With Specific Current Responsive Fault Sensor Patents (Class 361/93.1)
  • Patent number: 11955880
    Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit includes a low-pass filter configured to generate a smoothing voltage corresponding to a voltage across a lower transistor forming a half-bridge output stage of an inverting type switching power supply, wherein an overcurrent protection signal is generated based on the smoothing voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Hisada
  • Patent number: 11901821
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ramp generator configured to produce a set signal for determining a phase shift between a first phase and a second phase of a power converter, a first phase on-timer configured to produce a first reset signal for determining a turn-on time of a high-side switch of the first phase of the power converter, a second phase on-timer configured to produce a second reset signal for determining a turn-on time of a high-side switch of the second phase of the power converter, and a control logic block configured to generate gate drive signals for the first phase and the second phase of the power converter based on the set signal, the first reset signal and the second reset signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: M3 Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Xiaoyu Xi, David Meng
  • Patent number: 11887780
    Abstract: The present invention comprises: an object to be conveyed that has at least one permanent magnet 10; a magnetic pole 25 that has a core 22 comprising a second magnetic body and a winding 21 wound around the outer periphery of the core 22; a drive circuit 50 for supplying a current to the winding 21 of the magnetic pole 25; a current detection unit 30 for detecting the value of the current flowing through the winding 21; and a computation unit 40 for estimating the position of the permanent magnet 10 on the basis of the current value detected by the current detection unit 30 and controlling the value of the current supplied from the drive circuit 50 to the winding 21 on the basis of information about the estimated position of the permanent magnet 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Aoyama, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Satoru Kaneko, Takeshi Tamakoshi, Ryosuke Hoshi, Katsuhiro Kambara, Hiroshi Watanabe, Kuniaki Onizawa
  • Patent number: 11881848
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for checking a semiconductor switch for a fault, wherein the semiconductor switch is driven with a PWM signal with a variable duty cycle. To the benefit of determining faults on the semiconductor switch reliably and cost-effectively, it is provided that if the semiconductor switch is operated with a duty cycle of 100% or 0%, the current measurement of the overall system is evaluated, while if the semiconductor switch is operated with a duty cycle of between 0% and 100%, the generated voltage pulses across the semiconductor switch are evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Philipp Eck
  • Patent number: 11867719
    Abstract: A fuse monitoring device for monitoring a fuse supported by a fuse block, the fuse monitoring device including a housing. The housing includes a holder attachment mechanism configured to connect the fuse monitoring device to a fuse block. The housing also includes a mounting attachment mechanism configured to connect the fuse monitoring device to a mounting structure and at least one sensor configured to be operably connected to a fuse and configured to measure fuse data associated with the fuse. The monitoring device further includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Thomas E. Schmitt, Venancio Esteban Narciso, Arturo Gutierrez Ramos, Jacob Nuñez Lopez
  • Patent number: 11870430
    Abstract: An over-current protection circuit for composite transistor devices is provided, connected between an input terminal and a load, and including: a control-terminal voltage-generation module whose output voltage varies with its input voltage when driven by a first voltage, wherein the output voltage of the control-terminal voltage-generation module serves as a control-terminal voltage; a composite transistor device, connected between the control-terminal voltage-generation module and the load, configured to conduct in response to the control-terminal voltage and a second voltage to generate an output current flowing through the load; and an over-current protection module, connected between the composite transistor device and the load, wherein when the output current of the composite transistor device exceeds a preset limit, a clamping voltage is applied to the composite transistor device by the over-current protection module to limit a current flowing through the composite transistor device, thereby limiting th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: MICROTERA SEMICONDUCTOR (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Franco Maloberti, Alper Akdikmen, Yao Liu, Sen Liu, Jianping Li, Xinglong Liu, Linsen Shi, Guichun Ban, Xiaowei Liu, Haibin Liu, Huahua Duan, Chao Yang, Jie Yin
  • Patent number: 11850950
    Abstract: A power control system includes a power inverter comprising a first side, a second side, and a plurality of power switches. The second side is configured to connect to an electric machine. A solid state fuse includes a power switch including a first terminal in communication with the first terminal of a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) of the electric vehicle and a second terminal in communication with the first side of the power inverter. A DC-DC converter is configured to convert a first voltage output by the RESS of the electric vehicle to a second voltage. One or more sensors configured to sense one or more operating parameters of the RESS. A fuse controller is configured to receive power from the DC-DC converter, to communicate with the one or more sensors and to cause the power switch to selectively change state in response to changes in the one or more operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Muhammad Hussain Alvi, Chandra S. Namuduri, Renato Amorim Torres
