Abstract: In a power device such as an NLDMOS power array comprising multiple NLDMOS devices, the gates of which are driven by a driver, self protection against overvoltage events is implemented by providing a high side pull-up avalanche diode connected to at least some of the gates of the NLDMOS devices.

Abstract: Equipment for vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes: a vehicle-mounted unit which runs with respect to a vehicle body ground on a side of a negative electrode of a battery; an impedance component having an end connected to the vehicle body ground, and another end connected to a circuit ground; a circuit to be controlled which runs with respect to the circuit ground; a control unit which runs with respect to the circuit ground, for controlling the circuit to be controlled and for outputting a communication signal in a digital form which is to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted unit; and a communication interface circuit which runs with respect to both the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, for cancelling a potential difference between the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, and for carrying out bidirectional communications between the vehicle-mounted unit and the control unit.

Abstract: A by-pass circuit for a battery system that disconnects parallel connected cells or modules from a battery circuit or controls the current through the parallel connected cells or modules. If a cell has failed or is potentially failing in the system, then the by-pass circuit can disconnect the cell or module from other cells or modules electrically coupled in parallel. If a cell or module has a lower capability than another cell or module, then the by-pass circuit can control the current to the cell or module to maximize the performance of the system and prevent the system from creating a walk-home condition.

Abstract: In a motor control device that drives a plurality of motors with one DC power supply, detection of a short circuit fault occurring in the motors is realized with an inexpensive configuration. In order to drive the plurality of motors (105, 106), a current detection resistor (404, 405) is arranged between a connection point on positive terminal sides of a plurality of electric power converters (401, 402) connected in parallel to a DC power supply (403) and a positive terminal of the DC power supply, or also between a connection point on negative terminal sides of the plurality of electric power converters and a negative terminal (ground) of the DC power supply, to thereby detect the short circuit fault based on a voltage of the current detection resistor.

Abstract: A first semiconductor switching element connects to a high side of a motor and includes a diode whose cathode faces the high side. A second semiconductor switching element having a diode resides on a low side of the first semiconductor switching element. A third semiconductor switching element having a diode resides on a low side of the motor. A fourth semiconductor switching element is connected in parallel to the motor and configures a return current circuit that includes a return current element and causes a return current that arises when the first semiconductor switching element turns off to flow through the return current element. A control portion controls on-off states of the first to the fourth semiconductor switching elements and performs return current circuit failure detection based on a first monitor voltage that is an electric potential of a connecting point between the first semiconductor switching element and the motor.

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: A protective circuit arrangement is disclosed for electrical equipment supplied, for example, from a conductor loop in surroundings subject to explosion hazards in process engineering installations. To suppress current flow from an energy store of the electrical equipment into the conductor loop, an exemplary cascadeable switchgear cell is disclosed, having a first transistor, which allows the loop current to pass, and a second transistor, which short-circuits a parasitic base-emitter diode of the first transistor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and corresponding systems to detect and prevent and/or eliminate overload conditions for a transistor. According to an embodiment, a method includes providing an input signal to a base terminal of a transistor for a first amount of time, determining if an overload condition exists at the transistor, disabling the transistor for a second amount of time when the overload condition exists at the transistor, and providing the communication signal to the base terminal upon expiration of the second amount of time. Additional overload conditions can be checked upon expiration of the second amount of time as well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for operation of a voltage source inverter. A method of operating a voltage source inverter having an output with multiple voltage phases having a DC voltage level, the method comprising sensing a low output frequency condition; determining a DC voltage offset responsive to the low output frequency condition; and applying the DC voltage offset when operating the voltage source inverter resulting in a change to the DC voltage level of the multiple voltage phases.

Abstract: An emergency override system includes first and second communication interfaces, a sensor, and a processor. The first communication interface is connected to the second communication interface by a communication line. The sensor is disposed along the communication line and is configured to output signals in response to sensing network data being transmitted on the communication line. The switch is disposed along the communication line and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The processor is coupled to the switch and the sensor and is configured to control the opening and closing of the switch in response to the signals transmitted by the sensor. The processor provides device control data to the network device over the communication line when the switch is open. The network control data commands the network device to perform a predetermined function in response to a lack of network data being transmitted on the communication line.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting potentially harmful harmonic and direct current signals at a transformer are disclosed. One such system includes a plurality of detection components electrically connected to electrical signal lines leading from one or more connection points on a power grid, and a plurality of threshold detectors, each threshold detector configured to compare an incoming signal from a detection component to a predetermined signal having a threshold. The system also includes a controller receiving an output from each of the plurality of threshold detectors and configured to drive at least one external component in response to receiving an indication from at least one of the plurality of threshold detectors of a detected signal above a threshold.

