Abstract: Wells formed in a semiconductor device can be discharged faster in a transition from a stand-by state to an active state. The semiconductor device includes an n-type well applied, in an active state, with a power supply voltage and, in a stand-by state, with a voltage higher than the power supply voltage, a p-type well applied, in the active state, with a ground voltage and, in the stand-by state, with a voltage lower than the ground voltage, and a path which, in a transition from the stand-by state to the active state, electrically couples the n-type well and the p-type well.

Abstract: An electronic barrier device includes an Isolating Barrier or a Zener Barrier with a voltage limiter or voltage shunt such as at least one zener device for voltage limitation in a circuit during a fault condition. The barrier device includes a crowbar device arranged to latch across the at least one voltage shunt device to reduce power dissipation in the at least one voltage shunt device in the circuit fault condition. The crowbar device is arranged to latch responsive to a change in a current flowing in the barrier device.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a load path voltage and an operating parameter of the transistor device; operating the transistor device in a normal mode when the operating parameter is below a threshold associated with the operating parameter, where operating the transistor device in the normal mode includes operating the transistor device in one of an on-state or an off-state based on a drive signal; and operating the transistor device in a fault mode upon detecting a fault based on comparing the operating parameter with the threshold. Operating the transistor device in the fault mode includes switching off the transistor device, operating the transistor device in the on-state includes adjusting the threshold in accordance with a first characteristic curve dependent on the load path voltage, and operating the transistor device in the off-state includes adjusting the threshold according to a second characteristic curve different from the first characteristic curve.

Abstract: A safety device for a switch includes a casing, a top cover, a conductive plate, a first terminal, a second terminal, a pushing member and a connection member. The first terminal has a first end in connection with a fixed end of the conductive plate. The second terminal has a first end with a second contact point corresponding to a first contact point on a free end of the conductive plate. The pushing member is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. A gap is defined between the pushing member and the conductive plate. The connection member is in connection with the top cover and the free end of the conductive plate. Therefore, the pushing member can effectively push and force the deformed conductive plate after overheating to trip off completely, so that a circuit is cut off, thereby achieving the purpose of protection of the switch.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to providing safe electrical power to electrical equipment operating in a hazardous location. Safe electrical power is power that is both current limited and voltage limited so as to provide insufficient energy to ignite flammable gas or dust of a hazardous location. Safe electrical power is provided by first limiting voltage of operating power provided by a power source. Then the voltage-limited operating power is current limited by a current-limiting device. The current and voltage limited operating power is then converted to a step-down power via a current-limiting network. The step-down power is then voltage limited by a second voltage-limiting device. In some embodiments, the current-limiting network is a current mode step-down regulator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine configured to provide propulsive force to the vehicle, and a power inverter configured to supply power from a traction battery to the electric machine using a first and second switch configured as a half-bridge, wherein the first switch is controlled by a gate driver. The gate driver is configured to operate in a soft turn-off mode when a load current exceeds a threshold for a time period defined by a mask timer, operate in a fast turn-off mode when the load current is below the threshold, and in response to a turn-off request received prior to expiration of the mask timer after the load current exceeds the threshold, enable the soft turn-off mode.

Abstract: One embodiment is an apparatus including a detector circuit electrically coupled between a signal source and a second circuit, the signal source generating a first signal, the detector circuit detecting a level of the first signal and generating a first control signal when the detected level of the first signal exceeds a first threshold value, and a clamping switch electrically coupled to receive the first control signal from the detector circuit, the clamping switch including a multi-terminal active device. The first control signal controls a state of the clamping switch such that the clamping switch clamps a level of a signal applied to the second circuit when the level of the first signal exceeds the first threshold value.

Abstract: A voltage shunt regulator for the protection of an electrical load from overvoltages and voltage transients of a supply voltage is provided. The electrical load is connectable to a supply voltage source by an electrical line which includes a first and a second conductive line. The shunt regulator includes a power circuit block connectable between the first and the second conductive lines in parallel to the load. The power block can be activated to limit the voltage applied to the load to a safe voltage in case of overvoltages and voltage transients, and includes a switch circuit with trigger threshold connected in series to a voltage limiting circuit. The regulator also includes a circuit block for detecting the supply voltage and driving the power circuit block, connectable between the supply voltage source and the power circuit block.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes an electrical power distribution network and a control device configured to regulate at least one attribute of said electrical power system. The electrical power system further includes a processor coupled to the control device configured to identify an out-of-bound condition on said electrical power distribution network at a first time. The out-of-bound condition is associated with the at least one attribute. The processor is also configured to determine a trend for the at least one attribute at a second time that is later than the first time after a predetermined delay time elapses. The trend indicates a direction away from at least one of a predetermined range and a predetermined value. The processor is also configured to transmit a control action to said control device based at least in part on the trend.

