A diode makes 12V car electronics safer and simpler. It cuts extra parts, reduces power loss, and keeps important systems running reliably.
Many automotive electronics still run on 12-volt battery systems, and protecting these circuits against reverse polarity and power surges is a recurring challenge. Designers often rely on multiple components to protect MOSFETs, DC/DC converters, and diodes. While effective, this approach increases conduction losses, adds cost, and takes more board space.
The Littelfuse TPSMB Asymmetrical Series TVS diodes address this problem by offering a single-device protection approach. Their asymmetrical clamping keeps negative clamping voltage lower, which allows the use of lower-rated MOSFETs or diodes without sacrificing performance. This simplifies the circuit design and helps reduce total component cost while improving efficiency.
These diodes are particularly suited for automotive applications built on 12-volt architecture. They can support domain and zonal controllers, body control modules, infotainment and lighting systems, and other electronics that need stable surge protection over long operating lifecycles.
They also align well with safety-critical systems such as powered seating controls, motor pre-tensioner belts, and ADAS electronics, where reliability and fast transient response are essential. The key value of this series is not just surge protection, but simplifying how that protection is implemented across modern vehicle power systems.
Key Features
- Asymmetrical protection: low positive clamping (24–30 V) and low negative clamping (12–18 V)
- Replaces multiple Zener or TVS components
- 600 W peak pulse power, <1 ns response time, supports up to 30 kV ESD
- AEC-Q101 automotive qualified, operating from -65°C to 175°C
- Compact DO-214AA surface-mount package
“The TPSMB Asymmetrical Series delivers the industry’s first single-component solution specifically engineered for 12V battery anti-reverse protection,” said Charlie Cai, Director Product Marketing at Littelfuse. “By enabling customers to use lower-voltage MOSFETs or diodes, these devices reduce conduction loss, simplify circuit design, and lower BOM cost while ensuring reliable automotive system protection.”
