Integrated thermal switching and sensing devices and methods

A temperature-sensitive connector, comprising:

• a connector body comprising a first terminal configured to mechanically and electrically connect with a thermally controlled electrical component and a second terminal configured to mechanically and electrically connect with an electrical thermal control device;
• at least one conductor within the connector body and connected to the first and second terminals and configured to convey electrical current and electrical signals between the thermally controlled electrical component and the electrical thermal control device;
• and
• a thermal switching device within the connector body mechanically and electrically connected by the conductor to the first and second terminals, the thermal switching device comprising a thermally activated switch element connected mechanically and electrically in parallel by a pair of internal conductors to a thermal sensor element having a variable resistance;
• wherein the thermal switching device has a normal operating configuration in which a majority of the current flows through the thermally activated switch element, thereby generating normal status signal indicating that the thermally controlled electrical component is operating within a predetermined temperature range;
• and
• wherein the thermal switching device has a fault condition triggered at a predetermined threshold temperature in which the thermally activated switch element switches to an open configuration, thereby generating a first thermal alert status signal that the threshold temperature has been exceeded, and in which the current flows through the thermal sensor element, thereby generating a second thermal alert status signal indicative of a temperature of the thermally controlled electrical component.