Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a plurality of temperature sensors and a power manager coupled thereto. The temperature sensors are physically distributed over an area of the integrated circuit that is occupied by logic circuitry implementing the operations for which the integrated circuit is designed. The power manager is configured to transmit a power supply voltage request to an external power supply module, the power supply voltage request indicating a requested magnitude of the power supply voltage for the integrated circuit. The power manager is configured to modify the requested magnitude responsive to indications from each of the plurality of temperatures sensors that represent a temperature of the integrated circuit sensed by each of the plurality of temperature sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting an overheating condition at an electrical power device and automatically breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds a setpoint value. In various configurations the device is a receptacle adapted to be used in a wall mounted box or a receptacle unit that is plugged into an existing receptacle and supported in place by the existing receptacle. A temperature switch is wired parallel to a normally open test switch on a ground fault circuit interrupter or other circuit interrupting device. The temperature switch is responsive to the temperature local to the receptacle, such as is caused by poor connections to or in the receptacle. The temperature setpoint is less than the melting temperature of the insulation of the electrical wiring. Upon actuation of the temperature switch, the circuit interrupting device is latched in a tripped position until the device is reset for reuse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting heating to prevent explosions in a gaseous environment containing an industrial control system are described. A method may include controlling heating in an electrical circuit component in response to a circuit failure so as to avoid reaching a temperature at or above a flash point of a gaseous component of the gaseous environment.

Abstract: A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device, a Protective Circuit Module (PCM) including the PTC device, and a secondary battery including the Protective Circuit Module (PCM) are provided. A support portion is formed at one end of a conductive plate of the PTC device, a conductive layer disposed on the upper portion of the PTC main body is fixed to the Protective Circuit Module (PCM), and the support portion is fixed by a coated adhesive that is melted at a high temperature and then hardens when the high temperature is removed, thereby preventing the PTC device from swaying or twisting.

Abstract: In order to provide a power semiconductor module for power distribution and transmission, having a power semiconductor circuit which is connected via connecting lines to an energy storage device, which limits the current amplitudes that occur in the electrical fault and effectively protects the power electronics, it is proposed that the connecting lines have a weak point which breaks when the current load is above a threshold value, with the connecting lines furthermore having a resistance which is connected in parallel with the weak point.

Abstract: A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component includes one or more transient voltage suppression structures. In an embodiment, the semiconductor component may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, an ESD protection circuit, or combinations of these circuits.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for protecting data in a non-volatile storage device and a computer thereof. The computer includes a non-volatile storage device, a temperature sensing unit, and a controller. The temperature sensing unit is disposed at the non-volatile storage device to sense a sensed temperature of the non-volatile storage device and to compare the sensed temperature with a predetermined temperature. The controller is coupled with the temperature sensing unit. When the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the controller makes the computer enter into a hibernation state.

Abstract: A load control apparatus adapted to indirectly detect an overcurrent, i.e. a current magnitude exceeding a predetermined limit value, occurring in an electric conductor element (4) belonging to a load current circuit (20), on the basis of an increase in temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault conditions are described. The systems provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Solid-state temperature sensors are utilized and may be connected to a printed circuit board integrated with supply wire terminals, thus providing electronic circuitry controlling the response to over-temperature events while simultaneously keeping the temperature sensors in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at temperatures more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures. Additionally, the threshold temperature for response can more easily be selected or controlled to be at a variety of temperatures to improve safety.

Abstract: A method is intended to make it possible to drive a PTC electrical load element with a switching unit with the highest possible operational reliability. For this purpose, the electric current is switched off if a predetermined current threshold value is exceeded, the magnitude of the current threshold value being determined from the operating parameters of the load element.

Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and thermal disconnect assembly carrying a separable contact bridge movable along a linear axis to disconnect the varistor element from external circuitry.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation sensor configured to direct a field of view toward at least one conduit along a fluid flow path into a heat exchanger. The radiation sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the at least one conduit. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the radiation sensor. The controller is configured to determine the temperature based on the signal, to compare the temperature to a threshold range, and to adjust a fluid flow through the fluid flow path or the at least one conduit if the temperature deviates from the threshold range.

