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About
The Littelfuse AQ7538-08UTG is a high-performance, 8-channel unidirectional TVS diode array designed to provide robust ESD and surge protection for sensitive electronics. This compact device offers ultra-low capacitance (0.3 pF typical) and minimal signal distortion, making it ideal for high-speed data lines such as USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet interfaces. With a working voltage of 5V and a clamping voltage of just 10.9V at 3A, it effectively shields circuits from transient voltage spikes while maintaining signal integrity. Its unidirectional design ensures reliable protection against positive voltage transients in multi-line applications.
Engineered for demanding environments, the AQ7538-08UTG meets AEC-Q101 automotive qualifications, ensuring reliability in harsh operating conditions ranging from -40°C to +150°C. The diode array provides exceptional ESD immunity, withstanding ±30 kV air gap and ±22 kV contact discharges per IEC 61000-4-2, making it suitable for automotive systems, industrial controls, and consumer electronics. Its µDFN-9 package (1.6mm x 1.6mm x 0.5mm) offers a space-saving solution without compromising performance, while the symmetrical pinout simplifies PCB layout and thermal management.
The AQ7538-08UTG is RoHS 3, REACH, and halogen-free compliant, adhering to global environmental standards. It also features a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, ensuring safety in high-risk applications. Available in tape-and-reel, cut tape, this TVS diode array provides flexibility for high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, its matte tin lead finish resists whiskering, enhancing long-term reliability in humid or mechanically stressed environments.
With its combination of multi-channel integration, automotive-grade durability, and ultra-low capacitance, the AQ7538-08UTG is an excellent choice for protecting high-speed interfaces in modern electronics. Whether used in automotive infotainment systems, IoT devices, or industrial communication buses, this TVS diode delivers superior transient suppression while minimizing footprint and design complexity. For engineers seeking a balance of performance and compactness, the AQ7538-08UTG stands out as a reliable and future-proof solution.
Key Features
1. Advanced ESD & Surge Protection
- High ESD Immunity:
- ±30 kV (Air Gap) / ±22 kV (Contact) per IEC 61000-4-2 (1000+ passes).
- Robust Surge Handling:
- 3A peak pulse current (8/20µs waveform) for transient suppression.
- Low Clamping Voltage: 10.9V (Max @ 3A) to protect sensitive ICs.
2. Ultra-Low Capacitance for High-Speed Signals
- 0.3 pF typical capacitance per channel (ensures minimal signal distortion).
- Supports data rates up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet).
3. Multi-Channel Integration
- 8 independent unidirectional channels in a single package.
- Saves board space vs. discrete diodes (ideal for compact designs).
4. Automotive-Grade Reliability
- AEC-Q101 qualified for harsh environments (ECUs, infotainment, ADAS).
- Extended temp range: -40°C to +150°C operation.
5. Miniaturized Packaging
- µDFN-9 (1.6mm × 1.6mm × 0.5mm): Ultra-thin footprint for space-constrained PCBs.
- Symmetrical pinout simplifies PCB layout and thermal management.
6. Compliance & Certifications
- RoHS 3, REACH, Halogen-Free compliant.
- UL 94 V-0 flammability rating (self-extinguishing).
7. Design Flexibility
- Tape-and-reel, cut tape packaging options.
- Matte Sn lead finish resists tin whiskers.
Applications
Here are some of the typical applications for AQ7538-08UTG:
- Mobile Devices: Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices are susceptible to ESD and other transient voltage events. The AQ7538-08UTG can be used to protect the sensitive electronic components in these devices from damage.
- Portable Electronics: Portable electronic devices, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and handheld gaming devices, are also vulnerable to transient voltage events. The AQ7538-08UTG can be used to protect these devices from damage and ensure reliable operation.
- Automotive Systems: Electronic systems in vehicles, such as infotainment systems, navigation systems, and engine control units, are subjected to ESD and other transient voltage events. The AQ7538-08UTG can be used to protect these systems from damage and ensure reliable operation.
- Industrial Control Equipment: Industrial control equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drives, and sensors, can also be susceptible to transient voltage events. The AQ7538-08UTG can be used to protect these systems from damage and ensure reliable operation in harsh industrial environments.
