October 31, 2023
TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) has developed the J404, the world’s first* surface-mountable inrush current limiter (ICL) based on PTC (positive temperature coefficient) technology. Designed for DC voltages of up to 500 V and AC voltages of up to 350 V, the device (order number B59404J0170A062) automatically and intrinsically limits excessive currents in applications such as DC links and charging devices in electromobility.
Due to the very compact dimensions of 13.5 x 10 x 11 mm (L x W x H), users can save up to 70% space and weight on the PCB with this surface-mount design. The components can also be processed quickly in automated production lines. As a result, the new component is ideally suited for numerous industrial and automotive applications.
The reference temperature at which the device becomes highly resistive is +170 °C, with a heat capacity of 1 J/K and a thermal time constant of 100 s. At room temperature, the electrical resistance is 500 Ω, with a minimum value of 150 Ω. The J404 can switch off a defect (short circuit) up to 100 times, and up to 100,000 cycles when charging and discharging capacitors.
Large capacitors in DC link circuits, found in e-mobility inverters or variable-speed drives in industrial applications, act temporarily like a short circuit at the moment they are switched on. This high energy must not damage other components in the system; the same applies in the event of a defect. A PTC thermistor provides such protection by heating itself due to the high current and becoming highly resistive in a very short time, thereby reducing the current to a safe level.
* As of August 2013, according to own research
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Main applications
- Traction inverter for xEV
- Charging and discharging DC link capacitors
- Variable speed drives
- Switched-mode power supplies
Main features and benefits
- Surface mountable (reflow solderable)
- Space and weight savings on PCBs
- Intrinsically safe in case of a failure and resettable
- Qualification according to AEC-Q200
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic, and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2023, TDK posted total sales of USD 16.1 billion and employed about 103,000 people worldwide.
