Abstract: A voltage output circuit and an electronic cigarette are provided. The voltage output circuit includes a control chip and a step-down switch chip. When a first switch element turns on, the modulation signal output terminal of the control chip outputs a pulse modulation signal to a first control terminal of the step-down switch chip, and access between a first access terminal and a second access terminal of the step-down switch chip is established, based on the effective pulse modulation signal. The output voltage of the second access terminal is less than a system power voltage. The voltage output circuit and the electronic cigarette outputs the pulse modulation signal to the step-down switch chip by the control chip, and the step-down switch chip outputs a suitable driving voltage to the load, such as a thermal wire, the voltage output circuit with simplified structure is adjustable and improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling pool/spa components. More particularly, disclosed is a system for controlling pool/spa components including a display screen and one or more processors presenting a control user interface for display on the display screen, wherein the control user interface includes a home screen comprising a first portion containing a first plurality of buttons and/or controls for controlling a first group of the plurality of pool/spa components associated with a first body of water, and a second portion containing a second plurality of buttons and/or controls for controlling a second group of the plurality of pool/spa components associated with a second body of water.

Abstract: A driver circuit for driving a solenoid, and related method, are described. A power supply charges one or more capacitors to a high voltage level sufficient to over-drive the solenoid. A switch is connected to the one or more capacitors and the solenoid. When the switch is on, the switch connects the one or more capacitors to the solenoid. When the switch is off, the switch disconnects the one or more capacitors from the solenoid. Control circuitry turns the switch on, and turns the switch off in response to sensing current through the solenoid reaches a defined maximum current.

Abstract: A voltage output circuit and an electronic cigarette are provided. The voltage output circuit includes a control chip and a step-down switch chip. When a first switch element turns on, the modulation signal output terminal of the control chip outputs a pulse modulation signal to a first control terminal of the step-down switch chip, and access between a first access terminal and a second access terminal of the step-down switch chip is established, based on the effective pulse modulation signal. The output voltage of the second access terminal is less than a system power voltage. The voltage output circuit and the electronic cigarette outputs the pulse modulation signal to the step-down switch chip by the control chip, and the step-down switch chip outputs a suitable driving voltage to the load, such as a thermal wire, the voltage output circuit with simplified structure is adjustable and improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of relay drive circuits. In an exemplary embodiment, a relay drive circuit generally includes a first diode, a second diode, a third diode, a first transistor, a second transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The relay drive circuit is operable to transform an AC voltage to a DC voltage, and then use the DC voltage to control on/off of the relay.

Abstract: Fast turn on silicon controlled rectifiers for ESD protection. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a first well of a second conductivity type; a second well of the second conductivity type; a first diffused region of the first conductivity type and coupled to a first terminal; a first diffused region of the second conductivity type; a second diffused region of the first conductivity type; a second diffused region of the second conductivity type in the second well; wherein the first diffused region of the first conductivity type and the first diffused region of the second conductivity type form a first diode, and the second diffused region of the first conductivity type and the second diffused region of the second conductivity type form a second diode, and the first and second diodes are series coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a relay circuit involves driving a relay circuit using a first driver circuit if a voltage of a battery supply for the relay circuit is lower than a voltage threshold and driving the relay circuit using a second driver circuit if the voltage of the battery supply for the relay circuit is higher than the voltage threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a new pushbutton incorporated into new circuit configurations of an improved intelligent electronic device (“IED”), for use in power substation control systems. The new pushbutton is non-mechanical and configured to control a breaker, or other type of substation equipment, after an IED associated with the circuit breaker, or other type of substation equipment, fails to operate. In an embodiment, the new pushbutton may be a low-energy, membrane-type pushbutton. During normal operation, a microprocessor within the IED operates a solid-state device to control the operation of substation equipment. When the IED fails, manually depressing the new pushbutton bypasses the IED microprocessor and manually controls the substation equipment associated with the failed IED.

