Semtech Introduces SurgeSwitch Protection for Industrial Robotics and Cobots
Semtech Corporation, a provider of high-performance semiconductors for AI data center networking and intelligent, connected Internet of Things (IoT) applications, has announced the TDS2621LP, the latest addition to its SurgeSwitch® family of circuit protection devices.
Designed specifically for 24 V DC power buses used in industrial robotics, collaborative robots (cobots), and automated manufacturing systems, the TDS2621LP provides surge and transient protection in a compact form factor. The device is engineered to deliver a near-constant clamping voltage while meeting IEC 61000-4-5 surge requirements, helping designers protect sensitive electronics without relying on larger, conventional industrial protection packages.
As robotics technology continues to evolve, industrial machines are becoming more compact while incorporating increasing amounts of electronics. Cobots, in particular, are designed to operate in closer proximity to people and often require sophisticated control electronics within space-constrained mechanical assemblies. These trends place greater demands on the protection of safety-critical input/output (I/O) modules and power circuitry.
Industrial environments can expose electronic systems to a range of electrical transients. Inductive loads, including servo motors, electromagnetic brakes, and pneumatic solenoids, can switch on and off repeatedly during normal manufacturing operations. These switching events can generate high-energy transients on the 24 V DC power bus, potentially exposing sensitive control electronics to voltage spikes.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) presents another challenge for industrial equipment. As systems become smaller and more densely integrated, circuit designers have less physical space to incorporate protection components while maintaining adequate protection margins.
Traditional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes can present additional design considerations because their clamping voltage changes as peak pulse current increases. Their characteristics can also vary across operating temperatures. For designers, this can make it more difficult to establish predictable protection margins and may require downstream components to be specified with additional voltage tolerance.
“As robots and cobots pack more electronics into smaller spaces, critical margin for protection error shrinks while transient energy on the 24 V bus grows,” said Tamir Reshef, vice president of marketing and applications, analog and mixed signal products group at Semtech. “TDS2621LP solves density and footprint issues with near-constant clamping voltage at full pulse current, offering robotics system designers predictable headroom.”
Advanced Surge Protection in a Compact Package
The TDS2621LP is based on Semtech’s SurgeSwitch architecture, which uses a surge-rated field-effect transistor (FET) as a precision voltage-controlled switch. The approach is designed to provide a more uniform clamping response compared with conventional PN-junction-based protection devices.
The device offers a 35 V clamping voltage at 24 A for an 8/20 μs pulse, with a dynamic resistance of 32 mΩ across the full pulse-current range. This characteristic is intended to provide designers with a predictable protection response during surge events.
The TDS2621LP supports a maximum working voltage of 26.4 V, aligning with the upper tolerance range commonly associated with 24 V DC industrial systems. It can handle a peak pulse current of 24 A under an 8/20 μs waveform in accordance with IEC 61000-4-5 requirements.
Its compact DFN package, with a footprint of just 1.6 mm², enables designers to integrate surge protection into space-constrained circuit boards. The two-lead package is intended to simplify board-level implementation while reducing the amount of PCB space required compared with larger protection components.
Designed for Industrial and Connected Applications
The TDS2621LP is intended for a broad range of industrial and connected applications that rely on 24 V DC power infrastructure.
Potential applications include cobot joint electronics and controller boards, where compact protection components can be integrated into distributed electronics located throughout a robotic system. The device can also be used for industrial robot input-line protection, helping protect circuitry exposed to electrical transients.
The device is also suited for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which frequently rely on 24 V DC power systems for electronic controls and connected subsystems.
Beyond robotics, the TDS2621LP can be incorporated into programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules, fieldbus interfaces, and distributed control cabinets. Supported industrial communication environments include PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, and IO-Link applications where protecting connected electronics from electrical transients can be an important part of system design.
Additional applications include 24 V actuator and solenoid valve driver boards, industrial sensor power lines, smart sensor nodes, and VBUS power lines used in industrial USB Type-C ports. The device can also support IoT edge devices operating on 24 V DC infrastructure, extending its potential use beyond traditional factory automation systems.
Key Specifications
The TDS2621LP combines electrical performance with a compact physical footprint. Its key specifications include:
- Maximum working voltage: 26.4 V
- Peak pulse current: 24 A at 8/20 μs
- Maximum clamping voltage: 35 V at 24 A
- Dynamic resistance: 32 mΩ
- Package: Two-lead DFN with a 1.6 mm² footprint
- Surge standard: IEC 61000-4-5
These specifications are designed to address the protection requirements of 24 V DC industrial systems while supporting the trend toward smaller and more highly integrated robotic and automation equipment.
Availability and Industry Demonstration
The TDS2621LP is available in production quantities and is supplied in 7-inch tape-and-reel packaging, with 3,000 units per reel. Samples and evaluation support are available through Semtech’s authorized distribution partners, as well as through Semtech’s direct sales channels.
Designers can also access application information, evaluation resources, and reference layout guidance to support integration of the device into new designs.
Semtech will showcase its technology portfolio at Electronica India 2026, taking place September 16–18 in Bengaluru, India. Customers and partners can visit Booth #H3.G11 to learn more about the company’s circuit protection solutions and meet with Semtech’s technical experts.
The introduction of the TDS2621LP expands Semtech’s SurgeSwitch portfolio with a solution focused on the specific protection challenges associated with 24 V DC industrial systems. As robotics, automation, and connected industrial equipment continue to incorporate more electronics into increasingly compact designs, circuit protection remains an important consideration for system reliability and design flexibility.
By combining a compact package with controlled clamping characteristics and surge-handling capability, the TDS2621LP is designed to help engineers address transient protection requirements while making efficient use of limited PCB space.
About Semtech
Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC) is a provider of high-performance semiconductors supporting AI data center networking and intelligent, connected IoT devices worldwide. Semtech’s global teams work with solution architects and application developers to enable products and technologies across infrastructure, industrial, and consumer markets.
The company’s portfolio spans technologies designed to support connectivity, power management, circuit protection, and other critical functions across a wide range of applications.
For more information about Semtech and its technology portfolio, visit Semtech.com or connect with the company through its official social media channels.
Semtech, the Semtech logo, and SurgeSwitch are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names referenced are the property of their respective owners.
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