- Electronic fuses for variable and cost-effective system protection... applied to storage systems, home appliances, etc.

December 16, 2011, Seoul — STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company for a wide range of electronic applications, has launched a new family of hot-swap power management products designed to reduce maintenance costs for storage devices, computers, USB accessories, enterprise system units, and consumer electronics. The first two products introduced provide cost-effective and space-saving overvoltage and overcurrent protection for 5V and 12V electronic devices.

STEF05 and STEF12 are electronic fuses in a 3 x 3mm IC package that can replace larger conventional fuse products, transils, and diodes. Unlike fuses, they do not require sudden power interruption or replacement after operation, thereby improving equipment uptime and availability and reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, compared to transils and diodes, the new electronic fuses allow for more diverse and simpler programming of protection parameters.

If a problem occurs with the product, the electronic fuse limits the current supply to protect the connected circuit, and if the problem persists, it completely shuts down the device. The fuse can be reset via a system signal or by restarting the power supply. When a fault occurs, the device sends a signal to trigger a warning from the system. If the problem persists even after a reset, the fuse immediately cuts off the current and shuts down the product again to protect the circuit.

This device includes a circuit that limits voltage fluctuations under load and a programmable start-up time function, making it suitable for use in hot-swap modules for devices such as enterprise servers, storage, or telecom systems. Hot-swap minimizes service interruption by allowing a faulty module to be replaced without completely shutting down the system.

Key Features of STEF05 and STEF12:
• For power supply to 5V or 12V products
• Programmable current limit via external resistor
• Output voltage slew rate adjustable with a small external capacitor
• Output voltage clamping

STEF05 and STEF12 are packaged in 3 x 3mm DFN 10-lead packages and are currently in mass production. They are available at a price of $0.75 per unit for bulk orders of 1,000 or more. Prices are adjusted for larger orders.