1500 W peak pulse, 136 V standoff — the load-dump clamp for 12 V automotive buses
The 1.5KE160CAH is a 1500 W bidirectional TVS diode from Taiwan Semiconductor's 1.5KE series, housed in a DO-201AA (DO-27) axial-lead package.
Bidirectional clamping — one part covers both polarities on a signal pair
A single bidirectional channel means the 1.5KE160CAH clamps positive and negative transients symmetrically. For CAN bus, LIN bus, or sensor lines where the signal swings above and below ground, one device replaces two unidirectional TVS diodes in anti-series, saving board space and reducing the component count per protected line. The breakdown voltage range starts at 152 V minimum, with the reverse standoff at 136 V. A 12 V nominal rail riding at 14.4 V during alternator charging sits well below the standoff threshold, so the diode draws no leakage current during normal operation. The 219 V clamp voltage ensures the downstream IC's abs-max rating is never exceeded during a 1500 W surge.
Through-hole axial package — the rework-friendly footprint
DO-201AA (DO-27) axial package with through-hole mounting. The 0.042-inch lead diameter fits standard 1.0 mm PCB holes; the body length is 7.6 mm typical. Tape-and-reel packaging supports automated insertion for high-volume assembly, while the through-hole form factor allows manual replacement during prototype rework or field repair without hot-air equipment. Power line protection is not rated — this is a signal-rail TVS, not a mains surge suppressor. On a 12 V battery line, the 1500 W rating handles the ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a load-dump transient (up to 87 V for 400 ms) without the part entering secondary breakdown.