Abstract: An exemplary protection circuit is provided to provide a controlled, latency-free, steady voltage. The circuit includes a switch module, an induction, a response module, a protection chip, and a sequence controller. The protection chip turns on the switch module when the voltage provided by a capacitor is less than a threshold voltage, thus the connection between the power supply device and the conversion circuit is enabled. The protection chip further outputs a high level signal to the sequence controller upon receiving an induction signal from the induction module. The sequence controller outputs a low level signal to the response module upon receiving the high level signal, to turn off a connection between the first end of the capacitor and ground, otherwise, a high signal is output to turn on the connection between the first end of the capacitor and ground.

Abstract: A device is presented. The device includes a first circuit coupled to first and second power rails of the device. The first circuit is subject to a latch up event in the presence of a latch up condition. The latch up event includes a low resistance path created between the first and second power rails. The device also includes a latch up sensing (LUS) circuit coupled to the first circuit. The LUS circuit is configured to receive a LUS input signal from the first circuit and generates a LUS output signal to the first circuit. When the input signal is an active latch up signal which indicates the presence of a latch up condition, the LUS circuit generates an active LUS output signal which creates a break in the low resistance path to terminate the latch up event.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an overcurrent protection circuit for controlling an output transistor connected between a power source and an output terminal is provided. The overcurrent protection circuit has an overcurrent limiting circuit, a current-voltage control circuit, and a first control circuit. The current-voltage control circuit configured to control a gate voltage of the output transistor so that an output current is proportional to an output voltage of the output terminal Tout. The first control circuit is configured to allow the current-voltage control circuit to control the output transistor so that the output current is proportional to the output voltage when the output voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold voltage. The first control circuit is configured to allow the current-voltage control circuit to stop controlling the output transistor when the output voltage exceeds the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method for operating a brushless electric motor, the windings being energized by an inverter with the aid of six switches. A detection unit for detecting defective switches, a unit for measuring voltage at the outputs of the inverter, and a microcontroller for controlling the switch and for generating a pulse width modulated voltage supply for the windings are provided. A short-circuited switch causes a torque in the electric motor opposite the actuating direction of the electric motor. The method proposes that after detecting a short-circuited switch, the windings (U. V. W) are energized to generate a motor torque that is, on the whole, positive. An actuating period of the electric motor is divided into a plurality of sectors, wherein, in accordance with the defective switch, individual sectors are deactivated for the actuation of the windings (U, V, W), while other sectors are used to actuate the windings (V, W).

Abstract: The power supply controller performs the power-supply-path protection operation to restrict power supply through the switch element if a value of temperature increase of the power supply path W with respect to the reference temperature To exceeds the temperature threshold value and remove the restriction if the temperature decreases to the temperature threshold value or lower. And the controller performs the switch protection operation to restrict the power supply through the switch element if the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value and remove the restriction after the reference time H elapses. And also the controller adds the additional value F to the value of temperature increase on condition that the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value in the power supply protection operation and compares a post-addition temperature to the temperature threshold value.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to sense the occurrence of a break in a ground connection and/or supply connection and to indicate same to an exterior environment. In at least one implementation, the break may be indicated by providing a signal on an output terminal of the device that is not associated with a normal output of the device.

Abstract: A DC distribution board comprises, therein as internal devices, a circuit breaker 5 provided along each of branch lines branched from main wires of a direct-current power supply, and a controller 6 for controlling switching of the breaker 5. The circuit breaker 5 comprises: power connecting terminals t1, t2 connected to the main wires; load connecting terminals t3, t4 connected with wires from a load; a semiconductor switch device 57 provided along an electrical circuit between the terminals t1, t2 and the terminals t3, t4; a current sensing resistor 56 for detecting an electric current through the electrical circuit; and a arithmetic circuit 60 for turning the device 57 on or off according to an on/off control signal from the controller 6, and coercively turning the device 57 off when a current value obtained from a voltage across the resistor 56 exceeds a set current.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overcurrent protection method and circuit and an integrated circuit. The overcurrent protection circuit includes an output circuit, an overcurrent sampling circuit and an overcurrent protection loop circuit. The overcurrent sampling circuit is configured to perform overcurrent sampling on the output circuit, and to pass the sampled current to the overcurrent protection loop circuit, and the overcurrent protection loop circuit is configured to perform direct current level shifting on the sampled current to result in a control current, and to provide a negative feedback to the output current of the output circuit based on the control current.

