CircuitProtectionDevices-TEConnectivity.PDF

A series of technology briefs spanning Tyco Electronics’ product portfolio Coordinated Circuit Protection Schemes Help Prevent Overvoltage and Overcurrent Damage Through advances in materials science and broad applications expertise, the Raychem Circuit Protection business unit of Tyco Electronics has pioneered the development of polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) circuit protection devices for more than 25 years. In recent years, however, its research and development has focused on technologies that expand circuit protection capabilities and encompass a wider range of application solutions. One of the design challenges being closely followed is the need for coordinated circuit protection. Because overcurrent and overvoltage protection are often viewed as two unrelated elements of the circuit protection design process, protection strategies can result Copyright 2005 – Tyco Electronics Corporation Duplication not permitted without written authorization. in costly multi-component solutions, and synergies between protective devices can be overlooked. This article presents two examples of how coordinated protection helps designers enhance equipment reliability, reduce component count and meet critical safety agency requirements. Telecom Equipment Protection Developments The PolySwitch™ PPTC devices and SiBar™ thyristors that provide overvoltage and overcurrent protection for telecommunication and networking applications were initially introduced more than ten years ago to meet the growing demand for resettable overcurrent protection. Along with new metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and gas discharge tubes (GTDs), these components help designers meet the protection requirements of ITU, Telcordia, and UL. Telecommunications network equipment, including analog and digital linecards, DSL a