Circuit & System Protection


New Transils require no derating

13 October 2010 Circuit & System Protection

STMicroelectronics has announced an innovation that aims to reduce the size and cost of surge protectors for electronic equipment by providing specified energy absorption capability up to the maximum operating temperature.

Surge protection is mandatory for most electronic equipment, to prevent power supply fluctuations or electrostatic discharges from damaging sensitive circuitry. A diode array, such as ST’s Transil, is commonly used to divert the surge energy to ground, away from the circuitry. Hundreds of millions of these devices are used every year, in new products of all types – from handhelds to high-power equipment. A Transil’s energy absorption capability is usually specified at 25°C, reducing to zero at its maximum temperature. Designers often use larger devices to ensure protection over the equipment’s operating range.

ST’s new SMxJ and SMxT series Transils are designed to remedy this by maintaining high surge protection all the way to the device’s maximum junction temperature. This allows engineers to use a smaller, lower-cost device with the assurance that adequate protection will be provided. There are six different series in the range, with specified surge energy from 100 W to 1500 W (10/1000 microsecond pulse) thereby covering a broad spectrum of applications. Additional benefits of the SM series include an 80% reduction in leakage current compared to previous generations, which reduces system power consumption and improves energy efficiency. ST also specifies dynamic resistance for its new devices, which allows the clamping voltage to be calculated accurately so as to improve protection and minimise risk of equipment failure.





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