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Fuse as low-value resistor

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Bob Masta

Jan 1, 1970
0
Many years ago, it was not uncommon to see
fuses in the emitters of power amp output stages.
I recall an instructor explaining that they were not
there to act as fuses, but as low-value (fractional
ohm) power resistors. Apparently back then the fuses
were cheaper than comparable resistors or something.

Anyway, he had a simple formula for determining the
resistance of the fuse, but I've completely forgotten
it. (By the time I started building power amps, it
was pretty easy to get the proper resistors.)
Thinking about it now, it seems that for this to
work you'd have to know some particulars about
the fuse construction materials, not just the ampere
rating, so I suppose his formula was only for specific
types of fuses. Does anyone have any information
about this? I was thinking about simple ways to make a
current-measuring shunt when this bubbled up out
of the memory banks.

Thanks!



Bob Masta
dqatechATdaqartaDOTcom

D A Q A R T A
Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis
www.daqarta.com
 
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