Abstract: An inductor protection device includes a single chip microcomputer (SCM) and an input unit. The protection device is used for protecting an inductor in a circuit, the circuit includes a controller configured for triggering on or cutting off the circuit. The SCM sets a limiting voltage according to parameters input from the input unit, obtains a current voltage of the inductor, compares the current voltage with the limiting voltage, and sends a control signal to the controller to cut off the circuit when the current voltage is bigger than or equal to the limiting voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle high voltage system may include contactors/relays, wires, a traction battery, electrical components, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may open the contactors to interrupt current flow to the components if anyone of a plurality of amp?hour measurement associated with the traction battery exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A protection circuit and a gate driving circuitry. The protection circuit is for protecting a p-type back-to-back MOS switch. The circuit receives an input driving signal and provides a driving output signal to common gates of the p-type back-to-back MOS switch. The circuit comprises a driving signal insulation switch for disconnecting the common gate of the p-type back-to-back MOS switch from the received input driving signal when the voltage of the common gates is larger than the supply voltage of the circuit. The circuit further comprises a gate source coupling switch for coupling a voltage received at the common source of the p-type back-to-back MOS switch to the common gate if a received voltage at the common sources is larger than a reference voltage Vref.

Abstract: A short-circuit protection circuit of a light emitting diode (LED) is for protecting a plurality of LED strings from a short-circuit condition. The short-circuit protection circuit includes a short-circuit protection unit and a control unit. The short-circuit protection unit is coupled to the plurality of LED strings to execute a short-circuit protection. The control unit coupled to the short-circuit protection unit and the LED strings is configured to control the short-circuit protection unit according to at least one of a feedback voltage and a compensation voltage, so as to determine whether to trigger the short-circuit protection. The feedback voltage is generated from a cross voltage of one of the LED strings, and the compensation voltage is generated according to a comparison result between the feedback voltage and a reference voltage for controlling a power supply of the LED strings.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing protection of DC building electrical systems are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for over-current protection of direct current (DC) building electrical systems includes a DC bus for providing DC power to a building and multiple DC feeder conductors for providing DC power to multiple locations within the building. Each DC feeder conductor is connected to the DC bus via a DC protection module having a fuse, a normally closed switch connected in parallel with the fuse, and a circuit breaker connected in series with the fuse and switch, where the switch is controllable to be closed to protect the fuse against transient current conditions and controllable to be open after the transient current conditions have subsided to allow the fuse to operate normally.

Abstract: An input/output (IO) circuit is provided that reduces stress on a driver without using an additional reference voltage. The IO circuit receives an overshoot voltage and an undershoot voltage in a receive mode. The IO circuit includes a driver circuit. The driver circuit includes an NMOS transistor coupled to a PMOS transistor. A pad is coupled to the driver circuit. A PMOS protect circuit is coupled to the driver circuit and the pad. An NMOS protect circuit is coupled to the driver circuit and the pad. The NMOS protect circuit is configured to be activated only for a duration of the overshoot voltage received at the pad during the receive mode and the PMOS protect circuit is configured to be activated only for a duration of the undershoot voltage received at the pad during the receive mode.

Abstract: A protection circuit is connected between a power supply for providing a working voltage and a load. The protection circuit comprises an interface, a detecting module connected to the interface, a control module, and a switch module. The control module generates a plus width modulation (PWM) signal with a predetermined duty cycle when the interface interconnects with the load. The switch module periodically turns on and turns off based on the PWM signal with the predetermined duty cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient input/output (I/O) port overvoltage protection of a high-speed port. An interfacing system for connecting peripheral devices to a computing system comprises ports for conveying serial communications bi-directional signals and an overvoltage protection circuit. The protection circuit prevents an overvoltage condition on one port in response to an overvoltage event on a corresponding second port. In one embodiment, the interfacing system connects USB peripheral devices to an automotive infotainment system comprising an automotive battery potiential greater than a USB power supply. In addition, the overvoltage protection circuit is able to transmit signals between the two ports without signal attenuation defined by an industry standard specification such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) Implementers Forum (IF) eye pattern diagram test.

Abstract: A system detects Electro Static Discharge (ESD) of an electronic device by sensing a ground voltage of an electronic device, comparing the sensed ground voltage with a predetermined reference voltage and if the sensed ground voltage exceeds the reference voltage, performs at least one predetermined operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and an adjacent terminal of an IC controller of a power supply. The voltages across adjacent terminals are monitored. If the voltage difference between the terminals falls below a minimum threshold for greater than a first duration of time, an internal current source injects current into one of the terminals. If, within a second duration of time, the injected current pulls the voltage of the injected terminal to a voltage that causes the voltage difference between the terminals to be above the minimum threshold, it may be determined that a transient fault has occurred and been cleared or falsely detected. If, however, the injected current does not pull the voltage of the injected terminal to a voltage that causes the voltage between the adjacent terminals to be above the minimum threshold, the fault condition is confirmed and switching is disabled.

