Abstract: A power converter having an aircraft power source detector adapted to limit the amount of power that can be drawn by the power converter when utilized in an aircraft. The power converter may detect an artifact of the aircraft power source, such as the 400 Hz ripple noise on an aircraft power line, or existing in the aircraft cabin, such EMI or aircraft lighting.

Abstract: A computer system includes a power switch, a reset switch, environment configuration memory, and an erasing control circuit. The power switch is for starting the computer system as triggered. The reset switch is for resetting the computer system as triggered. The environment configuration memory is for storing an operational environment setting of the computer system. The environment configuration memory has a power supply pin. The erasing control circuit is connected to the power switch, the reset switch and the power supply pin. The erasing control circuit connects the power supply pin to a ground voltage as the power switch and the reset switch are triggered simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing power of a mobile terminal includes: a first voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from an external power source to a first level; a second voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from the first voltage regulating unit or the external power source to a second level; and a switching unit that switches an output of the external power source or the first voltage regulating unit to the second voltage regulating unit. The coverage of an output voltage of the mobile terminal can be extended and the cost of the power management apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: Relay circuitry for a power-over-network device is provided. The relay circuitry allows power-supplying network devices to identify and subsequently to supply power across a network connection to the power-over-network device, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. The relay circuitry is operative using only the signals transmitted along a data line across the network connection. The relay circuitry is integrated together with switching circuitry on-chip on the power-over-network device. The relay circuitry and switching circuitry are further designed to propagate both the test signals and the subsequent data signals prior to and after the turning on of the power-over-network device, respectively, with minimal signal degradation.

Abstract: A controller design for switching between m linear multivariable controllers each of whom stabilizes a linear plant has been presented. A Youla-Kucera factorization was exploited in the interest of obtaining a closed-loop system that is exponentially stable for any switching signal ?(t) in the absence of plant model uncertainty. Robustness to practical model uncertainty was also considered and lower and upper bounds on the tolerable magnitude of unstructured additive plant uncertainty were presented. Numerical example demonstrated that the two controller degrees of freedom in the proposed controller design could be used to separately modify the closed-loop steady-state (with respect to ?(t)) performance and the switching transients.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system and method having improved efficiency. A primary energy harvesting device is used to generate a first electrical output signal. The first electrical output signal is applied to a first switching circuit. A secondary energy harvesting device is used to generate a second electrical output signal that is used to power a second switching circuit. The second switching circuit generates the switching drive signal for the first switching circuit, which in turn generates a final output signal. By using a second energy harvesting circuit operating in connection with a different structure, and a secondary switching circuit, less power from the signal generated by the primary energy harvesting device is needed to power the first switching circuit. This results in a greater percentage of the output power of the first signal being usable by an external device.

Abstract: A method for providing estimated power costs incurred by an electrical appliance, which is plugged into a receptacle of an extension cord, includes enabling operation of the extension cord so as to measure electric current flowing through a receptacle, so as to compute an amount of electricity consumed by the electrical appliance within a predetermined period of time based on the electric current measured by the extension cord, so as to compute the estimated power costs incurred by the electrical appliance based on the amount of electricity computed by the extension cord, and so as to inform the costs computed by the extension cord to a user. An extension cord that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for servicing a load connectable with a power supply is disclosed. The circuit includes a plurality of three-terminal switches and one control supply. The three-terminal switches define a series conduction path connectable between the power supply and the load. Each of the plurality of three terminal switches includes a source terminal, a drain terminal, and a gate terminal. The control supply is productive of a control voltage and in power connection between the gate terminal and source terminal of each of the plurality of three-terminal switches. Each of the plurality of three-terminal switches is responsive to the control voltage at its respective gate terminal to close a connection between the respective source terminal and respective drain terminal of each of the plurality of three-terminal switches.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switch circuit and method to quickly enable or disable the ion beam to a wafer within an ion implantation system. The beam control technique may be applied to wafer doping repaint and duty factor reduction. The circuit and method may be used to quench an arc that may form between high voltage electrodes associated with an ion source to shorten the duration of the arc and mitigate non-uniform ion implantations. The circuit and method facilitates repainting the ion beam over areas where an arc was detected to recover dose loss during such arcing. A high voltage high speed switching circuit is added between each high voltage supply and its respective electrode to quickly extinguish the arc to minimize disruption of the ion beam. The high voltage switch is controlled by a trigger circuit which detects voltage or current changes to each electrode. Protection circuits for the HV switch absorb energy from reactive components and clamp any overvoltages.

