Mobile-Menu
diotec (Diotec Semiconductor AG)

Diotec Semiconductor AG

http://www.diotec.com/
back

Jun 19, 2026

Load Dump Protection for Automotive Electronics

Automotive electronics – no matter if traditional ICE or modern HEV or BEV – are designed around a basic 12 V supply rail. Under certain fault conditions, that voltage can rise dramatically: One of the most severe transient events is load dump, which occurs when a battery is disconnected during jump start conditions.

Without the battery to absorb the generated energy, the supply voltage can surge to well above its nominal level and remain elevated for hundreds of milliseconds. Such events can expose ECUs, battery management systems, sensors, and actuator drivers to potentially damaging overvoltages.

Because load dump occurs in real-world vehicle operation, it is defined as a test condition in ISO 16750-2. Effective protection therefore remains an essential part of automotive system design.

The 5.0SMCJ28A-AQ TVS diode is designed to protect against these high-energy transients. Offering 5000 W peak pulse power capability and a maximum clamping voltage of 45.4 V in a compact DO-214AB package, it helps safeguard sensitive electronics before damaging voltages can propagate through the system.

Whether in ICE, HEV, or BEV platforms, the 12 V network remains critical—and so does protection against load dump events.