  • Patent number: 11824433
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling and/or limiting inrush current is described. The system includes a buck converter section; a power factor conversion (PFC) boost converter section; and a storage capacitor section. In a first mode of operation, the boost converter section is disabled and the buck converter section is active and in a second mode of operation, the boost converter section is active and the buck converter section is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Neudorf, Steven Lyons, Kyle Hathaway
  • Patent number: 11817281
    Abstract: A method of detecting welded contacts in a relay. The method includes performing, at a first point in time, the applying of a drive to the activation coil to conduct a coil current through the activation coil, the coil current increasing to a first current level, the first current level being less than a pull-in current of the relay; responsive to the coil current reaching the first current level, turning off the drive to the activation coil to discharge the coil current at a first clamping voltage; and measuring a first discharge time corresponding to a first inductance from the turning off of the drive to the activation coil to the coil current reaching a second current level, the second current level being less than the first current level. These operations are repeated at a second point in time to obtain a second inductance. Comparison of the first inductance and second inductance determines whether a difference between the first and second inductances exceeds a comparison criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anand Gopalan, Nicholas Oborny, Milos Acanski
  • Patent number: 11811325
    Abstract: A controller for a multiphase switching converter has a voltage control circuit, a total current control circuit, a frequency divider and a plurality of sub control circuits. The voltage control circuit provides an on-time control signal based on an output voltage. The total current control circuit provides a current control signal based on a total current flowing through the plurality of switching circuits. The frequency divider receives the on-time control signal, and provides a plurality of frequency division signals based on the on-time control signal. The plurality of sub control circuits provides a plurality of switching control signals to control the plurality of switching circuits respectively. Each of the plurality of sub control circuits receives one of the plurality of frequency division signals and the current control signal, and provides one of the plurality of switching control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lijie Jiang, Binci Xu
  • Patent number: 11791618
    Abstract: A device for controlling a current of an actuator, including: at least one control unit having a first terminal; a first switch; a second terminal; and a second switch for controlling a flow of current through the actuator via the first terminal and the second terminal independently of one another; a first current measuring apparatus for measuring a first current through the first terminal; and a second current measuring apparatus for measuring a second current through the second terminal; in which the first current measuring apparatus and the second current measuring apparatus are integrated into the at least one control unit so that fault currents can be acquired. Also described are a related electronic control unit, a commercial vehicle, and a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Belling, Christian Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 11777477
    Abstract: A digital circuit device includes a power supply circuitry, a digital circuitry, a digital circuitry, and a protection circuitry. The power supply circuitry is configured to output a supply voltage. The digital circuitry is configured to be driven by the supply voltage, and is configured to perform at least one operation according to a first clock signal. The protection circuitry is configured to generate the first clock signal according to at least one of a voltage drop of the supply voltage and a load signal sent from the digital circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Fu Chang
  • Patent number: 11695297
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a photovoltaic (PV) disconnect device used in an electrical system. The electrical system includes an energy control system electrically coupled to a utility grid. The electrical system includes a PV power generation system electrically coupled to the energy control system. The electrical system includes an energy storage system electrically coupled to the energy control system. The PV disconnect device is electrically coupled to the PV power generation system and the energy control system. The PV disconnect device electrically disconnects the PV power generation system from the energy control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Brian Kuhn, Kevin C. Fischer, Udo Uebel
  • Patent number: 11682898
    Abstract: Modular circuit protection devices and configurable panelboard systems include arc-free operation, thermal management features providing safe operation in hazardous environments at lower cost and without requiring conventional explosion-proof enclosures and without entailing series connected separately provided packages such as circuit breaker devices and starter motor contactors and controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Butler, Joseph Michael Manahan, Adam Ledgerwood, Graig DeCarr
  • Patent number: 11681314
