Switching phenomena of a new type PTC device as a reusable current-limiting fuse operated by dielectrophoresis

This paper deals with switching phenomena, particularly the OFF to ON state transition, of a new type PTC (positive temperature coefficient) device as a reusable current-limiting fuse operated by dielectrophoresis. This PTC device consists of electrodes, which form a non-uniform electric field, and conducting particles to make and break the conducting path between the electrode gap. Experiments were carried out using Cu particles 50-150 μm in diameter and electrodes made of aluminum, evaporated in various shapes such as a spearhead or the teeth of a comb. Cu particles simulate the particles produced after a fuse element is melted and evaporated by an overcurrent. As a result, we achieved a switching operation from the OFF to ON state of a PTC device using dielectrophoresis, and the resistance was found to jump by a factor of 3000. The results suggest that this new type PTC device, operated by dielectrophoresis, can be applied as a reusable current-limiting fuse, in principle.