Littelfuse has rolled out the DFNAK3 Series, a line of high-power transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes that packs serious surge protection into a much smaller footprint. Rated for 3 kA (8/20 µs) surge current, the new devices are designed for DC-powered systems and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications that have to withstand harsh electrical environments without sacrificing board space.
What makes the DFNAK3 stand out is its compact DFN package. Compared to bulkier axial-leaded or coated surface-mount alternatives, the new design cuts PCB footprint by 70% and reduces height by the same margin. For engineers trying to fit protection into **high-density boards—think AI data center servers, PoE switches, or remote radio units—**that kind of space saving can make or break a layout.
Despite its smaller form factor, the diode doesn’t compromise on performance. The DFNAK3 meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge requirements and offers a lower clamping voltage than many traditional TVS diodes, MOVs, or gas discharge tubes (GDTs. This means better suppression of transient surges while protecting sensitive downstream components.
For designers, the surface-mount packaging also streamlines automated PCB assembly, cutting out the complexity that comes with bulkier surge devices.
Key Applications
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Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment
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Remote radio units and baseband units
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Data center and AI infrastructure power supplies
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Industrial DC power systems in harsh environments
By shrinking surge protection into a DFN form factor, Littelfuse is aiming squarely at next-generation high-density designs where space and performance have to go hand in hand.