Abstract: A semiautomatic switching device is configured to selectively connect one of two power sources to a load. Each of the power sources is a split-phase power source including a first hot lead, a second hot lead, and a neutral lead. When the second split-phase power source is generating power, the voltage between the first or second hot lead and the neutral lead closes a corresponding first or second contact. The first and second contacts are connected in series between the first hot lead, the second hot lead and a third switch. The voltage potential present between the first hot lead and the second hot lead closes a third and fourth contact. The third contact is connected in series between the first hot lead and the load and the fourth contact is connected in series between the second hot lead and the load. The switching device protects against open neutral conditions.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a processor, and a connector used for connecting an external device to the electronic device, wherein the processor monitors fluctuation in a voltage at a specific terminal of the connector, and when the fluctuation in the voltage during a predetermined time period are not within a predetermined range, the processor electrically separates the connector.

Abstract: Embodiments of bus interface circuitry and methods for short circuit detection are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the bus interface circuitry comprises logic circuitry to compare a driver stage output signal at a bond pad to internal reference voltages to generate control signals indicative of whether a short-circuit condition exists on a bus. The driver stage of the bus interface may be temporarily disabled when a short-circuit condition is indicated by the control signals.

Abstract: An electronic module (100) has a first and a second circuit (200, 300) with respective first and second output connections (230, 330), respective first and second reference potential connections (220, 320), and respective first and second sensing connections (240, 340), each circuit (200, 300) comprising a respective sensing block (250, 350), which at its input side is connected to the respective sensing connection (240, 340) and to the respective reference potential connection (220, 320). The first sensing connection (240) is either connected to the first output connection (230) or to the second output connection (330). The second sensing connection (340) is connected to the second output connection (330). The sensing blocks (250, 350) are configured to detect a failure of the electronic module (100) with respect to its respective reference potential connection (220, 320) and to indicate a detected failure by providing a failure signal at its respective output connection (230, 330).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a circuitry including a first contact connected to a power supply, a first compare unit connected to the first contact and to a first reference signal, wherein the first compare unit is configured to compare a voltage at the first contact with the first reference signal and provide a first output signal for further processing.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit and a server using the same are provided. The overcurrent protection circuit coupled between a power supply module and a load on a mainboard including a detecting component, a detection unit, a comparing unit, and a power switch. The detecting component is coupled between the power supply module and the detection unit. The detection unit detects a detecting voltage generated by the detecting component responsive to a supplying current. The comparing unit generates a control voltage according to the detecting voltage and a reference voltage. The power switch is coupled between the detecting component and the load and is controlled by the control voltage. When the comparing unit determines that the detecting voltage is greater than the reference voltage, the comparing unit cuts off the power switch to disconnect a power supply path between the power supply module and the load.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a method for detecting a failure on a differential bus. The method may include: determining an allowed voltage range of the differential bus based on a minimum load and a maximum load; comparing a differential bus voltage with the allowed voltage range; and determining a failure state in case the differential bus voltage is outside the allowed voltage range.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a well having an emitter and a collector region. The well has a doping of a first type, and the emitter and collector regions have a doping of a second type. The emitter region, well, and collector region are configured to operate as an emitter, base, and collector for a first transistor, respectively. The collector region is spaced away from the emitter region to define a spacing. A first spacer and a second spacer are positioned adjacent the well between the emitter and the collector. A conductive plate is positioned adjacent the well and between the first spacer and the second spacer, and a doping adjacent the first spacer, the second spacer, and the plate consists essentially of the first type.

Abstract: A metering device includes a first transformer that receives an analog waveform and generates a first stepped-down output signal; a second transformer that receives the analog waveform and generates a second stepped-down output signal; first biasing circuitry that receives the first output signal from the first transformer and generates a first digital signal within a first range, wherein the first biasing circuitry includes a switching device for switching between a first and second operational sub-range; second biasing circuitry that receives the second output signal from the second transformer and generates a second digital signal within a second range; and a processor assembly in communication with the first biasing circuitry, wherein if the first digital signal saturates the first operational sub-range, the processor assembly controls the switching device to process the first output signal in the second operational sub-range.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to fault detection comparator circuitry and methods that can operate in conjunction with a power-on-reset (POR) scheme to put a chip into a reliable power-down mode upon fault detection to avoid disrupting the communication bus link such that other connected chips and the host can continue to operate. Power-on of the affected chip can then be carried out when the connection with that chip is restored.

