Diodes Incorporated has expanded its automotive-qualified bipolar transistor portfolio with the introduction of the DXTN/P 78Q and 80Q series. The ultra-low VCE(sat) NPN and PNP devices are designed for automotive power switching and control applications, including those found in electric vehicle (EV) low-voltage and 48-V subsystems.
The 12 devices support operation across 12, 24, and 48-V automotive systems. Target applications include gate driving for MOSFETs and IGBTs, power line and load switching, low-dropout voltage regulation, dc-dc conversion, and the control of motors, solenoids, relays, and actuators commonly used in EV auxiliary systems.
Rated for continuous operation up to +175° C and offering ESD robustness of 4kV HBM and 1kV CDM, the devices are intended for use in harsh automotive environments.
The transistors are housed in the PowerDI 3333-8 package, measuring 3.3 × 3.3mm, which reduces PCB footprint compared with larger legacy packages such as SOT223. A large underside heatsink provides a junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 4.2° C/W. The side-wall plateable (SWP) design improves automated optical inspection visibility and supports more consistent solder joint formation during manufacturing.
Both series cover BVCEO ratings from 30V to 100V and are designed to handle high current levels. The DXTN/P 80Q series supports continuous current ratings up to 10A with peak pulse capability of 20A, providing additional margin for higher-load automotive designs. Low saturation voltage, specified as low as 17mV at 1A, and on-state resistance down to 12mΩ are intended to reduce conduction losses and thermal dissipation compared with earlier device generations.
According to Diodes, these characteristics can help simplify thermal management in compact automotive power electronics, particularly in space-constrained EV subsystems where efficiency and heat control are critical.
Non-automotive-qualified versions, the DXTN/P 78 and 80 series, are also available for industrial and commercial applications.
Filed Under: Power Electronics, Technology News