Safe Power Controllers Replace Circuit Breakers

Designed to replace conventional electromechanical circuit breakers in certain applications, the PC Series of solid-state power controllers reduces component count, cuts system weight and cost, and increases system reliability. The controller IC provides an on-resistance output with short-circuit and overload current protection with a solid-state reliability built-in test (BIT) capability, allowing the IC to perform self-tests to make sure all components work. The BIT provides status output lines for trip and load voltage so as to monitor the load. Trip status shuts off at specified overload current levels over temperature and protects the IC and surrounding system. The IC also offers surge tolerant short circuit protection and optical isolation.