Nexperia releases ESD protection diodes for 48 V EV communications networks

Press Release, 3 July 2025

Nexperia introduced ESD diodes designed to protect 48 V automotive data communications networks against the destructive effects of electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. This new portfolio of six robust AEC-Q101 qualified devices covers the required higher reverse working maximum voltage (VRWM) for increasingly common 48 V board nets. This ultimately saves PCB space and system cost while maintaining signal integrity even at higher data rates.

While data communications protocols like controller area network (CAN) and its flexible data rate variant (CAN-FD), as well as local interconnect network (LIN) and FlexRay have been around for several decades, their proven reliability in lower speed applications means they continue to feature in even the most recent automobiles, including electric (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models. However, unlike conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles that have a 12 V battery, or commercial vehicles that feature a 24 V battery, the higher efficiency requirements of EVs and HEVs mean they are increasingly moving towards using a 48 V battery to power various electrical systems, including these legacy communications networks.

“Until now, automotive equipment manufacturers lacked suitable ESD protection solutions specifically designed for 48 V data lines,” explains Alexander Benedix, Head of Product Group Protection and Filtering at Nexperia. “As a result, they often had to rely on workarounds – either including an additional 12 V power rail or connecting several lower-voltage (36 V) protection diodes in parallel – to ensure their systems were adequately protected. With this new portfolio, designers working with 48 V board nets can now save space and cost while delivering best-in-class ESD protection for their automotive networks”.

About Nexperia

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Nexperia is a global semiconductor company with a rich European history and over 12,500 employees across Europe, Asia, and the United States. As a leading expert in the development and production of essential semiconductors, Nexperia’s components enable the basic functionality of virtually every commercial electronic design in the world – from automotive and industrial to mobile and consumer applications.