STMicroelectronics has introduced its STCC08, a solid-state AC-switch driver that enables a designer to save board space and reduce workload with a straightforward solution for devices driven by power lines. Designed for connection in parallel with the power path, the STCC08 delivers a robust solution able to withstand EMI fast transients up to 4 kV, thereby meeting IEC61000-4-4.

The company estimates that approximately 1.4 billion AC switches are implemented in domestic appliances annually. They will require designers to implement failure protection to meet international product acceptance criteria.

In appliances and electrical controls driven by power lines, using the STCC08 controller will ease the appropriate FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis) process, as the device's own FMEA was integrated into its design. The STCC08's supervisor capability meets IEC60335 by detecting short-circuit or open-circuit failures, as well as diode-mode failure of a solid-state AC switch in both half AC-line polarities. The device detects true switch status and generates a logic signal connected to a digital input of a microcontroller, which implements the diagnostic using a simple two-input truth table. In insulated applications, the STCC08 output is also able to drive an opto-transistor.

The STCC08's integrated switch gate driver is capable of sinking up to 25 mA to drive a directly connected AC switch and supports continuous, pulsed or angle-phase modes. The output current is regulated using an external resistor. The CMOS compatible input enables direct connection to the microcontroller.

The STCC08 can operate from 3.3 V or 5 V, is offered in a surface-mount SO-8 package and is available now at a unit cost of $0.27 in quantities of 50,000.

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