Fairchild Semiconductor Works with E-Meter Companies to Provide Smart Meter Service Disconnect Switches

Devices Efficiently and Safely Connect and Disconnect Loads from the Electric Grid Remotely

Fairchild Semiconductor Works with E-Meter Companies to Provide Smart Meter Service Disconnect Switches (Photo: Business Wire)

SAN JOSE, Calif.--()--Smart e-meters need the ability to remotely disconnect the loads from the grid to better manage the system during high demand usage or during a shortage of power sources. The function must be tolerant of the noisy environment of the smart meter as it is directly connected to the incoming feed from the grid and controlled by a micro-controller. The best solutions integrate service disconnect switches with accurate input filter timing, XOR input protection, the maximum output pulse-width to protect the relay, and the configurability of either following the input or to always provide a pre-defined maximum pulse width.

To enable these functionalities, Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS), a leading global supplier of high performance power and mobile semiconductor solutions, developed the FAN324x family of smart dual-coil relay drivers. The family provides strong DC output currents to safely open and close a relay contractor and has a wide operating voltage range to use with relays of several voltage rating. The devices also integrate a linear regulator from a single unregulated bias supply that allows for both non-isolated and isolated designs.

Key Features:

  • 8 V to 60 V operating range for use with 12 V, 24 V or 48 V relays
  • Strong DC current to break through welded contacts without using external switches
  • Accurate input filter time (factory adjustable) and XOR input protection
  • Accurate maximum output pulse width (factory adjustable)
  • Output can follow input width or give maximum limit (mode factory adjustable)
  • Internal thermal shutdown protection
  • Single bias voltage design for the chip allows isolated and non-isolated designs
  • Inputs compatible with 3.3 V or 5 V square-wave logic signals
  • Enable pin for operational flexibility

The FAN324x family of smart dual-coil relay drivers with integrated switches and wafer-level adjust capability for timing customization, is available in an 8-lead SOIC package and is part of Fairchild’s continuing efforts to create innovative power management solutions for smart meters and renewable energy.

Packaging and Pricing Information (in US 1,000 quantity pieces)
Samples available upon request - Delivery 8-12 weeks ARO

Available in an 8-lead SOIC package, the FAN324x is priced at $0.85.

Contact Information:

To contact Fairchild Semiconductor about this product, please go to: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/cf/sales_contacts/.

For information on other products, design tools and sales contacts, please visit: http://www.fairchildsemi.com.

Note to Editor: For a datasheet in PDF format, please go to:

http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FA/FAN3240.pdf

http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FA/FAN3241.pdf

About Fairchild Semiconductor:
Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) – global presence, local support, smart ideas. Fairchild delivers energy-efficient, easy-to-use and value-added semiconductor solutions for power and mobile designs. We help our customers differentiate their products and solve difficult technical challenges with our expertise in power and signal path products. Please contact us on the web at http://www.fairchildsemi.com.

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Contacts

Fairchild Semiconductor:
Paul R. Hughes, 1-(800) 341-0392 X 3110
Public Relations Manager
paul.hughes@fairchildsemi.com

Contacts

Fairchild Semiconductor:
Paul R. Hughes, 1-(800) 341-0392 X 3110
Public Relations Manager
paul.hughes@fairchildsemi.com