Device Combines Overcurrent/Overvoltage Protection

Aug 2, 2006 1:36 PM

Raychem Circuit Protection, a business unit of Tyco Electronics, has announced the introduction of its 2Pro device series that features integrated overcurrent/overvoltage circuit protection technology designed to help prevent damage to telephony communications equipment. The device's small footprint, resettable functionality and coordinated protection capabilities allow for use in a wide range of telephony and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) equipment applications.

Power surge damage to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and VoIP equipment may occur as a result of lightning and ESD surges, power contact, and induction with ac lines. The 2Pro device incorporates a PolySwitch Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistor (PPTC) overcurrent technology with a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) component into one thermally protected device to help provide current limiting during overcurrent events and voltage clamping during overvoltage events. This single-device approach to coordinated circuit protection helps reduce component count and improve equipment reliability.

The widespread adaptation of VoIP gateways in homes and enterprise environments has resulted in increasingly stringent safety requirements for Customer Premise Equipment. The 2Pro device helps equipment manufacturers comply with UL 60950 and remain operational after specified lightning tests. It also helps equipment comply with surge tests per TIA-968-A, IEC 60950, and ITU-T K.20/K.21. The UL 497A listed protector also helps provide ESD protection.

The 2Pro overcurrent/overvoltage protection device features a hold current of >120 mA and the voltage clamp at 1 mA is ~270 V. Pricing is $0.32 in quantities of 100k units/year.