The 1.5KE16A-E3/73: The 1.5KE16A-/73 is a 1500 W unidirectional TVS diode from Vishay's TransZorb series, rated to clamp a 13.6 V DC rail at 22.5 V during a 66.7 A, 10/1000 µs surge event. That 1500 W peak pulse power means it absorbs a single high-energy transient — like an inductive load dump or lightning-induced spike — without failing short, protecting downstream silicon rated for the clamped voltage.
Voltage fit: 13.6 V standoff, 15.2 V breakdown, 22.5 V clamp
Reverse standoff is 13.6 V — the diode draws negligible leakage below this, so it sits across a 12 V nominal bus without loading it. Breakdown starts at 15.2 V minimum, and clamping maxes at 22.5 V at the full 66.7 A pulse. For a 12 V system with a 20 V abs-max input on the regulator, this clamp voltage leaves margin. The 1500 W rating is derated above 25°C per the standard power-temperature curve — at 125°C ambient, derate to roughly 60% of peak power.
Axial DO-201AA — through-hole for high-reliability assembly
Housed in a DO-201AA (DO-27) axial leaded package, the 1.5KE16A-/73 mounts through-hole — the leads handle the thermal cycling of wave-solder and the body withstands board flex better than a surface-mount equivalent. Tape & Box packaging suits hand-insertion or selective-wave lines; the axial format also simplifies rework or replacement in field-service boards.
Lifecycle status is Active per Vishay's current product status — this part is still in regular production and available through authorized distribution. For a spare-parts storeroom, that means the 1.5KE16A-/73 is a safe SKU to stock without obsolescence risk over the next several years.