Diodes Incorporated PT8A3244WEX

Overview

PT8A3244WEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a mixed-signal CMOS LSI heating controller IC designed for single-key auto-temperature control in 120V/240V AC-powered appliances. It integrates dual-voltage detection, NTC-based thermal sensing with open-circuit protection, 1-hour auto-shutoff timer (50/60 Hz), direct SCR gate drive, and multi-mode LED indication. Used in hair curlers for safe, voltage-adaptive heating cycles.

For engineers reviewing the PT8A3244WEX datasheet, PT8A3244WEX pinout, PT8A3244WEX application, or PT8A3244WEX equivalent, key selection considerations include its single-key ON/OFF logic, flash-mode LED indicator (Pin 5), NTC1/NTC2 open-detection interface, GATE output timing alignment with AC line frequency, and SOIC-8 lead-free/Green package compliance.

Technical Context

The PT8A3244WEX implements a 2-bit ADC-based thermal regulation loop synchronized to AC line frequency via CLK input. It uses NTC1 as analog voltage input and NTC2 as open-detection output, enabling fail-safe shutdown when NTC disconnects.

Its internal timer counts 216,000 clock periods - yielding ~1.2 hr timeout at 50 Hz and ~1.0 hr at 60 Hz - and drives GATE high only during valid NTC voltage windows (VNTC0–VNTC2) to modulate SCR conduction duty cycle per temperature zone.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PT8A3244WEX is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (JEDEC MS-012E/AA compliant), 4.7–5.1 mm wide, 3.8–4.0 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar heating controller applications.

Compared with PT8A3245WEX and PT8A3246WEX, the PT8A3244WEX uniquely combines flash-mode LED indication with certified 1-hour auto-shutoff - making it optimal for IEC 60335-1 Class II handheld appliances requiring both user feedback and hard-timed thermal safety.

Availability

PT8A3244WEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hair curlers, flat irons, travel dryers, and electric blanket controllers requiring stable component supply, dual-voltage operation, and built-in thermal safety compliance.

Supply support for PT8A3244WEX includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Pericom Semiconductor (now part of Diodes Incorporated) designs high-performance interface, timing, and power management ICs for consumer, computing, and industrial applications.

The PT8A324x series targets cost-sensitive, safety-critical AC-heated consumer appliances - delivering integrated thermal control, AC synchronization, and fail-safe protection without firmware or external timing components.

FAQ

What is the function of Pin 2 (NTC2) on the PT8A3244WEX?

Pin 2 (NTC2) is an open-drain output that goes low when the NTC sensor is disconnected. This signal disables the GATE output and triggers LED2 to flash at 1/8 the CLK frequency, providing immediate hardware-level fault indication without software intervention.

Does PT8A3244WEX require an external crystal or RC oscillator?

No. The PT8A3244WEX uses the AC line frequency applied to the CLK pin (Pin 3) as its sole timing reference. It contains no internal oscillator and derives all timing - including the 1-hour auto-shutoff - directly from 50/60 Hz mains input.

Can PT8A3244WEX drive a 10-A SCR directly?

No. Its GATE output provides 2.5 mA sink current at 0.5 V, suitable for triggering small-to-medium SCRs (≤2 A). For 10-A SCRs, an external buffer transistor or dedicated gate driver IC is required to meet gate charge demands.

How does PT8A3244WEX handle 120 V vs. 240 V line voltage differences?

The IC detects line voltage magnitude through internal circuitry tied to the CLK input amplitude and automatically adjusts SCR conduction timing and duty cycle - ensuring consistent heater power delivery and preventing damage regardless of nominal input voltage.