Bourns new compact thermal circuit breaker units offer maximum current capacity applications for re-upgrading

     Bourns, a global leader in the manufacture of electronic components, has introduced a new set of small double circuit breaker (TCO) devices - a new model of the AA series that offers the highest current capacity compared to comparable devices and meets today's demands for greater capacity lithium-ion (Li-Ion) cell protection.

     The new model AA series is capable of carrying 14 amps at 60 °C, providing 37% more current capacity than the small duplexable TCOs previously supplied by Bourns. In addition, the new protection device also provides extremely low impedance/resistance (up to 2 mΩ), which is 60% less than the previous generation of Bourns TCOs. Its evolved devices not only reduce costs, but also reduce valuable design space. Where previously two small duplicable TCOs were required in lithium-ion battery designs, only one AA series device is now required to meet protection requirements, thanks to its innovative design and high-precision metal stamping process.

     Advances in technology have led to larger, more sophisticated lithium-ion batteries and have made possible lower-power components. Yoichi Yoshimura, president of Bourns KK, said that in addition to laptops, more and more electronic products such as electric bicycles, power tools, consumer robots and energy storage grids are looking for solutions that can reduce batteries in order to reduce application costs. In close collaboration with our customers, we have learned that today's small, duplexable TCO solutions are not sufficiently effective in protecting higher capacity lithium-ion batteries. At Bourns, we have designed the AA series to provide the high current overtemperature protection our customers require, making these batteries not only safer and more reliable, but also smaller and more cost effective.

     Komatsulite Mfg. Co., Ltd., now known as Bourns KK, is a pioneer in overtemperature and overcurrent protection solutions, designing and manufacturing the first commercial small recoverable thermal circuit breaker in 2000 and growing rapidly to ship 2 billion devices in 2015. Become the market share leader. Bourns KK continues to excel in precision metal stamping processes, miniaturization and high current capacity engineering, always making further innovations in established product path diagrams.