Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division LCE18A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- LCE18A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
LCE18A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,488
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Product details
Overview
LCE18A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional low-capacitance TRANSZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the 1.5KE package, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 18.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 51 A peak pulse current. It protects MOSFETs and signal lines in industrial sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the LCE18A-E3/73 datasheet, LCE18A-E3/73 pinout, LCE18A-E3/73 application, or LCE18A-E3/73 equivalent, this device serves as a RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 1A whisker-tested TVS for telecom-grade (UL 497B) AC/DC line and IC-level surge protection with verified 175 °C junction temperature capability.
Technical Context
The LCE18A-E3/73 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling precise clamping during high-energy transients. Its unidirectional polarity-marked by a cathode band-supports DC-biased protection paths without reverse conduction leakage under normal operation.
Designed for repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 %, it delivers stable 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C and maintains full performance across –65 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range per JEDEC standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; sets safe operating margin below system DC rail. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - Breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures consistent turn-on threshold across production lots. |
| VC @ IPP | 29.2 V at 51 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case overvoltage seen by protected downstream circuitry. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports high-energy lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| Junction Temp (TJ) | –65 °C to +175 °C - Extended thermal range enables use in under-hood automotive modules and industrial motor drives. |
| Capacitance | 100 pF at 0 V - Low capacitance minimizes signal distortion on data lines up to ~10 MHz bandwidth. |
| RoHS & Whisker | E3 suffix - Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JESD201 Class 1A tin whisker mitigation for long-term reliability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 1.5KE molded epoxy case (Case Style 1.5KE), UL 94 V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads, 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal during forward bias; tied to ground or low-side reference in unidirectional configuration. | Provides low-impedance path to shunt surge energy when VAK exceeds VBR; must be routed with minimal inductance. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal during clamping; connected to protected line or supply rail. | Marked by color band; reverse-biased under normal operation; conducts only during overvoltage events above VWM. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress. |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial control and telecom infrastructure equipment. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected MOSFETs. |
| UL 497B listed for telecom protection | Validated for use in primary-side surge protection circuits in DSL, POTS, and Ethernet interface designs. |
| 100 pF junction capacitance | Preserves signal integrity on RS-485, CAN, and analog sensor lines without requiring additional filtering compensation. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Protection | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 4–20 mA current-loop sensors in factory automation against ESD and relay-switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between signal line and ground to clamp transients before reaching ADC input or op-amp front-end. Use Value: Prevents sensor output saturation or microcontroller reset caused by 1 kV/500 A surge events per IEC 61000-4-4. |
Use Scenario: Primary-side protection on POTS telephone line interface cards in central office equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS deployed across tip/ring pair to absorb lightning-induced surges before hybrid transformer. Use Value: UL 497B certification confirms compliance with telecom safety and surge withstand requirements for public network deployment. |
| DC Power Rail Protection | MOSFET Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC power inputs in PLC modules exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected between VIN and GND to clamp voltage spikes exceeding 18 V during load dump or hot-swap events. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles 100 ms transients up to 150 V, preventing regulator failure and downstream component damage. |
Use Scenario: Shielding N-channel MOSFET gate terminals in half-bridge motor drivers from Miller-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed between gate and source to limit dV/dt-induced false turn-on and gate oxide overstress. Use Value: 100 pF capacitance avoids slowing gate drive rise time while clamping spikes to ≤29.2 V during 51 A surge 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | Same VWM (18 V), lower PPPM (600 W), SMB package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass). | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs with moderate surge exposure (IEC 61000-4-2 ESD only); not rated for UL 497B. | Select SMBJ18A when board area is critical and surge energy is limited to <600 W; verify thermal derating at elevated ambient temperatures. |
| 1.5KE18A | Identical electrical specs and 1.5KE package; differs only in packaging suffix (E3 vs. standard) and whisker testing (Class 1A vs. unspecified). | Functionally interchangeable in all circuits; E3 version adds JESD201 Class 1A qualification for high-reliability aerospace or medical systems. | Choose LCE18A-E3/73 over 1.5KE18A when whisker resistance and RoHS traceability are required for long-lifecycle industrial deployments. |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the LCE18A-E3/73 provides identical clamping performance and UL 497B listing but adds certified tin whisker mitigation and tighter process control for extended field life in harsh environments.
Availability
LCE18A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line cards, and DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and UL-certified surge immunity.
Supply support for LCE18A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and industry-standard certifications.
The LCE18A-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® low-capacitance TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in telecom, industrial, and automotive subsystems where clamping precision and thermal robustness are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the LCE18A-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The LCE18A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 51 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in Vishay document 88357 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The LCE18A-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the LCE18A-E3/73 suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the LCE18A-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode and must be used with a second unit in anti-parallel configuration for bidirectional AC signal line protection, as shown in Figure 4 of the datasheet. For native bidirectional protection, consider the LCE18CA-E3/73 variant instead. The LCE18A-E3/73 itself only conducts in reverse breakdown mode and blocks forward current beyond its small leakage specification.
Does the LCE18A-E3/73 meet UL 497B certification for telecom applications?
Yes, the LCE18A-E3/73 is UL listed for Telecom Application Protection per UL 497B (File E136766), confirming its suitability for primary-side surge protection in telephone line interface circuits. This certification covers dielectric strength, flammability (UL 94 V-0), and surge endurance testing. The LCE18A-E3/73 achieves this rating as part of the LCE6.5A–LCE28A family documented in Vishay's 88357 specification sheet.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the LCE18A-E3/73?
The LCE18A-E3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C, with a minimum of –65 °C, supporting operation in high-temperature environments such as motor drive enclosures or under-hood automotive modules. This rating is validated per JEDEC test conditions and enables reliable long-term performance when mounted on thermally adequate PCB copper areas or heatsinks. The LCE18A-E3/73 retains full electrical specifications across this full range.
How does the E3 suffix affect the LCE18A-E3/73 compared to non-E3 variants?
The E3 suffix on the LCE18A-E3/73 indicates RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and successful completion of JESD201 Class 1A tin whisker testing, ensuring long-term reliability in high-humidity or high-temperature storage conditions. Non-E3 versions may lack whisker qualification and could pose latent field-failure risks in mission-critical applications. The LCE18A-E3/73 thus offers enhanced process control and traceability for industrial and telecom deployments.
LCE18A-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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 51A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1.5KE
LCE18A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LCE18A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LCE18A-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 LCE18A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of LCE18A-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 LCE18A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LCE18A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LCE18A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LCE18A-E3/73?
LCE18A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LCE18A-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 LCE18A-E3/73?
For technical support, including LCE18A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LCE18A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LCE18A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LCE18A-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 LCE18A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LCE18A-E3/73?
All LCE18A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LCE18A-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 LCE18A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LCE18A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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