Abstract: An electrical terminal such as that used in a multi-pin connector has a layer of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material incorporated therein such that the terminal also serves as a circuit over-current protection device. In a first embodiment, a surface of the terminal is covered by a layer of PTC material such that when the terminal is engaged with a mating terminal, the PTC material is interposed between the surfaces of the mated terminals to create a PTC device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a terminal includes a contact portion for making electrical connection with a mating terminal, a wire connection portion for connection to a wire, and a layer of PTC material interposed between adjacent surfaces of the contact portion and wire connection portion. The invention terminals provide over-current protection to a circuit without the need for soldering or otherwise connecting a separate PTC device into the circuit.

Abstract: An electrical terminal such as that used in a multi-pin connector has a layer of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material incorporated therein such that the terminal also serves as a circuit over-current protection device. In a first embodiment, a surface of the terminal is covered by a layer of PTC material such that when the terminal is engaged with a mating terminal, the PTC material is interposed between the surfaces of the mated terminals to create a PTC device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a terminal includes a contact portion for making electrical connection with a mating terminal, a wire connection portion for connection to a wire, and a layer of PTC material interposed between adjacent surfaces of the contact portion and wire connection portion. The invention terminals provide over-current protection to a circuit without the need for soldering or otherwise connecting a separate PTC device into the circuit.