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Vishay Intertechnology’s new inrush current limiting PTC resistors for EVs

March 12, 2024

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, has introduced a new series of inrush current limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors. The PTCEL series devices are designed to enhance performance in active charge and discharge circuits for automotive and industrial applications. These devices combine a wide range of resistance at 25 °C (R25) values with high voltage and energy handling capabilities.

The PTCEL series devices, which feature R25 values from 60 W to 1 kW, enable high maximum voltages of 1000 VDC at 500 W and 1200 VDC at 1 kW, and maximum energy handling to 240 J. This is four times higher than competing devices. By combining multiple thermistors in parallel, energy absorption levels over 1000 J can be achieved. The PTCEL series offers a heat capacity to 2.3 J/K for all resistance values and can operate at high temperatures up to +105 °C.

These AEC-Q200 qualified and self-protecting thermistors provide overload protection in various applications including 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. The devices can withstand over 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. The PTCEL17R is also available with leadwire pitches of 7.5 mm and 10 mm to accommodate their higher voltages, and can be automatically handled by pick and place equipment for lower placement costs.

The PTCEL series devices are made of a ceramic pellet soldered between two tinned CCS wires and coated with a UL 94 V-0 compliant high temperature silicone lacquer. These 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.

Samples and production quantities of the PTCEL series are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks. For more information, visit http://www.vishay.com.