Abstract: A power and control unit for low and medium voltage applications, operatively couplable to one or more functions of a low or medium voltage apparatus, comprising: an internal self-diagnostic function operatively coupled to a signal-generating function; a binary input operatively coupled to said internal self-diagnostic function; a low-impedance variable load connectable in parallel to said binary input, said binary input comprising a control function operatively connected to said low-impedance variable load and also operatively connected, through a signal-detecting function, to said internal self-diagnostic function and to said one or more functions of said low or medium voltage apparatus.

Abstract: A highly accurate current sensing transformer, such as an external neutral current transformer (ENCT), accommodates a wide range of loads. The ENCT includes a housing, first and second terminals each having an end portion extending from and external to the housing, a conductor for carrying a current to be measured, and a current sensor having an aperture for receiving the conductor and having a central axis. The conductor joins the first and second terminals to form a current path that passes through the aperture. Increased accuracy is achieved by arranging the conductor such that a portion thereof passing through the aperture forms a substantial angle relative to the central axis, such that the entry angle of the current path via the conductor through the aperture of the current sensor of the ENCT matches an entry angle of a conductor through an aperture of a current sensor in the electronic trip unit to which the ENCT is attached.

Abstract: A device and method of protecting a link in a medium, high, or very high voltage power network, with current and voltage transformers and trip circuits being disposed on the link. The protection device includes a mechanism to directly connect to a power supply, to the current and voltage transformers, and to the trip circuits, via analog links, and a mechanism to convert from analog to digital that is connected to a central processor unit via a digital link, the analog-digital conversion mechanism including an integrated test plug socket function.

Abstract: A fault determination apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a circuit board disposed there within. The housing is shaped and dimensioned for non-intrusive placement within an existing electrical system. The circuit board is configured to provide one of a transmitter or a receiver within a fault determination system. A first set of connectors is disposed at a first side of the housing and a second set of connectors disposed at the second end of the housing. The first set of connectors and the second set of connectors are directly connected through the wires provided inside the apparatus while at least one wires under fault monitoring are tapped to the circuit board and configured so as to be electrically coupled to the existing electrical system.

Abstract: In a rotary electric system, a switch member includes at least one of a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is connected between a neutral point of multiphase stator windings and a high-side electrode of a direct current power source. The second switch is connected between the neutral point and a low-side electrode of the direct current power source. A controller works to turn the switch member off and on thereby switching control of the multiphase inverter between full-wave driving mode and half-wave driving mode. The full-wave driving mode allows the controller to drive all of the high-side and low-side switching elements per phase of the multiphase stator windings. The half-wave driving mode allows the controller to drive any one of the high-side switching element and the low-side switching element per phase of the multiphase stator windings.

Abstract: A method for applying power to an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The method includes connecting an AC voltage source to an input of a rectification circuit, connecting a DC voltage source to an output of the rectification circuit, and electrically connecting the DC voltage source and rectification circuit output to operational components of the ECM. The DC voltage source is capable of providing a voltage equal to or greater than a rectified voltage originating from the AC voltage source, and the DC voltage source is connected in parallel with the output of the rectification circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved Variable Speed Drives are provided. One embodiment relates to apparatus for common mode and differential mode filtering for motor or compressor bearing protection when operating with Variable Speed Drives, including conducted EMI/RFI input power mains mitigation. Another embodiment relates to a method to extend the synchronous operation of an active converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. Another embodiment relates to an active converter-based Variable Speed Drive system with Improved Full Speed Efficiency. Another embodiment relates to a liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor. The liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor may be used in any application where liquid or refrigerant cooling is available and a reduction in size and weight of a magnetic component is desired.

Abstract: A protective circuitry (20) is connected between a power input port (11) and an electronic component (12) of an electronic device. The protective circuitry includes a field effect transistor (21) and a detection unit (25). The field effect transistor has a gate and a drain both electrically connected to an anode of the power input port, and a source electrically connected to a cathode of the power input port via the electronic component. The detection unit has two conductive pads spaced to each other. One pad is electrically connected to the gate and the other pad is electrically connected to the cathode of the power input port.