Abstract: A protection circuit includes: a temperature measuring unit which compares a voltage corresponding to a temperature at each of a plurality of sense points with a reference voltage, and generates a measurement result based on a result of comparison; a controller which generates a plurality of current control signals, which controls currents of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of sense points, respectively, based on the measurement result from the temperature measuring unit; and a plurality of phase converter which outputs the currents of the plurality of channels based on the plurality of current control signals, wherein the controller generates the plurality of current control signals until the voltage corresponding to the temperature of each of the plurality of sense points is substantially equal to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an external voltage detection unit suitable for detecting a voltage level of an external voltage to output an external voltage detection signal based on the detected result, a reference voltage generation unit suitable for generating a reference voltage based on the external voltage, an internal voltage generation unit enabled in response to the external voltage detection signal, suitable for selectively generating a voltage corresponding to the reference voltage as an internal voltage, and an internal voltage control unit suitable for selectively providing a voltage having a target level corresponding to the internal voltage as the internal voltage in response to the external voltage detection signal.

Abstract: System and methods for detecting electrical leakages in a battery sensing are presented. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods allow a vehicle battery sensing circuit and/or other associated system to detect certain electrical leakages and implement one or more actions to protect vehicle systems from damage resulting from such leakages.

Abstract: A power supply switch circuit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first switch element that is connected between a first power supply line and a second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line according to a first enable signal; a second switch element that is connected between the first power supply line and the second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line; and a switch control circuit that includes at least one logic gate supplied with power from the second power supply line and controls the second switch element. The switch control circuit controls the second switch element based on a second enable signal supplied to the switch control circuit and on a voltage of the second power supply line.

Abstract: Commonly, a transient protection filter circuit is integrated between power sources and the circuits that follow to suppress voltage transients. Pre-existing transient protection filters are implemented such that when a transient is detected, transistors in the path become linear regulators. Instead, this invention uses bridge resistors to form a voltage divider to dissipate the extra power. The novelty of this invention is that it protects the load not by dissipating the extra power in front of the load as other transient protection filter circuits do, but by providing energy from the transient to the load through a resistor. This implementation solves the problem of thermal runaway that is commonly caused when transient voltages are filtered by dissipating power within the transistors in the path of the transient and the electric circuits after the transistors.

Abstract: There is provided an overheating protection circuit, including a temperature-variable voltage generating unit generating a temperature-variable voltage by adding a temperature-proportional voltage increasing with an increase in temperature and a first turn-on voltage decreasing with an increase in temperature; and an overheating prevention signal generating unit comparing the temperature-variable voltage and a second turn-on voltage decreasing with an increase in temperature to generate an overheating prevention signal, wherein the first turn-on voltage and the second turn-on voltage have the same distribution.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a method for detecting a failure on a differential bus comprising the steps: detecting a first signal between the bus lines, detecting a second signal between the bus lines, and detecting the failure in case the first signal and the second signal do not show the same absolute value or in case the first signal and the second signal do not show nearly the same absolute value.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus includes a power-supply supply portion 101 supplying a power supply to a micro-controller 102, an inverter 104 supplying power to drive a motor 5, a gate driver 103 controlling the inverter 104, a motor relay 105 opening and closing a current-passing path between the inverter 104 and the motor 5, a motor relay driver 106 controlling the motor relay 105, and a monitoring control portion A 108a and a monitoring control portion B 108b monitoring a power-supply voltage of the power-supply supply portion 101. Because multiple monitoring control portions are included, even in the event of an inconvenience in either one of the monitoring control portions A 108a and B 108b, the motor 5 can be stopped quickly in a reliable manner when the power-supply voltage goes out of a normal operation range.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a plurality of solid state switches of varying periphery sizes connected in series between a power source and a load. A built-in test circuit senses an overvoltage condition across one or more of the varying periphery sizes and opens or closes the one or more of the varying periphery sizes in accordance with a measured voltage across at least one solid state switch of the plurality of solid state switches.

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

Abstract: A switching device is configured to connect a split-phase power source to a load. The split-phase power source includes a first hot lead, a second hot lead, and a neutral lead. When the split-phase power source is generating power, the voltage between the first hot lead and the neutral lead closes a first contact and the voltage between the second hot lead and the neutral lead closes a second contact. The contacts are connected in series between the first hot lead, the second hot lead and a third switch. The voltage potential present between the first hot lead and the second hot lead closes a third and fourth contact. The third contact is connected in series between the first hot lead and the load and the fourth contact is connected in series between the second hot lead and the load. The switching device protects against open neutral conditions.