Abstract: A trigger circuit comprises a first series circuit (16) defined by an electronic switch (17) and an electromagnetic actuator (10). A second series circuit (18) defined by a resistor (19) and a sensor (20) responding to danger situations is arranged in parallel to said first series circuit (16). A tap (24) of said second series circuit (18) is connected with a control electrode (25) of said electronic switch (17). The circuit is of simple configuration and ensures a reliable switching behavior. Even when said sensor (20) is closed again, the trigger state is maintained.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an anode electrode in Schottky contact with an n-type drift layer formed in an SiC substrate and a JTE region formed outside the anode electrode. The JTE region is made up of a first p-type zone formed in an upper portion of the drift layer under an edge of the anode electrode and a second p-type zone formed outside the first p-type zone having a lower surface impurity concentration than the first p-type zone. The second p-type zone is provided 15 ?m or more outwardly away from the edge of the anode electrode. The surface impurity concentration of the first p-type zone ranges from 1.8×1013 to 4×1013 cm?2, and that of the second p-type zone ranges from 1×1013 to 2.5×1013 cm?2.

Abstract: An infrared hand-held remote control for handling a single or plural devices such as lights, shades, drapes and the like contains ergonomically selected and placed control buttons that are self-describing and easy to use. It allows explicit, easy-to-use control of different functions by providing for each function to be controlled vertically disposed discrete buttons that provide “all or nothing” control of some physical feature and similar, vertically disposed and horizontally aligned “adjust” buttons that allow for fine and continuous control of the physical quantities between the extremes or limits of the discrete button functions. Successive groups of buttons provide for the control of different appliances or devices, where each group of buttons is identified by easy to comprehend icon or alphabetic representations.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, in particular for triggering an ignition output stage, having a power switching transistor and a switchable freewheeling circuit or an auxiliary channel. The freewheeling circuit or the auxiliary channel may be constituted by a triggerable four-layer element.

Abstract: Power supply circuit for a single-winding electromagnet coil (11) comprising a low voltage DC power supply (20) and a high voltage AC power supply (30) both connected to the terminals of the winding (11), together with a switching apparatus (40) connected in series with the high voltage supply (30) and capable of supplying or cutting the high voltage power supply to the winding (11), characterized by the fact that the switching device (40) comprises a thyristor (42) connected between the high voltage source (30) and the winding (11) and a control circuit (43) for the thyristor (42) connected to the gate (G) of the thyristor used to cause the thyristor to conduct when the high voltage source (30) delivers the positive phase of a voltage wave.

Abstract: A very low cost method of driving the coil of a meter disconnect switch utilizes the 60 Hz signals from an existing power supply rectifier to generate properly phased gate drive signals to SCRS, with only one stage of isolation.

Abstract: A relatively wide d.c. pulse generating system providing rise times normally attainable only with much narrower pulse width generation, comprising a plurality of sequentially operated groups of d.c. pulse generating modules achieving the combination of zero current SCR-switching and rapid magnetic switching and providing very high reliability and efficiency, and with the feature of continuously variable pulse width control and overall amplitude contouring, as for controlling applications such as plasma ion implantation where non-uniform contours of ion depth penetration normally would otherwise obtain.

Abstract: A single resonant DC charging circuit provides both the power and timing for the pedestal insertion is, likewise, controlled by a single trigger circuit input and by a saturable reactor which controls the firing of a thyratron switch.

Abstract: The coil of an electric control device is energized by ac power controlled by a remotely generated logic level signal through a control module mounted in a cavity in the exterior of the device housing. The module contains a pair of back-to-back silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) mounted on a finned aluminum wall of the module which serves as a heat sink. An opto-coupler comprising a light emitting diode (LED) energized by the logic level signal and an opto-triac in series with resistors connected across the gates and cathodes of the back-to-back SCRs provides electrically isolated control of the conduction angles of the SCRs by the logic level signal.

Abstract: In a non-stage transmission control system, the output current instruction signal of a microcomputer is provided as a pulse-width-modulated signal, with a result that the number of signal lines from the microcomputer is reduced. Furthermore, the current feedback signal of a solenoid is applied to the microcomputer, for detection of abnormal conditions, and a quick break resistor is connected in series to a feedback diode to increase the current reduction rate of the solenoid.

