Automotive Electronics

Ultra-low VCE(sat) transistors power up automotive electronics

Press Release, 19 December 2025

Diodes Incorporated has rolled out a new series of ultra-low VCE(sat) NPN and PNP bipolar transistors designed to boost power efficiency and density in modern vehicle electronics. These parts branded as the DXTN/P 78Q and 80Q series are built to support a wide range of automotive power-switching functions across 12 V, 24 V and 48 V systems, making them versatile components for electric vehicles, hybrid platforms and traditional automotive applications alike.

The key advantage of these transistors lies in their extremely low saturation voltage — as little as 17 mV at 1 A and minimal on-state resistance, which cut conduction losses and reduce heat buildup. That efficiency boost helps automotive systems run cooler and more reliably, especially under high load. Each device is rated for continuous use up to +175 °C and features strong electrostatic discharge protection, enhancing durability in harsh automotive environments. Typical use cases include driving MOSFETs and IGBTs, managing load switches, supporting low-dropout voltage regulation, DC-DC conversion, and controlling motors, solenoids, relays and actuators.

Packaged in a very compact PowerDI®3333-8 form factor, these new transistors can shrink PCB footprint by up to 75 % compared with older SOT223 designs. This space saving allows car designers to fit more functionality into constrained areas without sacrificing performance. The inclusion of a large underside heatsink and side-wall plateable leads also aids thermal management and improves manufacturing inspection quality.

The 80Q series offers robust current handling with continuous ratings up to 10 A and peak pulses up to 20 A, making it suitable for more demanding applications, while both series span voltage ratings from 30 V to 100 V. Diodes is also offering standard compliance variants that serve industrial and commercial markets. By combining high efficiency, compact packaging and automotive-grade reliability, these transistors aim to meet the evolving needs of electrification and advanced power control in next-generation vehicles.

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