Description

The STEF12E is an integrated electronic fuse optimized for monitoring output current and input voltage. Connected in series to a 12 V rail, it is capable of protecting the electronic circuitry on its output from overcurrent and overvoltage. The device has a controlled delay and turn-on time. When an overload condition occurs, the STEF12E limits the output current to a predefined safe value. If the anomalous overload condition persists it goes into an open state, disconnecting the load from the power supply. If a continuous short-circuit is present on the board, when power is re-applied the E-fuse initially limits the output current to a safe value and then again goes into an open state. The device is equipped with a thermal protection circuit. The intervention of the thermal protection is signalled to the board monitoring circuits through a signal on the Fault pin. Unlike the mechanical fuses, which must be physically replaced after a single event, the Efuse does not degrade in its performance after short-circuit/thermal protection interventions and it is reset either by recycling the supply voltage or using the Enable pin. The companion chip for the 5 V power rails is also available with part number STEF05.