Automotive ESD devices enable safer 48-V EV networking

Nexperia has introduced the industry’s first ESD diodes designed to protect 48-V automotive data communication networks, which are becoming increasingly common in electric and hybrid vehicles.

As EV and HEV platforms transition away from traditional 12 and 24-V systems, many are adopting 48-V architectures to meet higher efficiency requirements while still relying on established communication protocols.

This new portfolio of six AEC-Q101-qualified devices supports the higher reverse working maximum voltage (VRWM) required for these systems, helping to maintain signal integrity at elevated data rates.

Designed for use with protocols such as CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and FlexRay, the diodes address the need for robust ESD protection in evolving EV architectures. By eliminating the need for additional components, these devices reduce PCB space and system cost while supporting reliable data transmission.

For design flexibility, this portfolio features ESD diodes with 54 V (PESD2CANFD54VT-Q and  (PESD2CANFD54LT-Q), 60 V (PESD2CANFD60VT-Q and (PESD2CANFD60LT-Q) and 72 V (PESD2CANFD72VT-Q and (PESD2CANFD72LT-Q) maximum reverse working voltages (V_RWM).

These ultra-low capacitance (down to 3.4 pF) devices are packaged in the widely used standard SOT23 package. The optimized capacitance ensures that signal integrity is not impacted even in higher-speed protocols like CAN-FD.