Abstract: An inductive load drive circuit includes a transistor having a collector and emitter current path interposed between an inductive load and a constant current source, and a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit has a Zener diode and a resistor which are connected with each other in series. The feedback circuit is connected between the collector and the base of the transistor. A speed-up capacitor is connected in parallel with the resistor and in series with the base of the transistor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit device enabling an electromagnetic switch to be used with an A.C. power source. And the coil is thereof provided with a more stable electromagnetic field. The circuit device includes a releasing voltage detecting circuit, an engaging voltage detecting circuit, an nonstandard AND gate circuit connected to the detecting circuits, and a coil-holding circuit connected so that when there is an engaging voltage in the circuit device, the electromagnetic switch is energized and the coil is kept in a holding state. When there is a releasing voltage, the switch is de-energized.

Abstract: A solenoid driving circuit for an automatic transmission in which a potential difference compensating device, such as a Darlington-connected transistor circuit, switching transistor, and/or diode, is connected between a resistance element and a power ground, and a controlling device monitors voltage values at opposite sides of the resistor element so as to detect a current value flowing across a solenoid. The controlling device determines whether the detected value of the current flowing across the solenoid is abnormal, and the controlling device shuts off the current of a solenoid driving device when it is abnormal. The potential difference compensating device is provided with a switching device, and the controlling device turns off the switching device when the monitoring current value is abnormal.

Abstract: An arc suppressing switch having a plurality of discrete conductors operative to allow a flow of electricity between a pair of terminals along each of the plurality of discrete conductors when the switch is closed. The conductors are oriented to distribute the total current flowing through the switch among the discrete conductors; and so that the current in each of the discrete conductors is substantially simultaneously interrupted when the switch is opened to prevent the production of an arc across the gap created at the break. The switch preferably has an intermediate contact layer containing the plurality of discrete conductors positioned between internal contact plates so that when the switch is closed a first side of the intermediate layer contacts one of the contact plates and a second side of the intermediate layer contacts the other contact plate to allow a flow of electricity between the pair of contact plates along each of the plurality of discrete conductors.

Abstract: A circuit capable of driving inductive loads below a chip substrate voltage level while minimizing on-chip power dissipation and eliminating parasitic effects. Two negative voltage drive modes are included in the circuit design. The first drive circuit forces a low negative voltage referenced to the circuit output voltage across an inductive load referenced to ground to provide a slow recirculation of the current in the inductive load. The second drive circuit forces a large negative voltage referenced to the circuit output voltage across the inductive load to provide a fast collapse of the inductive load. The switching regulator switches off when the current to the inductive load reaches a first value and switches on when the recirculating current from back e.m.f. reaches a second value. The switching regulator initially provides a higher level of power when first tuned on.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled electrical contactor monitors the voltage and peak current produced by a first voltage pulse gated to the coil of the contactor electromagnet and adjusts the conduction angle of the second pulse to deliver a constant amount of electrical energy to the electromagnet coil despite variations in coil resistance and supply voltage so that the contactor contacts can be consistently closed with low impact velocity and minimum contact bounce. Normally, the third and subsequent pulses are gated to the coil at constant conduction angles selected so that the contacts consistently touch and seal on a preselected pulse with declining coil current. Under marginal conditions, determined by the peak current produced by the first pulse, the third and subsequent pulses are gated at substantially full conduction angles to assure contact closure. If the voltage or current produced by the first pulse is below a predetermined value, closure is aborted.

Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid drive apparatus for use in a vehicle for turning on an electromagnetic solenoid from a battery every time when a command switch is turned on comprises first and second resistors connected in series to each other on an electric line for flowing an electric current through the electromagnetic solenoid; a first switching element turned on in a state in which an output voltage of the battery is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage and short-circuiting both ends of the first resistor; a timer circuit operated for only a constant time in association with the turning-on operation of the command switch; and a second switching element turned on during only the operating period of the timer circuit and short-circuiting both ends of the second resistor.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for controlling an electromagnet having a coil (L) connected to a monoarch periodic current supply source, through a controllable switch (TH). This switch (TH) is controlled by a control circuit comprising a member for detecting the zero cross-over times of the voltage of the source (R.sub.3, D.sub.4, IN.sub.1, R.sub.4, C.sub.3) and a switching device (FC) controlled by said detection member for delivering a closure signal to the switch (TH) following detection of a zero cross-over time which follows the order for controlling energization of the coil (L). The invention applies particularly to contactors and electromagnetic valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid-state circuitry, including a freewheeling circuit, for controlling the operation of an electromagnetically actuated fuel intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine by alternatingly energizing, by way of a current switching element, the coil of the electromagnet at a high level of current for attracting the armature of the electromagnet into engagement with the stator, thus driving the valve into its open or closed position, and maintaining, by way of a transistor, lower level current pulses in the coil sufficient to maintain the engagement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor or controller is taught in which the voltage which is impressed across the electromagnetic armature winding is controlled with an algorithm to enhance the closing operation. A microprocessor is utilized to implement the algorithm.

Abstract: In the magnetic chuck control disclosed herein, the chuck winding is selectively energized in one direction or the other through respective triggerable semiconductor current switching devices. Successively reducing current levels are applied in successive phases of operation, the polarity of the current being reversed in successive phases. During a first portion of each phase the device is triggered to apply a corresponding preselectable voltage. During a second portion of each phase the switching devices are triggered quite late to provide an average voltage which opposes the current flow which was induced during the first portion thereby to quickly reduce the level of current flowing in the winding.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor or controller is taught in which the voltage which is impressed across the electromagnetic armature accelerating coil is compared by a microprocess against a menu of memory stored voltages with related delay angles. The delay angles are utilized to alter the conduction interval of a triac or similar gated device which is connected in series circuit relationship with the coil in question. During an ACCELERATION interval a number of consecutive full-wave rectified half-cycles of voltage pulses are phase angle or delay angle controlled so that the amount of energy provided to the moving armature of the contactor is approximately sufficient to cause the armature to abut a fixed magnetic member. Furthermore, there is provided a separate memory menu for mid-flight adjustment of the armature to compensate for unknown variations to fine tune the closing operation. This latter correction is known as COAST.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor is taught which includes a conduction angle controlled triac or similar gated device which is connected in series circuit relationship with the winding of an electromagnetic solenoid or coil which is responsible for closing the contactor contacts and for keeping them closed. The current flowing through the triac is fed to a microprocessor which digitizes the current and compares it to a stored standard. The conduction angle is then decremented or incremented as necessary to change the conduction angle to cause less or more current to flow per half cycle until the amount of current flowing as sensed on a half-cycle-by-half-cycle basis is equal to the current represented by the stored standard.

Abstract: A control circuit combined with a magnetically bistable solenoid armature provides a bistable undervoltage release function to a circuit breaker. The solenoid is fabricated from a material having high magnetic remnance and low coercivity. A first signal to the solenoid coil develops a high remnance flux to hold the armature against a spring force. A second signal, of opposite polarity and predetermined voltage, produces an opposing magnetic flux to cancel that retained by the solenoid. The armature then becomes extended under the influence of a charged spring to trip the breaker.

Abstract: An improved priming and sweep-out circuit in which losses are obviated or minimized by transferring energy resulting from such processes back to the power supply, and wherein a single common storage inductance is used in a secondary winding circuit of a saturable-core inductor transformer, the primary of which is series-connected in the SCR-switching energy storage and discharge pulse generating circuit, to serve both in the priming and sweep-out functions, and wherein reset circuit inductance does not participate in the energy transfer or storage functions.