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hot-swap circuit and a control apparatus. The hot-swap circuit includes: a power input terminal, a power output terminal; a startup module electrically connected to the power input terminal and the power output terminal; a switch module electrically connected to the power input terminal, the power output terminal, and the startup module; a detection module electrically connected to the startup module, the switch module, and the power output terminal. When a surge signal is input at the power input terminal, a voltage value of a first control signal output by the detection module doesn't fall in a voltage value range of a preset first control signal, then the switch module is controlled to be turned off, so as to cut off a power signal input to the power output terminal, reducing probability of circuit damage, and reducing sparking phenomena of hot-swap power interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: APUTURE IMAGING INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi Huang, Xiangjun Zhou, Kun Tong
  • Patent number: 11621686
    Abstract: A gray zone prevention circuit includes: a first gain stage circuit including a first input terminal and a first output terminal, the first gain stage circuit amplifies a feedback signal received at the first input terminal and generates an amplified signal at the first output terminal; a second gain stage circuit including a terminal that is coupled to the first output terminal for receiving the amplified signal and a second output terminal, where the second gain stage circuit is configured to generate a monitored signal based on the amplified signal; a feedback circuit coupled between the second output terminal and the first input terminal and configured to convert the monitored signal into the feedback signal; and a comparator circuit including a monitoring node coupled to the first output terminal for receiving the amplified signal, wherein the comparator circuit is configured to monitor the monitored signal indirectly via the amplified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Schroers, Carlos Humberto Garcia Rojas, Elisa Sanfilippo, Veikko Summa
  • Patent number: 11588396
    Abstract: A method of operating a power conversion system including converting variable frequency AC voltage to constant frequency AC voltage by a power converter, setting a first peak current reset threshold above operating currents previously observed during steady state short circuit current regulation in by a controller of the power converter, setting a second peak current reset threshold at a current lower than the previously observed steady state short-circuit regulation point observed during previous operation during steady state short circuit current regulation by the controllers of the power converter, resetting inverter converter AC output regulating voltage to 0 volts, and ramping AC output regulating voltage back up into steady-state operation when the second a peak current reset threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Michael White, Dwight D. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 11569656
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a surge protection device, a current sensor configured to sense a current through the surge protection device, and a surge discriminator circuit coupled to the current sensor and configured to discriminate among a plurality of surge levels for the surge protective device responsive to the sensed current. The current sensor may include a current transformer configured to generate a secondary current responsive to the sensed current and the surge discriminator circuit may be configured to discriminate among a plurality of surge levels responsive to the generated secondary current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James William Thompson, James Nicholas Skoczlas
  • Patent number: 11557971
    Abstract: A switching regulator includes a first switch circuit, a second switch circuit, and a protection circuit. The first switch circuit has a first connection node coupled to a first reference voltage, and a second connection node coupled to one end of an inductor. The second switch circuit has a first connection node coupled to a second reference voltage, and a second connection node coupled to the one end of the inductor. The protection circuit senses a voltage level at the first connection node of the first switch circuit, and selectively enables an auxiliary current path in response to the voltage level at the first connection node of the first switch circuit, wherein the auxiliary current path and at least the first switch circuit are arranged in a parallel connection fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Chen, Kuo-Chun Hsu, Chen Tsou, Chao-Chang Chiu, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 11557891
    Abstract: A circuit includes comparator circuitry to sense a current through a load and compare the intensity of the current with a comparison threshold which can be set to a first, lower threshold value and a second, higher threshold value. Logic circuitry receives from the comparator circuitry a comparison signal having a first value or a second value based on whether the intensity is lower or higher than the comparison threshold. The logic circuitry is configured to assert a first overcurrent event signal or a second overcurrent event signal based on the comparison signal having the first value or the second value and the comparison threshold set to the first or second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Nicola Errico, Antonio Giordano, Orazio Pennisi, Leonardo Pedone, Luca Finazzi
  • Patent number: 11539202
    Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker and add a pulse interval after the current chops to zero but before the solid-state circuit breaker returns to an ON state for a next pulse to begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Contrael, Jorg Sizemore, James Edward Ferree, Hugh T. Kinsel
  • Patent number: 11522354
    Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The solid-state switch comprises a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and computer-readable logic code stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, causes the microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, and choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Contrael, Jorg Sizemore, James Edward Ferree, Hugh T. Kinsel