Abstract: A two-way radio frequency lighting control system comprises a master control including a plurality of manual actuators, and a plurality of dimmers, in which the number of dimmers does not exceed the number of manual actuators. After the lighting control system is installed in an intended end user location, and prior to the first time the lighting control system is energized in the intended end user location, each of the manual actuators is operative to affect the status of one, and only one, of the plurality of dimmers. A turn key lighting control system in which there is a one-to-one correspondence of manual actuators to dimmers is thereby provided.

Abstract: A control device for driving a regulating motor driven by direct current (DC) includes a changeover mechanism having a first normally closed (NC) switch, a second NC switch, a first normally open (NO) switch, and a second NO switch, a power-supply module for providing DC for the regulating motor, a first operating switch for driving the regulating motor to rotate in a first direction while the two NC switches become open circuit and the two NO switches become short-circuit resulting from that the first operating switch is short-circuit, and a second operating switch for driving the regulating motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In light of these, the control device can control the rotational direction of the regulating motor by means of simple circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit for actuating a switch includes a conductive liquid switch comprising a conductive liquid droplet and a control processor configured to receive a switching signal and configured to provide at least one actuation pulse to the conductive liquid droplet to initiate movement of the conductive liquid droplet based on a duration of a time period between the switching signal and a preceding switching signal.

Abstract: A method of using a single pole, single throw switch having normally open contacts in a conductive path in a non-intuitive manner in an electric circuit to sequentially provide three operable states including latched engagement (path closed, circuit OFF), momentary disengagement (path opened, circuit ON momentarily), and latched disengagement (path open, circuit ON until switch actuated again).

Abstract: An electronic switch system comprising a circuit path that includes a first path that is formed by a substantially nonconductive composition and a second path that includes a nonconductive composition. The first and second paths are dispersed relative to each other to provide a continuous design circuit path having trigger points or open circuit areas.

Abstract: A passenger door open request switch for use in a multi-passenger, mass-transit vehicle. A wireless, powerless switch sensor which includes an RFID reader, a circuit located remotely from the RFID reader that is formed by connecting an RFID antenna with a control/storage element, and a switch. The switch is connected between the antenna and the storage element in such a way as to either enable or disable the antenna. This allows the system to be configured to monitor the status of the switch.

Abstract: An automatic charging and power management device includes a charging control unit and at least one power switching control unit. The charging control unit is connected to a rechargeable battery and an input power source to control the charging operation to the rechargeable battery. The input power source can be a USB-interfaced power source or a rectification transformer based power source. The power switching control unit connects the input power source and is provided with at least one power input terminal, a charging control terminal, a charging voltage terminal, a system actuation switch, a system actuation terminal, a power type terminal, and at least one power output terminal. The charging control terminal and the charging voltage terminal are connected to the charging control unit. The system actuation terminal is actuated on/off by the system actuation switch to generate a system actuation signal. The power type terminal generates an identification signal based on the type of the input power source.

Abstract: In an electric power switching apparatus a control circuit generates a switching control signal, for controlling successive current switching operations, as a of succession of pulse period patterns with each pulse period pattern made up of one or more successive pulses each having an identical pulse period, and with successive pulse period patterns constituting the control signal having respectively different values of pulse period. The noise power of high-frequency components resulting from the current switching is thereby dispersed along the frequency spectrum, reducing resultant radio noise interference.

