With Semiconductor Circuit Interrupter (e.g., Scr, Triac, Tunnel Diode, Etc.) Patents (Class 361/100)
  • Patent number: 11942927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for short-circuit detection by saturation detection in power semiconductor switches and to a corresponding device. A reference voltage (Uref) is provided as a function of a supply voltage (UVDD) of a power semiconductor switch. A differential voltage (Udiff) is generated from the difference of a voltage drop (U?) of a load path of the power semiconductor switch and the provided reference voltage (Uref). The generated differential voltage (Udiff) is compared with a predetermined threshold voltage (Ulim). A short-circuit current in the load path of the power semiconductor switch is detected when the differential voltage (Udiff) exceeds the threshold voltage (Ulim). In this case, the power semiconductor switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Calin Purcarea, Daniel Schweiker, Deepa Mathai, Falko Friese
  • Patent number: 11929698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to switching element protection of a BLDC motor, such as used with a power tool. The present invention checks each switching element of a power stage individually for a short circuit when a trigger of the tool is actuated. Each switching element is turned ON for a period of time (such as 1-5 microseconds, for example), current flowing through the half-bridge or the full power stage is measured, and that switching element is turned OFF. When the current is greater than or equal to a threshold (such as 5 A, for example), the controller stops and indicates a fault condition. By testing each switching element in order, the controller is able to determine whether the shorted switching element is the opposite one in the half-bridge being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Rajzer, Jason Genz
  • Patent number: 11876508
    Abstract: A switch device includes a switching element that connects/disconnects a current path from a power supply terminal to a ground terminal via a load, and an overcurrent protection circuit that limits output current flowing in the switching element to be an overcurrent limit value or less. When an output short circuit of the load is detected, the overcurrent protection circuit decreases the overcurrent limit value to be lower as a power supply voltage is higher. In addition, the switch device preferably includes a switching element that connects/disconnects a current path from a power supply terminal to a ground terminal via a load, an intermittent control unit that intermittently drives the switching element when an abnormality is detected, and an output voltage monitoring portion that disables the intermittent control unit until an output voltage applied to the load reaches its target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Takuma
  • Patent number: 11862960
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes a first diode, a second diode, an ESD clamp circuit and a first conductive structure on a backside of a semiconductor wafer, and being coupled to the first voltage supply. The first diode is in the semiconductor wafer, and coupled between an IO pad and a first node. The second diode is in the semiconductor wafer, coupled to the first diode and coupled between the IO pad and a second node. The ESD clamp circuit is in the semiconductor wafer, coupled between the first node and the second node, and further coupled to the first and second diode. The ESD clamp circuit includes a first signal tap region in the semiconductor wafer that is coupled to a first voltage supply. The first diode is coupled to and configured to share the first signal tap region with the ESD clamp circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hung Yeh, Wun-Jie Lin, Jam-Wem Lee
  • Patent number: 11677264
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a backup power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC POWER DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Sutherland
  • Patent number: 11646566
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a polyswitch and a switching device. The polyswitch includes a first resistance. The switching device is in parallel with the polyswitch. The switching device includes a second resistance that is less than the first resistance. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough when the vehicle is in an active mode. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough to power all electrical loads of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an active mode. The first resistance of the polyswitch is configured to enable a second current that is less than the first current to flow to a portion of the loads when the vehicle is in a sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Fernandez Pueyo, Ignacio Molinero Horno, Antoni Ferré Fàbregas, Sergio Alquézar
  • Patent number: 11539205
    Abstract: Provided is an inrush current limiter and a system including the same, the inrush current limiter including first and second input nodes for receiving an input voltage from a power source, a first output node and a second output node for being connected with a load, an inrush-current-limiting portion including a transistor connected between the first input node and the first output node, and for turning on the transistor when a voltage level of the input voltage is higher than a first level, and for limiting an inrush current by controlling time until the transistor is turned on after application of the input voltage, a switch connected between a control terminal of the transistor and the second input node, and a mode controller for turning on the switch when the voltage level of the input voltage is lower than a second level that is lower than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keunyoung Kim, Hyun Kim, Jaesoon Park, Sunho Choi
  • Patent number: 11521774