  • Patent number: 11515700
    Abstract: A drive circuit of a voltage-controlled power semiconductor element, including first to fourth switching elements, first and second delay circuits, an overcurrent detection circuit, a slow shutdown detection circuit and a flip-flop. The first switching element turns on upon receiving an off signal. The second switching element is turned on by the first delayed signal generated by the first delay circuit. The third switching element turns on upon receiving a second delayed signal generated by the second delay circuit through the flip-flop. The fourth switching element is turned on by the slow shutdown detection signal generated by the slow shutdown detection circuit. The first to fourth switching elements extract electric charges from the gate terminal of the voltage-controlled power semiconductor element, with first to fourth extracting capabilities, respectively. The first and fourth extracting capabilities are larger than the third extracting capability and smaller than the second extracting capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanari Fujii
  • Patent number: 11493976
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to allow dynamic changing between current limiting methods. A power delivery controller comprising: a power control device; a first current control device, the first current control device to control the power control device when a current level associated with a current flowing between a first device and a second device exceeds a first adjustable current threshold value; a second current control device to control the power control device when the current level exceeds a second adjustable current threshold value; and a configuration manager to, during runtime, set a first configuration setting of the first current control device and a second configuration setting of the second current control device, the first configuration setting and second configuration setting based on a negotiated contract corresponding to the first device and the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael James Mills, Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, Eric Beljaars, Nagesh Narayana Swamy
  • Patent number: 11489329
    Abstract: A power supply system includes: a first power circuit having a first battery, a second power circuit having a second battery, a voltage converter which converter voltage between the first power circuit and second power circuit, a current sensor which acquires a passing current value Iact of the voltage converter, a passing power control unit which operates the voltage converter, and a failure determination unit which determines failure of the voltage converter. The failure determination unit determines that the voltage converter has failed in a case of the passing current value Iact becoming negative in a state in which the passing power control unit is not operating the high-arm element of the voltage converter to ON, and makes a time from when the passing current value Iact first became negative until determining that the voltage converter failed shorter as the passing current value Iact increases to the negative side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisaya Oiwa
  • Patent number: 11479123
    Abstract: A vehicle management system (VMS) computer includes a power distribution controller that includes a plurality of power distribution circuits that are each controlled by the controller to supply power to end component loads. The power distribution controller is communicably coupled to a data processing system by a bus. The VMS computer also includes a plurality of settable circuit breakers, wherein each of the plurality of settable circuit breakers corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of power distribution circuits. The power distribution controller is configured to monitor various values such as voltages, currents, powers, power spikes, and interruptions and to interrupt a respective one of the plurality of power distribution circuits via a settable circuit breaker upon detecting an indication of a fault from the monitored values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory Lloyd Sheffield, Femando Dones, Joseph A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11451157
    Abstract: A circuit includes two input nodes and two output nodes. A rectifier bridge is coupled to the input and output nodes. The rectifier bridge includes a first and second thyristors and a third thyristor coupled in series with a resistor in series. The series coupled third thyristor and resistor are coupled in parallel with one of the first and second thyristors. The first and second thyristors are controlled off, with the third thyristor controlled on, during start up with resistor functioning as an in in-rush current limiter circuit. In normal rectifying operation mode, the first and second thyristors are controlled on, with the third thyristor controlled off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS
    Inventors: Yannick Hague, Romain Launois
  • Patent number: 11425837
    Abstract: A power connection/disconnection system for connecting/disconnecting an electric power module in a high-power modular uninterruptable power supply installation includes: a frame, a rigid support extending along a first direction, a set of connectors mounted on the support and including a ground connector and power connectors. The connectors are successively aligned along the first direction and each shaped to be electrically connected along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with bars of a power connection box of the installation and a translation device configured to move, using an actuator, the support in the second direction. The ground connector extends higher along the second direction than the power connectors. The ground connector is intended to be electrically connected to a ground bar of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SOCOMEC
