Abstract: A safe disconnect circuit is provided for mitigating the effect of harmful circuit conditions upon a load, such as an integrated power module (IPM). The safe disconnect circuit comprises a switching circuit operative to receive a pulsed input signal, and to detect the presence of a load threatening input signal, e.g. a load control signal, having an amplitude below a preset amplitude threshold and a duration beyond a present duration threshold. The switching circuit is operative to terminate load power in response to detect a presence of the load threatening signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal.

Abstract: A lighting controller may optimize a timeout value of a lamp based on the goals of saving energy and providing occupant comfort. The lamp may illuminate a lighting area. The lighting controller may determine a false-negative rate for the lamp from sensor data that represents a frequency at which the lamp is timed out while the lighting area is occupied. The lighting controller may adjust the timeout value of the lamp over time so that the false-negative rate approaches a threshold false-negative rate. The false-negatives and occupancy periods may be detected from spikes in time distributions of motion data. The amount of energy that the lamp would consume at an increased timeout value of the lamp may be determined from motion data stored while the timeout value of the lamp is at an initial timeout value.

Abstract: A power control module which can be used to automatically open a power circuit for electrically operated devices, particularly battery operated devices, during predetermined periods of non-use. A timer is reset by a motion detector indicating continuing use. The timer controls a transistor switch which closes and opens the power circuit as required. The timing interval can be user-selected e.g., by programming a microprocessor controller. The transition time between conductive and non-conductive states of the transistor can also be controlled to prolong the life of incandescent bulbs or other sensitive load devices.

Abstract: A power control device includes a power control unit, a power switch, a timer unit, a power supply switch, and a connection instruction unit. The power control unit is driven by power supplied from a power source. The power switch outputs a detection signal to the power control unit. The timer unit outputs a switch-on signal for giving an instruction to turn on the switch. The power supply switch switches between connection and non-connection of the power source and a load. The connection instruction unit outputs a connection instruction signal for connecting the power source to the load. The power control unit outputs a stop signal for stopping the output of the switch-on signal to the timer unit before a time point at which the predetermined time elapses when the power is supplied from the power source. The power control unit outputs the switch-on signal to the connection instruction unit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit 2 is provided with a first power supply conductor 8 coupled via header transistors 14 to 26 to a second power supply conductor 10. Logic circuitry 4, 6 draws its power supply from the second power supply conductor. When switching from a sleep mode to an operating mode the header transistors 14 to 26 are divided into a plurality of sets of transistors which are switched on in a predetermined sequence using controller circuitry 28. The controller circuitry 28 senses the voltage of the second power supply conductor 10 to determine when each set of header transistors should be switched on. In this way, the in-rush current within the integrated circuit 2 associated with the switch from the sleep state to the operating state can be held within a predetermined range of a target in-rush current.

Abstract: A touch-switchable USB charging receptacle includes a rectifying and transforming circuit connected to a public power supply for converting AC power into DC power and supplying the latter to DC devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, video games, personal digital assistants, etc.; a power supply connector and an illuminating indicator module electrically connected to the rectifying and transforming circuit to obtain power supply; an integrally formed cover plate isolating the rectifying and transforming circuit, the power supply connector and the illuminating indicator module from external environment; and a touch switch located behind the cover plate and electrically connected to the rectifying and transforming circuit for controlling a power supply state of the latter. The illuminating indicator module emits indicating light, which is visible via a light-pervious indicator provided on the cover plate.

Abstract: A redundant power system may include a first switch that connects between a redundant power source and a first remote system, a second switch that connects between the redundant power source and a second remote system, and a control circuit. The control circuit may apply a first control signal to the first switch to cause the redundant power source to connect through the first switch to the first remote system via a switched connection. The control circuit may determine if the second remote system requires power, and may apply a second control signal to the first switch to open the switched connection when the high priority remote system requires power. The control circuit may apply a third control signal to the second switch, upon an expiration of a delay timer, to cause the redundant power source to connect through the second switch to the second remote system.

Abstract: A switch for premises electrical circuits provides wireless control compatible with at least one home automation control system technology. A single switch design can operate two-, three-, and four-way circuits without alteration, and without recourse to coordinating remote switches. The switch includes processor functions for restoring a previous state after power interruption, and for establishing a state commanded during the power interruption. The switch uses two single-pole, single-throw relays for positive safety lockout, and adjusts relay actuation timing with reference to power waveform zero-crossing for contact arc reduction with inductive, tungsten, and capacitive loads.

