Toshiba introduces Thermoflagger to detect Electronic Equipment Overheating

Toshiba introduces Thermoflagger to detect Electronic Equipment Overheating

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has launched the first two products in its Thermoflagger™ over-temperature detection IC series: “TCTH021BE,” which does not have a latching function for the FLAG signal when it detects abnormal states; and “TCTH022BE” which does have a latching function.

They detect temperature rises inside electronic equipment in a simple circuit configuration with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors. Shipment starts today.

For electronic equipment to perform as specified, their semiconductors and electronic components must operate within design parameters. Temperature is one crucial parameter, especially if the internal temperature becomes higher than that assumed during the design process. This can be a major problem in respect of safety and reliability, and requires an overheating monitoring solution to detect any rise in temperature.

The new Thermoflagger™ ICs are used in combination with PTC thermistors that change their resistance values according to the temperature. They detect changes in the resistance value of a PTC thermistor placed close to heat sources, and output FLAG signals to indicate over-temperature. Connecting PTC thermistors in series realizes over-temperature detection for multiple locations.

The new ICs are housed in the small, standard SOT-553 package (Toshiba’s package name: ESV) and feature a low current consumption of 11.3μA (typ.).

A reference design “Over Temperature Detection IC Thermoflagger™ Application Circuit” using the new ICs is available now.

Thermoflagger™ ICs allow users to configure over-temperature detection for an entire electronic product easily, and help to reduce its size and power consumption. Toshiba will continue to develop Thermoflagger™ ICs with various functions.

Applications

• Mobile devices (laptop PC, etc.)
• Home appliances
• Industrial equipment, etc.

Features

• Simple configuration to combine with PTC thermistors
• Overheat can be monitored at several points by connecting PTC thermistors in series.
• Low power consumption: IDD10U=11. 3μA (typ.)
• Small and standard package: SOT-553 (ESV)
• Selectable PTCO output current: I_PTCO=10μA (typ.)
• High PTCO output current accuracy: ±8% (V_DD=3.3V, 25°C)
• FLAG signal output (PTCGOOD)

Main Specifications

(Unless otherwise specified, Tj=25°C)