Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1V5KE15A

Overview

1V5KE15A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 1500W peak pulse power rating at 1.0ms, 14.3–15.8V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 12.8V reverse stand-off voltage (V_RWM), and clamps transients to ≤21.2V at 71A peak pulse current.

For engineers reviewing the 1V5KE15A datasheet, 1V5KE15A pinout, 1V5KE15A application, or 1V5KE15A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC V_CC, unidirectional polarity alignment with DC bias, and thermal derating under sustained surge duty cycles.

Technical Context

The 1V5KE15A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and electrical fast transients (EFT). Its low incremental surge resistance ensures stable clamping during multi-pulse events, while typical reverse leakage remains below 1 μA above 12.8V.

This TVS is rated for junction temperatures from –55°C to +175°C and supports single 8.3ms half-sine surge currents up to 200A (unidirectional only). It complies with RoHS and halogen-free standards per IEC 61249-2-21, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-201 axial leaded package with cathode band marking; pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability; UL 94V-0 molding compound; weight ≈0.090g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ15A and 1N6275A, the 1V5KE15A delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling than SMBJ15A while maintaining the same DO-201 mechanical interface as 1N6275A-enabling drop-in upgrades in legacy industrial power supplies without layout changes.

Availability

1V5KE15A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and DC power supply input stage applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for 1V5KE15A 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, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified production facilities.

The 1V5KE series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications including automotive, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure-emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1V5KE15A?

The 1V5KE15A has a specified breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 14.3V to 15.8V at 1mA test current, measured per JEDEC standard. This tolerance ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lots and supports design margining for protected circuits operating near 12V nominal rails. The 1V5KE15A maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range of –55°C to +175°C.

Is the 1V5KE15A suitable for bidirectional surge protection?

No, the 1V5KE15A is unidirectional and intended only for DC-biased lines where surge polarity is known and fixed. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or data buses), the 1V5KE15CA variant must be used-it features symmetrical breakdown in both directions. Using the 1V5KE15A in bidirectional configurations risks failure during negative-going transients due to lack of reverse avalanche capability.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1V5KE15A under surge conditions?

The 1V5KE15A clamps to a maximum of 21.2V when subjected to its rated 71A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under a 1.0ms exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed per datasheet test conditions and defines the worst-case voltage imposed on downstream components during surge events. Designers must verify that all protected ICs have absolute maximum ratings exceeding 21.2V.

Does the 1V5KE15A meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?

Yes, the 1V5KE15A is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21. Its molding compound meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating, and its pure tin-plated leads satisfy J-STD-002 solderability requirements. These certifications are confirmed in TSC's official product documentation and apply to all units shipped under standard ordering codes (e.g., 1V5KE15A, 1V5KE15A0G).

How does thermal derating affect the 1V5KE15A's surge capability?

The 1V5KE15A's 1500W peak pulse power rating applies only at T_A = 25°C. Above 75°C ambient, its steady-state power dissipation drops linearly to 0W at 175°C per the derating curve in Figure 5. While short-duration surges remain effective up to T_J = 175°C, repeated surges in high-temperature environments require thermal modeling to avoid junction overheating. The 1V5KE15A's 0.090g mass and DO-201 geometry support moderate heat sinking via lead length.