Novel Surge Suppression Devices

Voltage surge-induced electronic failures represent a multibillion dollar problem for the U. S. and world microelectronics industry. Typical sources of voltage surge are electrostatic discharge from the human body, line transients from parallel AC power fluctuations, and lightning strikes. In military and missile electronics there exists the particular threat due to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) which can be simulated by a nearby lightning strike. In the actual electronic circuit, the present key step taken to "deflect" over-voltage from hitting the IC device is to place in parallel to an integrated circuit device, a surge arrestor. These vary from metal oxide varistors (MOV) to diodes to gas discharge tubes with each satisfying various operating parameters including trigger or "clamping" voltage and response time. The proposed research focuses on a technology which represents an inexpensive alternative. This is the use of a metal-polymer composite which can exhibit desperately needed combination of low clamp voltages, low capacitance and fast response times. This research is designed towards the more extensive investigation into this materials design approach in order to vastly improve such a device's reliability and powerhandling capability. It is also expected that such research will also shine far greater light on the general theory behind such a material's basic physics. In Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of creating such a device and in Phase II we will scale up to address reliability and reproducibility issues. Oryx has already identified several strategic partners for our Phase II effort.