Abstract: A thermal sensing system for providing thermal protection to an electronic circuit breaker that does not require any additional components. The layout of the conductive traces on the printed circuit board are dimensioned and configured so that the ratio of primary current to primary conductor thermal mass heating is correlated with the ratio of secondary current to secondary thermal mass heating. A voltage at a semiconductor junction in the rectifier behind the secondary transformer is measured, and a temperature or heat is calculated based on the voltage. Because this temperature or heat calculation is correlated with the temperature or heat of the primary conductor, a trip routine can be added based on the measured voltage for thermal protection of the primary conductors. A thermal history of the ‘primary thermal mass’ is also provided for robust thermal protection of the circuit breaker load and primary conductors.

Abstract: To provide an overcurrent protection apparatus which can surely protect a load circuit from an overcurrent with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module (10) with a plurality of solar cells (20) interconnected in serial and/or parallel arrangement within the module (10) is equipped with an overheat protection system (30) for suppressing damages of the photovoltaic module (10) due to defects of the solar cells (20). The overheat protection system (30) comprises a heat sensor (32) which is thermally coupled to a solar cell (20). The heat sensor (32) is physically integrated into an electrical switch (34, 36, 38) which is electrically connected to said solar cell (20).

Abstract: A temperature protection circuit includes a detection circuit, a comparison circuit, a switching circuit, and a control circuit. When the temperature of an electronic device is below a preset temperature, a detecting voltage signal exceeds a reference temperature signal, and the comparison circuit outputs a control signal to open the switching circuit. The control circuit directs a power circuit to provide voltage to an operating circuit. When a temperature of the electronic device exceeds the preset temperature, the detecting voltage signal is below the reference temperature signal, and the comparison circuit outputs a control signal to close the switching circuit. The control circuit directs the power circuit to stop supplying voltages to the operating circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first temperature sensing circuit, a multiplexer, and an output circuit. The first temperature sensing circuit can be configured to provide a first temperature indication based on a first temperature threshold value. The first temperature indication can include a first temperature indication logic level. The multiplexer can include a first multiplexer input configured to receive the first temperature indication, a second multiplexer input configured to receive a data signal, and a third multiplexer input configured to receive a temperature read enable signal. The multiplexer can be configured to provide a first multiplexer output. The output circuit can include a first output terminal. The output circuit can be configured to receive the first multiplexer output. The multiplexer and the output circuit can be configured to provide the first temperature indication to the first output terminal when the temperature read enable is enabled.

Abstract: Electronic systems and methods automatically monitor a presence, absence, and change of circuit protectors at specified locations in an electrical system. Circuit protectors may be automatically detected and correlated with specific circuit protection holders as they are installed and replaced in the electrical system. Determinations may be made regarding whether the installation or replacement is proper or improper for optimal protection of the electrical system.

Abstract: A power control apparatus is disclosed. The power control apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a level-controlling unit, a reset unit and a first voltage converter. The temperature sensor is for sensing an operation temperature of a computer system and accordingly outputs a sensing signal. The level-controlling unit is for deciding whether or not to output a control voltage according to the sensing signal. The reset unit is for producing a reset signal according to a plurality of reference voltages generated by dividing the power voltage and using the control voltage to adjust the levels of the reference voltages. The first voltage converter is for producing a start signal according to the reset signal, wherein the start signal is for enabling the embedded controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting a lithium ion battery (1) in a vehicle. According to the invention, in the case of thermal and/or electrical overload the lithium ion battery (1) is disconnected from an electrical system (4) of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a device for protecting a lithium ion battery (1) in a vehicle.

Abstract: A stacked battery module or a battery pack is formed by laying a plurality of unit batteries of non-aqueous electrolyte batteries in layers with the surfaces thereof having a large area disposed vis-à-vis and electrically connecting them in series and a temperature fuse is arranged in the central part of the stacked battery module with one of its terminals connected to either the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of the stacked battery module while the other terminal connected to a charging terminal for supplying a charging current in a charging operation. One of the terminals of the stacked battery module is connected to a discharging terminal for taking out a discharging current in a discharging operation and the other terminal of the stacked battery module is a common terminal for charging and discharging operations.

