New TVS diodes cut clamping voltage by up to 15% for DC line protection

Littelfuse, Inc. has launched the 5.0SMDJ-FB TVS Diode Series, a 5000W surface-mount solution in a DO-214AB package engineered to protect sensitive DC power lines from overvoltage transients.

The new series includes foldback technology, which delivers up to 15% lower clamping voltage (VC) compared to conventional solutions, while maintaining Breakdown Voltage (VBR) above the Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR). This key differentiator provides reliable protection for increasingly sensitive downstream components, particularly next-generation DC-DC converters, without compromising system integrity.

“The 5.0SMDJ-FB Series addresses a critical design challenge: how to safeguard increasingly sensitive DC-DC converters and other power supply components from destructive transient surges,” said Jenny Chen, product manager, Protection Semiconductor Business Unit at Littelfuse. “By achieving up to 15% lower clamping voltage for the same standoff voltage, our foldback technology enhances circuit protection performance in high-reliability applications like data centres and industrial systems.”

Key features and benefits of the series include:

• Foldback technology for lower clamping voltage, improving protection against EFT, ESD, and other overvoltage conditions.
• Breakdown Voltage (VBR) is always greater than Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR) and is ideal for maintaining DC power line stability.
• 5000W peak pulse power rating, enabling robust protection in harsh electrical environments.
• Drop-in replacement to legacy 5.0SMDJ Series with the same compact DO-214AB (SMC) footprint.

These devices protect DC power lines across a variety of demanding applications, including PoE systems, AI and data centre servers, ICT equipment power supplies, and industrial DC power distribution.

As system designs evolve to include higher-performance and more compact DC-DC converters, the risk of transient-induced failures increases. The 5.0SMDJ-FB Series offers design engineers a solution that combines a compact footprint, ease of integration, and advanced protection performance to meet these demands.