Abstract: A time triggered crowbar, which is so embodied that it monitors the on-time of at least one downstream electronic component and the period of clocking and therewith the power supply in such a manner that a predetermined maximum allowable surface temperature of the at least one downstream component is not exceeded in the explosion endangered area.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a packaged terminal device for killing pests in an affected area includes a housing configured to be positioned at least partially within an affected area, a fan positioned within the housing, and one or more heating elements positioned within the housing. The fan is operable to draw a flow of air from the affected area into the housing. The one or more heating elements are operable to generate heated air by transferring heat to the flow of air. The packaged terminal device further includes a control unit operable to control the operation of the one or more heating elements in order to cause the packaged terminal device to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the operation of the one or more heating elements is controlled such that sufficient heated air is generated to heat at least a portion of the affected area to a temperature less than or equal to a first predefined temperature.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge clamp circuit is provided for low power applications. The clamp circuit includes: a detection circuit, a bias circuit and a shunting circuit having at least one shunt transistor. The detection circuit is configured to detect an occurrence of an electrostatic charge on a power supply node and trigger discharge of the electrostatic charge through the shunting circuit. The bias circuit is coupled between the detection circuit and the shunting circuit and applies a bias voltage to the gate terminal of the shunt transistor. During an electrostatic discharge event, the bias circuit is configured to generate a bias voltage that is substantially equal to the supply voltage; whereas, during the absence of an electrostatic discharge event, the bias circuit is configured to generate a bias voltage that is substantially half of the supply voltage.

Abstract: A surge arrestor includes at least one arrestor element, and a disconnecting device for disconnecting the arrestor element from the grid. The disconnecting device includes a thermal disconnect point that is incorporated into the electrical connection path within the arrestor. A moving conductor section or a moving conductive bridge is connected to the arrestor element by way of the disconnect point. A conducting element is disposed in or at the end of the path of motion of the conductor section or of the bridge, the conducting element coming into contact with the conductor section or the bridge when the disconnecting device is triggered. A moving insulation part penetrates into the path of motion of the conductor section or of the bridge directly prior to or upon reaching a short circuit state.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a first switch connected to the first terminal, and a second switch connected to the second terminal. The switching assembly further includes a rectifier bridge connected between the first switch and the second switch, and a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The switching assembly also includes a control unit that selectively opens and closes the first switch, the second switch and the third switch, and selectively turns on and off the rectifier bridge.

Abstract: A circuit protector includes a plurality of detection lines that connect between a battery pack and a monitoring circuit, an overvoltage protection element connected between the detection lines that keeps the voltage applied to the monitoring circuit at a fixed voltage, and a circuit protection element disposed in each detection line that disconnects an electrical link between the monitoring circuit to and the battery pack when a current beyond a predetermined current value flows into the detection line. When the excess voltage occurs in the battery pack, the overvoltage protection element maintains between each detection line in a short circuit state, and the circuit protection element disconnects the electrical link between the battery pack and the monitoring circuit by a short-circuit current that flows between the detection lines via the overvoltage protection element.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for detecting arc faults with a dynamically-changeable slope threshold is disclosed. The method may include monitoring a current waveform to determine a peak amplitude of a half cycle and a slope at a zero crossing of a half cycle. An arc fault counter may be incremented if the maximum amplitude of the half cycle and the slope at a zero crossing are greater than a preset magnitude threshold level and the dynamically-changeable slope threshold, respectively. In another aspect, a decay of the amplitude of a predetermined number of half cycles of the current waveform is measured and an arc counter is not incremented, even if the conditions would otherwise indicate an arc counter increment, when the decay is above a decay threshold for greater than a predetermined number of half cycles. An arc fault detection apparatus adapted to carry out the methods, and systems including the arc fault detection apparatus are disclosed, as are various other aspects.