    Inventors: Guillaume Fricker, Christian Willmann, Andréa Zinni
  • Patent number: 11408928
    Abstract: A state output circuit that outputs a state signal indicating a state of a power supply apparatus, including: a state output terminal that outputs the state signal; a reference potential line to which a reference potential is applied; a first pull-up terminal to which a first pull-up potential is applied, wherein the first pull-up potential is a potential higher than the reference potential; a connection switch unit that is provided between the state output terminal and the reference potential line, and switches whether to connect the state output terminal to the reference potential line or not, in accordance with the state of the power supply apparatus; a first protection resistor provided between the connection switch unit and the state output terminal; and a pull-up unit that pulls up a first connection line between the first protection resistor and the connection switch unit up to the first pull-up potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sho Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11394321
    Abstract: A point-on-wave relay device includes a first contact relay and a second contact relay in series with the first contact relay. A first state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a first state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave open operation and second state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a second state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave close operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan T. Dziekonski, Ahmad K. Omari, Patrick K. Duffy, Andrew E. Carlson, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11394382
    Abstract: A load switch circuit includes a power transistor. A first terminal is configured to receive a power supply voltage, and a second terminal is the output terminal of the load switch circuit and is coupled with an external inductive load. A clamping module includes at least a mutually coupled clamping unit and a driving unit. The clamping unit includes a voltage-current converter and a first resistor, the first resistor coupled between the output terminal of the voltage-current converter and the second terminal of the power transistor. The positive input terminal of the voltage-current converter receives the power supply voltage, and the negative input terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the power transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: LEN Technology Limited
    Inventor: Song Qin
  • Patent number: 11380506
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring an electromechanical component of an automation system. The method includes sensing a current mechanical state variable of the electromechanical component, sensing a current electrical state variable of the electromechanical component and determining a state of the electromechanical component based at least in part on a behaviour model of the electromechanical component, wherein the behaviour model takes into account an effect of the sensed current mechanical state variable on the sensed current electrical state variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11374401
    Abstract: An overvoltage absorption circuit and a single-phase HERIC topology are provided. The overvoltage absorption circuit is applicable to the single-phase HERIC topology, and includes a clamping capacitor, an absorption resistor, a first diode, and a second diode. One terminal of the clamping capacitor and one terminal of the absorption resistor are each connected to collectors of two cross transistors in the single-phase HERIC topology. The other terminal of the clamping capacitor and the other terminal of the absorption resistor are each connected to the anodes of the first diode and the second diode. The cathode of the first diode is connected to the emitter of one of the two cross transistors. The cathode of the second diode is connected to the emitter of the other of the two cross transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Sungrow (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peng Zhang
  • Patent number: 11355917
    Abstract: A protective circuit (301) and a display drive device. The protective circuit (301) comprises: when an electrical overstress problem occurs in a logic signal, the voltage of an output end of a controlled switch circuit (100) is greater than a first preset voltage, so that a voltage threshold circuit (101) is turned on, and the controlled switch circuit (100) turns off an input end and the output end thereof, thereby preventing electrical overstress from affecting a driver chip (300) and causing damage to the driver chip (300). Moreover, the voltage potential of a controlled end of the controlled switch circuit (100) is clamped by means of a voltage clamp circuit (102) to stabilize the operating characteristics of the controlled switch circuit (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HKC Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Xiaoyu Huang
  • Patent number: 11355913
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for protecting circuits are provided. Aspects include receiving, by a processing element, a feedback signal, the feedback signal taken from an output of a circuit, determining a range of expected feedback values, comparing the feedback signal to the range of expected feedback values, and based at least in part on determining that the feedback signal is outside the range of expected feedback values for a first length of time, disabling the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher J. Jonke
  • Patent number: 11347249
