NEWS IN BRIEF
15
Microchip introduces 3kW transient voltage
suppressor diode array family for circuit
protection in harsh environments
To ensure critical operations, aviation and space systems rely on digital
and logic functionality and circuitry in engine control units, environmental
controls, instruments and actuators. Data centres, the 5G infrastructure and
communication systems also rely on complex circuitry requiring protection.
Each system must operate continuously despite voltage surges and spikes
from lightning, solar events and electromagnetic incidents. Microchip
Technology Inc. has announced its newly-expanded portfolio of Transient
Voltage Suppressor (TVS) vertical arrays – the MDA3KP Transient Voltage
Suppressor (TVS), a 3kW diode family of more than 25 products with
different screening levels, polarities and qualification standards.
Microchip’s MDA3KP TVS diode array family – the only available
technology offering a comprehensive voltage range tested to a high
reliability standard and qualified based on the MIL-PRF-19500 JANTX level
equivalence standard – provides an integrated multi-diode solution. These
voltage-clamping devices provide fast-reacting Avalanche Breakdown Diode
(ABD) features that divert excess current around sensitive components to
protect them from electrical overstress.
“Digital controls, logic and diagnostic system circuit blocks require
highly reliable, secure current and power protection to ensure operations
in extreme environments,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s
Discrete Product Group business unit. “This diode family also addresses the
challenges system designers face with a more efficient vertical construction
and requirement for less board space than other devices.”
MDA3KP TVS diode arrays are available in the following screened version
industry standards: M, MA, MXL and MX. The devices have been exposed
to various levels of testing to ensure they meet the aircraft lightning
protection requirements set forth in the standard for environmental testing
of avionics, RTCA DO-160E (Lightening Induced Transient Susceptibility).
RTCA (American Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) is the industry
consortium that develops consensus on critical aviation modernisation
issues.
The MDA3KP TVS diode array, a vertically constructed 8-diode, 16-pin
surface mount package, allows for efficient layout and ease of design, as less
printed circuit board space is required while enabling higher power densities.
In the MDA3KP TVS diode array family, each device’s vertical construction
provides the power of eight smaller devices on a printed circuit board,
eliminating the need for the multiple devices even as it provides higher
power.
Available in unidirectional and bidirectional construction in standoff
voltages of 6V to 40V, the components provide Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
and Electrical Fast Transients (EFT) protection according IEC standards
and a Peak Pulse Power rating of 3000 W at 10/1000 µs. With an extended
temperature range from -55°C to +150°C, the devices are lot traceable,
surge tested, and Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) Level 1 – for use in harsh
environments. The MDA3KP TVS diode array family’s power rating is the
industry’s only available technology with this level of screening. n
Comfort cooling unit reimagined with
integrated heating feature
A UK-based air conditioning manufacturer has
showcased the ingenuity of its R&D team by
developing a new dual-function version of its
pioneering hybrid fan coil unit to meet evolving
industry demands.
Airedale International has launched the latest
generation of the award-winning Artus range,
now with a four-pipe integrated heating and
cooling option for commercial and residential
spaces.
The original, single coil Artus first appeared
on the market two years ago and has since
found success in landmark commercial projects
such as the WeWork flexible office space at 10
Devonshire Square in central London.
Building on the success of the original unique
design, Airedale International tasked its team
of R&D specialists to develop a solution which
met the requirements of an industry increasingly
focussed on energy efficiency and individual
wellbeing.
Artus was originally invented to solve
some of the issues associated with inefficient
and cumbersome comfort cooling systems
and features low space claim, consistent
air distribution and best-in-class energy
consumption.
Working in partnership with design
consultants, Arup, a hybrid system was
developed, taking the performance of a
traditional fan coil unit coupled with a 60%
reduction in energy usage compared with
chilled beam.
The result is a unit that requires no secondary
ducting or hatch access, with a four-pipe water
system that allows heating as well as cooling
with no mixing of water streams, increasing
efficiency and performance. It offers a
solution to consultants and architects who can
more easily specify chilled water systems, in
preference to direct expansion units, in the face
of ongoing refrigerant phase downs.
Antony Cole, managing director of Airedale
International, explains: “The original Artus
model has been particularly well received by
specifiers prioritising performance, efficiency
and ease of install on their projects and where
ceiling height is at a premium. Its shallow depth
of around 200mm, allows a 12-storey building to
become 13-storeys with the savings in required
ceiling void space.
“We’re constantly innovating and looking for
new and improved designs to stay on top of our
game. Artus is a brilliant example of taking a
great product which was more compact, more
effective and more energy efficient and making
it even better.”
The two coil Artus suits buildings with a
shell and core system with four pipe terminal
units. The fascia can function with any hole
configuration for flexibility of design and
seamless integration with its surroundings.
Roger Olsen of Arup, who devised the
Artus’ latest design concept, adds: “Comfort
and well-being were priorities during the
design process. Noise levels can be precisely
controlled, and with whisper quiet (NR25) levels
possible, we are receiving interest for premium
residential projects. The air distribution has
also been carefully engineered so there is no
uncomfortable air movement in the occupied
space.”
Airedale International designs and
manufactures innovative and high-efficiency
cooling solutions from its headquarters in Leeds.
It provides solutions for industries including
healthcare, commercial education, hospitality
and data centres. n
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