Bourns, Inc. has launched its SE Series of miniature thermal cutoff (TCO) mini-breakers. These TCO devices support the 240-W upper limit of the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. The SE Series is the company’s smallest 54-V surface-mount mini-breaker, measuring 4.7 × 2.8 mm with a height of 1.23 mm.

(Source: Bourns, Inc.)

Meeting the Type-C connector market safety requirements for overtemperature protection, the TCO mini-breakers target the growth in USB fast charging and higher power cables. In addition, the European Union’s Common Charger Directive requires mobile phones, tablets, headphones, and other personal electronics to be equipped with a USB-C connector.

These mini-breakers can be installed directly on the Type-C connector. They are capable of virtually instantaneously detecting heat generation above preset limits and interrupting the current to directly shut off the power line, according to Bourns. This capability also eliminates the need for additional ICs or other switches, reducing component count and simplifying design.

The series of mini-breakers also supports the higher levels of overtemperature protection required for fast charging. Devices within the SE Series feature temperature settings that range from 72°C to 85°C, each with a ±5°C tolerance range.

The RoHS-compliant SE Series TCO mini-breakers are available now. Click here (PDF) for the data sheet.

Bourns also offers TCO devices that provide overtemperature and overcurrent protection for lithium-polymer and prismatic cells in smaller high-energy-density batteries. They target applications such as notebook PC and tablet battery cells, and  handheld and wearable electronics.

The post TCO mini-breakers support 240-W USB power delivery appeared first on Electronic Products.