Temperature Effects on Wire Circuit Protection Utilizing Field Effect Transistors

As vehicle trends move more towards “smart” Electrical / Electronics Distribution System, it is possible to replace fuses & mechanical relays with Field Effect Transistors (FET's) to perform both switching and circuit protection functions. Circuit protection utilizing fuses and relays is a well-understood practice, whereas the use of FET's as an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) is relatively new to the industry thus demanding further investigation.