An evolutionary advance over the previous ACS102-5Tx and ACS108-5Sx, the new ACS102-6Tx and ACS108-6Sx switches include improved static and dynamic characteristics. Among these, the latching and holding current levels have been reduced by 50%, allowing a more optimized gate pulse-control mode, especially in case of lower power rated loads, thus drastically reducing power consumption. The switching capabilities and the electrical noise immunity have been also improved by about 15% as compared to the previous version.

Other major benefit of the recently introduced ACS devices is the crowbar structure, which starts to protect the system at a higher voltage level than the previous version. As a result, the devices’ robustness has been re-qualified to enable the switches to safely sustain a higher level of energy.

Designers using the new ACSes will be able to cut the cost of their appliances by reducing component count up to 80% and by avoiding external over-voltage suppressors. Appliance design will also be simplified by enabling the ACSes to be directly driven from microcontrollers.

 The ACS102 is available in both TO-92 and SO-8 ECOPACK^® packages, while the ACS108 is assembled in TO-92 and SOT-223 ECOPACK^® packages.

In production now, the ACS102 and ACS108 cost $0.23 and $0.25, respectively, in 10,000 unit quantities.

Further information on ST’s family of AC switches is available at: www.st.com/thyristors

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