    Abstract: A solid-state magnet control unit includes a housing and magnet controller circuitry mounted within the housing. The magnet controller circuitry controls current passing through a magnet. The magnet controller circuitry includes a power storage unit, drivers in a bridge network, e.g., an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) in a bridge network, and dump circuitry. The dump circuitry limits circuit damage to the magnet controller circuitry and other components contained within the magnet control unit. When the dump driver is not operational, operation of the magnet control unit is automatically switched to first or second safety mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eric Scott Christenson
  • Patent number: 11495961
    Abstract: Provided is an inrush current limiter and a system including the same, the inrush current limiter including first and second input nodes for receiving an input voltage from a power source, a first output node and a second output node for being connected with a load, an inrush-current-limiting portion including a transistor connected between the first input node and the first output node, and for turning on the transistor when a voltage level of the input voltage is higher than a first level, and for limiting an inrush current by controlling time until the transistor is turned on after application of the input voltage, a switch connected between a control terminal of the transistor and the second input node, and a mode controller for turning on the switch when the voltage level of the input voltage is lower than a second level that is lower than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keunyoung Kim, Hyun Kim, Jaesoon Park, Sunho Choi
  • Patent number: 11424093
    Abstract: Within a direct current hybrid circuit breaker (DC HCB), a commutation unit (CU) is provided in a semiconductor switch path in series with a semiconductor switch to facilitate opening the DC HCB. The semiconductor switch path is connected in parallel with a mechanical switch path that includes a mechanical switch. The CU is a controlled voltage source which applies a reverse biased voltage on the semiconductor switch path. The CU causes the current through the mechanical switch to ramp down while the current through the semiconductor switch ramps up to a supply current. The CU maintains the current through the mechanical switch to remain at a zero vale by compensating for the voltage drop across the semiconductor switch and the self-inductance of the semiconductor switch path. The mechanical switch can open without current and against no recovery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Steurer, Fang Peng
  • Patent number: 11411511
    Abstract: A switchable longitudinal voltage source has a first feed connection for feeding in a first current, a first output connection for outputting the first current, a second feed connection for feeding in a second current, and a second output connection for outputting the second current. An electrical energy store has a first connection and a second connection coupled to the output connections. The switchable longitudinal voltage source further has a center terminal of a first series circuit which directly forms the first output connection or terminal and a center terminal of a second series circuit which directly forms the second output connection or terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark-Matthias Bakran, Viktor Hofmann, Andre Schoen
  • Patent number: 11394199
    Abstract: Systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of high current protection are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a power system comprising a solid-state circuit breaker including a solid-state switching device, an energy dissipation branch, an assistive branch, and a controller. The energy dissipation branch is coupled in parallel with the solid-state switching device and includes an energy dissipation device. The assistive branch is coupled in parallel with the solid-state switching device and includes a resistor, an inductor, and a galvanic isolation switching device coupled together in series. The controller is configured to determine the solid-state circuit breaker is conducting a high magnitude current, select a continuous current limiting mode or an intermittent current limiting mode, and operate the solid-state switching device based on the selected current limiting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Li Qi, Taosha Jiang, Antonello Antoniazzi
  • Patent number: 11360127
    Abstract: A device for self-adjusting an electrical threshold includes a framing unit that compares a setpoint signal representative of the supply signal to a plurality of successive intervals of reference signals that increase in value according to a geometric sequence. The framing unit generates an output based on the interval bounding the setpoint signal, wherein the output controls a switch that is configured to provide one of the plurality of reference signals as an output, wherein the output reference signal is representative of the electrical detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Jörg Wallerath, Emmanuel Boudoux
  • Patent number: 11338785
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, via a processor, a request to enable movement of a rotor. The method may involve sending a first signal to a mechanical relay system in response to receiving the request, such that the second signal may cause a mechanical relay to close. The mechanical relay system is configured to couple a first conductor to an EM brake. The method may also include sending a second signal to a solid-state relay system after sending the first signal to the mechanical relay system, such that the second signal may cause a solid-state relay to close. The solid-state relay system may couple a second conductor to the EM brake, such that the EM brake may open after receiving power via the first conductor and the second conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Campbell, Timothy J. Strandt
  • Patent number: 11332087
    Abstract: A phase module assembly includes a first flat laminated busbar elongated along a first direction, including a positive layer, a negative layer, and a load layer that is configured to be conductively coupled with a load. The first flat laminated busbar is conductively coupled to a second flat laminated busbar extending in a plane that is orthogonal to the first direction. The second flat laminated busbar is conductively coupled with a power source of direct current. The phase module assembly also includes one or more switches conductively coupled with internal terminal connectors of the first flat laminated busbar and configured to convert the direct current into one phase of a multi-phase alternating current, and to output the phase to the load. The phase module assembly also includes one or more capacitors mechanically mounted on and conductively coupled with the second flat laminated busbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Fabio Carastro, Mark Murphy, Jason Kuttenkuler, Alvaro Jorge Mari Curbelo
