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Where there are more components working away, there is the unwanted by-product of heat, this can be problematic. There are many ways to dissipate heat through convection, radiation, conduction, ventilation and clever design.

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Thermal Runaway

A thermal runaway is an increasing threat to electronic devices where more and more power is packed in ever smaller spaces; it is a threat that is poorly dealt with using traditional means. SMD thermal fuses offer a solution that can be reflow-soldered at 260°C and still open at 210°C.

A thermal runaway refers to the overheating of a technical apparatus due to a self-reinforcing process that generates heat. This damage usually causes the destruction of the apparatus and often leads to a fire or explosion.

Causes

The causes of a thermal runaway are varied and often random in nature. However, the ever-higher power density in electronic wiring and the trend towards miniaturization are without a doubt of particular importance. More and more
functions are packed in compact modules, which then also have a correspondingly high power consumption.

Even slightly excessive currents in power electronics with only a little power loss lead to elevated temperatures of approximately 200°C. The possible consequences: damage or disconnection of the surrounding components,
damage to the printed circuit board structure or, in the worst case, the triggering of a fire.

Build Up

With a power semiconductor (e.g. MOSFET) the drain-source transmission resistance increases with rising
temperatures, when connected, which results in an increasing loss of power in the barrier layer. If the elements are not sufficiently cooled - the high power density permits cooling - the power loss output in the form of heat can no longer be sufficiently dissipated, which also increases the transmission resistance. This process escalates and ultimately
leads to the destruction of the component.

How to protect against a short circuit?

The cooling of a system must dissipate at least as much energy as it is supplied with.

The overcurrent during a thermal runaway is too low to cause a conventional fuse to trip. Thermal circuit breakers or PTCs
would, in principle, be used, but the products available for the assembly of an SMD printed circuit board are too complicated or completely unsuitable

The Solution

SCHURTER develops and manufactures SMD thermal fuses with the lowest possible internal resistance for power electronics of the highest packing density. They can be reflow-soldered at a maximum temperature of 260°C without opening. The temperature trigger is therefore around 210°C during operation. This corresponds to a range above
normal component temperature ratings, but still below the limit to create serious consequences,The fuse opens with or
without current flow depending on the temperature. Such irreversible thermal fuses are resistant to mechanical shock,
vibration, thermal shock, temperature cycles and moisture. They are qualified according to AEC-Q200.

If you would like to learn more about Thermal Runaway, please download the attached application note below. SCHURTER can offer a Safe and Easy solution to your fusing needs.

SCHURTER Electronic Components is a leading innovator and producer of electronic components. As a Swiss technology company SCHURTER is operating successfully worldwide. In a dynamic market the SCHURTER Group is showing sustainable growth due to the specialized competence, innovative capacity, proximity to customers and financial independence.
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