Abstract: A method of providing overload and short-circuit protection for a Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS). The method may rely upon sensing a temperature change rate for a component of the SMPS and implementing a protection scheme when the temperature change rate exceeds a desired temperature change rate. The implementation scheme may include permanently or temporarily shutting-off the component.

Abstract: A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.

Abstract: A thermal protection method and system of an Integrated Circuit (IC) are provided, which are applicable to a wireless terminal equipment. The method includes: measuring a temperature value of a protection point; comparing the measured temperature value with a thermal protection temperature threshold; and starting a protection measure when the measured temperature value reaches or exceeds the thermal protection temperature threshold and a duration of reaching or exceeding the thermal protection temperature threshold exceeds a preset time.

Abstract: Existing measurements of an input component (such as voltage or current) in a three phase power supply system are decomposed into a negative sequence component. The negative sequence component, which is significantly higher when a rectifier fuse is blown, is compared to a threshold and a determination made that a rectifier fuse is blown when the negative component exceeds the threshold. In an aspect, an adaptive algorithm is used to make the detection work better in the range of the nominal frequency of the input voltage. In an aspect, the negative sequence is determined indirectly from the existing measurements.

Abstract: A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller.

Abstract: A surge protection device employing a controlled convection thermal disconnector in which a surge protective component, such as a metal oxide varistor, and a thermally responsive device, such as a thermal cut-off, are placed in separate, cross-ventilated chambers. An internal vent is positioned such that it prevents line-of-sight between the surge protective component and a mechanized portion of the thermally responsive device, in order to protect the thermally responsive device from hot surge protective component emissions from the surge protective component. An output vent is formed between the thermally responsive device and the exterior atmosphere to promote forced convective heat transfer from the surge protective component to the thermally responsive device during a thermal runaway condition, with the expanding gases in the surge protective component chamber providing the transfer impetus.

Abstract: An electronic system is provided including providing a target semiconductor device connected to a system power supply, measuring the system power supply with the control device for a power usage by the target semiconductor device, and controlling a fan with the control device based on the power usage.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having at least one actuation assembly to effect a surgical procedure when actuated, an electric motor operationally connected to the end effector to operate the at least one actuation assembly, and a power supply electrically connected to the motor and selectively powering the motor to actuate the actuation assembly. The power supply has a battery cell with a critical current rate and, when activated to power the motor and actuate the actuation assembly, operates the cell at a super-critical current rate or at an average current rate above the critical current rate. The power supply selectively powers the motor to actuate the assembly less than 16 times during a clinical life of at least one of the end effector, the motor, and the power supply. When actuated, the assembly operates only between 0.5 seconds and 16 seconds in duration.

Abstract: A barrier operator comprises a current limit portion and a barrier operator portion. The current limit portion is coupled to a mains supply and the barrier operator position is coupled to the mains supply and the current limit portion. The barrier operator portion actuates a movable barrier. The current limit portion regulates electrical current to at least one additional device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating digital thermal sensors. A processor chip with a plurality of digital thermal sensors receives an analog voltage. A test circuit coupled to the processor chip receives a clock signal and a register coupled to the test circuit outputs a value on each clock cycle to a digital thermal sensor in the plurality of digital thermal sensors. The digital thermal sensor transitions an output state in response to the value of the register received in the digital thermal sensor equaling a temperature threshold of the digital thermal sensor. The value of the register at the point of transition is used to calibrate the digital thermal sensor. An incrementer increments the value of the register on each clock cycle in response to the value of the register received in the digital thermal sensor failing to equal the temperature threshold of the digital thermal sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transform wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.

Abstract: An AC photovoltaic module includes a DC photovoltaic module for converting solar energy to DC electrical power, and an inverter for converting DC electrical power to AC electrical power, the inverter being adapted for connection to a frame portion of the module and being sized and configured, and provided with arrangements of electrical components thereof, to dispense heat from the inverter, whereby to prolong operational life and reliability of the inverter.

