How can vehicle electronics withstand high-energy load dumps without adding multiple protection stages? A TVS diode family targets this challenge.
Littelfuse has launched the TPSMD-FL Series FlatSuppressX TVS diodes, an automotive-grade protection device designed to help 12V vehicle electronics meet ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b load-dump requirements with fewer external components.
Load-dump events can occur when a vehicle battery is disconnected while the alternator is charging, producing high-energy voltage transients that can damage sensitive electronics. Conventional transient voltage suppression devices can allow the voltage to rise high enough to require additional protection circuitry.
The new series uses FlatSuppressX technology to maintain a low and stable clamping voltage during these transient events. This can help designers protect downstream electronics while reducing the need for secondary protection stages, potentially simplifying circuit design and reducing PCB space.
The devices are rated for 3000W peak pulse power dissipation and are housed in a surface-mount DO-214AB package. They are AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications and provide IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection of up to 30kV for both air and contact discharge.
The TPSMD-FL series is designed for applications including zonal control modules, powertrain electronics, infotainment systems, body control modules, and other vehicle subsystems operating from 12V power networks. Its low clamping voltage and compact package are also intended to support increasingly distributed vehicle electronics architectures.
“Automotive designers continue to face the challenge of protecting increasingly sensitive electronics from high-energy load-dump transients without adding cost and complexity,”says Charlie Cai, Director of Product Management, Protection Business, Littelfuse. “The TPSMD-FL Series addresses this challenge by delivering exceptionally low clamping voltage performance that can help systems meet ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b requirements without requiring additional protection devices.”
Click here for the official announcement.