Abstract: A short-circuit protection structure comprises first and second high-voltage transistors, a control circuit, a first current sampling resistor for the first transistor and a second current sampling resistor for the second transistor. The control circuit controls switching period and duty cycle of the first transistor and the second transistor, a drain terminal of the first transistor is connected to a drain terminal of the second transistor, a source terminal of the first transistor is connected to the first current sampling resistor, and a source terminal of the second transistor is connected to the second current sampling resistor; a gate terminal of the first transistor and a gate terminal of the second transistor are connected to a driver stage of the control circuit. The size of the second transistor is smaller than the first transistor, and the current of the first transistor is sampled by the second transistor.

Abstract: An AC switch includes a first compound semiconductor MOSFET and a second compound semiconductor MOSFET whose sources are connected with each other, a first output terminal connected to the drain of the first compound semiconductor MOSFET, and a second output terminal connected to the drain of the second compound semiconductor MOSFET. The withstand voltage between the first output terminal and the second output terminal in an off state is not less than 400 V. The resistance between the first output terminal and the second output terminal in an on state is not more than 20 m?.

Abstract: A system/method for providing an optically triggered circuit breaker is provided. The system comprises a junction field-effect transistor (JFET) and gate drive coupled to the JFET's gate. The gate drive applies voltage bias (VG) to the gate and the gate drive is configured to bias VG so that the system allows current flow through the JFET in the Drain to Source or Source to Drain directions, or so that the system blocks voltages applied to the Drain and/or Source. The system also comprises a photodetector which detects light emitted by the JFET resulting from a fault condition. The photodetector transmits a signal to the gate drive to provide the selectively biased VG so that the system blocks voltages applied to the Drain and/or Source, in response to the light detection. A system/method for providing an optically triggered bidirectional circuit breaker comprising common source JFETs and two photodetectors is alternatively provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an IGBT, a constant voltage circuit, and protection Zener diodes. The IGBT makes/breaks a low-voltage current flowing in a primary coil. The constant voltage circuit and the protection Zener diodes are provided between an external gate terminal and an external collector terminal. The constant voltage circuit supplies a constant gate voltage to the IGBT to thereby set a saturation current value of the IGBT to a predetermined limiting current value. The IGBT has the saturation current value in a limiting current value range of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided that includes primary and secondary paths that extend between first and second terminals. The primary path extends between the first and second terminals and through a first switch. The secondary path extends between the first and second terminals and through the second switch and a semiconductor switching element. During normal operation, a control system maintains the first and second switches in closed position and the semiconductor switching element in blocking state. When a fault condition occurs in the load current, the control system detects the fault condition and sets the semiconductor switching element to conducting state. The control system then sets the first switch to open position such that the load current flows between the first and second terminals through the secondary path. The control system then sets the second switch to open position and the semiconductor switching element to blocking state.

Abstract: A switch and a method for testing the power transformers of a power supply of the switch are provided, wherein each power transformer generates an analog transformer voltage corresponding to the alternating current, wherein an electronic trip unit, to which each transformer voltage is applied, compares a current derived from each transformer voltage with a current condition, and wherein a rectifier circuit connected to the power transformer charges a capacitor which feeds the power supply of the trip unit. A switching device short-circuits each rectifier circuit when a predefined capacitor voltage is reached. To provide the protective function of the switch, a monostable multivibrator is connected to one pole of each power transformer, wherein each monostable multivibrator is set by the respective transformer voltage and reset after a predefined time, and wherein the level at the output of each monostable multivibrator is used to test the respective power transformer.

Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit in a semiconductor device includes a first first-conductivity type well extending in a first direction over a semiconductor substrate, a second first-conductivity type well extending in a second direction over the semiconductor substrate and perpendicular to the first direction with one end coupled to a first long side of the first first-conductivity type well, and a second-conductivity type well formed around the first first-conductivity type well and the second first-conductivity type well. It also includes a first high-concentration second-conductivity type region extending in the second direction on a surface of the second first-conductivity type well and a first high-concentration first-conductivity type region extending in the second direction on a surface of the second-conductivity type well while facing the first high-concentration second-conductivity type region.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a first circuit module, a first current sensor and a control circuit. The first transistor includes first, second and third terminals. The first terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a first power terminal. The third terminal of the first transistor includes a gate or base of the first transistor. The second transistor includes first, second and third terminals. The first terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a second power terminal. The second terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor. The third terminal of the second transistor includes a gate or base of the second transistor. The first circuit module includes an inductor in parallel with a diode. The first circuit module is connected between the first terminal of the second transistor and the second power terminal.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a novel technique for limiting transmission of fault current are disclosed. Current power distribution systems typically have an impedance, or reactor, on the output of the network equipment to limit current in the case of a fault condition. A low resistance switch, which changes its resistance in the presence of high current, is connected in parallel with this reactor. Thus, in normal operation, the current from the power generator bypasses the reactor, thereby minimizing power loss. However, in the presence of a fault, the resistance of the switch increases, forcing the current to pass through the reactor, thereby limiting the fault current.

Abstract: A protection switching system in a power supply distribution system, comprises at least one protection switch (25) comprising a controllable semiconductor arranged to conduct current through the power supply line in a normal mode, a control unit (27) arranged to place the at least one protection switch in a test mode in which the current is reduced compared to the normal mode, registration means (28, 29) for registering a test mode value of at least one electrical characteristic in the power supply line that will be affected when the test mode is applied, a monitoring unit (30; 47) arranged to evaluate the at least one electrical characteristic and determine, based on the evaluation, whether or not an action should be taken. If a malfunction is detected an alarm is issued to indicate to service personnel that the protection switch should be replaced.

Abstract: A high sensitivity leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) includes a shielded wire, a current leakage detection unit, and a tripping mechanism. A live core and a neutral core of the shielded wire are respectively wrapped in two conductive shell wires. The current leakage detection unit includes a pair of rectifying diodes reversely connected in series between a live line and a neutral line of a power supply, a voltage dropping resistor, thyristors, and resistor-capacitor (RC) voltage dropping filter circuits. The tripping mechanism includes control units with on/off respectively controlled by the thyristors. When either of the thyristors is turned on, the corresponding control unit is turned on, and the tripping mechanism is actuated to switch off the power supply.

Abstract: An electric power converter includes a cooler and an electronic circuit. The cooler includes a heat sink, a cooling fan, and a wind tunnel. A plurality of radiator fins are provided on a heat-sink base in the heat sink. The cooling fan is configured to feed cooling air through the plurality of radiator fins. The wind tunnel covers the plurality of radiator fins and the cooling fan. The electronic circuit includes a plurality of rectifiers and a plurality of input terminals. The plurality of rectifiers are provided on a side of the heat-sink base opposite to the plurality of radiator fins and are arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the heat-sink base. The plurality of input terminals are connected to the plurality of rectifiers with band-shaped conductors and are provided on a side of the plurality of rectifiers opposite to the heat sink.