    Abstract: A linear regulator system is described. The linear regulator system includes a linear regulator core circuit including a pass element adapted to provide an output voltage, and a voltage error amplifier circuit coupled to the pass element and adapted to regulate the output voltage to form a regulated output voltage, based on an output reference voltage. The linear regulator core circuit further includes a current limit circuit comprising a current limit switch element coupled to the voltage error amplifier circuit and adapted to selectively modulate the output reference voltage of the voltage error amplifier circuit to form a current limited reference voltage, based on a current limit control signal received at a current limit control terminal associated therewith, in order to limit a load current through the pass element from exceeding a predefined maximum allowable load current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Avinash Shreepathi Bhat, Vadim Valerievich Ivanov
  • Patent number: 11342735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel approach for the protection of electrical circuits from ground faults and parallel and series arc faults in a fully solid-state circuit configuration. Solid-state circuits and methods of use are described that provide the key functions of low-voltage DC power supply, mains voltage and current sensing, fault detection processing and high voltage electronic switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Telefus, Bradley Larson, Harry Rodriguez, Stephen C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 11342839
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a rectifier unit, a power factor correction circuit, and a control unit. The control unit correspondingly provides a reference voltage according to an amplitude of an input power source. When a voltage signal corresponding to an inductance current of an inductor of the power factor correction circuit is higher than the reference voltage, the control unit controls an energy release switch of the power factor correction circuit to be repeatedly switched on/off, and when the voltage signal is lower than the reference voltage, the control unit controls the energy release switch to be turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: CHICONY POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chang Hsiao, Wen-Cheng Lu, Yung-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11342743
    Abstract: A power distribution system and method has a controller and at least one semiconductor switch. The power distribution system additionally has an on status detector which detects the status of the semiconductor switches, and an overcurrent status circuit which checks for overcurrent conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian E. Vandergrift, Arthur J. Beneditz, Lon R. Hoegberg, Brennan Fox
  • Patent number: 11329478
    Abstract: A power conversion system with abnormal energy protection includes a plurality of DC input power sources, a plurality of DC power converters, two output capacitors, and a protection circuit. An input side of each DC power converter is correspondingly coupled to one of the DC input power sources, and output sides of the DC power converters are coupled in parallel to each other to form a DC output bus. Two output capacitors are coupled in series between a positive voltage end and a negative voltage end of the DC output bus. The protection circuit is coupled between the DC input power sources and the two output capacitors. When one of the two output capacitors is abnormal, the protection circuit decouples the DC input power sources from the two output capacitors in a shorted-circuit manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Huang, Sheng-Hua Li
  • Patent number: 11316508
    Abstract: A system may include an output driving stage comprising a first switch configured to selectively open and close an electrical path between a first supply voltage and an output terminal of the output driving stage and a second switch configured to selectively open and close an electrical path between a second supply voltage and the output terminal of the output driving stage, wherein the second supply voltage is lower than the first supply voltage. The system may also include detection and protection circuitry configured to monitor a physical quantity indicative of the second supply voltage and responsive to the physical quantity exceeding an overvoltage threshold, electrically isolate the output terminal from the second supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramin Zanbaghi, Cory J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11303111
    Abstract: Modular circuit protection devices and configurable panelboard systems include arc-free operation, thermal management features providing safe operation in hazardous environments at lower cost and without requiring conventional explosion-proof enclosures and without entailing series connected separately provided packages such as circuit breaker devices and starter motor contactors and controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Butler, Joseph Michael Manahan, Adam Ledgerwood, Graig DeCarr
  • Patent number: 11289016
    Abstract: Discussed is a display device including a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices applied to sub-pixels included in each pixel of a display panel; and a driving unit for driving the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices on the basis of a digital pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, wherein the driving unit further includes: a current sensing unit for sensing the value of a current flowing through at least one of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices; and a current compensation unit for compensating for the current deviation between the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices on the basis of the current value sensed by the sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: LG ELECTRONICS INC., INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sunghwan Kim, Seongjin Park, Oh-Kyong Kwon
  • Patent number: 11277000
