STMicroelectronics Intros PKC-136 Peakclamp Circuit

STMicroelectronics Inc. (Geneva) introduced a clamping circuit to protect fly-back converters and switched-mode power supplies against over-voltage spikes. The PKC-136 Peakclamp combines a 700V blocking diode and a transil clamping diode with a breakdown voltage of 160V, in a DO-15 axial package. The device allows a continuous dissipation of 1.5W and a peak power dissipation of 600W for a 10/1,000µs pulse.

The Peakclamp outperforms an RCD circuit by offering a near-constant clamping voltage, whatever the load. Standby power loss is also reduced compared with an RCD, as is the conducted EMI emission. By integrating the transil and diode functions, the Peakclamp cuts component counts, speeding assembly in production and providing greater reliability.

The PKC-136 Peakclamp is now available for $0.13 in 10,000-unit volumes.