Demonstration of Improved Fuse Clearing Energy when Augmented by Ultra-Fast eFUSE Protection

Abstract

This paper presents work performed to evaluate the efficacy of an ultra-fast electrically resettable fuse (eFUSE) controller toward protecting satellite busses and extending the operating life of traditional fuses in the presence of short circuit events. A brief explanation of traditional fuses and the eFUSE controller is provided. The paper walks through the lab test apparatus and stress stimuli used in the study. The lab demonstration explored burnout and resistance increase of very fast-acting metal fuses to steady-state and pulsed short-circuit events with and without augmented protection from an ultra-fast eFUSE controller.