  • Patent number: 11334740
    Abstract: Fingerprint recognition circuit, fingerprint recognition structure, fingerprint recognition device, display panel, and display device are provided. The circuit includes: a fingerprint recognition driving transistor; a first capacitor; a driving signal input terminal; and a sensing signal output terminal. The first capacitor has a terminal electrically connected to a gate of the fingerprint recognition driving transistor and another terminal electrically connected to a ground. The driving signal input terminal is electrically connected to an input terminal of the fingerprint recognition driving transistor. An output terminal of the fingerprint recognition driving transistor is electrically connected to the sensing signal output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignees: Shanghai Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd., Shanghai AVIC OPTO Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kerui Xi, Tingting Cui, Feng Qin, Xuhui Peng, Linzhi Wang
  • Patent number: 11336559
    Abstract: Embodiments herein may relate to a processor package with a substrate and a multi-chip processor coupled with the substrate. The multi-chip processor may include a dual-sided interconnect structure coupled with a first chip, a second chip, and a third chip. The first chip may be communicatively coupled with the second chip by an on-chip communication route. Likewise, the second chip may be communicatively coupled with the first chip by an on-chip communication route. Additionally, the first chip may be communicatively coupled with the third chip by a fast-lane communication route. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Adel A. Elsherbini, Tejpal Singh, Shawna M. Liff, Gerald S. Pasdast, Johanna M. Swan
  • Patent number: 11329438
    Abstract: A method of ensuring power delivery in a universal serial bus (USB) interface between a device and a counterpart device, the device including a port controller and a USB receptacle. The method includes the port controller attempting to detect an abnormal state in which a leakage current occurs in the USB receptacle using at least one pin of the USB receptacle; and when the abnormal state is detected, the port controller turning OFF a switch connected between a power pin of the USB receptacle and an internal circuit of the device, and determining to enter an unattached state of being separated from the counterpart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Je-Kook Kim
  • Patent number: 11299114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor vehicle electrical architecture comprising a supply switched by a relay. The architecture comprises a controllable resistive load (60) ensuring a consumption of, for example at least 500 mA, connected at the output of said relay and controlled by a computer (30) according to a control law. The controlled resistive load is only activated when the speed of said vehicle is zero, or very close to 0. This makes it possible to limit the duration of supply of the resistive load, and consequently the heat dissipation, electrical consumption and CO2 emissions over the duration of travel, while ensuring consumption at the switched supply voltage in the phases where the driver is likely to cut the ignition and thus cause the relay to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Jean Marc Dhainaut, Cyril Rapin
  • Patent number: 11271562
    Abstract: A solid-state relay circuit includes an isolator circuit, a first output terminal, a second output terminal, and an output switch. The output switch is coupled to the isolator circuit, and includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a diode. The first transistor is coupled to the first output terminal. The second transistor is coupled to the first transistor and the second output terminal. The diode is coupled to the first transistor, the second transistor, and ground, and is configured to block current flow from ground to the first transistor and the second transistor. The isolator circuit is coupled to the output switch and is configured to activate the first transistor and the second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instmments Incorporated
    Inventors: Navaneeth Kumar Narayanasamy, Manu Balakrishnan, Miroslav Oljaca
  • Patent number: 11264795
    Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker contains a first semiconductor switch which is switched into a current path between a voltage input and a load output and contains a controller which is connected to the control input of the first semiconductor switch. The first semiconductor switch is actuated depending on an actual value of the load current, the actual value is supplied to the controller, and the controller is configured to limit the current of the first semiconductor switch and disconnect same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Diego Fernando Asanza Maldonado
  • Patent number: 11264790
    Abstract: Systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of power switches are disclosed. One embodiment is a power switch comprising a first reverse blocking integrated gate-commutated thyristor (RB-IGCT); a second RB-IGCT coupled in an antiparallel configuration with the first RB-IGCT; a transient voltage suppressor coupled in parallel with the first RB-IGCT and the second RB-IGCT; and a controller. The controller is structured to determine a direction of a current flowing through the power switch, determine a magnitude of the current flowing through the power switch exceeds a threshold, and turn off the one of the first RB-IGCT and the second RB-IGCT receiving a current flowing in a reverse direction in response to determining the magnitude of the current flowing through the power switch exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Pietro Cairoli, Davide Leoni, Luca Raciti
