I. What is Load Dump in 24V Automotive Systems?
Load dump is a dangerous transient event that occurs when:
- The vehicle battery is disconnected while the alternator is charging
- A sudden load change happens in the electrical system
This can generate a high-energy voltage surge that may exceed 100V in 24V systems.
- ISO 7637-2 Load Dump Test (P5a)
- Peak Voltage: 101V
- Source Resistance: 4Ω
- Pulse Duration: 400ms
Without proper protection, load dump can cause:
- ECU failure
- PCB damage
- Semiconductor breakdown
- System malfunction
To ensure system reliability and compliance with automotive standards, high-power TVS diodes are widely used as the first line of defense.
II. What is an Automotive TVS Diode?
An automotive TVS (Transient Voltage Suppression) diode is a protection device designed to clamp high-energy voltage spikes caused by electrical transients such as load dump, surge, ESD, and inductive switching.
In 24V automotive systems, TVS diodes are commonly used to protect:
- ECUs (Electronic Control Units)
- Power input rails
- Communication interfaces
- Sensor circuits
The SM8S36A / SM8S36CA series automotive TVS diodes are designed for high-power transient protection in harsh automotive environments.
Circuit Design Reference
👉 Solution Details：https://en.semiware.com/reference-designs/dc24v-p5a/
III. SM8S36A / SM8S36CA Key Specifications
- Qualification: AEC-Q101 Automotive Grade
- Standoff Voltage: 40 ~ 44.2V
- Peak Pulse Power: 6600W
- Package: DO-218AB
- Type: Unidirectional / Bidirectional
- Application Voltage: 24V automotive systems
IV. Application Scenarios
The SM8S36A / SM8S36CA series is widely used in:
- Engine control units (ECU)
- Transmission control systems
- Body control modules (BCM)
- 24V battery power input protection
- Automotive lighting systems
- Communication and sensor interfaces
- Industrial automotive electronics
V. How to Choose the Right Automotive TVS Diode?
When selecting a TVS diode for automotive load dump protection, consider:
System voltage (12V / 24V)
Surge energy level (ISO 7637 requirement)
Direction of protection (unidirectional vs bidirectional)
Power rating (Wattage capability)
Package thermal performance
Automotive qualification (AEC-Q101)
For 24V load dump protection, SM8S36A / SM8S36CA (6600W class devices) are commonly used solutions.
👉 View SM8S36A/SM8S36CA product details:
https://en.semiware.com/automotive-tvs-diodes/sm8s36a/
https://en.semiware.com/automotive-tvs-diodes/sm8s36ca/
At Semiware, our EMC experts provide complete surge & ESD protection solutions, backed by a full portfolio of protection components.
📩 For application support, circuit design recommendations, or sample requests, feel free to contact us.
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