| Patented
Fusing Technology
|
Surge Suppression Incorporated® is pleased to announce that as of August 26, 2008, we have received a patent for our revolutionary board-level fused SPD component circuit that results in more efficient field installations and more effective performance under normal and abnormal conditions. This patented circuit addresses both thermal and over current events to which SPD devices are subjected. Our unique printed circuit board design allows us to capture and utilize the best the fuse industry has to offer without compromising component integrity, SPD performance. This improved circuit also allows us to maintain a compact enclosure size for space-constrained installation requirements.
For several years, SPD manufacturers have struggled with the matter of providing proper fusing for SPD devices. Many patents have been filed regarding thermal fusing methodology. Thermal fuses respond to the heat generated by a surge protective device component (e.g. MOV). In the event that an MOV becomes hot due to excessive over voltage or over current, the thermal fuse responds by “opening” and takes the associated MOV off line. The purpose of this is to prevent catastrophic failure within the device which can result in catastrophic failure outside the device when the SPD is subjected to abnormal over voltage conditions. |
The other fusing associated with SPD devices is “current or line-level fusing” This type of fusing is designed to respond to over current conditions of much greater magnitude than the thermal fusing at the component or board level. The problem with traditional current fuses commonly used with or in SPD devices is that they may operate prematurely and not allow a SPD device to do its job in responding to a transient event.
In the last few years, there has been development of “surge rated” fuses. These fuses are designed to allow a SPD device to do its job, and are rated to handle specific amounts of peak surge current.
Now, the challenge to the SPD manufacturer has become, how to incorporate thermal and surge rated fusing in a package that will be small enough to meet the customer’s needs and will allow efficient manufacturing and component operation. While some previous patents address this to a limited degree, the novelty found in our circuit is the use of SPD components that incorporate thermal fusing, combined with line-level surge rated fuses mounted directly on our printed circuit board specifically designed to allow the direct insertion of the surge rated fuses without additional hardware, such as fuse clips, holders or solder tabs sometimes provided by the fuse manufacturer. The clear benefits of this methodology include. but are not limited to. reduced lead length internal to the unit, lesser impedance and smaller package size which contribute to lesser lead length and impedance within the whole power system to which the device is applied. The shorter lead length and close proximity of both types of fuses allow for quickened response which provides improved protection against catastrophic failure modes. |
Copyright 2008 Surge Suppression Incorporated
|
