Littelfuse Introduces 2kA Surface-Mount SIDACtor for Surge Protection in Power Systems

Surge protection is a foundational requirement in power electronics, but integrating high-performance protection into compact systems has long been a design bottleneck. Littelfuse is addressing this constraint with the launch of the Pxxx0S3H SIDACtor® series, a surface-mount protection thyristor rated for 2kA surge currents (8/20 µs) in the DO-214AB (SMC) package.

This marks the first time a 2kA device has been introduced in this footprint, significantly reducing the space traditionally required for high-energy transient suppression. For engineers working on designs constrained by enclosure size or board area, this shift could open new options for protection architecture without relying on bulky through-hole packages.

A More Durable Alternative to MOVs and GDTs

The Pxxx0S3H is designed to withstand severe electrical transients in AC and DC systems, offering stable, repeatable surge protection that doesn’t degrade over time. This addresses a key limitation of traditional technologies like metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and gas discharge tubes (GDTs), which can lose effectiveness after repeated exposure.

By using a solid-state thyristor architecture, the device maintains its electrical characteristics across multiple high-energy events. This long-term reliability is particularly relevant for industrial, automotive, and energy systems where uptime is essential and maintenance access may be limited.

Performance in a Smaller Footprint

With physical dimensions of 6.22mm × 7.11mm × 2.62mm, the DO-214AB package supports designs where surface-mount assembly is preferred. The ability to achieve Level 4 compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 in this form factor means that surge immunity can now be built into tighter, more compact layouts - without stepping down performance.

Littelfuse is positioning the Pxxx0S3H as a solution for:

• EV charging systems and battery interfaces
• Solar inverters on both DC and AC sides
• Factory automation and industrial power supplies
• UPS systems and high-current AC distribution
• Networked infrastructure and ICT equipment
• Energy storage systems and IoT power interfaces

In many of these applications, protection components are a compromise between board space, regulatory requirements, and component lifespan. This series offers a way to satisfy all three without forcing a redesign or moving to external protection modules.

System Integration and Design Flexibility

Engineers can deploy the Pxxx0S3H as a standalone protection device or integrate it with other technologies, such as MOVs, to create hybrid solutions tailored to specific threat profiles. This flexibility allows for tiered protection, enabling differentiation between surge types and reducing wear on the overall system.

The consistent clamping and thermal performance of the device also contribute to predictable system behaviour, which simplifies qualification and certification processes for power supplies and other regulated products.

The Pxxx0S3H is available now in tape-and-reel quantities of 3,000 units. Samples can be requested through authorised Littelfuse distributors worldwide.

Learn more and read the original article here.

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