Manufacturers of resettable fuses ready to increase output

Miniaturization remains on the resettable fuse agenda as well and will continue to drive efforts to strengthen the SMD category.

Resettable fuses continue to gain ground in China, with total shipments now almost equal with dominant one-time types. The line has been growing in past years, with total sales value climbing by 5 to 10 percent annually. The main drivers are mobile devices, computers and peripherals, communication equipment and automotive electronics.

Expecting a steady rise in orders, most companies are set to shift resources and adjust production ratios. Shanghai Keter Polymer Material Co. Ltd will sustain output expansion in coming months and through 2019. In 2017, the manufacturer raised yield by about 50 percent. The type accounts for about half of its aggregate fuse deliveries.

At the same time, China suppliers will keep up with the miniaturization trend in application markets and ensure the release of compact variants. This will raise the SMD segment's current 30 percent share of shipments in the months ahead.

So far, units in 0402 packages have joined the mainstream supply, which also includes those in 0603, 0805, 1206, 1812 and 2920. The bulk of consignment, however, still consists of models in 0603, 0805 and 1206 sizes.

For enhanced competitiveness, makers continue product development to boost component performance and meet various customization requirements.

Shenzhen JDT is among the few domestic manufacturers that are exploring new materials. It has adopted high-tech polymer and conductive nanograins. The supplier's SMD and DIP resettable fuses for portable electronics, the ASMD0603 Series, have holding current of 100 to 500mA. These feature built-in protection against overcurrent.

For the majority of companies, high-tech polymer and conductive grains are the materials still in use.

As assurance of quality, all makers conform to the terms of international industry standards such as CE, CCC, CSA, cUL, PSE, TÜV and UL, in addition to RoHS for environmental protection.

There are about 200 companies in China that offer resettable fuses. More than 70 percent of these are local enterprises. The major players include Shenzhen JDT and Dongguan Better, and their foreign counterparts with factories there Littelfuse and Bourns. Domestic suppliers send 20 to 80 percent of output overseas.

All makers are also involved in the production of related categories such as circuit breakers and thermal cutoffs.

The coastal provinces of Guangdong and Fujian are the main hubs, playing host to over half of the pool in key cities such as Dongguan and Shenzhen in the first and Xiamen in the latter. The other manufacturing centers are found in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai.

Mainstream types

China suppliers of resettable fuses offer DIP and SMD variants, which are categorized further into PPTC and CPTC. Some turn out strap kinds as well.

PPTC units, which lead output, have advantages of low heat capacity, short recovery period and shock resistance. These withstand up to 8,000 cycles.

By rated voltage, the selection includes 6, 16, 24, 30, 60, 72, 120, 130, 250 and 600V models.

Copper, tin, polymer, ceramic and resin are the key materials used in manufacturing resettable fuses. Companies obtain them from local providers or turn to foreign sources for inputs such as polymer, depending on buyers' specifications.

The cost of materials is expected to remain flat and keep product prices at current levels. In recent months, some makers reduced their quotes, especially for SMD types, by 5 to 10 percent to attract more orders as supply continues to climb and competition intensifies. This trend is projected to persist throughout the year and 2019.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our mainland China-based market analyst for representing current trends in resettable fuses from mainland China and Taiwan makers.

Resettable fuse meets CSA, UL standards

Dongguan Better Electronics Technology Co. Ltd’s TLC-MSMD model is an 1812-size resettable fuse with 6 to 60VDC rated voltage and 0.1 to 3A rated current.

The minimum order for this CSA-approved and UL-listed fuse is 20,000 units. Delivery lead time is 7 days.

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0402 to 2920 resettable fuse

Model FSMD resettable fuse from Fuzetec Technology Co. Ltd has 6 to 60VDC voltage and 3A maximum current ratings. The unit comes in 0402 to 2920 sizes, and meets cUL, RoHS and UL approval.

The negotiable order quantity is for delivery within 7 days.

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Strap resettable fuse has 1.9A holding current

For computers and peripherals, micromotors and automotive applications, Shanghai Keter Polymer Material Co. Ltd’s model KT6-1900D strap resettable fuse has 1.9A holding and 4.9A trip current, and 5 to 18ohm resistance. The unit with 6V maximum rated voltage complies with cUL and RoHS guidelines.

The negotiable minimum order is delivered within 7 days.

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Resettable fuse trips at 0.8 to 18A

This 30V-maximum rated resettable fuse from Shenzhen UN Semiconductor Co. Ltd, UN30 model, is for computers and peripherals, power ports, motor protection devices, and general electronics and automotive applications. The lead- and halogen-free product has 0.40 to 9A holding and 0.8 to 18A trip current, and 0.45 to 4.2W power dissipation. It meets RoHS requirements.

An order of at least 1,000 units is required for delivery within 4 days.

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