Abstract: In an electric machine tool having an electronics unit for implementing a starting lockout, the electric machine tool being connectable to an associated power source in an electrically conductive manner, the electronics unit is configured to receive power from the power source only for a limited, predefined period of time after an electrically conductive connection between the electric machine tool and the power source has been established.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal.

Abstract: A compact wall-mountable load control device for controlling the power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source includes: a controllably conductive device coupled in a series electrical connection between the AC power source and the load, the controllably conductive device including a control input; a control circuit operatively coupled to the control input of the controllably conductive device, the control circuit operable to control the conductivity of the controllably conductive device, the control circuit including a timer; a timer adjustment selector operatively coupled to the control circuit; a visual indicator operatively coupled to the control circuit; and a switch operatively connected to the control circuit to provide a user the ability to operate the control circuit using the integral switch. The control circuit includes a timed ON setting, an OFF setting, and an ON setting that bypasses the timer. The timed ON setting may be user adjustable.

Abstract: A power reset module may reset an automatic shut-off module of a target device by momentarily disrupting power to the automatic shut-off module at a determined interval and automatically restoring power after a time period of up to two minutes. In multiple embodiments, the power reset module comprises an activation switch with an activation switch output coupled to a frequency module. The frequency module may output a frequency module signal on a determined interval via a frequency module output coupled with a reset module. The reset module momentarily transitions a reset switch to a reset state periodically at the determined interval for up to two minutes prior to automatically transitioning the reset switch to a non-reset state.

Abstract: An audio reproducing apparatus includes a power supply, an amplifier, a speaker, and a controller. The power supply is for supplying a voltage. The amplifier is for receiving the voltage and audio signals, amplifying the audio signals, and outputting amplified audio signals. The speaker is for reproducing sound after receiving the amplified audio signals. The controller is for receiving the voltage and generating a control signal to enable the amplifier. The controller includes a generator and a delay unit. The generator is for receiving the voltage and generating the control signal. The delay unit is for delaying the time of transferring the voltage from the power supply to the generator.

Abstract: A programmable switch lever control timer device that fits over a standard wall switch with the switch lever engaged by a cam on the device. Rotational motion of the cam provided by a geared DC motor moves the switch lever arm to one of its two end-of-travel positions of operation. Programming and control means are provided by a microprocessor and motor driver circuitry. The programming and control means provides power from a battery source to the geared DC motor in accordance with a user selectable 24-hour program. Proper and accurate alignment of the switch lever and cam during installation is provided by a key-holed alignment plate that is attached to a standard wall switch cover plate prior to installing the device housing. The housing of the device attaches to the alignment plate allowing the housing to properly fit over the switch lever. All of the operating parts including a self-contained battery power source are within the device housing that fits over the standard wall switch cover plate.

Abstract: A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plate for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface.

Abstract: An automatic shut off apparatus for an electronic device includes an input circuit, a timing circuit, a control circuit, and a switch circuit. The input circuit is to receive a designated power-off time delay for the electronic device. The control circuit is to receive the designated power-off time delay from the input circuit, and output a control signal. The timing circuit is to time according to the control signal, and output an instruction signal in response to designated power-off time being reached. The switch circuit is to shut off power of the electronic device according to the instruction signal.

Abstract: An electrical switching device has a first interrupter unit for interrupting and connecting an electrical line, in particular an air-insulated grounding switch. A method for switching an air-insulated grounding switch assures that no arc owing to a voltage flashover is produced on the air-insulated grounding switch. A second interrupter unit, which is connected in parallel with the first interrupter unit, can be switched such that resultant striking of an arc during switching only takes place in the second interrupter unit.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.

Abstract: An electrical timer for plugging into an electrical wall outlet to control electrical current supplied to electrical appliances. The timer includes a housing having front and rear halves that are retained together. A display assembly includes a pushbutton switch and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate which time period is selected mounted to a circuit board. A user-operable actuator button is connected to the switch. A clear display panel is exteriorly affixed to the front half. The actuator button extends through respective button holes of the front half and the display panel. Each LED extends through a corresponding LED hole of the front half so as to be visible to users through the display panel. A thin mask is disposed on the display panel that defines an opaque area with a logo and a corresponding transparent area for each LED. An electrical plug is connected along the electrical circuit and mounted through the rear half of the housing for plugging into the wall outlet.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention including a main utility distribution panel which through corresponding circuit breakers, directly powers facility power line circuits which remain powered continuously, and an ‘off-peak’ utility distribution panel being powered by the main utility distribution panel through a contactor (relay, switch, etc.) controlled by a 24 hour timer, and the ‘off-peak’ utility distribution panel in turn powers facility power line circuits which may be de-energized to provide zero power draw from the main utility distribution panel during a selected time period as provided by the timer, which generally corresponds to periods when the facility is unoccupied and/or the equipment and appliances are turned off.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a plurality of electrical devices is provided. The control apparatus includes a first body member, a second body member hingedly attached to the first body member, a power outlet strip, a power key lock, and an electronic timer. The control apparatus is capable of assuming one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position. The power outlet strip includes a plurality of electrical receptacles and each of the plurality of electrical receptacles is capable of receiving an electric socket of an electrical device of the plurality of electrical devices. The power key lock and the electronic timer are disposed on the first body member. The electronic timer is capable of activating the power key lock for controlling power supply to the plurality of electrical devices connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles of the power outlet strip.

