Littelfuse, Inc. is a globally recognized technology company specializing in circuit protection, power control, and sensing technologies. Founded in 1927, the company has grown from a small fuse manufacturer into a diversified industrial technology leader serving a wide array of industries, including automotive, industrial, electronics, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. Littelfuse’s mission is to improve safety, reliability, and performance across critical applications by offering innovative, high-quality solutions.
Company Overview
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Founded: 1927
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Founder: Edward V. Sundt
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Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Global Reach: Operations in over 15 countries
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Employees: 17,000+ worldwide
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Product Categories
Littelfuse offers thousands of products across three main business units:
1. Electronics
Littelfuse is best known for its electronic components that protect, control, and sense electronic circuits and devices.
Key Products:
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Fuses: PTC resettable fuses, surface-mount fuses, cartridge fuses
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TVS Diodes: Protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning, and power surges
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ESD Protection Devices: Protect USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports
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SIDACtors & Thyristors: For telecom and surge protection
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Varistors: Metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) for transient suppression
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Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs)
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Diodes & Rectifiers
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Polymer ESD Suppressors
These components are vital in consumer electronics, telecom, medical devices, and IoT products.
2. Automotive
Littelfuse is a key partner in the evolution of automotive safety, electrification, and connected mobility.
Automotive Solutions Include:
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Blade Fuses and Fuse Blocks
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High Voltage Fuses (for EV/HEV applications)
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Battery Management Components
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Power Distribution Modules
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Current and Temperature Sensors
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Relays and Solid-State Devices
Their products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, EVs, and autonomous vehicles to enhance reliability and safety.
3. Industrial
Littelfuse provides solutions for the protection and control of electrical systems in harsh industrial environments.
Industrial Product Lines:
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Industrial Fuses
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Protection Relays
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Motor Protection Switches
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Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
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Disconnect Switches
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Power Semiconductors (SCRs, IGBTs)
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Magnetic and Proximity Sensors
These are critical in factory automation, renewable energy systems, mining, oil & gas, and HVAC applications.
Core Technologies and Innovations
Littelfuse continues to lead through innovation in key technology domains:
1. Circuit Protection
Littelfuse invented the first small, fast-acting protective fuse for electronics and remains a top brand in overcurrent and overvoltage protection.
2. High Voltage EV Fuses
With the rise of electric vehicles, Littelfuse has developed EV-grade fuses capable of handling 1000V+ and high current loads in demanding environments.
3. Sensor Technology
Littelfuse manufactures a variety of sensing devices including:
These sensors are used in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems to improve system intelligence and automation.
4. Power Semiconductors
Through the acquisition of IXYS Corporation, Littelfuse has significantly expanded into the power semiconductor market with:
Key Industries Served
Littelfuse products are integrated into systems across numerous sectors:
Industry | Applications |
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Automotive | Electric vehicles, battery packs, infotainment, lighting |
Consumer Electronics | Smartphones, TVs, laptops, wearables |
Industrial | Motor drives, HVAC systems, factory automation |
Data Centers | Surge protection, power distribution, thermal management |
Telecommunications | Circuit protection in networking and broadband equipment |
Renewable Energy | Solar inverters, wind turbines, energy storage |
Medical Devices | Portable devices, diagnostic systems, patient monitoring |
Global Manufacturing & Distribution
Littelfuse operates manufacturing facilities and technical centers across:
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North America: USA, Mexico
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Europe: Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands
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Asia: China, the Philippines, India, Thailand
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Sales Offices and Distributors: In over 150 countries
Its products are available through major global distributors like Xon Electronic, Digi-Key, Mouser, RS, and Arrow.
Certifications and Standards
Littelfuse components meet or exceed rigorous global standards:
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UL, IEC, RoHS, REACH certified
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ISO 9001: Quality Management
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IATF 16949: Automotive Industry Standard
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ISO 14001: Environmental Management
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ISO 45001: Occupational Health & Safety
Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility
Littelfuse is committed to:
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Reducing carbon footprint with energy-efficient products
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Recycling and responsible sourcing of materials
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Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
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Community outreach and educational initiatives
The company publishes an annual Sustainability Report outlining its goals and progress.
Key Advantages of Choosing Littelfuse
Feature | Benefit |
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Extensive Product Portfolio | Over 50,000 SKUs available |
Unmatched Reliability | Trusted by engineers for over 95 years |
Innovative R&D | 1,000+ patents and new product releases yearly |
Global Support | Localized customer service and application engineering |
Flexible Customization | Tailored solutions for OEMs and system integrators |
Littelfuse in the Future
Littelfuse is investing heavily in the future of:
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Electric Mobility (EV/HEV)
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Smart Grids and Microgrids
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Industrial IoT (IIoT)
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Renewable Energy Storage
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Advanced Sensing and Data Analytics
As industries grow more connected and electrified, Littelfuse will remain at the forefront of protection, control, and sensing technologies that make these transitions safer and more reliable.
Littelfuse is more than just a component supplier—it is a technology partner dedicated to powering and protecting the devices, vehicles, and systems that shape our world. With a century of experience, a global footprint, and a culture of continuous innovation, Littelfuse continues to be the go-to brand for reliable electronic components, especially in critical circuit protection applications.