Vishay introduces new high energy surge current limiting PTC thermistors that improve the performance of active charge-discharge circuits

     Vishay Intertechnology has announced the launch of a new series of surge limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, the PTCEL. Vishay BCcomponents PTCEL High Energy Series devices have a maximum energy absorption capacity of 340 J, five times higher than competing devices at high ambient temperatures, a wide resistance range at 25 °C (R25), and high voltage handling capabilities to improve the performance of active charge and discharge circuits in automotive and industrial applications.

     The thermistor has an R25 resistance of 150 W to 1.5 kW, allowing for higher efficiency and handling maximum voltages up to 1200 VDC. The device's high energy absorption capacity at higher ambient temperatures - up to 180 J at 85 °C and 130 J at 105 °C - allows designers to save space and reduce costs by reducing the number of components used in the circuit. The PTCEL High Energy series supports high switching temperatures up to +105 °C and a heat capacity of 2.6 J/K across all resistance values.

     The thermistor complies with the AEC-Q200 standard and is self-protective - without risk of overheating - in AC/DC and DC/DC converters; DC-Link, battery management and emergency discharge circuits; Car charger; Home energy storage system; Heat pump; Current limiting and overload protection in motor drives and welding equipment. In these applications, the device can withstand more than 100,000 surge power cycles, as well as highly rapid recovery at 25 kW non-switching peak power.

     The PTCEL High Energy Series barium titanate thermistors consist of ceramic pellets soldered between two tinned CCS leads and are coated with a high temperature silicone paint according to UL 94 V-0. The device is packaged with braid and reel, and can be automatically handled by taking and placing equipment to reduce placement costs. The thermistor is available with a standard lead spacing of 10 mm, 5.0 mm and 7.5 mm. SPICE and 3D models are available on RoHS compliant devices. RoHS compliant SPICE and 3D models are available on Rohs compliant devices available.