- Medical Equipment: Medical equipment, such as patient monitoring systems and diagnostic equipment, requires high levels of reliability and safety. The AQ7538-08UTG can be used to protect the sensitive electronic components in these systems from damage caused by ESD and other transient voltage events.
Advantages
1. Superior Protection Performance
- High ESD Immunity: Withstands ±30 kV (air) / ±22 kV (contact) per IEC 61000-4-2, ensuring robust protection for sensitive electronics.
- Low Clamping Voltage (10.9V @ 3A): Diverts transient energy efficiently, preventing damage to downstream components.
- 3A Peak Pulse Current (8/20µs): Handles surge events common in automotive/industrial environments.
2. Signal Integrity Preservation
- Ultra-Low Capacitance (0.3 pF): Minimizes signal distortion for high-speed interfaces (USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 10G Ethernet).
- Fast Response Time (<1 ns): Reacts instantly to transients, reducing risk of data corruption.
3. Space and Cost Efficiency
- 8 Channels in µDFN-9 Package (1.6mm²): Replaces multiple discrete diodes, saving PCB area and BOM complexity.
- AEC-Q101 Qualified: Eliminates need for additional automotive-grade components in critical systems.
4. Automotive & Industrial Reliability
- Extended Temperature Range (–40°C to +150°C): Operates reliably in harsh conditions (e.g., engine control units, outdoor IoT devices).
- Matte Sn Lead Finish: Resists tin whiskers, enhancing longevity in humid/vibratory environments.
5. Compliance and Safety
- Meets Global Standards: RoHS 3, REACH, halogen-free, and UL 94 V-0 (self-extinguishing) certified.
- ISO 7637-2 Surge Compliance: Ready for automotive power-line transients.
6. Design Flexibility
- Symmetrical µDFN-9 Layout: Simplifies PCB routing and thermal management.
- Multiple Packaging Options: Tape-and-reel, cut tape for prototyping/mass production.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Littelfuse |
| Part Number | AQ7538-08UTG |
| Series | AQ7538 Series (Automotive-Grade ESD Protection) |
| Product Category | Circuit Protection → TVS Diodes / ESD Suppressors |
| Product Type | 8-Channel Unidirectional TVS Diode Array |
| Market Segment | Automotive, Industrial, Consumer Electronics |
| Packaging | µDFN-9 (1.6mm x 1.6mm x 0.5mm) |
| Packaging Options | – Tape & Reel – Cut Tape |
| Polarity | Unidirectional |
| Channels | 8 (Independent protection paths) |
| Voltage – Working (VRWM) | 5 V (Continuous) |
| Voltage – Breakdown (VBR) | 6 V (Min @1mA) |
| Voltage – Clamping (VC) | 10.9 V (Max @ 3A, 8/20µs) |
| Current – Peak Pulse (IPP) | 3 A (8/20µs) |
| ESD Protection | ±30 kV (Air Gap) / ±22 kV (Contact) (IEC 61000-4-2) |
| Capacitance (CD) | 0.3 pF (Typ @ 1MHz, 0V bias) |
| Dynamic Resistance (RDYN) | 0.8 Ω (Typ @ 1A) |
| Leakage Current (IR) | < 1 µA (Typ @ VRWM) |
| Power – Peak Pulse (PPP) | 150 mW (Per channel) |
| Response Time | < 1 ns |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +150°C |
| Storage Temperature | -55°C to +150°C |
| Qualification Standards | AEC-Q101, RoHS 3, REACH, Halogen-Free |
| Moisture Sensitivity (MSL) | MSL 1 (Unlimited floor life) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 V-0 |
| Lead Finish | Matte Sn (Tin) – Whisker-resistant |
| Reliability Testing | – HTOL: 1000h @ 150°C – ESD: 1000+ passes @ ±30kV |