Abstract: A semiconductor module in accordance with one embodiment comprises a plurality of semiconductor switching devices; a plurality of control circuits provided for the respective semiconductor switching devices and adapted to control switching of the semiconductor switching devices corresponding thereto and perform protection actions to stop switching the semiconductor switching devices corresponding thereto falling into a control stop state; and a signal path connecting the plurality of control circuits to each other and transmitting among the plurality of control circuits a protection action signal indicating whether or not there is the protection action for each of the semiconductor switching devices corresponding to the plurality of control circuits. Any of the plurality of control circuits receiving the protection action signal indicating that another control circuit is in the protection action through the signal path stops switching the semiconductor switching device corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A computing device including a power connector to interface with a power source, logic and power components on a current path from the power connector; the power connector providing electrical power to the logic and power components, and an inrush protection circuit on the current path between the power connector and the logic and power components, the inrush protection circuit including: a first power dissipation device and a second power dissipation device arranged in parallel on the current path, a feedback loop to detect an amount of current in the current path and to control the first power dissipation device to operate in a manner to dissipate detected inrush current, and a first time delay network in communication with the second power dissipation device and causing a delay for the second power dissipation device to transition to an on state, wherein during steady state.

Abstract: There is provided a protection apparatus for a load circuit, capable of protecting the load circuit by simulating a fuse. A pseudo heat capacity Cth* smaller than a heat capacity of an electric wire used in the load circuit is set, and a temperature of the electric wire is calculated with reference to an arithmetic expression of heat generation amount of the electric wire, an arithmetic expression of heat radiation amount of the electric wire, a time counted by the count unit, and the pseudo heat capacity Cth*. Then, a semiconductor relay S1 is interrupted when the calculated temperature of the electric wire reaches an allowable temperature of the electric wire to protect the load circuit from heat generation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an overcurrent protection circuit for controlling an output transistor connected between a power source and an output terminal is provided. The overcurrent protection circuit has an overcurrent limiting circuit, a current-voltage control circuit, and a first control circuit. The current-voltage control circuit configured to control a gate voltage of the output transistor so that an output current is proportional to an output voltage of the output terminal Tout. The first control circuit is configured to allow the current-voltage control circuit to control the output transistor so that the output current is proportional to the output voltage when the output voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold voltage. The first control circuit is configured to allow the current-voltage control circuit to stop controlling the output transistor when the output voltage exceeds the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a transformer and an integrated circuit regulator. The integrated circuit regulator is coupled to the transformer and includes switching regulator logic, a counter, and a switching transistor. The regulator logic generates a switching signal in response to the feedback signal. The counter receives the feedback signal, where the feedback signal periodically cycles between a first state and a second state when the switched mode power supply operates normally. An output of the counter indicates an auto-restart mode of the regulator in response to the feedback signal remaining in the first state for a predetermined count due to a fault condition. The switching transistor is coupled to be turned on and off in response to the switching signal when the output of the counter does not indicate the auto-restart mode and is disabled when the output of the counter indicates the auto-restart mode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to sense the occurrence of a break in a ground connection and/or supply connection and to indicate same to an exterior environment. In at least one implementation, the break may be indicated by providing a signal on an output terminal of the device that is not associated with a normal output of the device.

Abstract: Provided is an over-current protection apparatus including a current sensor configured to transform input current into a voltage signal, and output the voltage signal; an over-current sensing unit driven according to the voltage signal output from the current sensor; and an over-current determination unit configured to generate a switching unit driving signal, the logic level of which is determined according to a duration of an output signal of the over-current sensing unit.

