Menlo Park, Calif. Tyco Electronics has added two devices to its line of PolyZen polymer enhanced, precision Zener diode micro-assemblies. The new devices feature a higher hold current of 2.3 A, and are designed to help protect circuits in global positioning systems (GPS), smart phones, game consoles, portable media players (PMPs) and other video-based peripherals that can be charged in the car.
The PolyZen micro-assembly incorporates a stable Zener diode for precise voltage clamping and a resistively non-linear, polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) layer that responds to either diode heating or over-current events by transitioning from a low to high resistance state. The device helps provide coordinated protection with a component that protects like a Zener diode, but is capable of withstanding very high power fault conditions without requiring any special heat sinking structures beyond normal printed circuit board traces, said Tyco Electronics.
By clamping and smoothing inductive voltage spikes, PolyZen devices help shield downstream electronics from overvoltage and reverse bias. In addition, their high power absorption capability protects against faults that occur when using an incorrect or misconnected power supply.
PolyZen devices are compatible with industry standard installation procedures, and are available in tape and reel packaging for compatibility with high-volume manufacturing.
Pricing: $0.45 per piece in quantities of 100k units/year
Availability: Delivery is six to eight weeks.
Product information: PolyZen
Tyco Electronics, 1-800-227-7040, www.circuitprotection.com