Abstract: A microcomputer compares a low voltage LV and a middle voltage MV to a predetermined voltage Vth set at a value in the vicinity of the grounded voltage (0 V) on the basis of detected phase voltages Vu, Vv and Vw, and thus, detects a break in a power supply line.

Abstract: A multi-phase AC motor driving device in which occurrence of failure is not erroneously determined is provided. In a multi-phase AC motor driving device including an inverter circuit; current detecting resistances Ru, Rv, and Rw, respectively arranged on lower arm of the respective phase of the inverter circuit, for detecting phase current of the motor; and a control portion and a PWM circuit for controlling ON/OFF operation of switching devices of the inverter circuit, the determination on the occurrence of failure based on the current values detected by the current detecting resistances is not made if the ON-duty ratios of the switching devices on the upper arms of the inverter circuit are not smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to a hybrid switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.

Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one load, a control circuit, and a power supplying apparatus including a control-use power supply part, at least one load-use power supply part, and a power supply control part. The control-use power supply part supplies first electric power to the control circuit, and stops supplying the first electric power and outputs a first detection signal when detecting a first abnormal operation state. The at least one load-use power supply part supplies second electric power to the respective at least one load, and stops supplying the second electric power and outputs a second detection signal when detecting a second abnormal operation state. The power supply control part causes the control-use power supply part to stop supplying the first electric power according to the first detection signal, and causes the at least one load-use power supply part to stop supplying the second electric power according to the second detection signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety switch of a secondary battery for an electric vehicle and a charge and discharge system of a secondary battery for an electric vehicle using the same, and more particularly, to a technology capable of protecting a secondary battery by operating a switch of the secondary battery for the electric vehicle attached to the outside of the secondary battery in order to disconnect a driving motor for the electric vehicle to the secondary battery when the secondary battery expands or excessive short-circuit current flows into circuits of the secondary battery, due to a swelling phenomenon of the second battery expanding due to an abnormal status of the secondary battery, such as overcharge, heat exposure, a short circuit, a reverse connection, or the like, in using the secondary battery for the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method for generating access requests is provided. A bus master is provided which can operate either in a secure domain or a non-secure domain of the data processing apparatus, according to a signal received from external to the bus master. The signal is generated to be fixed during normal operation of the bus master. Control logic is provided which, when the bus master device is operating in a secure domain, is operable to generate a domain specifying signal associated with an access request generated by the bus master core indicating either secure or non-secure access, in dependence on either a default memory map or securely defined memory region descriptors. Thus, the bus master operating in a secure domain can generate both secure and non-secure accesses, without itself being able to switch between secure and non-secure operation.

Abstract: The electronic device for protecting against a polarity reversal of a DC power supply voltage comprises, produced within one and the same integrated circuit, an N-channel main transistor (TP) mounted on the line of expected positive polarity of the power supply voltage and command means (MCM) for the main transistor comprising a charging pump circuit (CP), associated with a dynamic biasing circuit (MCTRL) for the substrate regions of active components connected to the main transistor.

Abstract: A DC power tool having an interiorly provided lithium battery element and a charging switch includes a safety protection module to eliminate the risk of circuitry burn-out and other dangers resulting from connecting the power tool to a power supply with unmatched rated voltage and rated current when charging the power tool via use of an adapter.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which combines reliability and the guarantee of electrical characteristics is provided. A power MOSFET and a protection circuit formed over the same semiconductor substrate are provided. The power MOSFET is a trench gate vertical type P-channel MOSFET and the conduction type of the gate electrode is assumed to be P-type. The protection circuit includes a planar gate horizontal type offset P-channel MOSFET and the conduction type of the gate electrode is assumed to be N-type. These gate electrode and gate electrode are formed in separate steps.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes: chopping signal generation means for generating a chopping signal Sa when drive current of a driver has reached a first threshold value; chopping signal cut-off means for cutting off the chopping signal Sa when the drive current has reached a second threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value; and overcurrent protection means for generating an overcurrent protection signal Se when the drive current has reached a third threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value and its continuation time has reached a predetermined threshold value time. Thus it is possible to simultaneously obtain the constant current chopping function and the overcurrent protection function and to improve its reliability and safety.