Abstract: An embodiment of a control circuit is proposed for turning on a power switching device, the switching device turning on in response to a control signal exceeding a threshold value. The control circuit includes pre-charging means for providing the control signal at a pre-charging value not reaching the threshold value, and soft turn-on means for gradually increasing the control signal from the pre-charging value to a turn-on value exceeding the threshold value; the pre-charging means includes means for sensing an indication of the threshold value, and means for setting the pre-charging value according to the sensed threshold value.

Abstract: A gating voltage control system and method are provided for electrostatically actuating a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device, e.g., a MEMS switch. The device may comprise an electrostatically responsive actuator movable through a gap for actuating the device to a respective actuating condition corresponding to one of a first actuating condition (e.g., a closed switching condition) and a second actuating condition (e.g., an open switching condition). The gating voltage control system may comprise a drive circuit electrically coupled to a gate terminal of the device to apply a gating voltage. The gating voltage control system may further comprise a controller electrically coupled to the drive circuit to control the gating voltage applied to the gating terminal in accordance with a gating voltage control sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for control of one or more functions within a premises. In one embodiment, the control apparatus comprises a “universal” electronic switch which can be configured according to any number of different desired functional and/or aesthetic schemes. The apparatus uses removable and replaceable control elements which are purely mechanical in nature, thereby allowing consolidation of all electrical functions within the parent control module. An improved control circuit including thermal overload protection is also disclosed, as are methods of operating and manufacturing the apparatus.

Abstract: A switching device for RS-232 serial port and USB serial port is adapted to simultaneously provide a RS-232 serial port and a USB serial port for a micro-processor with a single USART. The switching device can automatically switch to select either of the RS-232 serial port or the USB serial port as a main interface for communicating with other external computer facilities and related peripheries. When one of the serial ports is selected as the main communication interface to communicate with one of external computers, the other one serial port thereof still can transmit signals from the micro-processor to another computer through its transmitting data pin (TXD).

Abstract: A control circuit with manual/remote control function is serially connected to a power supply for providing electric power and a load. The control circuit includes a three-way switch having a switching key, a signal indicator module, and a remote control module. The three-way switch and the remote control module are serially connected between the power supply and the load. When the three-way switch is pressed down or the remote control module receives a wireless signal sent from the signal indicator module, the three-way switch or the remote control module is switched to form a closed/open circuit between the power supply and the load, so as to control the state of the load by conveying/stopping supplying the electric power, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling the load via a distal remote control and a proximal manual control.

Abstract: A rotary switch (102) for an electronic device (100) includes a bump stop (104) that triggers a ratcheting feature when hit. The range of the rotary switch (102) is expanded via the ratcheting feature. The ratcheting feature inhibits scrolling through a device parameter in one rotation direction and enables scrolling through the device parameter in the opposite rotation direction. Depending on which direction the bump stop (104) is hit, the parameter is either incremented or decremented. The range of the rotary switch can also be expanded by modifying the step size of the rotary switch based on the range of a selected parameter (504). The coarse step is then narrowed with each change in rotation direction (510, 518) based on current, previous and useable switch positions (512, 514).

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical circuit for limiting the switching-on current through a load during a switching-on process, comprising an electrical component which is connected in series to the load. To ensure current limitation which is independent of the load and of the value of the supply voltage, and simultaneously to avoid switching current peaks and minimize dissipated heat, the current-limiting component is in the form of an active component which has an internal resistance, and which is controlled by a timing element in such a way that the internal resistance of the component is reduced during a switching-on process.

Abstract: A power distribution expert system is provided to determine an optimal power distribution configuration, and also to determine an optimal transition path to reach said optimal configuration. An exemplary first set of rules is provided to determine an optimal power distribution configuration. An exemplary second set of rules is provided to determine an optimum transition path to achieve the optimal power distribution configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to independently control the closing or making of contactors in a modular contactor assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a contactor assembly having multiple contactors such that each contactor is separately controlled such that one contactor may be closed without the other contactors of the assembly being closed. The contactors are arranged such that a pair of contactors is caused to close following a zero-voltage crossing of a power signal. A third contactor is caused to close after the pair of contactors has closed.