Abstract: A power control apparatus is disclosed. The power control apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a first voltage converter, an over-temperature protection, a reset unit and a second voltage converter. The temperature sensor is for sensing a measured temperature to output a sensing signal. The first voltage converter converts the power voltage of a computer system into a first voltage. The over-temperature protection unit receives the first voltage and decides whether or not outputting the first voltage according to the sensing signal. When the reset unit has received the first voltage from the over-temperature protection unit, the reset unit decides whether or not to produce a reset signal according to the level of the power voltage. The second voltage converter is for producing a start signal to enable the embedded controller according to the reset signal.

Abstract: A personal computer and methods of reconfiguration are described. An implementation of a personal computer may comprise a processor portion running a diagnostic application. A field programmable gate array in communication with the processor portion may be provided. A configurable non-volatile computer memory in communication with the field programmable gate array and wherein the field programmable gate array is programmed to reconfigure the non-volatile computer memory may be provided. Methods of reconfiguration of a personal computer are provided.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a temperature measurement section that measures a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat by consuming power or a temperature of an inner position of a casing of which the temperature changes due to the heat generation of the heat generation source; and an environmental temperature calculation section that calculates a temperature which is calculated using a predetermined relational equation that is different in accordance with a model from a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time when the heat generation source starts consuming a predetermined amount of power and a second temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time after the passage of a predetermined period from the start of consumption of a predetermined amount of power by the heat generation source as an environmental temperature in an environment where the casing is placed.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an output transistor, an overcurrent detection circuit and overcurrent limitation circuit. The overcurrent detection circuit includes a first transistor detecting an overcurrent of the output transistor. The overcurrent limitation circuit is connected between a gate and a source of the output transistor. The overcurrent limitation circuit includes a plurality of resistance elements and a diode connected in series between the gate and the source of the output transistor in series, and a second transistor whose gate is connected to a connection point between the resistance elements and that is cascade connected to the first transistor.

Abstract: An electronics system includes an electronic device, a power source and a temperature control switch. An actuator having a shape memory alloy is attached to the temperature control switch and moves the temperature control switch between an open position preventing a current flow between the power source and the electronic device, and a closed position permitting current flow between the power source and the electronic device. The shape memory alloy transforms shapes upon the ambient temperature falling below a low critical temperature or rising above a high critical temperature to move the temperature control switch into one of the closed position to permit current flow to the electronic device or the open position to prevent current flow to the electronics device respectively.

Abstract: A safety device for disabling a positive pressure radiant tube heater upon failure of the heat exchanger and a corresponding method are described. This invention relates to the ability to detect a condition where a failure of the heat exchanger triggers the safety device and disables the heater. The safety device includes a low melt wire; an insulating sleeve positioned about the low melt wire, the wire and sleeve positioned on top of the reflector, a tension device to maintain the wire under tension; and a control device to disable the heater if the wire is discontinuous.

Abstract: There is provided a PTC device wherein decline in the reliability of the PTC component is suppressed as much as possible. The PTC device includes a PTC component including a laminar PTC element and metal electrodes disposed on both sides thereof; and a metal layer-retaining insulating layer including an insulating layer having a metal layer disposed on one of its main surfaces, wherein one of the metal electrodes of the PTC component is disposed on the metal layer, the two being electrically connected.

Abstract: A load drive apparatus is provided which comprises a switching element 3 connected in series to a DC power source Vcc and an electric load 4, a drive circuit 5 for generating control signals to turn switching element 3 on and off, a thermal detection element 6 for sensing a temperature of switching element 3, an overheat protective circuit 7 for generating an overheat detection signal when thermal detection element 6 senses the temperature of switching element 3 over a predetermined temperature level, and a disconnection detection circuit 11 provided with a current mirror circuit 12 connected between one and the other terminals of thermal detection element 6 for detecting a disconnection in wiring between thermal detection element 6 and overheat protective circuit 7.

