Automotive surge protection ICs
22 August 2012
Circuit & System Protection
STMicroelectronics is helping vehicle electronics manufacturers deliver safer, more reliable systems by offering surge protection devices certified to the automotive industry’s preferred specifications.
Surge protection prevents unwanted voltage pulses in the vehicle wiring from damaging sensitive subsystems such as safety systems, control modules and infotainment equipment. Pulses can be caused by events such as electrostatic discharges (ESD) from occupants, turn-on/off of subsystems such as motor drives or climate control, or load dumps when a significant load such as the battery is suddenly disconnected.
According to ST, designers have historically chosen from devices certified to industrial standards that specify pulse shapes unrepresentative of those expected in road vehicles. ST’s SM4TY-SM30TY series of Transil miniature surge protection devices are certified to pulse specifications used by the automotive industry.
They are also qualified to the AEC-Q101 automotive reliability test standard for discrete semiconductors, and have a full Automotive-Grade Approval Certificate (AGAC). This saves designers researching for equivalence between industrial and automotive standards, and then re-certifying each new subsystem design independently.
The devices are housed in miniature surface-mount power packages occupying from 12,8 mm² to 46 mm² of printed circuit board space, capable of handling from 400 W to 3000 W of power contained in pulses and ESD transients present on the vehicle wiring.
Further reading:
Electrical fire safety in lithium-ion battery rooms
Circuit & System Protection
Pratliperl is a non-combustible, ultra-lightweight aggregate that can be mixed with cement and applied as a plaster or screed to walls, floors, and ceilings.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD training in the workplace
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To protect sensitive electronic components, A structured, consistent, and sustainable ESD training program is essential.
Read more...
Protect your pumps – protect your profit
NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
In South Africa’s demanding agricultural landscape, irrigation is not just an essential service – it is the heartbeat of farm productivity.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD and installation: A durable antistatic solution
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
ESD flooring provides a reliable, long-term solution for managing static electricity by safely dissipating static charges through the floor to a designated ground point.
Read more...
Why wait to automate
NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
NewElec’s initiative helps you gain operational visibility via HMI or PLC by retrofitting intelligent motor protection relays without replacing MCCs or rewiring the plant.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: Effectively control static in your workplace
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Controlling electrostatic discharge in the workplace is crucial to protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage. Implementing an ESD control program involves various measures and tests.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: Staying grounded: Ensuring effective ESD control
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD component safety in storage and transportation
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Conductive containers create a Faraday cage effect, safely channelling electrostatic charges away from the components inside.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders are used in electrostatic discharge protected areas to provide a path to ground for static electricity.
Read more...
LED driver for industrial power supply indication
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
A simple and small solution for driving an LED to provide visual feedback in the presence/absence of a system’s power using a chip not originally designed for this purpose.
Read more...
printer friendly version