Littelfuse unidirectional LED open circuit protector prevents damage caused by reverse polarity voltage

Littelfuse, a global leader in circuit protection, has recently introduced the PLEDxUx unidirectional series of LED open-circuit protectors. This new addition enhances the company’s comprehensive lineup of LED protection solutions, offering an innovative way to safeguard LED systems from potential failures.

The PLEDxUx devices are designed to work in parallel with individual LEDs in a string. In the event of an open-circuit fault, the device automatically activates, redirecting the current away from the faulty LED and ensuring that the rest of the system continues to function without interruption. This feature is especially valuable in applications where reliability and uptime are critical.

Additionally, the PLEDxUx family provides reverse polarity protection, which helps prevent damage caused by incorrect power connections. This makes it ideal for use in outdoor lighting systems such as street lights, tunnel lighting, airport runways, and vehicle headlights. The product also supports PWM control up to 10kHz, allowing for smooth brightness adjustment without color shifts, which is essential for high-quality lighting applications.

Designed with compact packaging options like QFN3x3 and DO-214AA, the PLEDxUx series maximizes layout flexibility and heat dissipation, making it suitable for densely packed PCBs. Compared to traditional solutions like SCRs and Zener diodes, the PLEDxUx offers higher reliability, reduced maintenance, and better performance under varying conditions. Unlike SCRs, which can be bulky and require additional components, or Zener diodes, which may cause power loss, the PLEDxUx ensures a more efficient and durable solution.

"The PLEDxUx series is perfectly suited for demanding outdoor environments where reliability and low maintenance are key," said Betty Li, LED Protector Product Manager at Littelfuse. "It provides a wide voltage range and allows designers to protect multiple LEDs with a single component, reducing costs and improving system efficiency."

Key Features:

• Prevents accidental battery or power polarity reversal to protect LEDs from damage
• Supports PWM frequencies up to 10kHz for smooth brightness control without color shift
• Compact design for flexible board layouts and efficient heat dissipation
• Automatic reset after restart for minimal maintenance and long-term reliability

Availability:

The PLEDxUx series is available in standard tape and reel packaging: 5,000 units per reel in QFN3x3 and 2,500 units per reel in DO-214AA. Large volume orders can now be placed through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide.