STMicroelectronics is an international manufacturer of protection ICs (Integrated Circuits) has developed the first silicon based surge protector which meets the IEC61000 standard for international surge protection. These new surge protectors will provide protection for power supplies across the globe with the most heat conducive semiconductors available. This means that they will last longer than conventional devices that use MOV technology. This could mean a new era in surge protection devices.
The way MOVs work is they conduct heat away from the power line into an area where the ground lies. The MOVs degrade every time they absorb heat so in time any surge protector with MOV technology will have to be replaced. While surge protectors aren’t very expensive in relation to the equipment they can protect, not many people are willing to invest in them over and over. This new technology with silicon diodes promises a longer lifespan on surge protection devices and a wider range of functionality.
The diodes in question are the STIEC45 Transil™. These silicon surge protection diodes stop power surges, electrostatic discharges and transients. They can maintain 75% protection in temperatures reaching 302 degrees F (150 degress C). The diodes are soldered to a pc-board offering a space efficiency yet delivered by other modes of surge protection on equipment involved in environments where temperatures stay above normal.
There have been other silicon diodes but they’ve required larger pads to reach the level of protection the smaller silicon diodes can now employ. The larger models can’t maintain a high level of protection in extreme temperatures for very long. Rarely have they been effective above 77 degrees F and lose efficiency of up to 40% over 257 degrees F.
An example of what it offers is the 500 amp peak pulse-current capability clamping voltages in 8/20 of a microsecond. At higher temperatures the clamping voltage is an amazing 410 amps, still at 8/20 of a microsecond. Temperatures this high would melt any MOVs in seconds. It can also sustain protection in low current situations where some electronic equipment, like computers, would otherwise shut down.
The technology is available to surge protector manufacturers for surprisingly cheap. Let’s just hope the manufacturers forward that affordability to their customers when the silicon surge protector hits the open market.
