New Industry Products

TDK Expands Family of EPCOS ThermoFuse Compact Fuse-Protected Varistors

October 17, 2018 by TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation recently announced that they have extended the EPCOS ThermoFuse™ family of fuse-protected varistors with the new compact NT14 and NT20

TDK Corporation recently announced that they have extended the EPCOS ThermoFuse™ family of fuse-protected varistors with the new compact NT14 and NT20 series.

The new ThermoFuse components feature a footprint that fits into existing circuit board layouts. The NT14 series (disk diameter 14mm) is designed to absorb maximum surge currents with an 8/20-μs pulse of 6kA at rated voltages of between 130VRMS and 680VRMS, while the NT20 series (disk diameter 20mm) has a surge current capability with an 8/20-μs pulse of 10kA at rated voltages of between 130VRMS and 750VRMS. The NT14 and NT20 series offer a maximum energy absorption of up to 220J and 480J for 2ms, respectively. Both series are available in 2-leaded and 3-leaded types, with the third lead used to monitor whether the fuse has been activated.

ThermoFuse varistors are uniquely designed disk varistors that are connected in series with a thermally coupled fuse and are therefore intrinsically safe. If the varistor overheats, the patented thermal fuse trips and isolates the varistor from the grid with unrivaled dependability. This prevents any potential damage on the PCB or to components located near the varistor and increases the reliability of the equipment to be protected. Thanks to their thermal resistance and flame-retardant design of the epoxy coating, the ThermoFuse NT series meet UL 94 V-0 requirements and are also listed as Type 4CA in UL 1449, 4th edition.

With their compact dimensions and excellent surge current capability over a broad range of voltages, the NT types are suitable for use in a wide range of applications, such as ballasts for lighting, home appliances, power supplies, inverters for solar installations, frequency converters for drives, and smart meters. They can also be used for the general protection of electrical wiring and installations.

 

Main Applications

  • Ballasts for lighting, home appliances, power supplies, inverters for solar installations, frequency converters for drives, smart meters
  • General protection of electrical wiring and installations

 

Main Features and Benefits

ThermoFuse varistors features and benefits

 

About TDK

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminium electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2019, TDK posted total sales of USD 12.5 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide.