Electrically isolated module

摘要

An electronic module 18 adapted to be located within the housing of an AC power tool that uses a portion of the housing as a heat sink is disclosed. The module includes a power device 38 connected to a line voltage source, the power device 38 having an external tab 42, and a thermal pad 40 placed between the external tab and the tool housing. The power device provides a first layer of electrical insulation between the tab and the line voltage source and the thermal pad provides a second layer of insulation between the tab and the housing. These two layers of electrical insulation provide a predetermined amount of insulation between the line voltage and the tool housing while allowing the housing to function as a heat sink to dissipate heat developed by the power device 38.