Power switches reduce component count
1 min read
Two new families of ac power switches from STMicroelectronics are set to simplify the design of domestic appliances and industrial equipment by integrating surge protection that meets IEC 61000-4-5 requirements. According to ST, this is usually implemented using external components.
The 10A ACST10 and 12A ACST12 families complete ST's range for applications from 2A to 12A. They can be used for protecting washing machine motors, compressors for refrigerators or air conditioning units or in industrial drives. The devices replace conventional electromechanical relays or triac based power switches, which require additional external components to prevent damage caused by voltage surges in the ac supply or by energy stored in the load.
Several other external components can also be eliminated, the company adds, since the switch input can be connected directly to the appliance's electronic control unit. In contrast, a relay or triac typically requires a separate input driver. In addition, designers must usually add components to prevent the motor turning on or off unpredictably, but this is not required when using the ACST10 or ACST12.
Package options include TO220AB and plastic insulated TO220FPAB for the ACST10 family, and TO220AB or D2PAK for the ACST12 family.