Abstract: An interface circuit configurable in input and output modes comprises a current source; an input/output node; a diode to prevent current from flowing from the input/output node to the current source; a first switch to short-circuit the diode when closed; and a second switch to form a ground path from the input/output node when closed. In input mode, the first switch is closed and the state of a connected sensor circuit may be measured. In the output mode, the first switch is open, and the second switch may be closed to activate an output circuit. In the output mode, power dissipation may be monitored, and the diode may protect the current source and measurement node from current flowing through the output circuit. In the input mode, closing the first switch may prevent the diode from introducing measurement errors due to non-linear attenuation of perturbative AC signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of circuits, apparatuses, and systems for a protection circuit to protect against overdrive or overvoltage conditions. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A fault detection, identification, and protection system for a phase leg of a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) power converter includes a fault detection circuit, the fault detection circuit configured to determine, based on signals received from the two inner switches and two outer switches via their respective gate drivers, the presence of a fault in the phase leg; a fault identification circuit, the fault identification circuit being configured to determine, based on signals from the fault detection circuit, a location of the fault in the phase leg; and a protection circuit, the protection circuit being configured to turn off at least one of the inner switches or outer switches in response to the identification of the location of the fault by the fault identification circuit.

Abstract: A gate driving circuit for driving a power semiconductor element can include a MSINK that is an n-channel metal-oxide silicon field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with a low resistance value for rapidly drawing out the charges accumulated on the gate of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), and a MSOFT that is an n-channel MOSFET with a high resistance value for slowly drawing out the charges. By shifting the time for turning ON of these MOSFETs, soft interruption can be performed rapidly and surely when overcurrent or short circuit current flows in the IGBT. Therefore, device breakdown is minimized or avoided and noise generation is suppressed.

Abstract: A protection apparatus of a load circuit, comprises: a temperature estimation unit configured to estimate a temperature of an electric wire based on a pseudo-temperature arithmetic expression; and a breaking control unit configured to break a switch portion when the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit has reached an allowed temperature of the electric wire. The pseudo-temperature arithmetic expression is set in such a manner that, in a temperature arithmetic expression of the electric wire, the temperature arithmetic expression using the elapsed time counted by the timer, the current detected by the current detection unit, and a heat capacity and conductor resistance of the electric wire, a pseudo-heat capacity smaller than the heat capacity of the electric wire is assigned to the heat capacity, and a pseudo-conductor resistance larger than the conductor resistance of the electric wire is assigned to the conductor resistance.

Abstract: A protection apparatus of a load circuit sets a threshold temperature at a lower temperature than an allowed temperature of an electric wire for use in the load circuit, and estimates a temperature of the electric wire based on an ambient temperature, a load current and a time while the load current is flowing through the electric wire. Then, in the case where the estimated temperature has reached the threshold temperature, a semiconductor relay (S1) is broken. As a result, in the case where such an electric wire temperature has risen owing to an occurrence of an overcurrent, and the like, the circuit is surely protected at the point of time before the electric wire temperature reaches the allowed temperature. Therefore, a fuse used in a conventional load circuit becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for a direct current (DC) electrical system includes a high bandwidth fault detector, the high bandwidth fault detector configured to detect a possible fault and place a power switch of the SSPC in saturation at a predetermined current limit; and a low bandwidth fault detector, the low bandwidth fault detector configured to determine whether the possible fault is a confirmed fault, and in the event the possible fault is determined to be the confirmed fault, turning off the power switch, or in the event the possible fault is determined not to be the confirmed fault, turning on the power switch at a minimum on-resistance.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a regulator including an output terminal; a switch connected to the output terminal of the regulator; a pull-down resistor connected to the switch; and a leak detection circuit configured to detect a leak current generated in the semiconductor integrated circuit, and turn on the switch when the leak current is detected so that the pull-down resistor is connected via the switch to the output terminal of the regulator and a voltage output from the output terminal of the regulator is pulled down by the pull-down resistor.

