Vishay Intertechnology Inrush Current Limiting PTC Thermistors Increase Performance in Active Charge and Discharge Circuits
- None.
- None.
Insights
The introduction of Vishay Intertechnology's PTCEL series of inrush current limiting PTC thermistors presents a significant advancement in component technology for the automotive and industrial sectors. These devices are designed to handle high-energy and high-voltage conditions, which is particularly important for applications that require robust energy management and protection from electrical surges, such as AC/DC and DC/DC converters, battery management systems and motor drives.
From an engineering perspective, the increased R25 resistance range and the capability to withstand over 100,000 inrush-power cycles without overheating demonstrate impressive durability and reliability. This reliability is crucial for manufacturers who need to ensure the longevity and safety of their electronic systems. Furthermore, the PTCEL series being AEC-Q200 qualified indicates their suitability for harsh automotive environments, which is a stringent standard in the industry.
The heat capacity of 2.3 J/K across all resistance values is also notable, as it suggests that these thermistors can effectively dissipate heat generated during operation, a critical factor in preventing thermal runaways in electronic components. The availability of SPICE and 3D models facilitates the integration of these components into existing designs, potentially accelerating the design process and reducing time to market for new products.
The release of the PTCEL series by Vishay Intertechnology could have a favorable impact on the company's market position. By offering a product that is four times more capable in energy handling than competing devices, Vishay is likely to capture the attention of manufacturers looking for high-performance components. This product differentiation could lead to an increase in market share within the specific niche of high-voltage, high-energy thermistors.
The potential for these thermistors to be used in a variety of rapidly growing markets, such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage and advanced industrial machinery, aligns with global trends towards electrification and energy efficiency. As demand in these sectors grows, Vishay's early mover advantage with the PTCEL series could translate into significant sales growth.
Moreover, the availability of the PTCEL series in different sizes and with various lead pitch options enhances its adaptability for different energy applications, offering Vishay a competitive edge. The ability to be automatically handled by pick and place equipment could also reduce manufacturing costs for clients, further increasing the product's attractiveness.
The strategic implications of Vishay Intertechnology's new PTCEL series thermistors on the company's financial health are multi-faceted. The investment in developing a technologically superior product could lead to increased revenues from sectors with a high dependency on reliable and efficient power management systems. The high-performance specifications of the PTCEL series may command premium pricing, potentially improving profit margins.
However, the production and research costs associated with the development of such advanced components must be considered. The 12-week lead time for production quantities suggests a significant inventory and supply chain management aspect that could affect cash flow and working capital requirements. Investors should monitor how these factors balance out in the subsequent financial quarters following the product's release.
It is also important to note that Vishay's position as a Fortune 1,000 company and its broad portfolio in discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components provide a level of diversification that can mitigate the risks associated with the launch of new products. The company's established reputation and global presence could facilitate the adoption of the new PTCEL series in the target markets.
For Automotive and Industrial Applications, Self-Protecting Devices Combine R25 Values to 1 kΩ With High Voltages to 1200 VDC and Energy Handling to 240 J
MALVERN, Pa., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today introduced a new series of inrush current limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors. Designed to increase performance in active charge and discharge circuits for automotive and industrial applications, Vishay BCcomponents PTCEL series devices combine a wide range of resistance at 25 °C (R25) values with high voltage and energy handling capabilities.
Featuring R25 values from 60 Ω to 1 kΩ, the devices released today enable high maximum voltages of 1000 VDC at 500 Ω and 1200 VDC at 1 kΩ, and maximum energy handling to 240 J — four times higher than competing devices. By combining multiple thermistors in parallel, energy absorption levels over 1000 J can be achieved. With their high temperature operation to +105 °C, the PTCEL series offers a heat capacity to 2.3 J/K for all resistance values.
AEC-Q200 qualified and self-protecting — with no risk of over-heating — the thermistors provide overload protection in AC/DC and DC/DC converters; load dump, DC-Link, battery management, and 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.
The PTCEL series is available in two sizes: the smaller PTCEL13R and larger PTCEL17 for low and high energy applications, respectively. All devices are available in tape on reel packaging and offer a leadwire pitch of 5 mm. In addition, the PTCEL17R is available with leadwire pitches of 7.5 mm and 10 mm to accommodate their higher voltages and can also be automatically handled by pick and place equipment for lower placement costs.
The barium titanate thermistors consist of a ceramic pellet soldered between two tinned CCS wires and coated with a UL 94 V-0 compliant high temperature silicone lacquer. The 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.
Device Specification Table:
| Part number | PTCEL13R | PTCEL17R |
| R25 (Ω) | 60 to 1 k | |
| R25 tolerance (%) | 30 | |
| Max. AC voltage (VRMS) | 350 to 600 | 440 to 800 |
| Max. DC voltage (VDC) | 500 to 850 | 625 to 1200 |
| Maximum energy (J) | 140, 150 | 230, 240 |
| Heat capacity (J/K) | 1.45 | 2.3 |
| Lead pitch (mm) | 5 | 5, 7.5, 10 |
Samples and production quantities of the PTCEL series are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks.
Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech.® Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.
The DNA of tech® is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.
Vishay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VishayIntertechnology
Vishay Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/vishayindust
Link to product datasheet:
http://www.vishay.com/ppg?29165 (PTCEL Series)
Link to product photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vishay/albums/72177720315244429
For more information please contact:
Vishay Intertechnology
Peter Henrici, +1 408 567-8400
peter.henrici@vishay.com
or
Redpines
Bob Decker, +1 415 409-0233
bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com
FAQ
What is the new series of inrush current limiting PTC thermistors introduced by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.?
What are the key features of the PTCEL series thermistors?
What applications are suitable for the PTCEL series thermistors?
What is the heat capacity of the PTCEL series thermistors?
What is the leadwire pitch of the PTCEL series thermistors?
Where can SPICE and 3D models for the PTCEL13R and PTCEL17R be found?
What is the maximum energy handling capability of the PTCEL series thermistors?
What is the maximum DC voltage that the PTCEL series thermistors can withstand?