Abstract: A protective element is provided that is applicable to reflow soldering and ensuring good responsiveness of electric current interruption operation even in a case where a solder to be used has a liquid-phase point or a solid-phase point higher than a mounting temperature. The protective element includes an elastic member firmly adhered through a solder to second conductor layers and current-carrying electrode terminals formed on a prescribed substrate in such a manner to divide a current-carrying path in plural to form an electric current interruption portion. The solder has a liquid-phase point higher than a mounting temperature at which the protective element is mounted to a protection target device.

Abstract: An integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry for a signal electrode. Coupled in shunt between the signal electrode and the positive and negative power supply electrodes are opposing sets of multiple diodes coupled in series. Each set includes a diode across which is applied a nominal reverse bias voltage. These opposing reverse bias voltages are maintained at substantially constant predetermined nominal magnitudes in relation to the voltage at the signal electrode, thereby ensuring minimal leakage current via the signal electrode over the full dynamic range of the signal.

Abstract: An over-current and over-voltage protection assembly apparatus including an over-current protection (OCP) device and an over-voltage protection (OVP) device is provided. One end of the OCP device is electrically connected to a first connection point, and the other end is electrically connected to a second connection point. One end of the OVP device is electrically connected to a third connection point, and the other end is electrically connected to the second connection point. The second connection point is a common point. The OCP device and the OVP device are modularized and integrated to an assembly. The first, second, and third connection points are connected to an external circuit to be protected, such that the OCP device is connected in series to the circuit to be protected, and the OVP device is connected in parallel to the circuit to be protected.

Abstract: A dual redundant permanent magnet type dynamoelectric machine includes a dual flux throttle system to selectively disable one of a first motor and a second motor.

Abstract: An automotive power inverter is provided. The power inverter includes a chassis, a microelectronic die coupled to the chassis and having an integrated circuit formed thereon, and an insulating region between the chassis and the microelectronic die.

Abstract: An induction motor drive includes a plurality of inverters, a changeover switch which changes over outputs of the plurality of inverters to be supplied to one induction motor and a changeover controller which controls the changeover switch on the basis of a failure detection signal of one inverter to change over from the one inverter to another inverter to start the other inverter so that the induction motor is driven. The changeover controller includes a frequency/phase detector which always detects a frequency and a phase of a terminal voltage of the induction motor and a starting frequency/phase setting device which controls a frequency and a phase at starting of the other inverter in accordance with detected values of the frequency/phase detector when the failure signal is inputted.

Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided for facilitating transitioning of a digital circuit from backgate biased standby mode to active mode. The digital circuit includes a semiconductor substrate, multiple n-channel transistors disposed at least partially in one or more p-type wells in the semiconductor substrate, multiple p-channel transistors disposed at least partially in one or more n-type wells in the semiconductor substrate, and a backgate control circuit. The backgate control circuit is electrically coupled to the p-type well(s) and to the n-type well(s) to facilitate transitioning of the multiple n-channel transistors and the multiple p-channel transistors from backgate biased standby mode to active mode by automatically shunting charge from the n-type well(s) to the p-type well(s) until a well voltage threshold is reached indicative of a completed transition of the transistors from backgate biased standby mode to active mode.

Abstract: A light source is protected by selectively coupling a shunt path in parallel with the light source, such that current is diverted away from the light source and through the shunt path. A detection circuit detects the current flowing in the shunt path when the shunt path is connected in parallel with the light source. A comparator determines whether the current flowing in the shunt path exceeds a predetermined threshold and, if so, prevents or limits the flow of current when the shunt path is disconnected from being in parallel with the light source. In this way, a current detector is provided for monitoring the flow of current in a shunt path, the current detector being configured to disable or limit the flow of current through a light source when a predetermined threshold is reached.

Abstract: An I/O regulating circuitry is provided. The I/O regulating circuitry omits the ESD device in a CMOS process with a minimized critical dimension to reduce chip size while still maintaining electrostatic discharge immunity. The I/O regulating circuitry is applied in MLC flash memory applications and the flash controller thereof.

Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided for facilitating transitioning of a digital circuit from backgate biased standby mode to active mode. The digital circuit includes a semiconductor substrate, multiple n-channel transistors disposed at least partially in one or more p-type wells in the semiconductor substrate, multiple p-channel transistors disposed at least partially in one or more n-type wells in the semiconductor substrate, and a backgate control circuit. The backgate control circuit is electrically coupled to the p-type well(s) and to the n-type well(s) to facilitate transitioning of the multiple n-channel transistors and the multiple p-channel transistors from backgate biased standby mode to active mode by automatically shunting charge from the n-type well(s) to the p-type well(s) until a well voltage threshold is reached indicative of a completed transition of the transistors from backgate biased standby mode to active mode.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes an interface and an integrated circuit. The interface is communicatively coupled to a network connection to provide power and data to a power over Ethernet (PoE) powered device via the network connection. The integrated circuit is coupled to the interface. The integrated circuit includes a power over Ethernet (PoE) controller, a detection and classification circuit, and a voltage protection circuit. The detection and classification circuit is coupled to the interface to detect and classify a power level of the PoE powered device. The voltage protection circuit is coupled to the interface to detect a power event and to provide an alert to the PoE controller in response to the detected power event.

Abstract: A line side crowbar circuit for an energy converter is disclosed. In one aspect there is a power unit that includes an energy converter; a transformer configured to transfer electrical energy generated from the energy converter to an electrical grid; and a crowbar coupled to the energy converter and the transformer that is configured to prevent an overvoltage event from damaging electrical components associated with the energy converter and the transformer.

Abstract: A manual disconnect system includes a battery part, a disconnect part, a circuit assembly and a fuse assembly with a fuse connector and a circuit connector connected to the battery part. The battery part has a main compartment and a fuse assembly subcompartment. The disconnect part is releasably connected to the battery part. The fuse assembly is releasably received by the fuse assembly subcompartment. When the disconnect part is connected to the battery part, the fuse assembly and the fuse connector are electrically connected together and the circuit assembly and the circuit connector are electrically connected together. Upon detaching the disconnect part and the battery part from each other, the circuit assembly and the circuit connector are electrically disconnected from one another while the fuse assembly remains releasably connected to the battery part in the fuse assembly subcompartment and electrically connected to the fuse connector.

Abstract: Circuit and method for providing over-current and overloading protection with a single additional pin. A converter controller circuit is provided that includes a voltage controlled oscillator and outputs upper and lower gating signals for driving the upper and lower driving transistors in a voltage converter, for example, in an inductor-inductor capacitor half-bridge circuit topology. A current sense input pin of the circuit receives a voltage corresponding to the current flowing in the half-bridge circuit. A feedback input pin has an external capacitor coupled to it and receives a voltage from an output voltage sensor at the output terminals. Over-current protection is provided by sensing the voltage at the current sense input pin with no external components needed. Overload protection is provided by utilizing the external feedback capacitor and the feedback input pin during overload conditions. Methods for providing over-current and overload protection are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of protecting an electromechanical power transfer system from excessive peak electrical potentials, the power transfer system comprising a prime mover, a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the prime mover for generating multiphase alternating current (AC) power, and at least one multiphase AC electrical load coupled to the dynamoelectric machine by way of a multiphase AC power bus, the dynamoelectric machine having a control coil responsive to control current for varying power supplied to the electrical load, comprises the steps of: analysing electrical potentials on the power bus to generate analysed power bus characteristics; comparing the analysed power bus characteristics to predetermined power bus characteristics; simultaneously shunting power across the power bus and reducing control current to the control coil for the dynamoelectric machine when the analysed power bus characteristics approximate the predetermined power bus characteristics to reduce the measured electrical potentials; and simult

Abstract: A powered device includes a rectifier circuit, a logic circuit, and a power protection element. The rectifier circuit includes two inputs to receive an input voltage from a powered network and includes two output terminals to provide a rectified power supply voltage in response to the input voltage. The logic circuit is coupled between the two inputs and adapted to receive data from the powered network. The power protection element is coupled between the two output terminals to protect to the logic circuitry from high power transients. In a first mode of operation, the power protection element presents a high impedance to the two output terminals. In a second mode of operation, the power protection element has a first power protection characteristic. In a third mode of operation, the power protection element has a second power protection characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switch circuit and method to quickly enable or disable the ion beam to a wafer within an ion implantation system. The beam control technique may be applied to wafer doping repaint and duty factor reduction. The circuit and method may be used to quench an arc that may form between high voltage electrodes associated with an ion source to shorten the duration of the arc and mitigate non-uniform ion implantations. The circuit and method facilitates repainting the ion beam over areas where an arc was detected to recover dose loss during such arcing. A high voltage high speed switching circuit is added between each high voltage supply and its respective electrode to quickly extinguish the arc to minimize disruption of the ion beam. The high voltage switch is controlled by a trigger circuit which detects voltage or current changes to each electrode. Protection circuits for the HV switch absorb energy from reactive components and clamp any overvoltages.