  • Patent number: 11223193
    Abstract: A circuit protection device is provided between a direct-current power supply and a protection object circuit connected to the direct-current power supply, and protects the protection object circuit from an overvoltage of the direct-current power supply by shutting off a connection between the direct-current power supply and the protection object circuit using a predetermined interrupting element. The circuit protection device includes a bypass circuit which suppresses an electric alternating-current component from flowing to the interrupting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Shingo Tsuchiya, Seiji Kamata
  • Patent number: 11196285
    Abstract: Operating a redundant power supply regulator using a transition control signal including supplying an operating voltage through an ORing in the redundant power supply regulator, wherein the ORing is connected to a comparator configured to turn off the ORing in response to detecting a fault; receiving the transition control signal indicating that the redundant power supply regulator is transitioning to a reduced voltage, wherein the reduced voltage is less than the operating voltage; receiving the reduced voltage by the ORing; and supplying the reduced voltage through the ORing by using the transition control signal to prevent the comparator from turning off the ORing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael L. Miller, Patrick K. Egan
  • Patent number: 11197374
    Abstract: A switched inductor DC-DC power converter chiplet includes a CMOS power switch, an LC filter, regulation circuitry, feedback control circuitry, and interface control circuitry integrated on a common substrate. The inductor for the LC filter can be formed on the same surface or on opposing surfaces of the substrate as the electrical terminations for the substrate. Another embodiment includes a switched inductor DC-DC power converter chiplet having a first powertrain phase and multiple second powertrain phases. When the load current is less than or equal to a threshold load current, the power conversion efficiency can be improved by only operating the first powertrain phase. When the load current is greater than the threshold load current, the power conversion efficiency can be improved by operating one or more second powertrain phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ferric Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Sturcken, Joseph Meyer, Michael Lekas, Ryan Davies, David Jew, William Lee
  • Patent number: 11165243
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus including a protection circuit and a power conversion circuit is provided. The protection circuit includes a control circuit, an auxiliary capacitor, and a switching circuit. The control circuit receives an AC voltage from an AC power source and generates a pulsating voltage and a control signal accordingly. The auxiliary capacitor receives the pulsating voltage and provides a first voltage accordingly. The switching circuit is coupled to the auxiliary capacitor to receive the first voltage and coupled to the control circuit to receive the control signal. The switching circuit transmits the first voltage to the power conversion circuit in response to the control signal. The power conversion circuit converts the first voltage to an output voltage. When the switching circuit is switched to an on state in response to the control signal, the auxiliary capacitor reduces an input inrush current from the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Tzu-Tseng Chan
  • Patent number: 11139752
    Abstract: A power conversion device includes an inverter, a smoothing capacitor, Y capacitors, and a power supply wiring that electrically connects a DC power supply and the inverter. The power supply wiring includes power terminal portions to which the DC power supply is connected, power terminal portions to which the inverter is connected, and capacitor terminal portions to which the Y capacitors are connected. In the power supply wiring, a parasitic inductance L1 between the power terminal portions and the capacitor terminal portions are made smaller than a parasitic inductance L2 between the power supply terminal portions and the capacitor terminal portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Okubo
  • Patent number: 11084142
    Abstract: A hand-held machine tool, in particular a sanding machine, including a handle element for the user to grip and a processing head which has an electric drive motor for driving a tool holder provided for holding a processing tool, the hand-held machine tool having a power supply system for supplying power to the drive motor by means of a cable arrangement, via which the drive motor and the power supply system are interconnected. A protection circuit including at least one electric disconnector is arranged on the drive motor, in order to disconnect a connection between at least one electric cable of the cable arrangement and a phase of a field coil arrangement of the drive motor, which phase can be supplied with current via the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Festool GmbH
    Inventors: Nico Walker, Stefan Tulodziecki, Bernhard Kramer
  • Patent number: 11063799
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for obtaining a set of carrier-modulated symbols of a carrier-modulated codeword, each carrier-modulated symbol received via a respective wire of a plurality of wires of a multi-wire bus, applying each carrier-modulated symbol of the set of carrier-modulated symbols to a corresponding transistor of a set of transistors, the set of transistors further connected to a pair of output nodes according to a sub-channel vector of a plurality of mutually orthogonal sub-channel vectors, recovering a demodulation signal from the carrier-modulated symbols, and generating a demodulated sub-channel data output as a differential voltage on the pair of output nodes based on a linear combination of the set of carrier-modulated symbols by controlling conductivity of the set of transistors according to the demodulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KANDOU LABS, S.A.