Abstract: A user interface for a load control device allows a user to control an operating characteristic of a load to a plurality of discrete levels. The user interface comprises an adjustment member for allowing the user to select one of the discrete levels and a linear array of status indicators for displaying the discrete level. The number of discrete levels is greater than the number of status indicators. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, either one status indicator or two consecutive status indicators are illuminated to indicate the presently selected discrete level. According to a second embodiment, a fully illuminated status indicator is surrounded by two dimly illuminated status indicators to indicate the presently selected discrete level. According to a third embodiment, a single status indicator may be illuminated to indicate one or more of the discrete levels.

Abstract: Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to fuel-cell-based UPSs used in conjunction with DC power supplies for improved operating efficiencies. With a wide voltage DC power supply, a DC-AC inverter may be omitted from the UPS and power from a back up power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell, may be applied directly to the DC power supply without performing two power conversions. The end result is a more efficient system capable of longer operating time.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and at least one load such as a light bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an input that transmits a signal to the microchip when the load is activated or deactivated. The input does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The power switch, by on/off switching, controls energy flow from the power source to the load. The input to the microchip acts as an activation/deactivation user interface. The microchip allows the user to select a specific load, specific functions for the selected load based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: High voltage switches are configured with a junction transistor driven with a transformer coupled AC drive signal in the common base configuration or driven by a capacitor coupled charge pump. The high voltage switches may be configured as half wave or full wave switches wherein the junction transistor is driven during one or both half cycles of the AC drive signal. Bipolar switches that can stand off high DC voltage of either polarity, or that can stand off high AC voltage, are configured from two junction transistors with their bases connected and their emitters connected. These switches may also be driven in full wave or half wave mode, by a transformer or by single or dual capacitive charge pumps. Either NPN or PNP transistors may be used. Example drive circuits, which can be constructed as low voltage integrated circuits, are given for all of the switch types.

Abstract: A load-protection control circuit of a power supply, which applies to the power supply that has a maximum power-limiting function. The power supply includes a power transformation circuit which outputs a direct current to drive loads and a control circuit which can switch the power transformation circuit electrically coupled to a power-protection circuit that has a voltage representing reference power. The direct current voltage driving the load is compared with the voltage representing reference power by the power-protection circuit to output a protection signal to the control circuit for switching the power transformation circuit. The power-protection circuit and the control circuit are electrically connected to a switcher circuit connected to a switch, wherein the switch can switch the switcher circuit to be in open-circuit or close-circuit state in order to determine whether the protection signal is transmitted to the control circuit. Thereby, the objective of load-protection control is accomplished.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a bidirectional switch referenced to a first reference voltage by a control circuit supplied by a first voltage and referenced to a second reference voltage. The supply voltage of the control circuit is connected by a diode to a coupling circuit comprising a node, this node being connected to the collector of an NPN transistor having its emitter connected to the second reference voltage and having its base receiving the output of the control circuit, to a first terminal of a capacitor having its second terminal connected to the first reference voltage, to the emitter of a PNP transistor having its base connected to the collector of the transistor, and having its collector connected to the control terminal of the bidirectional switch.

Abstract: An electronic tripping device for low-voltage circuit-breakers comprises means for detection and calculation of a ground-fault current operatively connected to tripping means of said circuit-breaker. The means for detection and calculation comprise: current-sensor means, which supply, for each pole, a signal proportional to the current; means for detection of the sign of the current, which, for each pole, supply a signal representing the sign of the current; current-rectifying means, which, for each pole, supply a rectified signal proportional to the current circulating in said pole; and first numerical-processing means, which supply a value with sign representing a ground fault by means of a numerical-processing operation comprising the multiplication of the signal representing the sign by the corresponding rectified signal.

Abstract: A passive inductive switch for coupling a battery to a load in a remotely deployed battery-powered electronic device. The switch operates in response to a transmitted magnetic field at a particular frequency. The switch includes an antenna for transforming the magnetic field into an induced voltage and a voltage detector for sensing the induced voltage and triggering a switching element. The switch operates in a standby mode until a sufficient voltage is induced in the antenna which causes the switch to couple the battery to the load. In the standby mode the switch draws a negligible amount of power, which permits the device to be deployed in the field for long periods of time without expending significant battery power.

