8 May - June - 2022IN MYPINIONAlong with the demand for portability and increasing speed in technology, electronics are becoming more sensitive. Everything must fit into progressively more compact footprints and is expected to provide along service life. This means that circuit protection is not a luxury add-on or one-size-fits-all step in a power electronics design. Rather, it has become an area that requires attention and frequently customization to meet the reliability and safety requirements electronic system power ports demand. Semiconductor companies that offer controllers, processors, memory and other integrated circuit products use a variety of Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) technologies in their circuit protection devices. In contrast, Bourns employs bipolar semiconductor technology to produce robust and reliable protection devices. Bourns has been a leader in circuit protection for decades. In addition to the company's deep technical knowledge, Bourns continuously invests in the company's bipolar components portfolio adding innovative features and new device options. The bipolar technology advancements Bourns has made increases the speed and energy handling capabilities of the company's bipolar devices making them excellent circuit protection solutions that can be applied across numerous applications.The Case for Using PTVS DiodesA pertinent example of bipolar technology is the power transient voltage suppression (PTVS) diode, which is designed to protect sensitive equipment from high voltage transient events. This is accomplished by clamping the incoming voltage to safe levels while absorbing excess energy. Typical threats to power ports include load switching transients and nearby lightning strikes. When the equipment is located outdoors, the power lines can act as antennae, collecting large amounts of transient energy.Equipment located in rural areas or mounted high on buildings or poles is difficult or expensive to access. Therefore, repair costs often are dominated by the labor required rather than the PRIME SOLUTIONS IN THE ARSENAL TO PROTECT POWER ELECTRONICSBy Kelly Casey, Engineering Director Circuit Protection, Bourns, Inc.A pertinent example of bipolar technology is the power transient voltage suppression (PTVS) diode, which is designed to protect sensitive equipment from high voltage transient eventsKelly Casey
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