Abstract: A time-delayed power switching device for providing power pass-through and timed off conductive pathways to one or more light outputs comprises a power source input, one or more first conductive pathways, one or more second conductive pathways, at least one timing circuit, and at least one relay. The time-delayed power switching device controls power from a power source electrically coupled though the power source input to the timed off conductive pathways by operation of the at least one timing circuit controlling the at least one relay. The relay has a first position adapted to energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a first signal from the timing circuit, and a second position adapted to de-energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a second signal from the timing circuit. Additionally, methods of using one or more time-delayed power switching devices to retrofit lighting areas are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transmission brake disengagement apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of transmission brake disengagement apparatus having mechanical switches thereby improving the starting consistency of a drag race car. In particular, the present invention provides an improved transmission brake disengagement apparatus which incorporates a mechanical actuation switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car, without the need of applying continuous pressure on the switch.

Abstract: A wall-mountable electrical timer for controlling the delivery of power from an AC power source to an electrical load, such as a lamp or a fan motor, includes: a timer adjustment actuator for selecting a predetermined time period of operation for the load; a toggle actuator for starting the timer, turning off the timer, and placing the timer in a bypass mode of operation; a vertical linear array of light-emitting diode visual indicators for indicating the length of a predetermined time period, the time remaining, and whether the timer is in the bypass mode; a controllably conductive device for regulating the delivery of power from the AC source to the load; and a controller for receiving inputs from the timer adjustment actuator and the toggle actuator, and for transmitting outputs to the visual indicators and the controllably conductive device.

Abstract: A fireman switch assembly for activating by a mechanical timer having captive trippers. The assembly includes a mounting plate, a micro-switch, and a lever arm. The mounting plate attaches to the mechanical timer. The micro-switch is attached to the mounting plate. The lever arm is operatively connected to the micro-switch and cooperates with the captive trippers of the mechanical timer to selectively turn the micro-switch ON and OFF.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a circuit. The circuit includes a switching unit configured to connect or disconnect a voltage domain to a supply voltage input. The switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. The circuit includes a control signal input configured to receive a switch control signal. The circuit includes a signal distribution unit that is configured to output the switch control signal to the first switch delayed by a first time interval and to output the switch control signal to the second switch and to the third switch delayed by a second time interval.

Abstract: Power distribution systems that have a limited peak power capability or a high source impedance, such as site supply generators, are often susceptible to abnormal operation in response to the current drawn at power up from the loads connected to the power distribution system. The present invention provides a load control module for a lighting control system operable to start up a plurality of the lighting loads in sequence to reduce stress on the power distribution system. The lighting loads are each turned on as part of a startup sequence at predetermined times after an output voltage of the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting control module is operable to wait for a predetermined amount of time for the startup sequence to begin before turning on the lighting loads.

Abstract: A switching control system of circuit breaker is provided, which can easily connect with such an external equipment as a PC, both at the work site and remote side, without using dedicated software, and can implement efficient maintenance and data collection. The system comprises: one or more switching control units of circuit breaker 100 each of which inputs electrical quantity of power system voltage and main circuit current, state quantity of a circuit breaker, and an opening command signal or closing command signal of the circuit breaker, and performs control to cause the circuit breaker to open or close at a desired phase of the power system voltage or main circuit current; and a display operation unit 700, which is connected with the switching control unit of circuit breaker via a communication network 500 and performs display operation to operate and monitor the operation and state of the switching control unit of circuit breaker.

Abstract: An exemplary power switching circuit (20) includes a control signal input terminal (210); an output terminal (220); direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first transistor (250) including a control electrode connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode, and a grounded second current conducting electrode; a second transistor (260) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor via a discharging resistor (264) and a diode (266) respectively and connected to the DC power supply via a discharging capacitor (265), a first current conducting electrode connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor (270) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor, a first current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal, and a second grounded current conducting electrode.