Abstract: An electronic fuse (506, 507) suitable for use in a direct current, DC, applications which is exposed to surges. The electronic fuse (506,507) comprises a current sensor (500) for measuring a current flowing in a current path of the DC system, the electronic fuse comprising a first transistor switch (501) which is arranged in the current path, the first transistor switch comprising at least one parasitic diode (511) having a forward direction which is opposite to an operational DC direction of the current path. The electronic fuse further comprising a controller (502) operatively connected to the current sensor (500) and adapted to control the first transistor switch (501) based on the measured current, and a current restrictor (503,520) which is capable of blocking a current from flowing in the current path in a direction opposite to the operational DC direction.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus which detects a remaining level of a battery used as a power supply, comprising a current detection unit configured to detect a current value flowing through a circuit of the electronic apparatus, a voltage detection unit configured to detect a voltage value of the battery, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a voltage value of the battery when a consumption current of the electronic apparatus is a predetermined consumption current, based on current values and voltage values detected by the current detection unit and the voltage detection unit, respectively, in a plurality of states different in the consumption current of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Short-circuit protection in switched output stages is described to protect switching output stages from excessive output current in short-circuit conditions which may cause device damage. Design techniques to attain this goal include measuring currents in switching transistors by placing a scaled transistor in parallel thereto, combined with circuitry for making drain voltages substantially equal. The various techniques for short-circuit protection comprise (a) using a transistor and an operational amplifier in combination, (b) using a single transistor in place of the operational amplifier, (c) using a circuit to generate over-current detection signals, (d) providing over-current detection signals to a driver in order to reduce the output current, (e) using an inverter to feedback regulate output current, (f) using a switch to bypass the current regulator during normal operation, and (g) automatically opening this switch in an over-current situation.

Abstract: A first overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a first time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the first threshold, reaches a first duration time, which corresponds to a first threshold. A second overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a second time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the second threshold, reaches a second duration time, which corresponds to a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. The second duration time is longer than the first duration time. A determination circuit determines that an overcurrent flows into the wire harness and cause a control circuit to deactivate the switching element when inputting at least one of the first and second time-up signals.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a first circuit module, a first current sensor and a control circuit. The first transistor includes first, second and third terminals. The first terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a first power terminal. The third terminal of the first transistor includes a gate or base of the first transistor. The second transistor includes first, second and third terminals. The first terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a second power terminal. The second terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor. The third terminal of the second transistor includes a gate or base of the second transistor. The first circuit module includes an inductor in parallel with a diode. The first circuit module is connected between the first terminal of the second transistor and the second power terminal.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic circuit including an upper control unit and a lower control unit. The upper control unit performs a logic transition of a gate signal so as to off-latch an upper switch by using the fall edge of a drive signal as a trigger and release the off-latch of the upper switch by using the rise edge of a monitor signal as a trigger. The lower control unit performs a logic transition of the gate signal so as to off-latch a lower switch by using the rise edge of the drive signal as a trigger and release the off-latch of the lower switch by using the rise edge of a monitor signal as a trigger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transistor circuit with protecting function. The transistor circuit includes a transistor, a voltage detecting unit, a current detecting unit, a temperature detecting unit, and a protecting unit. The voltage detecting unit detects a voltage drop of the transistor and generates an over-voltage protection signal. The current detecting signal detects a current flowing through the transistor and generates an over-current protection signal. The temperature detecting unit detects a temperature of the transistor circuit and generates an over-temperature protection signal. The protecting unit is coupled to the control terminal to control a state of the transistor according to the over-voltage protection signal, the over-current protection signal, and the over-temperature protection signal to reduce the voltage difference between the control terminal and the second terminal, such that the voltage drop of the transistor is decreased or decreased to zero.

Abstract: An inrush current higher than a second anomaly threshold current ILfc passes through a power MOSFET 14, when a control signal S1 of low level is applied to a gate driver 28 so that the power MOSFET 14 and the like turn to a conductive state. A first forcing shutoff operation for the power MOSFET 14 is then prevented, because a first anomaly threshold current ILoc is set to an initial level higher than the inrush current. A fuse time counter 73 starts a count-up operation in response to the occurrence of the inrush current, and continues to increment its count value until a load current IL falls below the second anomaly threshold current ILfc. According to the count value, the first anomaly threshold current ILoc is decreased stepwise with time.

