Toshiba Electronics Europe has introduced a new series of electronic fuse (eFuse) ICs designed to protect low-voltage power lines in compact electronic devices.
The TCKE5 Series comprises four devices that combine overcurrent and short-circuit protection in a small surface-mount package. Target applications include SD memory cards, USB and HDMI devices, laptop computers, and gaming consoles.
With an operating input voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V, the new devices support power supplies operating at 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V, extending Toshiba’s existing power protection portfolio to lower-voltage applications.
The devices use an external resistor to set the overcurrent detection threshold, allowing engineers to configure protection according to the requirements of the downstream circuit.
A typical 2.4ms masking period allows brief current surges to pass without triggering an immediate shutdown. If the overcurrent condition persists beyond this period, the eFuse disconnects the output. A separate short-circuit protection function responds to higher fault currents.
The TCKE5 family includes four models: TCKE501UA, TCKE501UL, TCKE502UA, and TCKE502UL.
The UA variants feature automatic retry, restoring the output once the fault condition has cleared. The UL versions use a latch-off mechanism, requiring an external signal to restart operation following a fault.
Two slew-rate options are also available, allowing designers to select different output-voltage rise times to accommodate power-sequencing requirements. Controlling the slew rate also helps limit inrush current when charging the output capacitor during start-up.
All four devices support a maximum DC output current of 1.0A and are housed in Toshiba’s SOT-353F (UFV) package, measuring 2.0mm × 2.1mm × 0.7mm (typ.).
For applications operating at input voltages between 5V and 5.5V, Toshiba recommends following the datasheet guidance on output capacitance or using an external Schottky barrier diode to manage voltage transients during short-circuit protection. Engineers should also verify operation under their intended system conditions.
Shipments of the TCKE5 Series have begun.