Abstract: An A.C. power control circuit for a D.C. solenoid actuator which may be used for a solenoid operated valve uses a triac circuit to initially apply A.C. line voltage to energize the solenoid coil of the valve to be actuated to provide valve pull-in power. A capacitor in an RC network is concurrently charged to a D.C. level, and the D.C. voltage on the capacitor is used to control the gate of the triac. After a predetermined delay as determined by the RC network charging time of the capacitor, the triac is phase controlled to produce a change in the current applied to the solenoid coil. In one embodiment, the voltage applied to the solenoid coil changes at this time from the full sine wave voltage of the A.C. source to a voltage pulse which is only a portion of the positive half of the input sine wave. This voltage produces a change in the power applied to the solenoid coil to a hold-in power level. This circuit produces a current pulse phase control of up to 90.degree..

Abstract: An electromagnetic feeder drive control apparatus includes a drive control circuit composed of a microcomputer for producing a timing signal to control the on/off timing of a switching element on the basis of a signal produced by a sensor upon sensing that the power supply voltage has crossed a value of zero. A photocoupler is interposed between the sensor and the drive control circuit, and between the drive control circuit and the switching element.

Abstract: The item to be demagnetized is placed in a chamber surrounded by electrical windings defining a pair of coils that are disposed in a mutually orthogonal configuration. Currents for the two coils are developed in a microprocessor-controlled inverter circuit and are applied through semiconductor switches in such a way that the resulting demagnetizing field is rotating and follows a predetermined amplitude variation in accordance with one or more profiles stored in the memory of the microprocessor.

Abstract: Apparatus for switching alternating current from a power source to a load for substantially all of one selected half-cycle, but not before at least one full cycle after the apparatus receives an operator command to switch the current, includes a mechanical switch for commanding the apparatus at an arbitrary time to switch the current. Electrical control devices produce a control output during a portion of the selected half-cycle. A second switch device, such as an SCR, responsive to the control output switches the current to the load during the selected half-cycle. The control output is turned off before the end of the half-cycle and is not produced again until the mechanical switch is released and provides another command to switch the current.

Abstract: A motor brush wear indicator includes a probe embedded in a brush and connected in the primary circuit of a transformer for completing the secondary circuit when the brush has worn to a predetermined degree. An oscilator is coupled to the secondary of the transformer which in turn is connected to the gate of an SCR for providing a gate signal when the primary circuit is completed. A relay is connected to the anode-cathode circuit of the SCR for operating an indicating device when the SCR becomes conductive.

Abstract: An electrical feed and control circuit for a drive arrangement of the pump piston of a spray gun which comprises a coil and an oscillating armature, employs an input for connection to an alternating current network, an output leading to the oscillating armature coil, a half-wave suppression circuit optionally connectible by way of a transfer switch, a phase-angle control circuit connectible and disconnectible by the transfer switch in common with the half-wave suppression circuit, the phase-angle circuit including a timing element comprising a fixed resistor and a capacitor, and a second phase-angle circuit -having a timing element containing a variable resistor.

Abstract: A driver circuit which is responsive to an input AC voltage for providing a drive signal to a load circuit for each activation of a switch. A triggering signal generated by a trigger circuit in response to the activation of the switch energizes a timing circuit during a negative cycle of the input voltage. A control signal from the timing circuit energizes a firing circuit for a selected time period. The drive signal is applied to the load circuit during the time interval in which the firing circuit is energized by the timing circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit arrangement for an electromagnetically operated power tool has a primary circuit including a solenoid and a semi-conductor switch, in series, the semi-conductor switch being capable of being triggered into a conducting state upon application of a trigger signal from a trigger control circuit. The trigger control circuit is actuated upon closure of a main trigger switch which is connected in series with the solenoid and the semi-conductor switch in the primary circuit for supplying current to the solenoid. Thus, should the semi-conductor switch fail due to a short-circuit, the power supply is disconnected from the solenoid the moment the operator releases the main trigger switch so protecting the solenoid. The semi-conductor switch is preferably a thyristor. An additional circuit is preferably provided for preventing the thyristor from firing a second time if the main switch remains closed.

