Surge protection with a 1500 W peak pulse rating
The 1.5SMC170A: This 1500 W rating is the device's peak pulse power dissipation for a standard 10/1000 µs surge — the energy it can absorb in a single transient without failing. For shorter-duration events (like an 8/20 µs lightning surge), the peak power capability is higher; the datasheet's pulse derating curve gives the multiplier for non-standard pulse widths.
DO-214AB package and surface-mount assembly
Housed in the DO-214AB (SMC) package, the 1.5SMC170A is a surface-mount device with a standard footprint shared across the 1.5SMC series. The package's large copper tab on the cathode side conducts heat to the PCB pad — the board's copper area and thermal vias determine the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, which directly affects derating at elevated ambient temperatures. Available in Tape & Reel (TR) and Cut Tape (CT) packaging options, the part suits both high-volume pick-and-place assembly and prototype or low-volume builds. The base product number 1.5SMC covers the full voltage range of the series; the suffix 'A' denotes a unidirectional device with a single Zener die.
Active production and sourcing posture
Operating from -55°C to +150°C junction temperature, the device covers industrial and automotive temperature grades without restriction. The wide range means no derating penalty for cold-crank or under-hood ambient conditions, though the peak pulse power must be derated above 25°C per the datasheet curve.