New Industry Products

Fully Integrated 12V Power Breaker from STMicroelectronics Adds Safety and Simplifies Design

September 25, 2018 by STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics’ STPW12 programmable electronic power breaker provides a convenient, integrated solution for quickly and safely disconnecting a faulty load from a 12V bus.

STMicroelectronics’ STPW12 programmable electronic power breaker provides a convenient, integrated solution for quickly and safely disconnecting a faulty load from a 12V bus.
 
Inserted between the power rail and the load, the STPW12 contains a low-resistance (50mΩ) power switch and precision circuitry for sensing the load power. If the user-programmed limit is exceeded, the switch turns off and a signal on the dedicated monitor/fault pin informs the host system. In normal operation, this output presents an analog voltage proportional to the load power to permit continuous monitoring.
 
Also featuring built-in auto-restart after a user-adjustable delay, and programmable PWM masking time to prevent protection triggering by inrush current, the STPW12 simplifies design for safety and eases certification to standards such as the UL 60730 specifications for abnormal operation. This integrated solution effectively replaces discrete circuitry or a combination of ICs such as a current-sense amplifier or a hot-swap controller plus MOSFET switches, by offering improved accuracy and saving board space and bill of materials for each load protected.
 
The power threshold and masking time are each easily programmed using a resistor. An external capacitor sets the auto-retry delay. With the addition of input and output capacitors, these are the only external components needed to complete the circuit.
 
A direct PWM mode with programmable masking time to modulate the load energy allows flexibility to control the internal power switch with an external signal.
 
A comprehensive set of protection features is provided, including Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO), thermal shutdown, and short-circuit current limit.

 

Key Features

  • Real-time input power sensing
  • Input voltage range: from 10.5 V to 18 V
  • Continuous current typ.: 1.5 A
  • P-channel on resistance typ.: 50 mΩ
  • Power limit accuracy typ.: 3%
  • Undervoltage lockout
  • Adjustable power limitation
  • PWM mode
  • Programmable power limit masking time
  • Programmable auto-retry delay
  • Thermal shutdown
  • Enable function
  • Short-circuit current limit
  • Operative junction temp. - 40 °C to 125 °C
  • Available in power SO8 package
  • Simplifies UL compliance and certification

View and download the STPW12's datasheet (PDF) from its product page.

 

About STMicroelectronics

ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST’s products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities, and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.