New High-Reliability 15 kW and 30 kW SMT TVS Diodes Deliver DO-160 Level 5 Lightning Protection

Littelfuse expands its high-reliability TVS diode portfolio with compact SPD4-1 surface-mount devices engineered for avionics, military, and other mission-critical systems requiring robust transient protection.

ROSEMONT, Ill., April 14, 2026 — Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFUS), an industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy, today announced the release of the SM15KPA-HR/HRA and SM30KPA-HR/HRA High-Reliability Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode Series. These new devices are engineered to provide superior lightning-induced transient protection for avionics, aviation electronics, defense systems, eVTOL platforms, and other mission-critical designs requiring high power, high reliability, and stringent screening.

Designed in a compact SPD4-1 surface-mount package, the new series delivers 15 kW or 30 kW peak pulse dissipation capability (10/1000 μs) while supporting full SMT pick-and-place assembly—an advantage over legacy high-power axial devices. Both families offer fast response time (<1 ps), excellent clamping behavior, low incremental surge resistance, and stable operation over a –55 °C to 150 °C junction temperature range.

The SM15KPA-HR/HRA and SM30KPA-HR/HRA Series are among the few high-power, high-reliability SMT TVS diodes specifically developed for avionics, offering protection up to RTCA/DO-160 Waveform 5A Level 5 lightning surge compliance. Screening includes 100% surge testing, high-temperature storage, temperature cycling, X-ray inspection, HTRB testing, and final electrical characterization in accordance with MIL-STD-750.

“These new high-power TVS diodes in a surface-mount package give avionics system designers the performance margins they need while supporting standard SMT automatic pick-and-place assembly,” said Charlie Cai, Director of Product Management, Protection Business, SBU. “They provide superior protection for high-reliability applications without the size, weight, or assembly constraints of traditional solutions.”

Differentiating the Four Versions

 Key Features and Benefits

• Up to 15 kW or 30 kW peak pulse power absorption for lightning and high-energy surge protection
• 30 kV ESD data line protection per IEC 61000-4-2
• Superior clamping capability and low incremental surge resistance
• Fast response time (<1 ps) for sensitive circuit protection
• High temperature reflow capability (245 °C / 10 s)
• Matte-tin, RoHS-compliant construction
• Whisker-tested per JEDEC JESD201A
• DO-160 Waveform 5A Level 5 protection capability

Target Markets and Applications

• Avionics flight computers and controllers
• Navigation, communication, and radar electronics
• eVTOL propulsion and battery management systems
• Defense/aerospace power distribution modules
• High-reliability industrial and transportation platforms requiring lightning surge immunity

FAQs: Learn more about these high-reliability TVS diodes.

1. What applications benefit most from these TVS diodes?

They are optimized for avionics, eVTOL, military, and other mission-critical platforms where lightning-induced transients and high-energy surge events must be tightly controlled. Their high-power density and robust screening make them ideal for safeguarding I/O lines, power buses, and sensitive navigation or communication electronics.

2. How do the HR and HRA versions differ?

Both meet high-reliability 100% screening tests, but the HR versions include the enhanced MIL-STD-750 Group B tests that ensure additional test rigor, and extended reliability margins suited for the most demanding aerospace and defense qualification environments.

3. Why choose a surface-mount (SMT) high-power TVS device?

The SPD4-1 SMT package supports automated assembly, reduces weight and board space, and eliminates the need for through-hole mounting traditionally associated with high-energy TVS components—an advantage in modern avionics hardware.

4. Do these devices meet DO-160 lightning surge requirements?

Yes. The series provides protection up to DO-160 Waveform 5A Level 5, making them well-suited for aircraft electronics that must withstand severe transient environments.

5. Are both unidirectional and bidirectional versions available?

Yes. All four series offer uni- and bidirectional polarity options, allowing engineers to match the device type to the signal or power rail being protected.

Availability

The SM15KPA-HR/HRA and SM30KPA-HR/HRA Series TVS diodes are available in tape and reel format in quantities of 500. Sample requests are accepted through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. For a listing of Littelfuse distributors, please visit Littelfuse.com.