1500W bidirectional TVS in a DO-201 axial package
The STMicroelectronics 1.5KE15CARL is a bidirectional Zener-based transient voltage suppressor from the 1.5KE TRANSIL™ family. It delivers 1500W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform) with a 12.8 V reverse standoff voltage and clamps at 27.2 V maximum at the rated peak pulse current of 368 A (8/20 µs waveform). The single bidirectional channel protects both polarities from a single device, simplifying board layout for AC signal lines or differential pairs.
The 27.2 V clamping voltage at the peak pulse current sets the maximum voltage the downstream circuit sees during a surge event. A 12.8 V standoff voltage means the device draws negligible leakage at normal operating levels up to that DC bias. The DO-201 axial body handles the thermal pulse without derating over the board's ambient temperature range.
The 1.5KE15CARL is marked obsolete by STMicroelectronics. For new designs, consider the current-production 1.5KE series variants in the same DO-201 package; the 1.5KE15A (unidirectional) is a common cross-shop candidate but differs in polarity.
Through-hole mounting and package compatibility
The DO-201AA (DO-27) axial leaded package is a through-hole form factor with 0.052-inch diameter leads. The tape-and-reel option (1.5KE15CARL suffix) supports automated insertion, while cut-tape quantities are available for prototypes or repair stock. The 2500 pF typical capacitance at 1 MHz limits application to lower-frequency signal lines — not suitable for high-speed data interfaces like Ethernet or USB without significant signal degradation.