1.5kW bidirectional transient suppressor for 15.3V rails
The 1.5KE18CA-E3/73: The Vishay 1.5KE18CA-/73 is a 1500W bidirectional TransZorb TVS diode in a DO-201AA axial-lead package. The 1500W rating means it absorbs a single 1ms surge without failing; for repetitive events, the power derates linearly above 25°C.
Through-hole DO-201AA (DO-27) body with axial leads — the lead spacing is non-standard, so the hole pattern on the PCB must match the actual lead spread of the part in hand. The -/73 suffix denotes Tape & Box packaging, which is the standard Vishay bulk format for axial diodes; the same die is also available in tape-and-reel (-/54) or ammo-pack (-/1) if the pick-and-place feeder requires a different carrier. Power line protection is marked as 'No' — this part is designed for signal and low-power DC bus clamping, not for direct AC mains or high-energy power-line surge suppression where a higher energy MOV or gas tube would be specified.
Lifecycle and supply posture
Listed as Active by Vishay — the 1.5KE series is a long-running TransZorb family with no announced end-of-life.