Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division LCE20A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- LCE20A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
LCE20A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC 1.5KE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,884
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Product details
Overview
LCE20A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown range (VBR), 32.4 V clamping voltage at 46 A peak pulse current, 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature. It is used in DC power rail and signal line protection for industrial sensors and telecom interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the LCE20A-E3/73 datasheet, LCE20A-E3/73 pinout, LCE20A-E3/73 application, or LCE20A-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating guidance, and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade sourcing details - all specific to the LCE20A-E3/73 variant.
Technical Context
The LCE20A-E3/73 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ps) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling precise clamping during ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its unidirectional polarity-marked by a cathode band-supports DC-biased protection circuits without reverse conduction during normal operation.
Rated for 1500 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 µs waveform and 0.01% duty cycle, it sustains repetitive surges when thermally managed per its 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation limit on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Junction temperature range spans −65 °C to +175 °C, supporting harsh-environment deployment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V DC systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot. |
| VC @ IPP | 32.4 V at 46 A - Clamped voltage during full 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge testing. |
| Junction Capacitance | 100 pF at 0 V - Low capacitance preserves signal integrity on data lines up to ~10 MHz; avoids distortion in sensor analog outputs. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables use in engine control units, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom enclosures without thermal derating penalties. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Requires correct orientation relative to DC bias; blocks reverse leakage below VWM, clamps only positive transients. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Case Style 1.5KE - molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested. Dimensions: 5.3 mm × 4.8 mm × 9.5 mm (L × W × H), lead length 9.5 mm, lead diameter 1.07 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes clamping path during overvoltage events. |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Marked by color band; connects to protected line (e.g., 24 V rail or RS-485 A/B); conducts surge current to ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports repeated surge events in industrial automation without parameter drift or catastrophic failure. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| UL 497B listed for telecom | Validates compliance with telecom surge immunity standards; simplifies certification for base station and DSLAM designs. |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Guarantees reliable reflow and wave solder joint formation without delamination or voiding. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Protection | DC Power Rail Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 4–20 mA current-loop transmitters and RTD interfaces from inductive switching spikes in factory-floor PLC cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode placed across sensor supply pins to clamp transients before they reach precision ADCs or op-amps. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 32.4 V, preserving 24 V system headroom and preventing latch-up in analog front-end ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC input rails of programmable logic controllers against load dump and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp mounted at board entry point, upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges without degradation, maintaining system uptime in environments with frequent motor actuation. |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Automotive Body Control Module |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 communication ports in network switches and VoIP gateways from ESD and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS paired with common-mode choke on differential pairs to suppress asymmetrical transients. Use Value: 100 pF capacitance avoids signal rise-time degradation on 10 Mbps links while meeting UL 497B requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus and sensor inputs in automotive BCMs exposed to battery load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp device connected between LIN line and chassis ground to divert ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a energy. Use Value: Withstands −65 °C to +175 °C ambient, enabling direct mounting near high-temperature fuse boxes and relays. |
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-E3/52 | Same VWM (20 V), lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (3.5 mm × 4.6 mm). | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs with lower surge threat levels (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact). | Select when board area is critical and peak surge energy is ≤600 W; verify thermal relief for sustained 6.5 W dissipation. |
| 1.5KE20A | Identical electrical specs and 1.5KE package, but non-RoHS (no E3 suffix) and no JESD 201 whisker testing. | Acceptable for legacy industrial equipment where RoHS and whisker resistance are not mandated. | Choose only for cost-sensitive, non-certified applications; avoid in new designs requiring IPC/JEDEC-compliant supply chains. |
Compared with SMBJ20A-E3/52 and 1.5KE20A, the LCE20A-E3/73 uniquely combines 1500 W surge capacity, RoHS/E3 compliance, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and UL 497B listing - making it the preferred choice for certified telecom and high-reliability industrial deployments.
Availability
LCE20A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor protection, DC power rail hardening, and telecom interface safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for LCE20A-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The LCE20A-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® low-capacitance TVS family, engineered for high-energy transient suppression in industrial, telecom, and automotive subsystems where clamping precision and thermal resilience are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the LCE20A-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The LCE20A-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 46 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. Maintaining VC below downstream IC absolute maximum ratings is essential for reliable LCE20A-E3/73 implementation.
Is the LCE20A-E3/73 suitable for AC line protection?
No - the LCE20A-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode and must not be used directly across AC mains. For AC signal line protection, Vishay recommends using two LCE20A-E3/73 devices in anti-parallel configuration, as shown in Figure 4 of document 88357. Direct AC application would cause destructive forward conduction during negative half-cycles, compromising LCE20A-E3/73 functionality and safety.
Does the LCE20A-E3/73 meet RoHS and lead-free assembly requirements?
Yes - the "E3" suffix confirms the LCE20A-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant per Directive 2011/65/EU and qualified for lead-free reflow soldering. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and it passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. These attributes ensure compatibility with modern high-volume SMT processes and environmental compliance mandates for the LCE20A-E3/73.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the LCE20A-E3/73 junction?
The LCE20A-E3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C, with an operational range spanning −65 °C to +175 °C. This wide thermal envelope allows deployment in under-hood automotive modules, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment without additional thermal derating - a key differentiator for demanding LCE20A-E3/73 applications.
How does the LCE20A-E3/73 compare to standard 1.5KE series TVS diodes?
The LCE20A-E3/73 shares identical electrical specifications and 1.5KE package dimensions with legacy 1.5KE20A parts but adds E3-level RoHS compliance, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and UL 497B listing for telecom. These enhancements make the LCE20A-E3/73 suitable for new designs requiring regulatory alignment and long-term supply assurance - unlike generic 1.5KE20A variants.
LCE20A-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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 46A
- 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
LCE20A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LCE20A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LCE20A-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 LCE20A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of LCE20A-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 LCE20A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LCE20A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LCE20A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LCE20A-E3/73?
LCE20A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LCE20A-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 LCE20A-E3/73?
For technical support, including LCE20A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LCE20A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LCE20A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LCE20A-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 LCE20A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LCE20A-E3/73?
All LCE20A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LCE20A-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 LCE20A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LCE20A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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