High-Performance Inrush Current Limiting PTC Thermistors

Vishay Intertechnology introduced its latest series of inrush current limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, known as the PTCEL series. These thermistors are specifically designed to enhance performance in active charge and discharge circuits, catering to automotive and industrial applications. The PTCEL series provides a wide range of resistance values at 25 °C (R25), spanning from 60 Ω to 1 kW, offering versatility for different circuit needs. With impressive maximum voltages of up to 1000 VDC at 500 W and 1200 VDC at 1 kW, coupled with a maximum energy handling capacity of 240 J, the PTCEL series boasts four times higher energy absorption compared to its competitors. The PTCEL series operates reliably up to +105 °C, ensuring performance in tough conditions, with a heat capacity of 2.3 J/K for all resistance values. AEC-Q200 qualified and self-protecting, these thermistors offer overload protection in various applications, such as AC/DC and DC/DC converters, load dump circuits, battery management systems, motor drives, and welding equipment.

The PTCEL series comes in two versions: PTCEL13R for low energy and PTCEL17R for high energy applications. Both variants are packaged in tape on reel format with a 5 mm lead wire pitch. PTCEL17R also offers lead wire pitches of 7.5 mm and 10 mm for higher voltages. These thermistors are made with barium titanate and coated with UL 94 V-0 compliant high-temperature silicone lacquer for safety and reliability. They are RoHS-compliant, and C-UL-US recognized for AC and DC use, ensuring controlled safety. SPICE and 3D models for both variants are available for design and simulation purposes.

Features:

• High energy absorption: Up to 150 J and 240 J
• Inrush-power cycles: > 100,000 cycles
• Resistant to non-switching peak powers: Up to 25 kW
• Two variants: PTCEL13R (low energy) and PTCEL17R (high energy).
• UL 94 V-0 compliant silicone lacquer coating for safety.
• RoHS-compliant and C-UL-US recognized.

Applications:

• AC/DC and DC/DC converters
• Load dump circuits.
• Battery management systems
• Motor drives
• Welding equipment

Availability:

Samples and production quantities of the PTCEL series are currently available, with lead times of 12 weeks.