The reflowable thermal switch (RTS) from Schurter is a compact 60 V DC-compatible thermal fuse for the protection of high-power transistors. It was developed to protect highly integrated power electronics from overheating.
Thanks to a patented mechanism, the RTS withstands the reflow assembly process of over 260° C. By means of a safe mechanical activation process, the fuse is set to a tripping temperature of 210° C.
Source: SchurterThermal runaway refers to the overheating of a power semiconductor due to a self-reinforcing, heat-producing process. The reasons for this are the ever-increasing power density and the trend toward miniaturization of electronic circuits. In the event of thermal runaway, the fuse reliably interrupts the circuit at a precisely defined temperature.
This innovative overtemperature protection device features small dimensions and high power handling capacity. The RTS, which measures just 6.6 mm x 8.8 mm, can handle operating currents of up to 100 A at nominal voltages of up to 60 V DC and meets all requirements according to AEC-Q200 and MIL-STD.
The RTS is also available in a version with a shunt. This features an integrated resistor with particularly low temperature dependence. This resistor enables precise measurement of the flowing current and can be used for additional — non-thermal — protection of the circuit (for example, via a controller).
