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:
EMC limits and levels
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
As soon as electronics and electrical systems started interfering with each other, the world had to come to some consensus. Considering physics is universal and does not care about what country electrical/electronic products are used in, it should be the same everywhere, right? It is nearly there, but not quite.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: The importance of cleaning in ESD control
Circuit & System Protection
The proper cleaning of ESD-safe areas and equipment such as workstations, floors, mats, trays, and tools using specialised antistatic cleaners is vital to prevent ESD damage.
Read more...
Safety relay for explosive areas
IOT Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Phoenix Contact has expanded its safety portfolio with the new PSR-MC35-EXI safety relay module, specifically engineered for use in potentially explosive environments.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: 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: The importance of ESD audits
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD audit is the first step in establishing an effective static control programme in the workplace, and will help identify vulnerable areas and potentially hazardous static zones that require improvement.
Read more...
EMI shielding materials application guide
Circuit & System Protection
TE Connectivity’s shielding solutions include electrically conductive elastomers, gaskets, knitted wire mesh, oriented wire, EMI shielding ventilation panels, shielded window, cable shielding and shielding components.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD containers and packaging
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Vacuum forming ESD
Electronic components can be damaged by electrostatic discharges. To protect against such damage, electronic assembly parts are often transported or stored in vacuum formed component
...
Read more...
Electrostatic discharge chairs
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the electrostatic discharge protected area to prevent potential damage to products.
Read more...
Conductive ESD footwear
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Conductive ESD footwear is used in conjunction with other grounding devices, such as a wrist strap, cord, and ESD surface mats, to provide a continuous path to ground.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: The importance of cleaning in ESD control
Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To prevent Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive electronic assemblies and components, all production, handling, packaging, and storage must take place in an ESD-protected environment.
Read more...
printer friendly version