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for current limiting and/or circuit breaking and a switchgear assembly with such a device. As claimed in the invention a liquid metal is moved by a dielectric fluid drive with a control between a first current path for the rated current (I1), a second current path for current limiting (I2) and optionally a third current path for current interruption (i=0), the working fluid acting mechanically with a definable drive pressure (p1, p2) directly on one surface of the liquid metal. Embodiments are, among others, the following: insulating gas or insulating liquid as the drive fluid; pressure drive with pressure vessels and valves or a piezodrive for the working fluid; and design criteria for the liquid metal arrangement, drive pressure (p1, p2) and piezodrive. Advantages are, among others, the following: reversible current limiting and current interruption, also suited for high voltages and current, fast reaction times, low wear and maintenance-friendly.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described for placing a controlled device into a desired operating state in response to the position of a multi-position actuator. Two or more switch contacts provide input signals representative of the position of the actuator. Control logic then determines the desired state for the controlled device based upon the input signals received. The desired operating state is determined from any number of operating states defined by the input values. In various embodiments, ternary switching may be used in combination with binary switching to efficiently implement multi-state rotary or linear switches capable of identifying six, twelve, eighteen or any other number of switchable states.

Abstract: A universal garage door operating system and method. In one embodiment, a vehicle transmitter is provided transmitting a wireless garage door transmitter control signal. A control module is provided for mounting in a structure such as a garage, and is adapted to receive a wireless garage door transmitter. The control module includes a receiver for receiving the garage door transmitter control signal, a controller for generating a garage door transmitter actuator control signal in response to the garage door transmitter control signal, and an actuator for actuating the garage door transmitter in response to the garage door actuator control signal so that the garage door transmitter transmits a wireless garage door control signal for use in operating a garage door.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes a microchip which, in response to a signal from a signal switch, controls the operation of a power switch which, when closed, connects a load to a battery. The microchip can monitor the status of the battery and control the power switch to ensure optimum operation of the load and optimum usage of the energy in the battery. The microchip can control the connection of the load to the battery in different ways according to the manner of operation of the signal switch.

Abstract: A bi-directional smooth transition switch with bumpless transfer is disclosed. It is composed of two feedback loops, each with feedback and forward-loop compensators. During loop operation, one feedback loop is active, while the other is inactive. The smooth transition switch operates in the following manner. The switch output is measured. Next, an error signal is formed as the difference between the forward-loop compensator output and the switch output, which is fed to the input of a high gain feedback compensator. The output of the feedback compensator is a feedback signal. When no switching occurs, the feedback signal remains zero in the active loop, and the output signal of the inactive loop will track the output signal of the active loop. When the switchover occurs, the inactive loop will replace the original active loop and provide smooth transition switch's output.

Abstract: An acoustic warning or alerting system for directing an audible warning signal to at least one intended recipient, while reducing the chance that the warning signal will be heard by others within the proximity of the system. The system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and a parametric array of acoustic transducers for projecting the modulated and amplified carrier signal through a propagation medium for subsequent regeneration of the audio signal along a pre-selected projection path. The parametric array of audio transducers operates by employing the nonlinear interaction between high frequency sound components and the propagation medium to generate at least one highly directional beam of lower frequency sounds within the propagation medium.

Abstract: Control unit for a load, in particular for a sliding sunroof control of a vehicle, having a microprocessor and having an integrated voltage regulator for generating the supply voltage of the microprocessor from the battery voltage of an on-board battery, in which case, in order to switch on the microprocessor the latter is fed its supply voltage by means of a wake-up pulse for a predetermined switch-on duration and said supply voltage is maintained as long as the microprocessor outputs trigger signals.