Abstract: A light fixture and a method for control of a light fixture is supervised by at least one thermoswitch which protects the light source by disconnecting the power supply to the light source at elevated temperature. To achieve a safety circuit in a light fixture without switching the supply circuit to a light source, the at least one thermoswitch is connected to a low voltage safety loop, which safety loop is connected to a current source that generates a constant current in the safety loop. The safety loop is supervised by a current measuring device. Hereby, it is achieved that the switching, if temperature rises, is achieved by switching contacts that only carry a very limited current. This will increase the life time of the thermoswitch and very small switches can be used.

Abstract: Overcurrent is prevented in an automotive vehicle based on sensing at least one operating condition. An overcurrent threshold is determined based on characteristics of the load and on the sensed condition. If the sensed flow of current exceeds the determined overcurrent threshold, the flow of current to the load is interrupted. The sensed condition may be, for example, ambient temperature.

Abstract: A temperature protection circuit comprises means adapted to compare the temperature being monitored with each of threshold temperatures and judging that the temperature being monitored reaches a threshold temperature when the temperature being monitored is maintained at the threshold temperature or more for a predetermined confirmation period, means adapted to set a longer confirmation period as the threshold temperature compared with the temperature being monitored is lower, means adapted to generate one of corresponding temperature protection signals (Sarm, Slmt, Stsd1, Stsd2) according to the judgment of which threshold temperature the temperature being monitored reaches. With this constitution, temperature protection operation can be preformed with high accuracy and high safety without unnecessarily narrowing the range of the operating temperature of an IC to be protected.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting an overheating condition at an electrical power device and automatically breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds a setpoint value. In various configurations the device is a receptacle adapted to be used in a wall mounted box or a receptacle unit that is plugged into an existing receptacle and supported in place by the existing receptacle. A temperature switch is wired parallel to a normally open test switch on a ground fault circuit interrupter or other circuit interrupting device. The temperature switch is responsive to the temperature local to the receptacle, such as is caused by poor connections to or in the receptacle. The temperature setpoint is less than the melting temperature of the insulation of the electrical wiring. Upon actuation of the temperature switch, the circuit interrupting device is latched in a tripped position until the device is reset for reuse.

Abstract: A hot plug electronic device with high using safety is provided. The hot plug electronic device includes an operation circuit, a voltage regulator and an over-thermal protection device. The operation circuit is used for communicating with an external host. The voltage regulator is coupled to the operation circuit for supplying power to the operation circuit. The over-thermal protection device is coupled to the voltage regulator for sensing the present temperature of the hot plug electronic device, and accordingly controlling the voltage regulator to normally supply/stop supplying the power to the operation circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to a power transistor and a method for controlling a power transistor. In one embodiment a power transistor comprises a power semiconductor body with a plurality of power transistor cells each having a control electrode and a current path. The power transistor furthermore comprises a temperature sensor formed by at least one transistor cell in the power semiconductor body whose control electrode is coupled to one electrode of the current path forming a reversed biased pn-junction.

Abstract: Load switches are relatively common and in use with a variety of applications, and conventional load switches have been designed to have continually operating protection circuitry, which can consume a great deal of power. Here, a load switch integrated circuit (IC) is provided where a controller within the IC activates and deactivates various protection circuits in a sequence, allowing the protection circuit to protect the IC while also reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A circuit that electrically controls power includes at least one power control device and at least one heat extraction device. The at least one extraction device is in thermal contact with the at least one power control device. The heat extraction device is arranged such that it can be clamped to a fixed predefined electric potential and electrically insulated by the at least one power control device.

Abstract: A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit, comprised of a voltage sensitive element having a predetermined voltage rating, the voltage sensitive element increasing in temperature as voltage applied across the voltage sensitive element exceeds the voltage rating. Terminals are provided for electrically connecting the voltage sensitive element between a power line of an electrical circuit and a ground or neutral line of the electrical circuit. A normally closed, thermal switch is electrically connected in series with the voltage sensitive element between the power line and the voltage sensitive element, the thermal switch being thermally coupled to the voltage sensitive element wherein the thermal switch moves from a normally closed position to an open position to form a gap between the thermal switch and the voltage sensitive element when the temperature of the voltage sensitive element reaches a level indicating an over-voltage condition.