TDK-EPC, a group company
of TDK Corporation, has
extended its range of
EPCOS inrush current limiters
(ICL). The P11 series (B57211P*)
covers a resistance range from 4 to
25 ? (R25). These types are
designed for currents from 2.5 to 5
A in the temperature range
between 0°C and 25°C. The P13
series (B57213P*) with a
resistance range from 3 to 5 O is
designed for higher powers, i.e. for
currents of 6 or 7 A.
The components of the new
EPCOS ICL series are available with
disk diameters of 13 and 14.5 mm
(with coating). Overall, TDK-EPC
now offers ICL types with disk
diameters in the range between
8.5 and 26 mm (with coating).
ICLs are temperature dependent
resistors (NTC
thermistors) and are used in
applications such as the input
circuits of power supplies. They
limit the very high currents that
occur at the moment of switchon
when charging the DC link
circuit capacitors and thus
protect diodes or rectifier bridges
from destruction. Other applications
are motors with slow-starting loads,
such as pumps. In this case, ICLs
prevent the high inrush currents from
triggering line breakers.