    Inventor: Armin Tajalli
  • Patent number: 11050238
    Abstract: An electronic circuit for providing protection for an energy supply for a receiving device, includes: a supply path for connecting the receiving device to a voltage source, wherein the supply path has at least one first switching component in series with a second switching component, and also a measuring resistor, a functional assembly for providing protection against an overcurrent in the supply path, a functional assembly for detecting a connected receiving device, a functional assembly for providing protection against a polarity reversal for the voltage of the supply path, and a functional assembly for detecting a ground short for the supply path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Zoltan Boros, Rainer Kohr
  • Patent number: 11038371
    Abstract: Provided is a power supply control device. The power supply control device includes a plurality of semiconductor switches that are connected in parallel between two power sources and control the supply of power to a load that is connected to the two power sources via the plurality of semiconductor switches, the power supply control device including a temperature detection unit that detects a rise of temperature due to heat that is produced from at least one of the plurality of semiconductor switches, and a switching control unit that executes control that switches the plurality of semiconductor switches from OFF to ON if the temperature detection unit detects a temperature that is at least a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Wakazono, Katsuma Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 11037749
    Abstract: In an electrical distribution system including a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) and one or more downstream mechanical circuit breakers (CBs), a solid-state switching device in the SSCB is repeatedly switched ON and OFF during a short circuit event, to reduce a root-mean-square (RMS) value of the short circuit current. The resulting pulsed short circuit current is regulated in a hysteresis control loop, to limit the RMS to a value low enough to prevent the SSCB from tripping prematurely but high enough to allow one of the downstream mechanical CBs to trip and isolate the short circuit. Pulsing is allowed to continue for a maximum short circuit pulsing time. Only if none of the downstream mechanical CBs is able to trip to isolate the short circuit within the maximum short circuit pulsing time is the SSCB allowed to trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Kouroussis, Ryan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11004626
    Abstract: With a power supply control device, if semiconductor switches of a switch circuit are on and a relay contact is off, a controller determines whether or not a switch electric current detected by an electric current sensor is at least a threshold. If the controller has determined that the switch electric current is at least the threshold, then an electric current supply unit switches on the relay contact, and a drive circuit switches off the semiconductor switches. The controller changes the above-described threshold in accordance with the length of the lapse of time from when an electric current flows through the switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuma Tsukamoto, Kota Oda
  • Patent number: 10986875
    Abstract: A system includes a current source circuit; a system power input; and load switching circuitry coupling the current source circuit and the system power input to an output configured to couple to a vaporizer heating element. The current source circuit, the system power input, and the load switching circuitry form part of an integrated circuit. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Fisher, Nicholas J. Hatton, Andrew Lawrence Murphy, Hugh Pham, Val Valentine
  • Patent number: 10985744
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an electronic switch, a drive unit for driving the electronic switch, a diagnosis unit for determining a current through the electronic switch, a memory for storing a protection profile. The drive unit is configured such that the electronic switch is driven on the basis of the current through the electronic switch determined by the diagnosis unit and on the basis of the protection profile. Furthermore, a method is specified for driving an electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Alfons Graf
  • Patent number: 10979043
    Abstract: A switching element control circuit includes a third electrode voltage control part which controls a third electrode voltage; a temperature detection part which detects an operation temperature of the switching element; a memory part which stores an initial threshold voltage, an initial temperature when the initial threshold voltage is measured, and a temperature characteristic of a threshold voltage; and a threshold voltage calculation part which calculates a threshold voltage at the time of operating the switching element based on information including the operation temperature of the switching element, the initial threshold voltage, and an initial temperature when the initial threshold voltage is measured, and information relating to a temperature characteristic of a threshold voltage, wherein the third electrode voltage control part controls the third electrode voltage based on a threshold voltage at the time of operating the switching element calculated by the threshold voltage calculation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SHINDENGEN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Wataru Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 10964506
