Abstract: An electrical overstress protection apparatus and method includes the provision of an overstress element (22) comprised of a lamination including a conducting ground path (26) and a dielectric sheet (30) engaging discrete signal paths (16) connected to contacts (44), the sheet (30) containing holes (32) or pores or thread or fiber interstices filled with an electrical overstress protection material (36) with the sheet thickness and hole area in conjunction with area of signal and ground paths and characteristics of the material adapted to provide breakdown and clamping voltages via a path to ground from signal contacts to ground to protect components from excessive voltage levels. Electrical connectors (40,40', 40") incorporate the apparatus in different embodiments of housing (42,42') and contact (44) configurations.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element which comprises a fabric comprising insulating threads or strands of predetermined thickness having interstices extending therethrough and non-linear material filling said interstices.

Abstract: A material and device for electronic circuitry that provides protection from fast transient over-voltage pulses. Conductive particles are dispersed in an insulating matrix to provide material having foldback switching characteristics. The foldback switching characteristics of the material are determined by the spacing between the conductive particles (which must be at least 1000 Angstroms) as well as by the electrical properties of the insulating matrix.

Abstract: A nonlinear transient overvoltage protection coating material and process for coating are disclosed herein. The viscous paintable material is for overvoltage protection and/or for use in detecting pressure externally applied to the material. A binder substance is combined with conductive particles and a solvent.

Abstract: A nonlinear resistive surface mount device for protecting against electrical overvoltage transients is disclosed which includes a pair of conductive sheets and a foldback switching material disposed between the pair of conductive sheets. This configuration serves to connect the conductive sheets by a foldback switching mechanism thereby providing predetermined resistance when the voltage between the conductive sheets exceeds a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A nonlinear resistive surface mount device for protecting against electrical overvoltage transients which includes a pair of conductive sheets and a quantum mechanical tunneling material disposed between the pair of conductive sheets. This configuration serves to connect the conductive sheets by quantum mechanical tunneling media thereby providing predetermined resistance when the voltage between the conductive sheets exceeds a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed which includes a plurality of leads and a conductive plate. The plate includes a number of bores extending through it. The leads are spaced apart the walls of the bores. A quantum mechanical tunneling material is placed between the leads and the walls of the bores in order to support the leads. This configuration serves to connect the leads to the plate by quantum mechanical tunneling when the voltage between the leads and the plate exceeds a predetermined voltage.