Abstract: The power control circuitry comprises a series of power switching circuits, each power switching circuit being associated with one of the circuit portions and being provided with an enable signal and responsive to its enable signal being set to connect the voltage source to the at least one voltage line of the associated circuit portion. Further, at least one enable qualifying circuit is provided, each such enable qualifying circuit being associated with one of the power switching circuits and being arranged to generate an output signal used to determine the enable signal provided to a later power switching circuit in the series. Each enable qualifying circuit sets its output signal when both the enable signal provided to the associated power switching circuit is set and the at least one voltage line of the circuit portion associated with that power switching circuit has reached a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a stove or oven and a method of operation thereof. The safety apparatus facilitates the method of turning on a burner of the stove or oven and automatically counting over a time interval in response to turning on the burner. The method further includes automatically stopping a flow of electrical current or combustible gas to the burner in response to the counting reaching an end of the time interval.

Abstract: A multiple location electronic timer system comprises an electronic timer and one or more accessory timers. The electronic timer is adapted to be coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load. The electronic timer is operable to enable the delivery of power to the load and to subsequently discontinue the delivery of power to the load automatically after a preset timeout period has elapsed. In response to controls signals received from the accessory timer, the electronic timer is operable to adjust the preset timeout period, enable the delivery of power to the load, discontinue the delivery of power to the load, and to enter a bypass mode in which the load is turned on for an indefinite amount of time. The accessory timer may be coupled to the electronic timer via a single conductor, a wired digital communication link, a radio frequency communication link, an infrared communication link, or a power line carrier communication link.

Abstract: A time-based controller provides control for a controlled system including a plant having an integration response. The time-based controller includes a comparator that detects a polarity change in a comparison of a sensed signal from the plant and a reference signal while a control signal is in a first state, time calculation logic that, responsive to detection of the change in the comparison, determines a time at which to change a state of a control signal supplied to the plant, and a modulator that, at the determined time, changes the state of the control signal supplied to the plant from the first state to a second state.

Abstract: A circuit or apparatus for providing intermittent or interruptible power to an electronic device. The circuit may provide power upon user initiation and interrupt that power in response to a user command, fault state, period of inactivity and so forth. As one example, interruptible power may be initially provided to activate or “power up” an electronic device and constant power provided after the initial activation. The initial powering up of the device may be facilitated by closing two contacts. The circuit may continue to provide power after the button is released through a monitoring and/or feedback mechanism.

Abstract: When a predetermined voltage is applied between electrodes (302), metal ions deposit in a solid electrolyte (308), and thereby a conduction channel (310) is formed therein. The solid electrolyte switch (300) is thus turned on. Because this deposition mechanism is reversible, application of reverse voltage between the electrodes of the solid electrolyte switch (300) already turned on makes the deposited metal atoms to migrate in the solid electrolyte to thereby thin the conduction channel 300, thereby the channel finally disappears, and the solid electrolyte switch (300) is turned into a non-conductive state. Use of this switch successfully realizes an IC tag which can automatically be nullified without artificial nullification.

Abstract: A wall-mountable electrical timer for controlling the delivery of power from an AC power source to an electrical load, such as a lamp or a fan motor, includes: a timer adjustment actuator for selecting a predetermined time period of operation for the load; a toggle actuator for starting the timer, turning off the timer, and placing the timer in a bypass mode of operation; a vertical linear array of light-emitting diode visual indicators for indicating the length of a predetermined time period, the time remaining, and whether the timer is in the bypass mode; a controllably conductive device for regulating the delivery of power from the AC source to the load; and a controller for receiving inputs from the timer adjustment actuator and the toggle actuator, and for transmitting outputs to the visual indicators and the controllably conductive device.

Abstract: Electronic devices to which power is supplied from a power supplying unit commonly connected with other electronic devices, each of the electronic devices comprising a switch unit having an input terminal, an output terminal and a control terminal to which a control signal to close between the input terminal and the output terminal, a number input unit to which unique identification information is input, and a timing unit connected to the power supplying device together with the input terminal and inputting the control signal to the control terminal after a lapse of a delay time set in response to the identification information from a start timing of power supplying by the power supplying device.

Abstract: A “light switch” that is the most common and easiest to operate. The toggle switch, rocker switch or paddle switch, is used for turning on and off 110 volt ac lights. The switch can be preset, before installation, to a time duration keeping lights on from five minutes to eight hours. After the preset time expires the toggle flips to the “off” position. Optional connections for low voltage control wires enable the switch to also be toggled on and off by a remote or outside source.

