High-speed protectors offer easy-to-use data line protection

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

Bourns, Inc. offers two new extremely fast (reaction times less than 1 ms) and precise semiconductor-based protectors designed to deliver an easy-to-use data line protection solution. The Model TBU-DF and TBU-DB-Qhigh-speed protector (HSP) device families are low-capacitance and dual bi-directional high-speed electronic current limiting components housed in surface-mount DFN packaging.

The devices, constructed using MOSFET semiconductor technology, implement an integrated detection circuitry that triggers during large-voltage or current-transient events to monitor the current when placed in the system circuit, thereby providing a barrier to protect sensitive electronic systems.

The TBU devices, which can handle multiple threats including induced lightning surges and electrostatic discharge (ESD) as well as installation errors and cabling faults, offer a single protection solution that can eliminate the need to select more than one overtemperature and overcurrent solution, according to Bourns.

The Model TBU-DB-Q series is AEC-Q101−compliant and meets the protection requirements of new battery management systems (BMS) and other battery sensing/balancing applications. The TBU-DF model is suited for protection of RS-485 interfaces, commonly employed to collect data and for remote sensing in process control and measurement equipment, as well as new IoT and factory and home automation applications.

All HPS families are IEC 61000-, IEC 61000-4-2-, IEC 61000-4-4-, IEC 61000-4-5-, and RoHS-compliant. New evaluation boards are available to help developers test the new HSP devices.