Inrush Current Limiters (ICL)An inrush current limiter (ICL) is a type of circuit protection device that is used to limit the inrush current that flows into an electronic circuit when it is first powered on. Inrush current is the initial, transient surge of current that flows into a circuit when it is first energized, and it can be many times larger than the normal operating current of the circuit. This surge of current can cause damage to the circuit components, or it can trip overcurrent protection devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers.
ICLs are typically used to protect circuits that are sensitive to inrush current, such as power supplies, motors, and other inductive loads. They are typically connected in series with the power supply input of the circuit, and they use a combination of resistance and inductance to limit the inrush current to a safe level. Some ICLs may also include additional features, such as thermal protection or short circuit protection, to provide additional circuit protection.
ICLs are commonly used in a variety of applications, including computers, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. They are known for their fast response time and low power dissipation, which makes them well-suited for protecting sensitive electronic circuits from inrush current.