivers 5× higher surge power handling and axial-leaded robustness for through-hole reliability; versus 1.5KE20AHE3_A, it provides enhanced whisker resistance (Class 2 vs Class 1A) and updated AEC-Q101 revision - making it preferred for new automotive designs demanding highest long-term stability.
Availability
1N6278HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power supply inputs, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for 1N6278HE3/73 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, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The 1N6278HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® 1.5KE family - engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for 1N6278HE3/73?
The 1N6278HE3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage 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 clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes, critical for protecting voltage-sensitive ICs in automotive and industrial systems where margin is constrained.
Is 1N6278HE3/73 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, 1N6278HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode - it conducts only when the cathode is at a higher potential than the anode. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the 1N6278CA variant (not this part). Using 1N6278HE3/73 in AC or floating signal paths without external polarity control risks incomplete clamping during negative transients.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1N6278HE3/73 under surge conditions?
The 1N6278HE3/73 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 across the device terminals during standardized surge testing and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry - essential for verifying compatibility with downstream components' absolute maximum ratings.
Does 1N6278HE3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, 1N6278HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation (Revision B), covering stress tests including HTGB, H3TRB, TCT, and ESD. The HE3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance - making it approved for use in automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics where long-term reliability is mandated.
What package type does 1N6278HE3/73 use, and what are its key mechanical features?
1N6278HE3/73 uses the DO-201AD (Case Style 1.5KE) axial-leaded package with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length. Key mechanical features include UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy molding, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and solderability validated per JESD 22-B102 - ensuring robust through-hole mounting and long-term interconnect integrity in high-vibration environments.
1N6278HE3/73 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KE
1N6278HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N6278HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N6278HE3/73 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 1N6278HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N6278HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N6278HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N6278HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N6278HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N6278HE3/73?
1N6278HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N6278HE3/73 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 1N6278HE3/73?
For technical support, including 1N6278HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N6278HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N6278HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N6278HE3/73 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 1N6278HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N6278HE3/73?
All 1N6278HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N6278HE3/73, 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 1N6278HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N6278HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N6278HE3/73 Tags

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