Apprentice

Littelfuse TVS Diodes targeted at 48V automotive systems. Article by: Littelfuse Inc. Littelfuse's new TVS diodes address a critical challenge in automotive design: protecting increasingly sensitive ICs. Littelfuse Inc. has launched the TP5.0SMD-FL (5kW) and TP1KSMB-FL (1kW) Series FlatSuppressX TVS Diodes, designed to protect 48V automotive electronics from transient overvoltage events while delivering ultra-low and stable clamping performance. Engineered for next-generation 48V systems in compliance with ISO 21780, the new TVS diodes address a critical challenge in automotive design: protecting increasingly sensitive ICs - such as DC/DC converters and gate drivers - without exceeding their absolute maximum ratings. Using Littelfuse's proprietary FlatSuppressX technology, the devices maintain a near-constant, low clamping voltage during fast transients and high-energy surge events, helping designers reduce system stress and overall BOM cost. Unlike conventional TVS devices, which can exhibit higher and variable clamping voltages, FlatSuppressX devices leverage an advanced foldback/snapback I-V characteristic to tightly control transient response while avoiding latch-up risk. This approach enables the use of lower voltage-rated components, improving design flexibility and cost efficiency. "The key advantage of FlatSuppressX technology is its ability to deliver extremely low and stable clamping voltage in 48 V systems," said Charlie Cai, Director of Product Management, Protection Business, Littelfuse. "This allows engineers to protect sensitive ICs better while meeting ISO 21780 requirements and reducing total system cost without latch-up risk." The TP5.0SMD-FL Series provides up to 5,000W peak pulse power capability in a DO-214AB (SMC) package. At the same time, the TP1KSMB-FL Series delivers 1,000W in a compact DO-214AA (SMB) package, offering scalable protection options for different system requirements. Both series are AEC-Q101 qualified and designed for high-reliability automotive applications. The devices are optimized for protecting I/O interfaces, power buses, and other vulnerable circuits in automotive electronics, particularly in 48V architectures.

Littelfuse has surged 40% since the end of March, driven by strong performance in the AI data centre market, according to Heartland Advisors' Q2 2026 investor letter. The industrial technology company's high-medium voltage protection products have become crucial for AI data centre infrastructure, with this segment now representing approximately 20% of its business. The company reported Q1 2026 net sales of $657 million, up 19% year over year. Bookings increased more than 20% annually whilst earnings per share continued to rise. Management has been returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Despite recent gains, Littelfuse trades at a discount to peers, which average nearly 40 times earnings. The stock closed at $416.31 on 14 July 2026, with a market capitalisation of $10.53 billion.

nLIGHT, a semiconductor and fiber laser manufacturer, reported first-quarter revenues of $80.18 million, up 55.2% year-on-year and beating analyst expectations by 11.2%. The company delivered the strongest performance among electronic components stocks tracked this quarter. Littelfuse reported revenues of $657 million, up 18.5% year-on-year, exceeding analyst estimates by 3.4%. The electrical protection and control components maker beat EBITDA and operating income estimates. Its shares have risen 11.7% since reporting, currently trading at $472.09. The eight electronic components stocks tracked reported strong first-quarter results overall, with revenues beating consensus estimates by 2.9%. Share prices have risen 6.7% on average since earnings releases. nLIGHT's stock has gained 6.2% since reporting, currently trading at $70.28.