Selection guides
How-to notes on automotive device selection, written as answers rather than industry overviews.
How to select a MOSFET for an automotive water pump
For a coolant pump MOSFET, decide in this order: voltage margin, peak current, R<sub>DS(on)</sub> at the actual junction temperature, avalanche capability and AEC-Q101 qualification. Nominal current and 25 °C R<sub>DS(on)</sub> are both misleading.
Updated · 2026-09-10 · 12 V and 24 V BLDC coolant pumps, 30–200 W
AEC-Q100 vs AEC-Q101: what is actually different
AEC-Q100 covers integrated circuits, AEC-Q101 covers discrete semiconductors. The grade numbers (0–3) are temperature ranges, not quality levels; the real difference between an industrial and an automotive part is the test set plus change control.
Updated · 2026-09-10 · Automotive qualification statements on datasheets
How to select automotive TVS and ESD protection
Pick stand-off voltage above the highest normal voltage, clamping voltage below what the protected circuit survives, and pulse capability matched to the ISO pulse your OEM requires. Then check line capacitance for anything carrying data.
Updated · 2026-09-10 · 12 V / 24 V board nets, CAN / LIN / FlexRay, high-speed interfaces
Choosing EEPROM for battery management systems
Choose endurance and retention at the actual operating temperature, not the 25 °C headline. Then decide how much logging belongs in external EEPROM versus internal flash.
Updated · 2026-09-10 · BMS master and slave boards, 12 V to 800 V packs