Choosing the right circuit protection solution for automotive applications | Understanding the importance of ESD standards in automotive electronics design

In the last two weeks, we shared with you the automotive test standards and the five most common automotive circuits that need protection (click on the blue text to view the previous two articles). This week, let’s talk about how to choose the right circuit protection solution for automotive applications.

Automotive circuit designers may have difficulty finding high-quality circuit protection solutions because there are only a few companies in the market that are capable of developing products that meet the AEC-Q101 standard. When selecting a manufacturer of circuit protection devices, it is important to verify the company's qualifications to ensure that they can provide proven high-reliability products that meet AEC-Q101 standard requirements as well as other industry standards. The company should also follow best practices in product design and use high-quality manufacturing processes.

The picture shows that the TPSMA6L series TVS diode of Littelfuse has excellent electrical performance in a small package

Designing robust automotive electronics requires advance planning for the management of the myriad environmental and electrical hazards that exist in the automotive environment. Successful design begins with an understanding of the requirements of the ISO 10605 and AEC-Q101 test standards. As individual modules and the entire vehicle undergo comprehensive reliability testing, appropriate protection is required at every layer of the electronics. Circuit designers should also consider the electrical vulnerabilities of the automotive circuits that need protection, especially those involving innovative communications and networking security vulnerabilities. With an understanding of automotive test standards and circuits, designers can select the best circuit solution for their application.