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 load control module suitable for an electrical equipments driven by an operation of a switch is disclosed. The load control module includes an energy storage unit, a signal transforming unit, a first control unit and a second control unit. The energy storage unit still outputs a reserved voltage for a predetermined time during the switch is turned off. The signal transforming unit and the first and the second control unit are driven by the reserved voltage. With a different switching speed of the switch, the second control unit may operate in coordination with the actions of the signal transforming unit and the first control unit to regulate a level of the control voltage, or maintain the level of the control voltage in a current state. The electrical equipments may perform diversified control functions under control of the load control module operated in coordination with an operation of the switch.

Abstract: A method of switching on a voltage supply of a voltage domain of a semiconductor circuit includes switching, initially, a first switchable element, via which elements of the voltage domain are connected to a supply voltage of the semiconductor circuit, to a conductive state. The method includes switching, after a predetermined period of time, a second switchable element, via which elements of the voltage domain are connected to the supply voltage of the semiconductor circuit, to a conductive state. The driving capacity of the first switchable element is less than the driving capacity of the second switchable element.

Abstract: A preventive maintenance tapping technique includes noting a tap position of a load tap changer and noting a duration that the tap position has been held. The duration that the tap position has been held is compared to a threshold value, and the tap position is changed if the tap position has been held for longer than the threshold value. Similarly, a duty cycle monitoring technique for monitoring life of load tap changer contacts includes detecting an arcing event. Arcing surfaces involved in the arcing event are identified and the effects of the arcing event on the arcing surfaces are calculated. Estimates of the erosion on the arcing surfaces are updated, and the estimates are compared to a threshold value. A signal for maintenance is generated when the estimate exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, a first chip mounted on the substrate and having a first terminal, a second terminal, an input pad and a semiconductor time switch connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and configured to disconnect the first terminal and the second terminal upon lapse of a prescribed lifetime, the input pad being configured to set the prescribed lifetime, a second chip mounted on the substrate and incorporating an operational device having a third terminal connected to the first terminal and a fourth terminal serving as an input terminal for an external device, a first memory device mounted on the substrate, having a fifth terminal connected to the second terminal and storing information required for operating the operational device, and an encapsulater covering at least the input pad of the first chip.

Abstract: A multiple location electronic timer system comprises an electronic timer and one or more accessory timers. The electronic timer is adapted to be coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load. The electronic timer is operable to enable the delivery of power to the load and to subsequently discontinue the delivery of power to the load automatically after a preset timeout period has elapsed. In response to controls signals received from the accessory timer, the electronic timer is operable to adjust the preset timeout period, enable the delivery of power to the load, discontinue the delivery of power to the load, and to enter a bypass mode in which the load is turned on for an indefinite amount of time. The accessory timer may be coupled to the electronic timer via a single conductor, a wired digital communication link, a radio frequency communication link, an infrared communication link, or a power line carrier communication link.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a highway-railroad grade crossing warning system is coupled to an approach circuit and to an island circuit and activates a warning device when a train is present in either of the approach or the island circuits. The controller has a display with touch-sensitive fields for selectively taking the approach circuit or island circuit out of service. Additional touch-sensitive fields on the display may be used for selecting the amount of time that the approach or island circuits remain out of service and for confirming that the maintainer wishes to take the these circuits out of service. Service is automatically restored upon expiration of the selected amount of time.

Abstract: An electrical switch unit (1, 60, 61, 70) is provided for controlling the supply of electrical energy to an appliance (7, 65) that also has its own electrical control switch (38), in particular a water heater. The switch unit has a normally open load switch operatively closed by a electronic timer means, and a bypass detector circuit (25) is connected in parallel across the load switch so as to become energized when the electrical control switch of a connected appliance is closed. The timer means is operative to become activated consequent on the initiation of current flow through the detector circuit to effect closure of said load switch after a predetermined optionally adjustable time delay (that is independent of real-time), and to maintain the load switch in a closed condition for a time period after which the load switch is returned to its normally open condition.

Abstract: Electronic Timer Module securely encapsulated in a plastic shell with three wires protruding from the shell for easy connecting to a standard ON/OFF switch and accommodating inside of a common outlet box automatically shuts off power to the bathroom exhaust fan after a fixed time interval and can be instantly restarted or turned off.

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-supply control unit is connected in series on a power line between a power supply unit and an operating unit, and controls turning on/off of the power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit. A resistor having a predetermined resistance is connected in series with the power-supply control unit. A switch unit is connected in parallel with the resistor. A switch control unit detects turning on of the power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit by the power-supply control unit, and turns on the switch unit in a predetermined waiting time after detecting the turning on of the power supply.