Floating surge suppressor provides unlimited overvoltage protection

Protecting sensitive electronic circuits from voltage transients is an integral part of any system, whether it is automotive, industrial, aerospace or battery-powered consumer applications. Linear Technology offers numerous solutions for these applications with its line of surge suppressors. The LTC®4366 is an exciting new addition to this family of surge suppressors.

　　The LTC4366 is a high voltage surge suppressor using a floating topology, which enables it to suppress transient voltages well in excess of its absolute maximum ratings. Two shunt regulators allow the device to float up with the supply and suppress transients at user-defined levels. Voltage regulation is accomplished with an external MOSFET controlled by the LTC4366. Operating voltages can be nominally several kilovolts, with the only limitation being the safe operating area (SOA) of the MOSFET used with the device. When the output reaches the clamping voltage, the timer starts running. When the timer expires, the LTC4366 will turn off the MOSFET. The timer and clamp voltage are adjustable, providing the user with complete flexibility. During operation, the entire circuit consumes only a few milliamps. The device can draw less than 20µA in shutdown, making it an ideal solution for designs where power consumption is a concern.

　　High-voltage applications include protecting devices from motor transients, coupled overvoltage, incorrect input power, or power failure. While traditional protection circuits rely on bulky inductors, capacitors, fuses and transient voltage suppressors to clamp transients, the LTC4366 protects by continuously regulating transients. The LTC4366 is available in tiny 8-pin TSOT-23 and 3mm x 2mm DFN packages.

　　Video Speaker: Hamza Afzal, Applications Engineer, Mixed Signal Products

• Chapter 1：Floating surge suppressor provides unlimited overvoltage protection (6 minutes and 41 seconds)