PTC thermistors handle high energy

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has launched a new series of inrush current limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors for active charge and discharge circuits in automotive and industrial applications. The Vishay BCcomponents PTCEL series PTC thermistors offer a wide range of resistance at 25°C (R25) values with high voltage and energy handling capabilities.

(Source: Vishay Intertechnology)

With R25 values from 60 Ω to 1 kΩ, the PTCEL devices enable high maximum voltages of 1,000 VDC at 500 Ω and 1,200 VDC at 1 kΩ, and maximum energy handling to 240 J, which is four times higher than competing devices, according to Vishay.

In addition, energy absorption levels over 1,000 J can be achieved by combining multiple thermistors in parallel, said Vishay, and with their high temperature operation to 105°C, the PTCEL series offers a heat capacity to 2.3 J/K for all resistance values.

The devices are AEC-Q200 qualified and self-protecting — with no risk of over-heating, Vishay said. They provide overload protection in a range of applications, including AC/DC and DC/DC converters, load dump, DC Link, battery management, emergency discharge circuits, on-board chargers, home energy storage systems, motor drives and welding equipment. For these applications, the devices withstand >100,000 inrush-power cycles and are highly resilient against non-switching peak power up to 25 kW.

Key specifications are below.

(Source: Vishay Intertechnology)

The PTCEL series is available in two sizes: the smaller PTCEL13R and larger PTCEL17 for low and high energy applications, respectively (See data sheet for dimensions.), and are available with a lead wire pitch of 5 mm. The PTCEL17R is also available with lead-wire pitches of 7.5 mm and 10 mm to handle their higher voltages and can also be automatically handled by pick and place equipment for lower placement costs.

These RoHS-compliant devices are C-UL-US recognized under file E148885 for AC and DC use, providing an increased and controlled safety level. SPICE and 3D models for the PTCEL13R and PTCEL17R are available. Samples and production quantities are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at $0.85 each for the PTCEL13R and $1.20 each for the PTCEL17R.