Fuse

A fuse is a device used to limit the current in a circuit. It consists of a thin conductor which has a slight resistance; when the current flow becomes too large, the energy dissipated in the resistor will raise the temperature of the conductor so that it fails.

Although they are very simple, and generally reliable, they have the disadvantage that, once actuated, they have to be replaced; they cannot be repaired. Although they were once common, they have generally been replaced with circuit breakers (which perform exactly the same function); although they are still to be met with in special circumstances - e.g. if there is not enough room (e.g. on a PCB) for a circuit breaker.

The principle of the fuse is used in fusible links, which are elements in programmable integrated circuits. The technology was first developed for use in PROMs; in later appeared in other configurable devices, such as Programmable Array Logic.