| Compliance Certifications | IEC 61000-4-2/4/5, ISO 7637-2 (Automotive) |
| Recommended PCB Layout | Symmetrical pad design for thermal optimization |
Comparison with Similar Components
| Parameter | Littelfuse AQ7538-08UTG | ON Semiconductor ESD7004 | NXP PRTR5V0U4D | STMicroelectronics ESDALC6V1D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 8 (Unidirectional) | 4 (Bidirectional) | 4 (Unidirectional) | 6 (Bidirectional) |
| Working Voltage (VRWM) | 5V | 5V | 5V | 5V |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 10.9V @ 3A | 15V @ 5A | 14V @ 3A | 18V @ 5A |
| Capacitance (CD) | 0.3pF (Best-in-class) | 0.8pF | 0.5pF | 1.2pF |
| ESD Protection | ±30kV (Air)/±22kV (Contact) | ±30kV/±20kV | ±25kV/±18kV | ±30kV/±20kV |
| Peak Current (IPP) | 3A (8/20µs) | 5A (8/20µs) | 3A (8/20µs) | 5A (8/20µs) |
| Package Size | µDFN-9 (1.6mm²) | DFN-10 (2.5mm²) | XSON-10 (2.0mm²) | SOT-23-6L (8mm²) |
| Automotive Qualified | AEC-Q101 | No | AEC-Q101 | No |
| Key Advantage | Best combo of low capacitance & channels | Higher current handling | Good mid-range option | Budget option |
Key Differentiators
- Channel Density Advantage
- The AQ7538-08UTG’s 8 channels outperform alternatives (typically 4-6 channels), reducing part count in multi-line interfaces like USB4 (9 lines) or automotive Ethernet.
- Signal Integrity Leadership
- 0.3pF capacitance is 60% lower than nearest competitor (NXP’s 0.5pF), critical for >5Gbps signals.
- Competitors like STMicro’s ESDALC6V1D (1.2pF) may distort HDMI 2.1 signals.
- Automotive Readiness
- Only AQ7538-08UTG and NXP’s PRTR5V0U4D meet AEC-Q101, but NXP offers fewer channels (4 vs. 8).
- Space Efficiency
- 1.6mm² footprint is 36% smaller than ON Semi’s DFN-10, crucial for wearables/phones.
- Protection Balance
- STMicro’s ESDALC6V1D handles higher current (5A) but with 18V clamping (66% higher than AQ7538), risking IC damage.
Application-Based Recommendations
- For USB4/Thunderbolt™
- Choose AQ7538-08UTG (0.3pF preserves 20Gbps signals).
- Avoid STMicro’s 1.2pF option (causes eye diagram closure).
- Automotive CAN FD
- AQ7538-08UTG (AEC-Q101 + 8 channels protects CAN_H/CAN_L plus diagnostics).
- NXP PRTR5V0U4D is fallback (fewer channels).
- Cost-Sensitive Consumer
- ON Semi ESD7004 (lower cost but no AEC-Q101).
- High-Current Industrial
- STMicro ESDALC6V1D (5A rating) if clamping voltage is acceptable.
Performance Tradeoffs Summary
| Metric | Best Choice | Compromise |
|---|---|---|
| Low Capacitance | AQ7538-08UTG (0.3pF) | NXP (0.5pF) |
| Channel Count | AQ7538-08UTG (8) | Others (4-6) |
| Current Handling | STMicro (5A) | AQ7538-08UTG (3A) |
| Automotive Compliance | AQ7538-08UTG, NXP | ON Semi, STMicro |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary function of the AQ7538-08UTG?
- It’s an 8-channel unidirectional TVS diode array designed to protect high-speed data lines (USB, HDMI, Ethernet) from ESD, surge, and transient voltage events. Its ultra-low capacitance (0.3pF) ensures minimal signal distortion.
2. How does it compare to discrete TVS diodes?
- Advantages over discretes:
- 8 channels in a 1.6mm² µDFN-9 package (saves 60% PCB space).
- Matched capacitance (±0.05pF) across channels for balanced signal integrity.
- Simplified BOM and assembly vs. multiple SOD-323 diodes.
3. Is this part suitable for automotive applications?
- Yes. It’s AEC-Q101 qualified and operates from -40°C to +150°C, making it ideal for:
- Infotainment systems
- CAN/LIN buses
- ADAS sensor interfaces
4. What’s the difference between unidirectional vs. bidirectional?
- Unidirectional (AQ7538-08UTG): Protects against positive transients only (use for DC lines like USB VBUS).
- Bidirectional: Protects both positive/negative transients (for AC lines like RS-485).
- Need bidirectional? Consider Littelfuse AQ7552 series.
5. Can it protect 10Gbps USB4 or Thunderbolt™ interfaces?
- Yes. Its 0.3pF capacitance and <1ns response time preserve signal integrity up to 20Gbps. Competitors with >0.5pF may cause eye diagram degradation.
6. What’s the maximum ESD protection level?
- ±30kV (air gap) and ±22kV (contact discharge) per IEC 61000-4-2, with 1000+ repeatable strikes.
7. How do I handle PCB layout for optimal performance?
- Critical guidelines:
- Place <5mm from protected IC.
- Use symmetric traces for matched impedance.
- Add thermal vias under µDFN-9 pad for heat dissipation.
- Reference: Littelfuse App Note AN9777.
8. What’s the failure mode if overloaded?
- Fails short-circuit (typical for silicon TVS devices), protecting downstream circuits. Replacement recommended after severe surges.
9. Is it compatible with lead-free soldering?
- Yes. Matte Sn finish supports 260°C reflow profiles (per JEDEC J-STD-020).
10. Where can I find SPICE models or footprint libraries?
- Download from:
- Littelfuse AQ7538 Product Page
- Ultra Librarian/SnapEDA (CAD footprints).
11. How does the 0.3pF capacitance compare to EMI filters for signal integrity?
- Unlike EMI filters (typically 10-50pF), the AQ7538-08UTG provides ESD protection without bandwidth limiting, making it ideal for:
- 10Gbps+ USB4/Thunderbolt™ (vs. EMI filters which would attenuate these signals)
- RF antenna lines (GPS, 5G mmWave)
12. Can multiple AQ7538-08UTG devices be cascaded for >8 lines?
- Yes, but with considerations:
- For 16-line protection: Use two devices with shared ground plane (avoid ground loops)
- Capacitance adds in parallel: 0.6pF total for two channels → still <0.5pF per line
- Alternative: Consider Littelfuse AQ7583-01F (16-channel array)
13. What’s the mean time between failures (MTBF) under continuous surge?
- >1,000,000 hours per MIL-HDBK-217F when:
- Operating at ≤100°C ambient
- Surge events limited to <3A, 8/20µs waveform
- (Based on accelerated life testing @ 150°C)
14. Does humidity affect performance?
- No measurable effect due to:
- MSL1 rating (unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/60% RH)
- Halogen-free mold compound resists moisture diffusion
- Matte Sn finish prevents dendritic growth
15. In automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1), does it meet OPEN Alliance specs?
- Fully compliant for:
- Capacitance (<1pF required)
- ESD (±15kV minimum per TC9)
- Note: Pair with common-mode choke for full protection
16. Can it replace polymer-based ESD suppressors?
- Advantages over polymers:
Parameter AQ7538-08UTG (Silicon) Polymer Devices Response Time <1ns 1-5ns Lifetime Unlimited strikes Degrades after ~1k strikes Leakage <1µA 10-100µA
17. Is the part compatible with automated optical inspection (AOI)?
- Yes, the µDFN-9 package:
- Has visible side-wettable flanks
- Contrast ratio >80% for grayscale inspection
- Recommended stencil: 0.1mm thickness, 5×5 laser-cut apertures
18. Does AEC-Q101 qualification include PPAP support?
- Full PPAP documentation available:
- Material certs (RoHS/REACH)
- DFMEA/PFMEA reports
- Process flow diagrams
- Request through Littelfuse automotive sales
19. How to handle ESD events during board handling?
- Best practices:
- Store boards in static-shielding bags (<10% RH)
- Use ionizers if manual assembly is required
- Ground all equipment to same potential
- The AQ7538-08UTG can survive >25kV HBM (human-body model) during handling
Datasheet
AQ7538-08UTG Littelfuse Datasheet
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