Abstract: A power control relay with a solid state switching device being arranged to control the current to the coil of the relay in a series circuit therewith can be operated safely and reliably in manufacturing environments by control thereof with a floating voltage developed by the secondary of a low voltage transformer with one side of the secondary connected to the gate of the solid state switching device through a diode and the opposite side of the secondary being controlled by a resistive probe circuit, which when grounded, will cause a voltage to be impressed on the gate that will cause the switching device to trigger thereby operating the relay due to the differential impedance developed in the floating voltage circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A one shot firing circuit for electrically powered tools is described which includes a manually operable normally open trigger switch connected electrically in series with a solenoid coil and an AC power source for controlling the supply of electrical power to both the firing circuit and the solenoid, such that when the trigger switch is open, the path of current flow to the solenoid coil is physically interrupted. The firing circuit also includes an SCR connected electrically in series with the trigger switch, the solenoid coil and the AC power source, for controlling the flow of current through the solenoid coil after the trigger switch has been closed.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for limiting the polarity and duration of current flowing through an electromagnetic device which is coupled to an alternating current potential source. The control circuit is coupled in series with the electromagnetic device and a switch. The control circuit includes a gate controlled conduction device and circuitry which is utilized to selectively gate that device only during one positive half cycle following the closing of the switch. A second gate controlled conduction device is utilized to discharge a capacitor in timed relationship with the alternating current potential source and prevent recharging of that capacitor until the switch is opened and then closed again.

Abstract: A silicon controlled rectifier trigger circuit is responsive to an input AC voltage and provides at least one drive pulse per switch activation to a load circuit. Such load circuit advantageously includes an electric stapler or an electric brad driver. Such trigger circuit generally comprises: a two-position switch; first and second capacitors; first and second Zener diodes; a transistor; and a silicon controlled rectifier.

Abstract: A remote control wiring system is provided with a transformer that supplies a low voltage signal to a low voltage sub-system. The sub-system includes a diode circuit comprising four diodes which permit energization of a first set of relays on a positive portion of a sinusoidal signal and of a second set of relays on the negative portion of the signal. A pair of triacs are provided that move the relays of both sets either in a first direction to open their higher voltage load circuits or in a second direction to close their load circuits. Previous wiring systems did not include the 4-diode circuit and were limited in capacity to control only a single gang of relays. By virtue of the improved system the capacity of the system is reliably doubled, by utilizing the whole of the low voltage control signal.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements for the control of a bistable relay having a capacitor connected in series with the relay coil. The series connection of the coil and the capacitor is connected to an excitation voltage for actuating the relay and simultaneous charging of the capacitor. When the excitation voltage is removed, the series connection is short-circuited through a semiconductor switch, whereby the capacitor is discharged and the relay switched back to its initial position. The bistable relay is thus operated as monostable relay.

Abstract: A fail-safe control circuit for supplying the electrical power for operating a safety stop member, such as an electromagnetic valve, in response to low power information, wherein any failure of a component causes the safety stop member to close.The energy taken from the alternative current supply network by the periodic charging of a capacitor is transmitted to a load by the energizing of a thyristor. The spontaneous energizing of the thyristor causes the appearance of an overcurrent disabling the device.Applications to combustion, premises, medical monitoring devices.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements for the control of a bistable relay having a capacitor connected in series with its excitation winding, in which the series connection of coil and capacitor is connected to excitation voltage for the excitation of the relay and simultaneous charging of the capacitor, and, upon absence of excitation voltage, is short-circuitable through a semiconductor switch having its output circuit parallel-connected with the series connection of coil and capacitor, whereby the relay switches back to its starting position.

Abstract: A relay driver circuit, suitable for controlling a bistable relay, includes .[.a storage device which is charged to a first voltage level by a low current flow voltage source..]. .Iadd.a transformer which handles both an information signal and a control signal and a storage device. The control signal is provided by a low current low voltage source. .Iaddend.A first switching circuit couples the storage device to the bistable relay when the first voltage level exceeds a predetermined value. The charge on the storage device is dumped into the relay and forces it into a first state (set). A second switching circuit is coupled to sense the voltage on the storage device and the voltage on the low voltage source. When the voltage on the low voltage source falls below the voltage on the storage device, current flows from the storage device and forces the relay into a second state (reset). The reset time is within 100 .mu.s.