STMicroelectronics (ST), the world‘s leading semiconductor supplier across multiple electronic applications, has launched a new series of hot-swappable power management chips. The new products help reduce the cost of ownership of critical equipment such as storage devices, computers, USB peripherals, enterprise systems, appliances and appliances. STMicroelectronics has launched the first two products of the new series, featuring intelligent protection, affordable price and space saving, these two products have overvoltage and overcurrent protection functions, suitable for 5V and 12V electronic equipment.

STEF05 and STEF12 are electronic fuse chips in a 3 x 3mm package that can replace larger size common fuses or other protective devices such as Transil or diodes. Unlike ordinary fuses, electronic fuses do not suddenly shut off the power supply, and there is no need to replace the fuse after the action, which helps to prolong the operation time of the equipment, improve the availability of the equipment and reduce the maintenance cost. Compared to Transils or diodes, the new electronic fuses allow more flexible and simpler setting of protection parameters.

In the event of a system failure, electronic fuses limit the supply current and protect the connected circuit; if the failure persists, the protected equipment will eventually shut down. Electronic fuses can be reset by a signal from the system or a power cycle. The electronic fuse can send a signal to the system to alarm during the operation. If the fault persists after reset, the electronic fuse will immediately limit the current and close the circuit again.

Both products also integrate load voltage fluctuation limiting circuitry and a programmable start-up time, making them ideal for enterprise server, storage or telecom systems. Hot-swap capability enables replacement of failed modules without a complete power down, minimizing service interruptions.

Main features of STEF05 and STEF12:

· Suitable for 5V or 12V power supply

· Adjust current limit via external resistor

· Adjust output voltage slope by external small capacitor

· Output voltage clamp