ROHM is launching a TVS diode that prevents signal degradation with a low-capacity design and improves the protection performance of automotive electronic devices with high surge tolerance, and supports CAN FD, a high-speed automotive communication system that supports autonomous driving.

ROHM announced on the 18th that it has developed the "ESDCANxx series" of bidirectional TVS (ESD protection) diodes supporting CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data rate) for high-speed automotive communication systems, demand for which is increasing with the advancement of autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

CAN FD is a communication technology essential for safe real-time data transmission and reception between ECUs (electronic control units) inside a vehicle.

The new product prevents degradation of transmission signals during high-speed communications such as CAN FD and protects electronic devices such as ECUs from surges and electrostatic discharge (ESD), thereby realizing high-quality automotive communications.

The 'ESDCANxx series' is available in two packages: SOT-23 (2.9mm x 2.4mm) and DFN1010 (1.0mm x 1.0mm), corresponding to stand-off voltages (VRWM) of 24V and 27V, respectively.

The SOT-23 package is available in 24V compatible 'ESDCAN24HPY&There are four models available: 'ESDCAN24HXY', 'ESDCAN27HPY' and 'ESDCAN27HXY' that support 27V.

The DFN1010 package consists of four models: 'ESDCAN24YPA', 'ESDCAN24YXA' for 24V, and 'ESDCAN27YPA', 'ESDCAN27YXA' for 27V, for a total of eight products in the lineup.

The new product reduces the capacitance between terminals to a maximum of 3.5 pF by optimizing the element structure, thereby preventing signal degradation during high-speed communication.

It also achieves high surge resistance, significantly improving the protection performance of electronic devices in automotive environments.

For example, in the case of 27V compatible products provided in the DFN1010 package, surge tolerance has been improved by approximately 3.2 times compared to general products compatible with CAN FD, and the clamp voltage has also been reduced by approximately 16%.

Accordingly, it effectively protects expensive electronic devices sensitive to surges, such as vehicle ECUs, and provides high reliability even in harsh automotive environments.

The new product will begin sequential mass production in November 2024 with a production capacity of 500,000 units per month. Production is being handled by ROHM Apollo Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka) for the front-end process and ROHM Korea Corporation (Korea) for the back-end process.

In addition, online sales have begun, and products can be purchased from online parts distribution sites such as Chip 1 Stop™ and CoreStaff Online™ (sample price 100 yen/unit, excluding tax).