Diodes Incorporated PT8A3303APE

Overview

PT8A3303APE from Pericom Semiconductor is a ceramic heater controller IC with integrated SCR gate driver, PTC temperature sensing interface, and auto-shutoff timer. It operates from 4.0–5.5 V, delivers 15 mA peak gate drive current, supports 50/60 Hz line-synchronized timing, and features internal 5 V zener regulation. It enables direct control of alumina ceramic heaters in dual-voltage (120/240 VAC) heating systems without external temperature sensors.

For engineers reviewing the PT8A3303APE datasheet, PT8A3303APE pinout, PT8A3303APE application, or PT8A3303APE equivalent, key selection considerations include its 200 µs SCR trigger pulse width, 1.2-hour auto-off timer at 50 Hz, VB-to-REF resistor tolerance (35–65 kΩ), and DIP-8 package compatibility with legacy thermal control PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The PT8A3303APE implements a dedicated analog temperature control loop using an internal comparator with ±3 mV input offset voltage, referenced to a stable 0.7 V internal reference. Its CLK input synchronizes sampling and gating to AC line frequency, enabling precise phase-angle control of SCR conduction.

It integrates a POR circuit triggering at 2.0–3.0 V, a 120 µs typical VB bias pulse for PTC excitation, and a 200 µs GATE output pulse capable of driving 20 A SCRs. The device uses VDD as both power supply and push-button input, eliminating external wake-up circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PT8A3303APE is supplied in an 8-pin lead-free DIP package (JEDEC MS-001D/BA), 9.0–9.4 mm wide, 6.2–6.6 mm body width, with 2.54 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ceramic heater control applications.

Compared with PT8A3303BPE and PT8A3301APE, the PT8A3303APE provides higher preheat overshoot tolerance and flash-mode LED feedback-making it optimal for consumer appliances where visual confirmation of active heating is prioritized over minimal thermal excursion.

Availability

PT8A3303APE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric kettle control, ceramic hair dryer thermal management, and industrial oven preheat modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PT8A3303APE 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 was a fabless analog/mixed-signal IC designer specializing in timing, interface, and power management solutions before its acquisition by Diodes Incorporated in 2016.

The PT8A330x series belongs to Pericom's thermal control product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, microcontroller-free ceramic heating systems requiring self-contained PTC-based temperature regulation and SCR drive capability.

FAQ

What is the function of the VB pin on PT8A3303APE?

The VB pin supplies a pulsed 100 µA bias current to the PTC thermistor network. It operates at 100 µs width and synchronizes with the internal timing engine to enable ratiometric temperature measurement against the REF pin's 0.7 V reference, ensuring immunity to supply voltage drift and ambient temperature variation.

Can PT8A3303APE drive a 40 A SCR directly?

No. PT8A3303APE delivers up to 15 mA peak gate current for 200 µs, sufficient for triggering 20 A SCRs per datasheet validation. Driving a 40 A SCR requires an external gate driver stage, as higher holding current SCRs demand greater gate charge injection than the IC's output capability supports.

How does the auto power-off timer behave after a power interruption?

The timer is non-volatile and resets only on power-on reset (POR). If AC power is interrupted and restored, the internal counter restarts from zero. There is no battery-backed or EEPROM-stored elapsed time; the full 1.2-hour (50 Hz) duration begins anew with each power cycle.

Is the PT8A3303APE compatible with 24 VDC supply?

No. PT8A3303APE requires 4.0–5.5 V DC at VDD. It is not rated for 24 VDC operation. The internal 5 V zener regulates from higher-voltage AC-derived supplies (e.g., rectified 120/240 VAC via dropping resistor and zener clamp), but direct 24 VDC applied to VDD will exceed absolute maximum ratings and cause permanent damage.