Toshiba has recently released and begun mass production of TLP241BP, the first DIP4 package photo relay with an OFF-state output terminal voltage of 80 V, over-temperature protection, and over-voltage protection functions. Photorelays are compact semiconductor switches, with no physical contact and low drive power.  They are beneficial compared to conventional mechanical relays due to the use of semiconductor switches and are suitable for building automation and home automation-related applications that require a long service life and quietness.

In office buildings, a system called “Building Automation” is introduced, which provides fine control of air conditioning and lighting in order to achieve carbon neutrality. In buildings that consume a large amount of energy, control is required to achieve efficient energy use when constructing new buildings. In addition, existing buildings are also required to achieve the same level of efficiency when replacing equipment. Thermostats are increasingly required to serve as one terminal for building energy management systems (BEMS) that use big data. Thermostats are also required to function as part of a large-scale system, which requires longer operating times and more stable operations. It is also used as a terminal for a home energy management system (HEMS) that enables consumers to manage energy by connecting to photovoltaic power generation equipment and other devices while visualizing in real time the use and operating conditions of electrical equipment used in their homes. Thermostats and other devices incorporate various types of information, such as temperature, humidity, and brightness, into the system for air conditioning and lighting control that combines comfort with energy conservation. Switches are often used as interfaces for this equipment.

The new TLP241BP is equipped with an over-temperature protection function that forcibly turns OFF the output-side MOSFET when the temperature rise exceeds the rating due to excessive applied current to the photo-relay, etc. In addition, an active clamping MOSFET is provided to protect the device when an overvoltage exceeding the blocking voltage rating is applied at the OFF state of the output-side MOSFET. These functions make it possible to protect equipment used in severe noise environments such as air conditioning systems, thus contributing to improved reliability of the equipment.

Key features

• Over Temperature Protection (OTP)/Over Voltage Protection (OVP) function
• OFF-state output terminal voltage/ON-state current rating ideal for thermostats
• Achieves high isolation voltage

Over Temperature Protection (OTP)/Over Voltage Protection (OVP) function

The over-temperature protection function prevents the device from deterioration and destruction due to a remarkable rise in ambient temperature or unexpected heat generation of the device itself in a high-current load. The over-voltage protection function suppresses over-voltage and protects a device when the input side or output side becomes overvoltage due to external surge voltage (lightning, static electricity, etc.) or device abnormality.

TLP241BP has an over-temperature protection function and an over-voltage protection function. The sequence of the protection functions is shown in the timing chart. LED forward current on the input side is IF, and the current on the output side is ION.

Since TLP241BP is 1a contact (normally open type), in normal operation (step 1), the output side is turned on, and the current flows when IF is input, as in normal photo relay. If a current greater than the rated ION flows through the device, TLP241BP is over-temperature status, and the over-temperature protection (OTP) is activated (step 2). This causes the egress to shut down and continue to OFF until IF is reset. The over-temperature protection function shuts down the output when the device overheats for some reason. In OVP mode, an active clamp MOSFET is used on the output side. When the output side OFF and overvoltage are applied, the output side is clamped by overvoltage protection, causing ION to flow temporarily.

Inhibit OFF-state output terminal voltage/ON-state current rating ideal for thermostats

Existing BEMS and HEMS have various forms of management systems that connect various terminals and devices. The thermostat, which is one terminal of this system, is always connected. Devices to which thermostats are connected mainly to air conditioners, and they are constantly exposed to noise and abnormalities. Isolation from the system is essential to avoid this risk. Photorelays are preferred for such insulation.

Though many of the thermostats used in these applications have AC24 V power supply voltages, TLP241BP uses 80 V MOSFET to accommodate AC36 V and AC48 V power supply voltages. In addition, the on-current rating has been made 1.4 A to accommodate HVAC[Note 2] systems that handle large currents.

Achieves high isolation voltage: 5000Vrms

There are various ways to ensure the safety of electrical equipment. When electrical equipment breaks down, consumers must prevent electric shock and fire accidents. In particular, the dielectric strength must not be sufficient to ensure safety in the event of an electrical problem in addition to the voltage normally handled. TLP241BP realizes the smallest dielectric strength 5000Vrms and can be used for equipment that requires higher insulating performance, thus contributing to ensuring the safety of equipment and consumers.

Applications

• BEMS/HEMS equipment
• Thermostat
• Various sensor controls
• I/O interface
• Battery management system
• Replacement of various mechanical relays