Abstract: A HomePlug apparatus is electrically connected to a power network and includes a HomePlug processing circuit and a surge protecting circuit. The HomePlug processing circuit is electrically connected to the surge protecting circuit. The surge protecting circuit has at least one inductor, at least one capacitor and at least one arrester. The inductor is electrically connected to the power network. The arrester is electrically connected to a ground. The inductor, the capacitor and the arrester are connected in series to guide a surge originated from the power network to the ground.

Abstract: Semiconductor Integrated Circuit (IC) devices such as diode and MOSFET that protect circuits from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) are formed. A diode is formed by an N+ (or P+) and P+ (or N+) diffusion layers within an N (or P) well on a P (or N) type semiconductor substrate. The N+ (or P+) diffusion layer of the diode is connected to the power supply. Additionally, an NMOSFET (or PMOSFET) is formed with N+ (or P+) source/drain regions and a gate on the same P (or N) type substrate. The P+ (or N+) diffusion layer of the diode and the N+ (or P+) source/drain regions of the NMOSFET (or PMOSFET) are connected to a fuse through second and first levels of metal wirings.

Abstract: A circuit and device protects connected equipment from a broad range of unsafe conditions of over-voltage and under-voltage by disconnecting the line voltage before surge protection components, generally MOVs, are damaged from sustained surges. However, nuisance tripping of the protective circuit is avoiding by discriminating surges that are properly handled by the MOVs and components in the load or protective device. Further, the devise are protected from sustained high voltage line conditions, which would ordinarily result in repeated cycling between the on and off states as the line voltages fluctuates slightly at or about the trip threshold, as the circuit has a deliberate hysteresis such that the turn on voltage is about 10 to 20 V lower than the shut off threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a power quality indicator coupled to an electrical circuit. The indicator comprises the summing device configured to received a sensed wave form from the electrical circuit, including at least one voltage wave form. A summing device is configured to provide a summed output voltage. A low pass filter (LPF) is electrically coupled to the summing device and configured to receive a summed output voltage from the summing device. The LPF is configured to provide a LPF voltage. A microprocessor is configured to receive the sum upward voltage the LPF voltage, compute an RMS voltage value for each of the summed output voltage, determine the difference of such RMS voltage values and generate a signal representative of the difference of the RMS voltage values, wherein the signal is proportional to the harmonic content in the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A power protection device protects electronic equipment from AC supply system disturbances. An electronically controlled relay circuit passes power to connected equipment if the electrical supply system, to which the equipment is connected, is properly wired for continuity and correct polarity of line, neutral, and ground conductors, and the line voltage is within twenty-five percent of nominal levels. Thermal cut-offs are used as a back-up to the over-voltage protection provided by the electronically controlled relay circuit. These thermal cut-offs are connected in a way that when either or both trip, the relay of the electronically controlled relay circuit is de-energized and power is disconnected to the device output stage and connected equipment.

Abstract: A circuit for suppressing electrical arcing in an ion beam source or other plasma devices is provided. The arc suppression circuit of this invention detects current rises on ion beam source grids which cause arcing, disconnects the current flowing to the grid, and grounds the ion beam source to allow excess charge and current to be drained from the ion beam source rather than letting the charge and current arc on the grids of the ion beam source. A novel timing sequence is used for activating and deactivating the arc suppression circuitry to prevent shorting out of the power source. The arc suppressor circuits of this invention can be used on devices other than ion beam sources or plasma devices.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for protecting an electrical component from electrostatic discharge prior to its electrical connection to an additional component. Specifically, a flex on suspension circuit of a disc drive that is electrically connected to the read/write head is disclosed as having exposed leads for connection to a printed circuit cable assembly. The exposed leads are shunted with a solder conductor such as solder tape after testing of the circuit and head to prevent electrostatic build-up across the read and write elements. The flex on suspension circuit is then electrically connected to the printed circuit assembly cable by reflowing the solder conductor to bond the exposed leads of the flex on suspension circuit to the electrical contacts of the printed circuit assembly cable and also to remove the electrical short established between the exposed leads by the solder conductor.

