Spark gap for overcoated printed circuit boards
US5969924A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49124
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A printed circuit spark gap for an overcoated printed circuit board. A metal-clad substrate is etched to form first and second printed circuit traces on the substrate. The first and second printed circuit traces define a channel having first and second ends. A layer of soldermask is deposited onto the substrate to cover a portion of the first and second printed circuit traces and to cover the channel except at an aperture. The aperture includes the spark gap. The first and second printed circuit traces and the channel are covered with a capping device. An overcoating material is applied to the printed circuit board. During the applying step, the overcoating material is allowed to infiltrate into the channel under the capping device at the first and second ends, but is not allowed to reach the aperture. Counter pressure buildup inside the channel, caused by the infiltration itself, stops the overcoating material before it reaches the intended clean area. The capping device may be removed, or may remain in the assembly. Also disclosed is an application of the inventive method for forming spark gaps having various topologies, all including the just-described channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.