circuitprotection.com/rtp-launch
Reflowable Thermal Protection for
Power Electronics Designs in Rugged EnvironmentsTE Connectivity
APPLICATIONS
• Helps provide protection against thermal runaway for power FETs and other
components if failure occurs in applications such as automotive HVAC, ABS,
power steering, DC/DC converters, PTC heaters, etc. or IT servers, telecom power,
converters, etc.
• Other DC thermal protection
BENEFITS
• Helps protect the system from thermal runaway damage due to failed power
components
• Allows use of standard surface-mount production methods with no special assembly
costs
• Low power dissipation and voltage drop
• Supports DC electronic circuits
• Suitable for rugged environment applications (automotive and industrial)
• Green design
KEY FEATURES
• Opens at temperature below
critical thermal threshold
• Compatible with up to 3 Pb-free
solder reflow processes with
peak temperatures up to 260°C
• Low series resistance
• DC interrupt voltage capable
• Robust design for harsh
environment tested per
stringent qualification
specification
• RoHS compliant, lead and
halogen free
The RTP device described in this overview can withstand the demanding environmental,
life, and reliability requirements of automotive and industrial applications, including shock,
vibration, temperature cycling, and humidity exposures. In the field, the RTP device opens
if its internal junction exceeds the device’s specified open temperature. Temperature
increases can have multiple sources, one of which is component failure (i.e. when using
power components such as a power FET, capacitor, resistor, triac, etc.). The RTP device
open temperature is selected so that the device does not open within normal component
operating windows, but it does open in a thermal runaway event and before the melt
temperature of typical lead free solders.
To simplify installation, improve reliability, and optimize thermal coupling with the PCB,
the RTP device is surface mountable. No special SMD installation is required. Instead,
after installation, the RTP device utilizes a one time electronic arming process to become
thermally sensitive. Before the arming procedure, the device can go through installation
temperatures up to 260°C without going open. After arming, the device will open when
the critical junction exceeds the open temperature. Arming can occur during test, or in
the field.