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: at least one switching path of a first terminal of the circuit breaker to a second terminal of the circuit breaker; at least one semiconductor switch arranged in the switching path; a semiconductor version switch for predefinably interrupting the switching path upon actuation by a release of the circuit breaker; a characteristic variable unit connected to the release; and a current measuring arrangement for ascertaining a current profile through the at least one semiconductor switch, the current measuring arrangement being connected with the characteristic variable unit. The characteristic variable unit correlates a characteristic variable with a junction temperature of the at least one semiconductor switch that is ascertained from the current profile through the at least one semiconductor switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hauer, Kenan Askan
  • Patent number: 10951020
    Abstract: A power supply control device prevents an electrical wire and a switch element from smoking. The power supply control device includes a switch element provided at a midpoint in an electrical wire that connects a power supply and a load. A current detection unit detects the current value of current flowing in the electrical wire. A temperature estimation unit estimates the wire temperature of the electrical wire based on the current value detected by the current detection unit. A control unit turns on or off the switch element based on the wire temperature estimated. The control unit estimates the smoking temperature of the switch element by changing the heat dissipation time constant of the electrical wire used in temperature calculation to a smaller value, and turns off the switch element if the wire temperature is greater than or equal to the estimated smoking temperature of the switch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Sugisawa, Shunichi Sawano
  • Patent number: 10948360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature monitoring for switching elements, in particular for a module having bipolar transistors with an insulated gate. For this purpose, the current operating parameters of the IGBT module are detected and, on the basis of said operating parameters, an expected temperature of the switching element is determined at a predetermined position. Said expected temperature is compared with a temperature detected at this position. If the actual temperature exceeds the expected temperature, then this is an indication of a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jiahang Jin
  • Patent number: 10770892
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system, apparatus, and method for ESD power clamps. Aspects include protecting a circuit using an ESD power clamp device. The ESD power clamp device includes a trigger circuit having a resistor-capacitor network and an inverter stage circuit, wherein the trigger circuit is configured to detect an ESD event. Aspects of the invention further include a timing circuit coupled to the trigger circuit and a timing controlled transistor, wherein the timing circuit controls the timing controlled transistor to prevent the capacitor in the RC network from charging when the timing circuit is initiated. Aspects also include a clamp transistor coupled to the trigger circuit, wherein the clamp transistor is controlled by a signal received from the trigger circuit, and a timing controlled transistor coupled to the trigger circuit and the timing circuit, where the timing controlled transistor switches states based on the output of the timing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alain Loiseau, Andreas D. Stricker
  • Patent number: 10714930
    Abstract: A power-distribution system can detect a transmission-line electrical fault, and the power source can be electrically isolated from the transmission line before a human or equipment is substantially harmed or damaged. A controller on the source side is responsive to one or more sensors that provide a signal indicative of the voltage across the transmitter side of the transmission line. A source-disconnect device operable by the controller electrically isolates the source from the transmission line. A signal-generator circuit is configured to superimpose a higher-wavelength carrier waveform with the source-output waveform on the transmission line. The controller determines the normal impedance of the transmission line from measurement and detects a transmission-line fault, as indicated by a change in carrier waveform reflections or energy content of the carrier waveform and generates a command to open the source-disconnect device upon detection of the fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: VoltServer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Weiss, Stephen S. Eaves, Likhita Ravuri
  • Patent number: 10707674
    Abstract: The present invention provides a direct current circuit breaker and its implementation method, which includes a cutout circuit, a commutation circuit and a energy absorption circuit connected in parallel. Through using power semiconductor switch module to cut off the current, it will have a quickly action, without generating electric arc, while the modular construction also reduces the consistency requirements of the power electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: STATE GRID COOPERATION OF CHINA, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guangfu Tang, Chong Gao, Xiang Luo, Xiaoguang Wei, Yufeng Qiu, Junzheng Cao
  • Patent number: 10703207
