Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation 1V5KE16A

Overview

1V5KE16A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-201 package, with 15.2V minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 13.6V reverse stand-off voltage (V_RWM), and 22.5V clamping voltage (V_C) at 67A peak pulse current. It protects power rails and I/O lines against ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 1V5KE16A datasheet, 1V5KE16A pinout, 1V5KE16A application, or 1V5KE16A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 13.6V working voltage, 22.5V clamping performance under 1ms 67A surge, DO-201 mechanical compatibility, and <1μA leakage above 10V - critical for low-power sensor interfaces and battery-backed systems.

Technical Context

The 1V5KE16A operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for unidirectional transient suppression. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5% typical), while low incremental surge resistance enables consistent clamping during repetitive 10/1000μs waveform events. It meets JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability requirements.

Designed for single-polarity DC line protection, it exhibits fast response time (<1.0ps), negligible capacitance (<100pF at 1MHz), and thermal stability across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range. Its 5W steady-state power dissipation at 75°C ambient supports continuous operation in thermally constrained enclosures.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-201 package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy-molded body with cathode band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is marked by a cathode band; anode and cathode terminals are non-reversible for unidirectional operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ15A and 1N6276A, the 1V5KE16A delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling than SMBJ15A while maintaining identical V_RWM and package fit, and offers modern green compound and RoHS/halogen-free compliance versus the legacy 1N6276A marking.

Availability

1V5KE16A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply protection, automotive body control modules, and LED driver overvoltage protection requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 1V5KE16A 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1979.

The 1V5KE series is part of TSC's high-reliability TVS portfolio designed specifically for robust transient immunity in harsh-environment DC power systems, emphasizing stable clamping, low leakage, and extended thermal endurance.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the 1V5KE16A?

The 1V5KE16A has a specified breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 15.2 V to 16.8 V at 1 mA test current, per Taiwan Semiconductor's D2112 datasheet. This ±5% tolerance ensures predictable turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, making the 1V5KE16A suitable for precision overvoltage protection where clamping onset must remain tightly bounded.

Is the 1V5KE16A bidirectional or unidirectional?

1V5KE16A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" suffix in its marking. It conducts only when cathode-to-anode voltage exceeds V_BR; polarity must be observed during PCB layout. For bidirectional operation, the equivalent part is 1V5KE16CA, which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities and is explicitly designated for AC or floating-line protection.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1V5KE16A under surge conditions?

The 1V5KE16A clamps to a maximum of 22.5 V when subjected to its rated 67 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at T_A = 25°C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full 1500W transient event - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.

Can the 1V5KE16A be used in automotive applications?

Yes, the 1V5KE16A is qualified for automotive use with a junction temperature range of –55°C to +175°C and compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Its 13.6 V V_RWM aligns with 12 V system cold-crank and normal operating ranges, and its DO-201 package supports vibration-resistant through-hole mounting - making the 1V5KE16A appropriate for body control modules, lighting drivers, and infotainment power rails.

Does the 1V5KE16A meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?

Yes, the 1V5KE16A is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21, using green molding compound and tin-plated leads. These environmental qualifications are confirmed in the official Taiwan Semiconductor D2112 datasheet and support compliance with EU directives and automotive OEM material declarations - essential for export-ready industrial and automotive designs utilizing the 1V5KE16A.