Abstract: A protective circuit for an arrangement includes a multiplicity of individual cells in a rechargeable battery pack. A predefined number of individual cells are connected in series in a cell row and at least two cell rows are mutually parallel, and at least one cell connector situated between the individual cells at a location of one cell row is electrically connected via a compensation line to the cell connector situated at an identical location of the parallel cell row, and the potential of the cell connector connected to the compensation line at one location of one cell row and the potential of the cell connector electrically connected to the compensation line at the same location of the parallel cell row are detected and the detected potentials are fed to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: An over voltage protection circuit comprises an input end, coupled to an input power, for receiving an input voltage provided by the input power; and a driving module, coupled between the input end and a ground end, for generating a discharging current when the input voltage is larger than a predefined voltage, to reduce the input voltage to the predefined voltage. The driving module comprises a voltage regulating module, a p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOS), and an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOS). The PMOS and the NMOS are an upper gate switch and a lower gate switch of a motor driver or a fan driver.

Abstract: A method includes supplying power from a power supply to a. first electrical circuit breaker. The method includes detecting whether at least one of a current and a voltage of the power has exceeded an operating threshold for the first electrical circuit The method includes, in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has exceeded the operating threshold for the first electrical circuit, shutting off the power supply and the first electrical circuit breaker. The method includes in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has not exceeded the operating threshold for the first electrical circuit, supplying the power from the power supply to the second electrical circuit breaker that is electrically coupled to the second electrical circuit.

Abstract: A protection and attenuation circuit for sensitive AC loads is described. The circuit provides AC power protection and attenuation utilizing high-efficiency switch-mode techniques to attenuate an AC power signal by incorporating a bidirectional, transistorized switch driven from a pulse width modulation signal, PWM. The circuit monitors characteristics of the AC power signal driving a known load and characteristics of the load or other elements and determines the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal, PWM, based upon the duration and amplitude of the over-voltage, over-current, over-limit or other event.

Abstract: A voltage protection circuit includes a first power source, a power circuit, a comparator, and a electronic switch. The power circuit provides an output voltage to the comparator. The comparator compares the output voltage with a reference voltage. The electronic switch controls the power circuit according to the comparison. When the output voltage is larger than the reference voltage, the electronic switch controls the power circuit to stop providing the output voltage.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer-readable storage media that may be used to detect excitation faults for electrical devices, such as generators and/or condensers, connected in a parallel configuration are provided. A method includes determining a change in a terminal voltage of one of the electrical devices with respect to a steady state terminal voltage. The method further includes determining a change in a reactive power of the electrical device with respect to a steady state reactive power. The method further includes determining whether an excitation fault condition exists based on the determined changes in terminal voltage and reactive power.

Abstract: An electric circuit comprising means for communicating with an external device coupled to means for measuring the charge condition of an external battery. In some embodiments, the circuit comprises at least one level shifter for changing the reference voltage of communication signals. In some embodiments, the circuit comprises a first driver and a second driver for driving external switching elements for the controlled charge and discharge of the battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a battery protection circuit and a method thereof for protecting a battery pack. The battery protection circuit comprises a hardware protection circuit, a software protection circuit and a current detecting circuit. When the battery pack is not in the active status, the hardware protection circuit is used to execute a protective operation; and when the battery pack is in the active status, the software protection circuit is used to execute the protective operation. Furthermore, the hardware protection circuit is electrically connected to the software protection circuit to detect a status of the software protection circuit. When the battery pack is in the active status, the software protection circuit is used to execute the protective operation, and when the software protection circuit is in an abnormal status, the hardware protection circuit is used instead to execute the protective operation.

Abstract: An electronic fuse apparatus is connected between a power side and a system side. The electronic fuse apparatus mainly includes an electronic fuse, a short-circuit protection switch, a current-sensing module, and a digital control module. The current-sensing module detects an operating current which flows from the power side to the system side. The digital control module generates a control signal to control the electronic fuse. When the current-sensing module detects that the operating current is over-current, the digital control module generates the high-level control signal to turn off the electronic fuse, thus providing an over-current protection. When a short-circuit fault occurs at the system side, the short-circuit protection switch is turned on to turn off the electronic fuse, thus providing a short-circuit protection.

