New thermistors deliver industry-high energy ratings to 12J and current to 4A

Ametherm has released a new series of UL-approved circuit-protection thermistors with industry-high energy and steady state current ratings for inrush current limiting in power supplies from 50W to 200W, 1/8 HP motors and small pumps, lighting, and audio charging stations for portable consumer devices. The SL08 Series thermistors feature maximum received energy ratings from 8J to 12J and handle steady state currents up to 4A. The devices offer a wide range of resistance values from 2.5ohm to 220ohm, dissipation constants from 5.2mw/C to 90mw/C, and thermal time constants down to 8s. The thermistors can handle body temperatures up to 158C at 100% of their maximum current rating. Offering diameters from 7.5mm to 9mm and low profiles down to 2.8mm, SL08 series devices provide designers with a more compact and cost-effective alternative to combining a power resistor, relay, and timer on one circuit to achieve the same functionality, says the company. "From power supplies to the charging of portable media players, our SL08 thermistors provide designers with the high current protection they require without sacrificing board space," said Eric Rauch, president and CEO, Ametherm. "It's the most cost-effective and simple way to limit inrush current and increase reliability."