Abstract: A floating body ESD protection circuit positioned between and coupled to an I/O pad and an internal circuit. A p-type depletion mode transistor is used to control the body of an n-type enhancement mode transistor. When the p-type depletion mode transistor is triggered, the body of n-type enhancement mode transistor remains grounded. If the p-type depletion mode transistor has not been triggered, the body remains in a floating state, lowering the range of the snapback voltage. As a consequence the ESD protection circuit is able to function more rapidly. Similarly, an n-type depletion mode transistor is used to control the body of a p-type enhancement mode transistor. When the n-type depletion mode transistor is triggered, the body remains coupled to a high voltage. If the n-type depletion mode transistor has not been triggered, the body is in a floating state. Thus, the range of the snapback voltage can be lowered, enabling the ESD protection circuit to function more rapidly.

Abstract: An apparatus for disconnecting an electrical load from an input DC voltage includes first and second lines which carry the input DC voltage to the electrical load. A fuse is connected in series in the first line. The switching contact of a first relay is connected in series in the first line and is opened for a disconnection process. The switching contact of a second relay is connected in parallel between the first and the second line downstream of the first relay and, when a disconnection process takes place, is closed once the first relay has been opened. The apparatus has a high availability despite the use of commercially available relays.

Abstract: A battery module including at least one cell, at least one sensor, an interrupter device such as a fuse connected in series with the cells and an electronic switch. The electronic switch includes power transistors for short circuiting the series-connected components and the fuse if the sensor senses a malfunction and a diode for assuring that the power transistors maintain the series-connected circuit short circuited regardless of the subsequent status of the sensor. The diode memorizes the malfunction so that the module continues to conduct after the fuse blows, even if the sensors no longer detect any malfunction.

Abstract: A current limiter is provided to protect a fieldbus network from electrical shorts in the wiring of the spur cables and network devices attached to the spur cables. In the event of an electrical short, the impedance of the current limiter and the spur connection increases permitting the remainder of the network to continue to function. To facilitate repairs, the current limiter includes an indicator that signals excessive current in the spur. A method of connecting a spur cable to the network is provided where the spur cable is connected to a separate current limiter module that is plugged into a connector block.

Abstract: An improved circuit and method for connecting a device to an actuator-sensor interface (“ASI”) bus. The circuit provides the proper AC and DC coupling between the device and bus during normal operation, while providing AC and DC decoupling in the event of a short circuit or when the device is disconnected. The circuit accomplishes these goals while advantageously eliminating some of the components used in prior art circuits.

Abstract: A fast acting disconnect system is incorporated with a transient voltage surge suppressor to protect the surge suppressor and the connected utilization equipment from power frequency overvoltages. A resettable circuit breaker permits reconnection after disconnecting the AC voltage source due to a power frequency overvoltage. The system is applicable to protect equipment connected to an AC source of voltage that has a phase conductor, a neutral conductor and a grounding conductor with surge suppressors connected to protect against transient voltage surges from phase-to-neutral, phase-to-ground and neutral-to-ground. The system protects against damage of the surge suppressor and the connected equipment from power frequency overvoltages as specified for testing by a recognized testing agency. A transient voltage surge of the greatest magnitude anticipated in the environment for which the system is designed will not cause a false disconnect operation.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a field-effect-controlled semiconductor component reduces a charging current for driving the field-effect-controlled semiconductor component when a load current limiting responds. That prevents an increase in current consumption of the drive circuit while maintaining a short switching time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for opening circuit breakers in a circuit are disclosed. The apparatus includes input terminals adapted to be connected to the circuit, a switch and a load. When the apparatus is connected to the circuit and the switch is closed, a current is created in the circuit which overloads the circuit breaker. The apparatus also includes a fuse to protect the device and a LED to indicate when the device is in use. The apparatus can also include multiple loads to be able to create the overload in different circuits.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit utilizes the fault current sensing capabilities of a differential protection circuit in combination with a shunting circuit to protect a power generating system against an overvoltage condition. The circuit offers the combined advantage of protecting attached load equipment from the harmful effects of an overvoltage condition while also ensuring rapid deexcitation of a generator.

Abstract: Paint flow control interface circuitry for passing electrical signals across a paint booth barrier including a feedback signal indicating a paint flow parameter from a parameter transducer within the paint booth, includes passive resistive intrinsically safe barrier circuit elements coupled with buffer circuitry for minimizing the voltage drop across the interface circuitry. Light filtering of the buffer circuitry output signal with minimum filter lag yields an accurate indication of the paint flow parameter with high signal to noise ratio and minimum signal lag, for application in closed-loop paint flow control. Additional transducer voltage supply signal feedback provides for closed-loop voltage supply control across the interface circuit.