Littelfuse Launches TPSMD-FL TVS Diodes for Simplified ISO 7637 Load-Dump Protection

­Littelfuse, Inc. announced the TPSMD-FL Series FlatSuppressX™ TVS Diodes, a new family of automotive-grade transient voltage suppression devices designed to simplify ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b load-dump protection for 12 V vehicle electronics. 

Unlike conventional TVS diodes that can allow transient voltages to rise to levels requiring additional protection circuitry, the TPSMD-FL Series leverages proprietary FlatSuppressX™ technology to maintain a low, flat, and stable clamping voltage profile during high-energy transient events. This enables designers to meet demanding automotive load-dump requirements with lower clamping fewer external components, reducing design complexity, PCB space requirements, and total system cost.

Rated for 3000 W peak pulse power dissipation and housed in a compact surface-mount DO-214AB package, the TPSMD-FL Series is optimized to protect sensitive automotive electronics from high-energy surges. The devices are AEC-Q101 qualified and designed specifically for applications requiring compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b load-dump standards.

“Automotive designers continue to face the challenge of protecting increasingly sensitive electronics from high-energy load-dump transients without adding cost and complexity to their systems,” said Charlie Cai, Director of Product Management, Protection Business, Littelfuse. “The innovative FlatSuppressX™ 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, reducing both component count and overall BOM cost.”

Key features and benefits include:

• Excellent low-clamping performance 
• FlatSuppressX™ technology with advanced foldback I-V characteristics that maintain a low, stable clamping voltage during transient events
• 3000 W peak pulse power dissipation capability for robust surge protection
• Designed to withstand ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b load-dump transients in 12 V automotive systems
• AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive reliability requirements
• Compact DO-214AB surface-mount package that helps optimize board space
• IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection up to 30 kV air and contact discharge

The TPSMD-FL Series is ideal for automotive applications requiring protection from load-dump transients, including zonal control modules, powertrain electronics, infotainment systems, body control modules, and other vehicle electronic subsystems operating on 12 V power networks.

FAQs – TPSMD-FL Series FlatSuppressX™ TVS Diodes

What makes the TPSMD-FL Series different from conventional TVS diodes?
The TPSMD-FL Series uses proprietary FlatSuppressX™ technology to maintain a flatter, lower clamping voltage during transient events without latch-up risk . This helps protect downstream electronics more effectively and can eliminate the need for additional protection components.

What automotive standard is the TPSMD-FL Series designed to address?
The series is specifically designed for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b load-dump protection in 12 V automotive systems. These high-energy transients can occur when a battery becomes disconnected while the alternator is charging.

Which automotive applications are best suited for the TPSMD-FL Series?
Typical applications include zonal controllers, powertrain electronics, infotainment systems, body electronics, and other sensitive vehicle control modules connected to 12 V power rails.

How does the TPSMD-FL Series help reduce system costs?
Because the devices offer very low clamping-voltage performance, designers may be able to meet load-dump requirements without adding secondary protection stages. This can reduce component count, PCB area, and overall BOM cost.

What reliability qualifications does the TPSMD-FL Series meet?
The devices are AEC-Q101-qualified for automotive applications and provide up to 3000 W peak pulse power dissipation. They also support IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection up to 30 kV air and contact discharge.

What package options are available?
The TPSMD-FL Series is offered in a compact surface-mount DO-214AB package, enabling high surge protection while minimizing board space.

Does the TPSMD-FL Series support next-generation vehicle architectures?
Yes. The combination of low clamping voltage, high surge capability, and compact size makes the devices well suited for modern zonal architectures and increasingly distributed automotive electronic systems.

Availability

The TPSMD-FL Series FlatSuppressX™ TVS Diodes are available in tape-and-reel format in quantities of 3,000. Sample requests are accepted through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. 

For More Information 
Additional information is available on the TPSMD-FL Series FlatSuppressX™ TVS Diodes product page. T