Previous articles have discussed several high data rate interfaces such as power-over-ethernet (PoE), USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and eSATA. This article addresses protection schemes for low-speed interfaces. The discussion will also extend to the power line frequencies and present several protection methods for the AC and DC power supplies.

Accurate and reliable data transmission is the goal for all communication circuit designs. Electronics designers can choose from several communication protocols to address their application’s needs. To ensure minimal signal interference, maximize signal/noise, and optimize error correction algorithms, designers need to protect the input and output ports from damage.

Designers often neglect to consider that electrostatic discharge (ESD) and power-line induced transients can impact the electronic circuitry not directly connected to the AC power line. If they are designing devices with communication links, they need to ensure the data port circuitry is operating reliably at all times.

In this episode of the Embedded Insiders, Brandon and Rich wonder if residential solar power is really worth it. The question stems from Littelfuses’ release of 400PV Fuse series of photovoltaic solar fuses, which can be embedded directly into roof shingles or tiles. But with so much government meddling in the solar industry, and big energy looking to protect its existing interests, is it prudent, or even worth it, to bother with the technology?

Littelfuse has announced that the 400PV series of photovoltaic fuses is now available. The 400PV Fuse series is a family of low-resistance, 2410-sized SMD circuit protectors that guard against reverse overcurrent and integrate directly with roof shingles so that they can be mounted directly to existing roofs. This eliminates the need for separate solar panels.

Advanced design considerations can help avoid/completely eliminate damage caused by over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature conditions, increasing the reliability and lifetime of mobile devices.

Key features of the zeptoSMDC PPTCs include a small 0201 surface-mount package and the ability to reset to normal operation once a fault has cleared.