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Electronic fuses, or eFuses, are integrated circuits that can replace bigger traditional fuses or other protective devices like resettable polymeric fuses. They include a control circuit and a power switch with low on-resistance, connecting the input port to the load, and are housed in compact plastic packages such as DFN and Flip-chip.
When connected in series to the main power rail, an eFuse functions similarly to a regular fuse, detecting and reacting fast to overcurrent and overvoltage events. eFuses are often used to safeguard power supply line circuits. Servers, game consoles, PCs, and other technological devices are examples.
eFuses are commonly used in routers, telecom switches, hard disc drives and business storage, and server systems.Overcurrent or inrush current and voltage, short circuits, and reverse current are all protected by these fuses.
Furthermore, eFuses can self-repair without the need for human involvement. These fuses include integrated power switches and control circuits that detect overvoltage and overcurrent and react quickly to mitigate their effects.
The Global eFuse Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2023 to 2030.
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor has introduced its first eFuse device for server sub-power rails.
The AOZ18101DI is a 5A eFuse in a 3mm x 3mm DFN package that combines a protection IC and a trench MOSFET with a large safe working region (SOA). When the eFuse is turned off, the device consists of two low RDS(ON) (20mohm) back-to-back MOSFETs that isolate the load from the input bus. It runs from 3.5 to 14V.
Because server products must be very reliable, all important power rails are monitored and protected by an eFuse device to prevent the main power bus from being interrupted owing to aberrant load during fault situations. The current flowing through the power switch is continually monitored by the eFuse.
If the current exceeds the specified limit, the switch will reduce the current to the maximum allowable. If the high current demand continues, the switch will finally shut down, safeguarding downstream loads and functioning as a fuse.
RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
Current Monitoring in Integrated eFuse Devices: Integrated eFuse devices now frequently have current monitoring features built-in. These cutting-edge eFuse options can precisely gauge and keep track of the circuit’s current in real time.
As a result, any unusual current spike or continuous high current may be quickly identified and dealt with, enabling precise control and protection. The addition of current monitoring to eFuse technology increases system reliability and offers better overall protection. Modern eFuse devices also come with a number of additional features and improvements that improve their use and functionality, including:
Fast Response Time: Recent eFuse technology developments have produced gadgets with incredibly quick response rates. They reduce the chance of component damage and system failures by being able to detect and respond to overcurrent circumstances in just a few microseconds.
Current Limit Adjustment: Some eFuse devices now provide user-programmable current limitations. The user can choose the appropriate current threshold at which the eFuse will trip and disrupt the circuit thanks to this versatility. Customization possibilities are available with the adjustable current limit function to satisfy certain application needs.
Overvoltage and Overtemperature Protection: Advanced eFuse devices may additionally include overvoltage and overtemperature protection in addition to overcurrent prevention. This guarantees thorough defense against a variety of potential threats, protecting the circuit and linked components from high voltage or temperature conditions.
Diagnostic and fault reporting functionalities are frequently included in contemporary eFuse devices. These capabilities can help with fault analysis and troubleshooting by offering useful information about the precise fault state that caused the eFuse to trip. The effectiveness of system maintenance and troubleshooting procedures depends on diagnostic capabilities.
System Control and Monitoring Integration: eFuse devices can be included into more extensive system control and monitoring designs. In order to enable centralized control and monitoring of numerous eFuse channels, they can connect with microcontrollers or system-on-chip (SoC) devices. This connection enables improved system-level management and protection.