    Abstract: In an outboard motor, a controller controls an electric motor. An output outputs a predetermined notification information in response to a notification command signal output from the controller. When the controller receives a shut-off signal indicating that a semiconductor fuse is off, the controller outputs the notification command signal and causes the output to output notification information. When the controller receives a recovery operation signal indicating a predetermined operation performed by a user from an operator in a state where the semiconductor fuse has turned off, the controller outputs a recovery command signal to the semiconductor fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Naito, Yoshihiro Mizushima, Makoto Mizutani, Noriyoshi Ichikawa, Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 10700676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement for switching a high-voltage MOSFET (7) for precharging an intermediate circuit capacitance of a high-voltage on-board network with a first circuit assembly (11), by means of which the switching times of a high-voltage MOSFET used for charging the intermediate circuit capacitance can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Chrysanthos Tzivanopoulos, Thomas Kaiser
  • Patent number: 10676049
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device for vehicle includes a distribution module that is disposed between an auxiliary connector and optional devices. The distribution module includes: semiconductor relays connected to a power supply line; input/output interfaces; a control unit configured to control the semiconductor relays and the input/output interfaces on the basis of various kinds of signals acquired via a communication line; and a connecting terminal for connecting outputs of the semiconductor relays and outputs of the input/output interfaces to the optional devices. The control unit controls operations of the semiconductor relays and the input/output interfaces corresponding to the optional devices connected to the connecting terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuuji Satake, Masato Kakehi
  • Patent number: 10581239
    Abstract: A device for protecting a direct current source and method are provided. Electric energy outputted from the direct current source is stored and an enable signal is received by the hiccup drive circuit. In a case that the enable signal is an OFF-ENABLE signal, the driving signal is generated based on the electric energy stored internally. By periodically switching on the switching device based on the driving signal, the output voltage of the direct current source is periodically short-circuited. Therefore, the issue of a large conduction loss in the conventional art is avoided, which is caused by the fact that a minimum required voltage for driving the electronic switch is required to be continuously provided by the output voltage of the direct current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Renxian Cao, Yin Yuan, Baoqi Liu, Yongli Xiao, Xiaoyu Chen
  • Patent number: 10554184
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a short-circuit protection apparatus and method. The short-circuit protection apparatus includes a current detection circuit, a control circuit, a threshold regulating circuit, and a timing circuit. The current detection circuit outputs a detection signal when a detected current is greater than a preset current. The control circuit outputs first and second control signals. The threshold regulating circuit outputs first and second threshold voltages, the first threshold voltage controls the output circuit to operate in first voltage threshold mode and start a first timekeeping by the timing circuit. The first timekeeping is restarted when the detection signal is received before the time of the first timekeeping reaches the first preset value. The output circuit operates in second voltage threshold mode when the time of the first timekeeping reaches the first preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AUTOCHIPS INC.
    Inventors: Zhenghua Song, Xianfeng Xiong, Jiyong Lin
  • Patent number: 10483748
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to improve the reliability of energy networks during an activation and deactivation under load and the measurement of energy consumption. An example method for operating an energy network which has multiple junction boxes includes: opening an electronic switch of a junction box using an analysis unit of the junction box; waiting for a defined period of time; measuring the potential at an output of the electronic switch using the analysis program and a corresponding voltage measuring device; comparing the measured potential U with a specified value; setting a release parameter dependent on the measured potential falling below the specified value; and opening a mechanical isolator dependent on the release parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HARTING Electric GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: John Witt, Andreas Huhmann
  • Patent number: 10454465
    Abstract: In one semiconductor chip, driving transistors, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a driver area are arranged in a driver area, and a current sensing circuit, an analog-digital converter, and a temperature sensor for sensing a peripheral circuit area are arranged in a peripheral circuit area. A correction circuit unit corrects a digital sensed voltage from the analog-digital converter based on a sensing result of the temperature sensor of the driver area and a sensed result of the temperature sensor of the peripheral circuit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 10447023
    Abstract: A crowbar module includes first and second electrical terminals, a module housing, and first and second crowbar units. The first crowbar unit is disposed in the module housing and includes a first thyristor electrically connected between the first and second electrical terminals. The second crowbar unit is disposed in the module housing and includes a second thyristor electrically connected between the first and second electrical terminals in electrical parallel with the first crowbar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RIPD IP Development Ltd
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Politis, Grigoris Kostakis, Thomas Tsovilis, Kostas Bakatsias