MX5KP14AE3

TVS - Diodes

A Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode, or TVS diode, is a type of diode designed to protect against voltage spikes, transient currents, and high frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are an important component of design schematics for ensuring optimal safety and function in electronic systems and are widely deployed across a plethora of industries and matrices. They offer diversifiable solutions for voltage and current protection, input and output transient clamps, and EMI noise buffer.

One of the more advanced and useful of these devices is the MX5KP14AE3, part of Littelfuse’s line of TVS Diodes. Designed specifically for Automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs), this component was designed to protect vehicle engine control systems from electrical overstress. The MX5KP14AE3 provides automotive-grade protection and conforms to AEC-Q101 standard for automotive applications and is suitable for harsh environments.

Application Field of MX5KP14AE3

The primary use of the MX5KP14AE3 is in protecting ECU systems within automotive electrical architecture. This device is particularly useful in diesel engines and in modern hybrid and electric vehicles due to the increased complexity of their electrical systems. Since modern vehicles are more reliant on computer systems for their operation, the risk of a malfunction or complete power failure caused by an electrical malfunction is greatly increased.

The MX5KP14AE3 provides protection for 12V and 24V systems, meaning it has a wide range of applications across different types of vehicles and architectures. It covers a range from 400W peak pulse power, 1500W for 10/1000 µs, and 7.5A (clamping voltage 33.6V) respectively. In terms of operation voltage range, it is good for -40℃ to +125℃, and ESD performance meets the requirements of IEC61000-4-2 level 4.

Working Principle of MX5KP14AE3

The MX5KP14AE3 is a highly effective de-fibrillator - it prevents electrical shock and interference from damaging the system. This is done by providing a conductive path for the redirected current to flow into a grounded capacitor, while clamping the voltage of the protection circuit. This form of ‘passive protection’ works by shunting any overvoltage or transient voltage spike through the device, providing the system a pathway for the current into a path that can safely dissipate it.

When an overvoltage occurs, the TVS diode is designed to absorb it quickly and efficiently. This is done at the same time as it isolates the rest of the circuit from the excess energy. The MX5KP14AE3 performs particularly well in this respect, reducing the pulse width and peak current substantially, preventing destruction of the circuit. Additionally, it is designed to have exceptional thermal stability to stop performance degrading over time.

Conclusion

The MX5KP14AE3 is a clear example of just how far Transient Voltage Suppressor Diodes have come in recent years. Not only is it an incredibly effective and efficient device for protecting automotive systems, it can also be applied to a wide range of other domains. It offers more robust protections against overvoltage and transient voltage spikes, and due to its conforms to AEC-Q101 standards, offers exceptional thermal stability.