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.
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