New automotive TVS diodes offer ultra-low clamping voltage, high surge capability and ISO 21780 compliance to safeguard sensitive 48V power electronics while helping reduce system cost and improve design flexibility.
Littelfuse has introduced the FlatSuppressX TP5.0SMD-FL and TP1KSMB-FL automotive transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode series for protecting 48V vehicle electronics against transient overvoltage events. Designed for next-generation automotive power architectures, the new devices target sensitive circuits such as DC/DC converters, gate drivers and power management ICs, where maintaining safe voltage levels during surge conditions is increasingly critical.
The new TVS diodes employ the company’s proprietary FlatSuppressX technology, which delivers a significantly lower and more stable clamping voltage than conventional TVS devices. Instead of allowing the clamping voltage to rise substantially during high-energy transients, the devices maintain a nearly constant protection level using an advanced foldback/snapback current-voltage characteristic. This helps prevent sensitive semiconductor devices from exceeding their absolute maximum voltage ratings while avoiding latch-up during transient events.
The key features are:
- Typical response time below 1 ps for transient suppression
- Available in DO-214AB (SMC) and DO-214AA (SMB) surface-mount packages
- Advanced foldback/snapback I-V characteristic for controlled transient response
- Supports use of lower voltage-rated downstream components
- Supplied in tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly
The product family includes two power ratings to suit different protection requirements. The TP5.0SMD-FL provides up to 5kW peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-214AB (SMC) package, while the TP1KSMB-FL offers 1kW peak pulse capability in a more compact DO-214AA (SMB) package. Both devices are AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive reliability and are designed for 48V electrical systems compliant with ISO 21780.
Besides improving surge protection, the lower clamping voltage enables designers to use lower voltage-rated MOSFETs, gate drivers and power ICs downstream, potentially reducing bill-of-material (BOM) costs while increasing overall system efficiency. The stable transient response also simplifies protection design for increasingly compact automotive electronics.
The TVS diodes are intended for a wide range of automotive applications, including battery disconnect units (BDUs), zone control units (ZCUs), electric power steering (EPS) systems, DC/DC converters, power distribution networks, I/O interfaces and 48V power buses. As vehicle electrical architectures continue shifting toward higher-power 48V systems, these devices provide designers with scalable surge protection options that combine high power handling with compact surface-mount packaging.