Abstract: A charge circuit interrupt device comprises a ground fault interrupt module, a current generation module and a current injection module. The ground fault interrupt module disconnects a load from a charging source when a current imbalance exceeds a threshold. The current generation module generates a balancing current based on the current imbalance. The current injection module inputs the balancing current into the charging source to oppose the current imbalance. The charge circuit interrupt device may further include an input balance disable control module that disables the current generation module from generating the balancing current when the current imbalance exceeds the threshold, and a current isolation module that isolates the charging source and the ground fault interrupt module, the current generation module and the current injection module.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a power converter capable of not only boosting the voltage but also shutting-off the flowing current, by switching only the switch element. The power converter 1, comprises a first input-output portion 3, a second input-output portion 5, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2 electrically connected with the first capacitor C1 in serial, a first current control block B1, a second current control block B2, a third current control block B3, a fourth current control block B4, and a switching controller 7 operable to switch certain current control blocks, wherein the current flowing direction is opposite to each other between a first current control element B1a (B2a, B3a, B4a) and a second current control element B1b (B2b, B3b, B4b) which compose the current control block B1 (B2, B3, B4).

Abstract: A regulator for a switched mode power supply includes switching regulator logic, a counter and a switching transistor. The switching regulator logic is coupled to receive a feedback signal and to generate a switching signal in response. The feedback signal periodically cycles between a first state and a second state when the power supply operates normally. The counter is coupled to receive the feedback signal and an output of the counter indicates an auto-restart mode of the regulator in response to the feedback signal remaining in the first state for a predetermined count. The switching transistor is turned on and off in response to the switching signal when the output of the counter does not indicate the auto-restart mode and is disabled when the output of the counter indicates the auto-restart mode.

Abstract: A DC distribution board comprises, therein as internal devices, a circuit breaker 5 provided along each of branch lines branched from main wires of a direct-current power supply, and a controller 6 for controlling switching of the breaker 5. The circuit breaker 5 comprises: power connecting terminals t1, t2 connected to the main wires; load connecting terminals t3, t4 connected with wires from a load; a semiconductor switch device 57 provided along an electrical circuit between the terminals t1, t2 and the terminals t3, t4; a current sensing resistor 56 for detecting an electric current through the electrical circuit; and a arithmetic circuit 60 for turning the device 57 on or off according to an on/off control signal from the controller 6, and coercively turning the device 57 off when a current value obtained from a voltage across the resistor 56 exceeds a set current.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit for use in a charger circuit system, comprising: a power transistor electrically connected between a voltage supply and a battery; an OVP circuit which turns off the transistor when a voltage supply exceeds a threshold value; and a multiplexing circuit electrically connected between an output of the OVP circuit and the gate of the transistor. The present invention also discloses a charger circuit with an OVP function, comprising: a single power transistor electrically connected between a voltage supply and a battery; an OVP control circuit which turns off the power transistor when a voltage supply exceeds a threshold value; and a charger control circuit which controls the gate of the power transistor to determine a charge current to the battery when the voltage supply does not reach the threshold value.

Abstract: A load driving circuit (20) according to the present invention, for carrying out PWM control to cause currents of respective light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) connected in parallel, each of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) including a plurality of light emitting diodes (4) connected in series, causes timing at which a current of any one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is turned on or off to be different from timing at which current(s) of at least another one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is(are) turned on or off. This makes it possible to provide a load driving circuit which (i) does not have a reduction in a degree of freedom in selecting a frequency of a PWM control signal that is used to control loads, (ii) does not prevent a peripheral circuit from following the PWM control circuit, and (iii) prevents generation of sounds.

Abstract: An integral impedence is formed on or within a lead frame pin of a semiconductor package and receives a connection from an electrode of a semiconductor die within the package to eliminate the need for adjustment and protective impedences external of the package. The impedence comprises passives such as resistors, capacitors, diodes or inductors which modify the performance of the package for new semiconductor device characteristics. The impedences may have positive or negative temperature coefficients and are in close thermal communication with the semiconductor die.