SMT Ceramic Fuse suits high-temperature applications.
Press Release Summary:
Suited for electronics applications with ambient operating temperatures from -55 to +150°C, 0603-size 438 Series can respond quickly to overcurrents without nuisance tripping caused by high inrush currents. Current ratings range from 250 mA to 6 A, and maximum fault current rating (Interrupt Rating) is 50 A. Pb- and halogen-free solution, compliant with RoHS standards, also extends DC circuit protection to space-limited applications.
Original Press Release:
Littelfuse Introduces 438 Series Fuse and Extends High-Temperature Capable Surface-Mount Fuse Line with Smaller 0603 Size
DES PLAINES, IL - October 23, 2008 - Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ/NGS:LFUS), today introduced the 438 Series - the first 0603-size, fast-acting surface-mount fuse rated for working temperatures up to 150°C. The new product continues a line expansion which added the Littelfuse 501 Series and 437 Series earlier this year. Like those fuses, the new 438 Series is ideal for electronics applications with high ambient operating temperatures. In addition, the new fuse extends reliable DC circuit protection to applications that are extremely space-limited; the 438 Series fuse is one fourth the size of the 437 Series fuse.
Unlike competing fuses, the 438 Series operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -55ºC up to 150ºC without nuisance tripping. The 438 Series ceramic fuse has a temperature rating 20 percent higher than its closest competitor, and it has the ability to respond quickly to overcurrents without nuisance tripping caused by high inrush currents.
There is a growing need for protection in electronic applications in which high ambient operating temperatures are common. For example, LCD inverters, LCD TVs, LCD monitors, notebook computers, hard disk drives, XDSL modems, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles may experience temperature extremes. The 438 Series fuse provides high nominal melting rating (l2t) up to 1.38A2s (6A current rating), which coupled with high Interrupt Rating (50A) across all current ratings (250mA to 6A), enables the 438 to operate reliably over a wide temperature range, minimizing nuisance trips during momentary overload conditions.
The 438 Series includes UL and CSA agency approval and is available in current ratings from 250mA to 6A allowing this series of fuses to be used in a variety of applications. Each fuse has a maximum fault current rating (Interrupt Rating) of 50A and is 100 percent lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with RoHS requirements.
Littelfuse, the leader in fuse technology, provides a comprehensive range of products and solutions that provide overcurrent protection for any electronic application. With 80 years of experience in building and supplying overcurrent protection products, Littelfuse is dedicated to providing application expertise and support that meets customers' needs.
Availability
438 Series fuse samples are available now for order and sample request through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. For a listing of Littelfuse distributors, please visit www.littelfuse.com.
Additional Information
For more information about Littelfuse and our circuit protection products, please visit the Littelfuse web site at www.littelfuse.com or contact the Littelfuse Technical Support line at 1-800-999-9445
For circuit protection application design ideas, please visit the new Application Design Center section of the Littelfuse web site.
About Littelfuse
As the worldwide leader in circuit protection products and solutions with annual sales of $536.1 million in 2007, the Littelfuse portfolio is backed by industry leading technical support, design and manufacturing expertise. Littelfuse products are vital components in virtually every product that uses electrical energy, including automobiles, computers, consumer electronics, handheld devices, industrial equipment, and telecom/datacom circuits. Littelfuse offers Teccor®, Wickmann® and Pudenz® brand circuit protection products. In addition to its Des Plaines, Illinois, world headquarters, Littelfuse has sales, distribution, manufacturing and engineering facilities in Brazil, China, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and the U.S. For more information, please visit Littelfuse's web site at www.littelfuse.com.
