Littelfuse Increases Voltage Output of Multipulse SIDAC Devices for Use with New Metal-Halide Lamp Ignition Circuit Designs

CHICAGO, May 21, 2013 – Littelfuse, Inc., the global leader in circuit protection, has introduced the Kxxx1GL Series Multipulse™ SIDAC, a thyristor power control device designed for use in 220-240V AC line installations. The thyristor, when coupled with a capacitor and transformer, generates the multiple high voltage pulses required to ignite metal-halide lamps. These new devices offer designers of metal-halide lamp ignition circuits the advantages of lower switching loss for higher pulse voltages, improved tolerance for input voltage variations, and longer pulse durations than the company's earlier Kxxx1G Series devices.

The Kxx01GL Series exhibits lower switching loss than comparable competitive devices, so it can produce higher pulse voltages for pulse-start type ignition circuits. Although the Kxxx1GL Series Multipulse SIDAC is available in three versions for high design flexibility, other suppliers offer only two versions. The turn-on characteristics of the Kxxx1GL Series have been modified and the switching loss lowered to match the latest igniter circuit designs, so these new devices can generate at least 20 percent higher pulse voltages than the earlier Kxxx1G Series.

Typical applications of the Kxxx1GL Series include use in metal-halide lamp igniter circuits in medium to large scale metal-halide lamp installations, such as in gyms, street lighting, and sports stadium illumination.

“Our newest series of Multipulse SIDAC thyristor power control devices offer designers of metal-halide lamp control circuits the best possible ignition performance,” said Koichiro Yoshimoto, thyristor business development manager. “They also provide greater tolerance of the AC input voltage variations common in developing countries.”

The Kxxx1GL Series Multipulse SIDAC offers these key features and benefits:

Features

• Lower switching loss than earlier Kxxx1G Series Multipulse SIDAC

• Tighter breakover/trigger voltage (VBO) control than Kxxx1G Series

• Lower dynamic holding current (IH) than Kxxx1G Series

• Generates a minimum of three pulses per AC half-cycle

Benefits

• Can generate at least 20 percent higher pulse voltages

• Improved operating tolerance for the AC input voltage variations that are common in developing countries

• Longer high voltage pulse duration

• Best suited for metal-halide lamp ignition applications

Availability

The Kxxx1G Series Multipulse SIDAC are available bulk or tube packed in quantities of 1000 or 5000. Samples are available now for bulk orders; sample requests can be placed through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. For a listing of Littelfuse distributors, please visit Littelfuse.com.

For More Information

Additional information is available on the Kxxx1G Series product page and datasheet. If you have technical questions, please contact: Roger Huang, Global Product Manager, rhuang@littelfuse.com.

About Littelfuse

Founded in 1927, Littelfuse, Inc., the worldwide leader in circuit protection, offers the industry's broadest and deepest portfolio of circuit protection products and solutions.  Littelfuse devices protect products in virtually every market that uses electrical energy, from consumer electronics to automobiles to industrial equipment.  In addition to its Chicago, Illinois, world headquarters, Littelfuse has more than 30 sales, distribution, manufacturing and engineering facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia.  Technologies offered by Littelfuse include Fuses; Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs); Positive Temperature Coefficient Devices (PTCs); PulseGuard® ESD Suppressors; SIDACtor® Devices; Silicon Protection Arrays (SPA® Diode Arrays); Switching Thyristors; TVS Diodes and Varistors.  The company also offers a comprehensive line of highly reliable Electromechanical and Electronic Switch and Control Devices for commercial and specialty vehicles and Sensors for automobile safety systems, as well as Protection Relays and underground Power Distribution Centers for safe control and distribution of electricity.

For more information, please visit the Littelfuse website: littelfuse.com.