    Abstract: In a DC feed system configured by a plurality of DC electrical circuits being combined, when an arc fault occurs, it is difficult to identify a DC electrical circuit in which an arc has occurred. For this reason, a DC electrical circuit protection apparatus includes: a plurality of DC electrical circuits, each of which has a current sensor provided in at least one of a positive or a negative electrical path and has arc noise absorbing mechanism on the upstream side of the current sensor; and an arc detection device which compares respective arc noise signal strengths of the DC electrical circuits from current signals detected by the current sensors of the DC electrical circuits, and based on the signal strengths, identifies a circuit in which an arc has occurred, wherein a DC electrical circuit in which an arc has occurred is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Kanemaru, Mitsugi Mori, Mitsuru Tsukima
  • Patent number: 11239693
    Abstract: An on-board control apparatus includes: a controller connected to a controlled device mounted in a vehicle via a signal line and configured to control the operation of the corresponding controlled device; and a power source box connected to a power source mounted in the vehicle via a power line, that is connected to the controlled device mounted in the vehicle via a power line, and configured to switch between supply and non-supply of power from the power source to the controlled device, wherein the power source box includes; a switch disposed in a power supply path from the power source to the controlled device; a reception unit configured to receive an input of the switching command; and a switching control unit configured to switch between conduction and interruption of the switch in response to the switching command received by the reception unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Mizutani, Tsuyoshi Kontani
  • Patent number: 11239838
    Abstract: This application discloses a driving device for a power device. It includes a detection module, coupled to the power device, configured to detect the overcurrent status of the power device; a drive module, respectively coupled to the detection module and the power device, configured to regulate the power device according to the detection result of the detection module; wherein, when the detection result is that the power device is in the first overcurrent state, the drive module is configured to cause the power device to enter the first protection mode that is softly turned off and does not respond to the system switching signal; when the detection result is that the power device is in the second overcurrent state, the drive module is configured to cause the power device to enter a second protection mode that is softly turned off but responds to a system switching signal; wherein the overcurrent degree in the first overcurrent state is higher than that of the second overcurrent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: LEN Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jingquan Chen, Chuan Ni, Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 11203245
    Abstract: A drive circuit anomaly diagnosing device of the present invention performs an anomaly diagnosis on a drive circuit including a power supply line on which a solenoid is disposed midway, a main switch disposed on the power source side relative to the solenoid, a first diode disposed on a protection line connecting a point between the main switch and the solenoid to ground with a forward direction corresponding to a direction from the ground side to the power source side, and a first capacitor interposed on a first line connecting a point between the protection line and the solenoid to the ground midway on the power supply line, the drive circuit being configured to supply power to the solenoid, on the basis of a current detected by a first current sensor disposed upstream of the main switch on the power supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: KYB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Koichiro Awano
  • Patent number: 11201615
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a power semiconductor element includes a temperature detection circuit configured to detect a temperature signal of the power semiconductor element, a current detection circuit configured to detect a current signal flowing through the power semiconductor element, a state determination circuit configured to receive the detected temperature signal and the detected current signal, determine a state of the power semiconductor element based on at least one of the detected temperature signal and the detected current signal, and output one or more output control signals indicating the determined state, and a driver circuit configured to control electric power supplied by the power semiconductor element based on the output control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 11196253
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for electronic current control for a flexible DC battery pack, in which the battery pack has a plurality of flexibly interconnectable modules having a respective energy store and at least two respective controllable switches and the modules are electrically connected to one another to form a section having a first and a second section end and the two section ends are connected to a respective high-voltage connection, in which the at least two switches of a respective module interrupt a battery current I or interconnect the respective energy store at least in series or parallel with or to bypass the respective energy store of the respectively adjacent module, in which the flexible interconnection of the modules is controlled by a battery control unit and hence a prescribed DC voltage V is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Stefan Goetz
  • Patent number: 11175318
    Abstract: An overcurrent detector for multiple level shifter circuits includes an overcurrent detecting circuit that senses currents acquired through level shifter circuits, and that outputs an indication signal indicating occurrence of overcurrent when one of the currents sensed thereby is greater than a predefined current level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yi Chiu