Diodes Incorporated PT8A3516AWE

Overview

PT8A3516AWE from Pericom Semiconductor is a dedicated smart electric iron controller IC with integrated shunt regulator, sensor signal processor, RC oscillator, and programmable 30s/15min timer. It detects iron orientation (horizontal/vertical) via external sensor input, drives relay and buzzer outputs, supports 50Hz AC clock input, and operates from 4.5–5.5V supply in SOIC-8 package for 240V/50Hz systems.

For engineers reviewing the PT8A3516AWE datasheet, PT8A3516AWE pinout, PT8A3516AWE application, or PT8A3516AWE equivalent, this device serves as a safety-critical timing and position-sensing controller for automatic shut-off in household irons-requiring precise AC-synchronized timing, low-power standby (<1W), open-drain LED control, and 4kHz buzzer drive capability.

Technical Context

The PT8A3516AWE implements a sensor-based logic control architecture that uses AC line frequency (50Hz) as its primary timing reference, enabling ±1% timer accuracy without crystal. Its internal shunt regulator stabilizes VCC at 5V, while the SW input interprets sensor tilt state to trigger horizontal (30s timeout) or vertical (15min timeout) shutdown modes.

It integrates discrete functions-including power-on reset, Schmitt-triggered ACCLK input, test mode activation via TEST pin, and dual-output drivers: active-high RELAY for heater control and open-drain LED with 1Hz flash on timeout. DISC/BUZ provides both capacitor discharge and 4kHz buzzer tone output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PT8A3516AWE is housed in a lead-free, RoHS-compliant SOIC-8 package (JEDEC MS-012E/AA), measuring 4.7–5.1mm × 3.8–4.0mm × 1.35–1.75mm, with 1.27mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar smart appliance timing and safety control applications.

Compared with PT8A3516APE and PT8A3519AWE, the PT8A3516AWE uniquely balances 15min vertical safety margin with SOIC-8 space efficiency and 6-pulse audible feedback-making it optimal for compact, globally certified 240V/50Hz iron designs requiring long-duration upright storage tolerance.

Availability

PT8A3516AWE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for household appliance safety control, thermal protection systems, energy-efficient iron design, and manufacturing test & calibration requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for PT8A3516AWE 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) is a fabless provider of high-performance interface, timing, and power management ICs, founded in 1990 and headquartered in San Jose, California.

The PT8A351x series belongs to Pericom's Smart Appliance Controller product line, engineered specifically for automatic shut-off and orientation-aware timing in electric irons-addressing safety, energy, and manufacturability requirements in cost-sensitive consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the function of the DISC/BUZ pin?

The DISC/BUZ pin serves two roles: it discharges an external electrolytic capacitor to limit voltage stress during power-up, and outputs a 4kHz square wave to drive a buzzer upon timeout. When active, it sources up to −0.7mA and is logic-high during buzzer tone generation. Its dual use eliminates separate discharge and audio driver components.

How does the PT8A3516AWE detect iron orientation?

Orientation detection relies on the SW pin receiving a logic-high signal from an external tilt sensor (e.g., mercury switch or MEMS accelerometer) when the iron is horizontal. Internal logic interprets this state to activate the 30s horizontal timeout; absence of high level defaults to vertical mode and triggers the 15min timer. No software or external MCU is required.

Can the PT8A3516AWE operate with 60Hz AC input?

No-the PT8A3516AWE variant is factory-configured for 50Hz ACCLK input only, as indicated by the "A" suffix in its part number. For 60Hz operation, the PT8A3516BWE variant must be used; mixing frequencies causes incorrect timer scaling and violates safety timing margins.

What is the purpose of the TEST pin?

The TEST pin enables a factory verification mode when pulled low: all timeouts scale down by 10× (e.g., 15min becomes 9.6s), allowing rapid functional validation without waiting for full-duration cycles. This mode retains all other behaviors-relay drive, LED flash, and buzzer output-ensuring complete system-level test coverage.