TVS Diodes For CAN FD In Autonomous Driving

The low-capacitance design minimises signal degradation, while the high surge current rating enhances protection for automotive electronic devices.

ROHM has developed a new series of bidirectional TVS (ESD protection) diodes designed for high-speed in-vehicle communication using CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate). With the growing demand for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), reliable communication between Electronic Control Units (ECUs) has become essential. The new diodes protect ECUs from surges and electrostatic discharge (ESD) while ensuring signal integrity in high-speed automotive networks.

The key features are:

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• Two package types: SOT-23 (2.9mm × 2.4mm) and DFN1010 (1.0mm × 1.0mm)
• Both support standoff voltages (V_RWM) of 24V and 27V
• Optimized element structure reduces terminal capacitance to max 3.5pF, preventing signal degradation
• High surge tolerance enhances automotive electronics protection

As autonomous driving and ADAS technologies evolve, the need for fast and stable data transmission increases. Autonomous systems rely on vast amounts of sensor data from cameras, LiDAR, and radar, making CAN FD a preferred communication standard due to its higher speed and capacity compared to traditional CAN networks. However, stable data transmission in harsh automotive environments requires advanced protection components with low terminal capacitance, high surge tolerance, and excellent clamping voltage performance. Consequently, the demand for high-performance TVS diodes in automotive communication is expected to grow.

The ESDCANxx series, featuring low terminal capacitance and superior surge resistance. The SOT-23 package offers four models: 24V ESDCAN24HPY / ESDCAN24HXY and 27V ESDCAN27HPY / ESDCAN27HXY. Similarly, the DFN1010 package includes 24V ESDCAN24YPA / ESDCAN24YXA and 27V ESDCAN27YPA / ESDCAN27YXA, making a total of eight models. The 27V DFN1010 package models achieve approximately 3.2 times higher surge current rating and 16% lower clamping voltage than standard CAN FD-compatible products, providing superior protection for sensitive ECUs.

The new ESDCANxx series will be available from December 2024 at an estimated price of $0.9 per unit through online distributors such as DigiKey, Mouser, and Farnell.