Toshiba Introduces 40V eFuse ICs in TSOP6F Package

Toshiba has broadened its protection portfolio by introducing a new series of 40V devices designed to safeguard power lines in both industrial and consumer systems. These additions are specifically targeted at applications in areas such as factory automation equipment and household robots, where considerations like board space and reliability play a crucial role in the design process.

For readers of eeNews Europe who are involved in developing compact power architectures, this move signifies a shift away from traditional discrete fuses and protection circuits towards integrated solutions. The aim is to streamline layouts and potentially reduce the overall component count, offering a more efficient and simplified approach to power protection.

Integrated 40V eFuse ICs for industrial and consumer systems

The newly introduced 40V eFuse ICs, known as the TCKE6 series, are engineered to combine multiple protection functions into a single device. Toshiba states that these devices offer short-circuit protection similar to conventional glass tube or chip fuses, while also integrating features like current limiting and overvoltage protection.

This integration is intended to safeguard downstream ICs from excessive current or voltage in the event of a fault. Additionally, the devices come equipped with thermal shutdown capabilities, which automatically deactivate the eFuse in case of abnormal heat or an unexpected short circuit.

With a voltage rating of 40V and support for an input voltage range from 3.3V to 30V, the TCKE6 series caters to common rail voltages such as 5V, 9V, 12V, and 24V. Target applications include industrial equipment like robots and PLCs, as well as consumer products such as robotic vacuum cleaners and copiers.

Compact TSOP6F package and configurable protection modes

All variants within the TCKE6 family are housed in a compact TSOP6F package, measuring approximately 2.9mm by 2.8mm with a typical height of 0.8mm. This compact footprint is beneficial for designers working on dense multilayer boards, enabling thinner and more space-efficient layouts.

Toshiba emphasizes a low on-resistance to minimize power dissipation during normal operation, along with a fast short-circuit response time to enhance system robustness. The lineup includes options for both auto-retry and latched recovery modes, providing flexibility for different operational scenarios.

For instance, the TCKE601RA and TCKE603RA models feature auto-retry operation, allowing for automatic recovery post-fault. On the other hand, the TCKE601RL and TCKE603RL are latched types that require an external signal to resume operation. The TCKE602RM variant offers the ability to switch between auto-retry and latched modes via an external signal, offering enhanced design flexibility.

Some versions of the devices offer a FLAG output to indicate abnormal conditions, while others come with an enable pin for external control. By consolidating these functionalities into a single 40V eFuse IC, Toshiba aims to position the TCKE6 series as a fundamental building block for compact and potentially more efficient power management designs.