Abstract: A terminator reduces reflections on power lines connecting an inverter to an AC motor by providing a differential-mode reflection damping element and at least one common-mode reflection damping element, the latter including a series capacitance to substantially reduce power dissipation in the resistance of the damping elements.

Abstract: A system for providing real-time modeling of protective device in an electrical system under management is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a virtual system modeling engine, and an analytics engine. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to provide real-time measurements of data output from protective devices within the system under management. The virtual system modeling engine is configured to update a virtual mode of the system based on the status of the protective devices and to generate predicted data for the system using the updated virtual model. The analytics engine is communicatively connected to the data acquisition system and the virtual system modeling engine and is configured to monitor and analyze a difference between the real-time data output and the predicted data output. The analytics engine is also configured to determine the bracing capabilities for the protective devices.

Abstract: A system for performing real-time failure mode analysis of a monitored system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, an analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the monitored system. The analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine.

Abstract: An arc crowbar with electrodes separated by a gap in a protective case. Each electrode is connected to an electrically different conductor of a circuit. A sensor detects an arc flash condition on the circuit and signals a trigger circuit to send an electrical pulse to an arc-triggering device in the arc crowbar gap. The triggering device ionizes a portion of the gas between the electrodes, initiating a protective arc between the electrodes that absorbs energy from the power circuit and trips a breaker, eliminating the arc flash condition. The triggering device may be a plasma gun, especially one that injects plasma of an ablated material into the gap. The sensor may signal a circuit breaker to open in the power circuit. Arc flash sensor types may include a differential current sensor and/or an optical sensor.

Abstract: In a motor controller, if a failed electric current flow in any one of phases of a motor is detected, a motor control signal is generated, based on a phase other than the phase with the failed electric current flow, in such a manner that a motor electric current matches a required torque except for at a specific rotation angle corresponding to the phase with the failed electric current flow.

Abstract: A system for protecting a load from a fault on a line comprising: a detection circuit monitoring the line; and a switch interposed between the line and the load; wherein the detection circuit triggers the switch to disconnect the load from the line when the fault is detected. The detection circuit may trigger the switch within one second of detecting the fault. The detection circuit may monitor the line voltage of the line and the fault may be detected when the line voltage exceeds 125% or 130% of the normal voltage. The load may be automatically reconnected to the line when the line voltage drops to within 5% or 10% of a normal voltage. The fault may be any one or more of an open-neutral, an over-voltage, an under-voltage, a phase loss, and an external trigger, such as an access sensor, a smoke sensor, and/or a heat sensor.

Abstract: A protection device for detecting electricity is composed of a control unit, a set of input ends for sampling, a display unit, an acoustic signal generating unit, and a power unit. The aforementioned control unit includes a microprocessor (CPU), a clock pulse wave generator, a first memory, a second memory, an input/output port, and a timer. The microprocessor processes defects in sampled electrical data, such as voltage and current, to display power consumed and accumulated time of use, such that a user can be aware of the electricity information at any time for preparation. The sampled data are compared with each setting value pre-stored in the second memory, and if any one of the data exceeds the setting value, the microprocessor will output a warning signal or shut down the power, to maintain safety.

Abstract: A signal injection unit injects a test signal at a main frequency between a reference point of an electric circuit and ground, where the electric circuit is connected with the facility and injects another test signal at a second main frequency between a reference point of the electric circuit and ground. A signal conversion unit measures first and second response voltages and first and second response currents in the electric circuit, where the response voltages and the response currents result from the test signals. A processing device determines impedances to ground of the facility from the response voltages and the response currents, analyses impedances to ground of the facility, where this analysing includes comparing each determined impedance to ground with a predetermined value, and determines a safety state of the disconnected electrical facility based on the analysed impedances to ground.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided with a motor drive device, a fan motor, and a Hall element. The motor drive device includes a lock protection circuit and a lock controller. When a control signal instructing rotation of the fan motor that is to be driven instructs stoppage of the motor for a predetermined time-period or longer, the lock controller has the lock protection circuit inactive. At an occasion when the control signal has continued to instruct stoppage of the fan motor for a first time-period or longer, a standby controller starts time measurement, and after a further predetermined second time-period has elapsed, makes at least a part of the motor drive device transition to a standby mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.