Abstract: A control circuit for a protection circuit device includes first and second voltage boosters, a comparator coupled thereto, and a MOSFET for bypassing a direct current (DC) source. The control circuit may include a control logic circuit having a first input coupled to an output of the comparator, a second input receiving a disable command signal, a first output coupled to an enable input of the first voltage booster, and a second output, and a four terminal path inversion switch. The control circuit may include a supply voltage line, a sensor coupled to the second input of the control logic circuit, to generate the disable command signal, and to force the MOSFET into a conduction mode, and an external command terminal coupled to the second input of the control logic circuit, to receive the disable command signal, and to force the MOSFET into the conduction mode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second switches. The first switch is for coupling a first node to a second node responsive to a first control signal having a first value, and for decoupling these nodes responsive to the first control signal having a second value. The second switch is for coupling the first node to a third node responsive to a second control signal having the first value, and for decoupling these nodes responsive to the second control signal having the second value. A load is coupled between the second and third nodes. A detection circuit coupled to the first node is configured to generate a signal indicating whether voltage at the first node exceeds a threshold. First and second modules are configured to set the first and second control signals to the second value responsive to the signal indicating that the voltage at the first node exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement including an interface, a protection circuit and a measurement circuit. The interface is configured to receive a signal. The protection circuit is coupled to the interface. The protection circuit is configured to limit a voltage provided by the interface to a protection voltage. The measurement circuit is coupled to the protection circuit and configured to provide at least one of a signal of a first measurement type and a signal of a second measurement type if a voltage provided by the interface is higher than the protection voltage and configured to provide a signal of a second measurement type if the voltage provided by the interface is lower than the protection voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selective protection of an electrical load from disturbances on an input power line. A power protection circuit includes a selectively variable inrush current limiting circuit and a switch for disconnecting the input power line from the load. A control circuit determines that the electrical load is in a first operational state, such as a standby mode or normal operation, or a second operational state, such as full operation at rated current. The power protection circuit provides variable inrush current limiting to the electrical load in response to a first category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the first operational state. The power protection circuit inhibits disconnecting the electrical load in response to a second category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the second operational state. Species of selectively variable current limiting circuits are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control device and method for over current or short circuit protection of electronic cigarette. The control device includes an input module, a power module, a heating element, a switch control module, a comparator, and a FET; the FET is used to detect an operating voltage generated by an operating current following through the internal resistance of the FET, and the operating voltage is transmitted to the comparator; the comparator compares a reference voltage with the operating voltage, and output a potential signal to the switch control module, the switch control module turns off the FET or maintains it turning on corresponding to the potential signal, further the FET powers off or powers on the heating element. Therefore the circuit of electronic cigarette is protected in over current or short circuit condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing output of an input signal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a signal control unit comprising a signal buffering unit having an input and an output, the signal buffering unit arranged to receive an input signal and pass the input signal to the output when the signal buffering unit is powered, wherein a negative power supply terminal of the signal buffering unit is arranged to be supplied by a first power source having a voltage. The signal control unit also comprises a boost circuit arranged to boost the voltage of the first power source to a boosted voltage higher than the voltage of the first power source and supply either the voltage of the first power source or the boosted voltage to a positive power supply terminal of the signal buffering unit.

Abstract: Processes, machines, and articles of manufacture that may serve to enable the detection or determination of alternating line voltages from an alternating power source, such as the power grid, are provided. This automatic sensing may be useful when connections are made to the power grid, such that when connections are made, the connections may be configured to be compatible with the available power source. This automatic sensing may also be useful if power sources change characteristics over time or if devices may be connected to different power sources over time.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit (ETU) configured to trip a circuit breaker using power from an external device is provided. Additionally, a system for enabling an electronic control unit (ETU) to trip a circuit breaker using power from an external device is provided. Further, a method for enabling an electronic trip unit (ETU) to trip a circuit breaker using power from an external device is provided.

Abstract: An electronic device may include protection circuitry coupled to a connector port. The connector port may be a reversible connector port that receives a mating reversible connector plug with either first or second orientations. The connector port may include contacts for receiving and/or transmitting signals during communications between the electronic device and the accessory device. The protection circuitry may monitor signals received at the contacts to determine whether transient or permanent connection faults exist. In response to determining that a connection fault exists at any of the contacts, the protection circuitry may electrically disconnect the faulty contacts from processing circuitry in the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an over temperature protection circuit. The over temperature protection circuit includes a reference circuit and a hysteretic comparator. The reference circuit is used for generating a reference voltage and a changeable voltage. The changeable voltage is varied by temperature. The hysteretic comparator compares the reference voltage with the changeable voltage to output a power down signal.