Title :
Limit current surges with +TC resistors
Author :
Fang, Tony ; Morris, S.
Author_Institution :
Raychem PolySwitch Div., Menlo Park, CA, USA
Abstract :
The characteristics and design of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistors, which are used in current-limiting circuits that do not isolate completely the protected circuit from its power source, are described. The way in which the PTC resistor, a conductive polymer blend of specially formulated plastics and various conductive materials, works is outlined. As an example of the specification process for a PTC circuit protector, the use of a conductive polymer PTC resistor to protect an outlet circuit in a personal computer used for connecting a keyboard is considered.<>
Keywords :
conducting polymers; overcurrent protection; polymer blends; resistors; surge protection; PTC resistor; circuit protector; conductive polymer blend; current surges; current-limiting circuits; positive temperature coefficient; Circuits; Conducting materials; Joining processes; Keyboards; Microcomputers; Plastics; Polymers; Resistors; Surge protection; Temperature;
Journal_Title :
Circuits and Devices Magazine, IEEE