Abstract: A dynamic braking load analyzer that determines the proper resistance value for a dynamic braking load resistor to be used in combination with a variable frequency drive or servo-drive to accommodate the power dissipated from an induction motor when it is being reduced in speed. The analyzer includes a resistor bank having a plurality of resistors electrically coupled in parallel. Switches are provided between the resistors, and a resistor selector switch determines which resistors are switched into the resistor bank circuit. A heat sensing resistor in the resistor bank measures the heat generated by the resistors and provides a signal that is read by a heat meter. The combination of the temperature measurement and the resistance of the resistors in the circuit gives the proper braking resistance value for the deceleration of the induction motor.

Abstract: Each of three-phase arm of an inverter has first and second switching elements connected in series together at a connection point to the corresponding phase coil of the three-phase motor. Control device turns on the first switching element of the i-th (i is a natural number smaller than four) for a predetermined time period, and determines that the second switching element of the i-th arm has a short fault, when an overcurrent exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected within the predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is shorter than a time period from a time point of turning on the first switching element of the i-th arm to a time point of attaining the predetermined threshold by a current flowing through a path extending from a power supply line through the second switching element of the remaining arm other than the i-th arm to a ground line.

Abstract: A protective circuit arrangement is disclosed for electrical equipment supplied, for example, from a conductor loop in surroundings subject to explosion hazards in process engineering installations. To suppress current flow from an energy store of the electrical equipment into the conductor loop, an exemplary cascadeable switchgear cell is disclosed, having a first transistor, which allows the loop current to pass, and a second transistor, which short-circuits a parasitic base-emitter diode of the first transistor.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is equipped with solenoid-operated actuators for moving keys in automatic performance without fingering of a human player, and an overheat protector is provided for the solenoid-operated actuators so as to prevent the solenoid-operated actuators from overheat; the overheat protector includes not only a temperature sensor and a rescuer but also an information processor, and a computer program runs on the information processor so as to realize a temperature rise estimator for estimating a solenoid temperature on the basis of the amount of current flowing through the solenoid and an environmental temperature determined through the temperature sensor estimator and an overheat detector so as to find an overheated solenoid, thereby making the rescuer interrupt the current for preventing the solenoid-operated actuator from the overheat.

Abstract: An exemplary protection circuit includes a protecting unit for protecting the protection circuit, a detecting unit electrically connected to the protecting unit, and a processor. The detecting unit is configured for detecting whether water enters into the detecting unit or not, and outputting a detecting result. The processor is electrically connected to the protecting unit and the detecting unit, and controls the protecting unit to turn on or cut off in response to the detecting result.

Abstract: A method for testing a protective device as well as a correspondingly configured protective device and test device are provided.

Abstract: A power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications operatively coupable to a low or medium voltage apparatus and to a protection relay having a trip circuit supervision. The power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications according to the invention comprises: a binary input which is operatively coupable with said protection relay; a control unit operatively coupled to said binary input and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus; a failure and continuity detection unit operatively coupled to said binary input and that can be enabled and disabled; an enabling unit operatively coupled to said failure and continuity detection unit and to said control unit and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus.

Abstract: Galvanic isolators are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a galvanic isolator comprises a generally planar electrically insulating substrate comprising opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate comprising an electrically insulating, low dielectric loss material and having a transmitter coil disposed on the first surface and a receiving coil disposed on the second surface. A transmitter circuit is operably connected to the transmitter coil. The transmitter circuit comprises a first detector that detects a rising edge of an input signal; a first pulse generator that generates a plurality of first pulses upon detection of the rising edge; a second detector that detects a falling edge of the input signal; and a second pulse generator that generates a plurality of second pulses upon detection of the falling edge. A receiver circuit is operably connected to the second receiving coil.

Abstract: An arc detection means for detecting arcs in a plasma process includes at least one comparator to which an evaluation signal such as an output signal or an internal signal of an AC generator relating to the output signal and a reference value are supplied. The comparator is connected to a logic component that generates a signal for an arc suppression device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an enclosure, at least one pressure monitor, a battery, a working component, and a power management module. The at least one pressure monitor is used for detecting a pressure value from the surroundings and generating a detecting signal when the detected pressure value is larger than or equal to a predetermined pressure value. The battery supplies electrical power to the working component. The power management module manages the battery to supply electrical power to the working component and cuts off electrical power from the battery to the working component when receiving the detecting signal.