Abstract: To provide an electronic device starter that does not waste electric power while it is not being used and a vehicle tire monitoring system in which the starter is used for eliminating waste of electric power of batteries for its detectors. In a vehicle tire monitoring system according to the present invention, a monitor unit sends a start signal at time intervals T1 by using an electromagnetic wave, a rectifier circuit 33 in a detector 3 which received the start signal converts a high-frequency electromotive force caused by the start signal at an antenna 31 into electric energy, this electric energy operates a central processing section 34, a detector section 35, and a transmitting section 36, the central processing section 34 which started operating places an FET 382 in the on state to supply electric power from a battery 381 to a sensor section 37 to operate the sensor section 37.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and load such as a light bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an input that transmits a signal to the microchip when the load is activated or deactivated. The input does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The power switch, by on/off switching, controls energy flow from the power source to the load. The electronic circuit has an automatic delayed shut-off function for the load and, a find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level indicator which are active when the load is not energized and the power source is not being charged. The input to the microchip acts as an activation/deactivation user interface. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: A control apparatus has a momentary switch. In response to an operation performed on a momentary switch, a latch circuit (13) switches a latch output signal to be outputted to a microcomputer (11) from “high” to “low” and keeps the latch output signal “low”. A capacitor (C) supplies an electric power to the latch circuit (13) when supply of the electric power is cut off. A reset circuit (15) sends a signal to the latch circuit (13) in response to an input of a high-level latch reset signal from the microcomputer (11) so that the latch circuit (13) switches the latch output signal from “low” to “high”. If the latch output signal is “high” when the microcomputer (11) detects that the switch (SW) is operated, a transistor (Tr) is turned on under the control of the microcomputer (11). If the latch output signal is “low” when the microcomputer (11) detects that the switch (SW) is operated, the transistor (Tr) is turned off under the control of the microcomputer (11).

Abstract: A single-pole multiple-throw RF switch includes first and second FET arrangements, each having a gate and a controlled current path (CCP). One end of the CCP of each FET is connected to a common port by way of an arrangement which blocks DC flow between the FETs, but allows RF flow. Bias is applied to the gates of the FETs to enable RF flow through the CCP of a selected one and not through the others. One version uses a single bias source and cross-coupled resistors, and another version uses plural bias sources switched to the various FETs.

Abstract: A system for activating a load such as an exhaust fan within an enclosed area concurrently with the activation of a lamp switch and for continuing the operation of the load for a predetermined period of time after the deactivation of the lamp switch. A monitor detects when the lamp switch is activated and provides an output signal representative thereof. A timer is provided which is deactivated when the monitor output signal is present but functions when the lamp switch is deactivated and after a preset but variable time provides a signal for deactivating the load. The timer includes a pulse generator and a counter which receives the output of the pulse generator and counts pulses when the lamp switch is deactivated and provides the deactivation signal for the load when it reaches a predetermined count.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: A wireless remote control lock system for residential and commercial building pedestrian doors includes an electrically powered striker plate assembly having a striker plate member moveable between positions for engagement and disengagement with a door latch member. The striker assembly is adapted to be connected to a control unit which supplies low voltage DC power to the striker assembly and includes a radio frequency range signal receiver and a circuit responsive to receiving signals from an operator controlled radio transmitter to effect indefinite or momentary operation of the striker assembly to unlock a door. The control unit circuit includes a first self-latching relay, a selector switch and a second relay for selecting an operating mode of the system wherein the door may be unlatched momentarily (for about 3.5 seconds, for example) or indefinitely until a second signal is transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.

Abstract: A dynamic battery array of individual discrete cells, controllably interconnected for instantaneous dynamic configuration into a plurality of individual power buses having different electrical power output characteristics, each of which is tailored to supply the electrical power required at the instant by a particular electrical load within a circuit. Preferably the cells are fungible and randomly available so that at any given instant any given cell can be poweringly associated with a particular electrical load. The dynamic battery array, consisting of discrete cells lends itself to mounting on physically flexible substrates such as credit cards. The programmable array employs low resistance switch arrays for dynamically and instantaneously forming individual power networks or power buses between selected power cells and individual electrical loads in electrical circuits.