Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and trip control logic external to and coupled to the circuit breakers. The trip control logic enables a plurality of different tripping options to be selected for each of the circuit breakers.

Abstract: A protection switching system in a power supply distribution system, comprises at least one protection switch (25) comprising a controllable semiconductor arranged to conduct current through the power supply line in a normal mode, a control unit (27) arranged to place the at least one protection switch in a test mode in which the current is reduced compared to the normal mode, registration means (28, 29) for registering a test mode value of at least one electrical characteristic in the power supply line that will be affected when the test mode is applied, a monitoring unit (30; 47) arranged to evaluate the at least one electrical characteristic and determine, based on the evaluation, whether or not an action should be taken. If a malfunction is detected an alarm is issued to indicate to service personnel that the protection switch should be replaced.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter system includes a circuit interrupter including a processing unit, a serial port interface operatively coupled to the processing unit for enabling communication with the processing unit, and a USB processing unit configured to run a USB stack and operatively coupled to the serial port interface for enabling communication with the processing unit through the serial port interface, and a portable computing device selectively connectable to the USB processing unit of the circuit interrupter through a USB connection, the portable computing device being structured to function as a USB host and to implement a graphical user interface for enabling communication between the portable computing device and the processing unit of the circuit interrupter through the serial port interface and the USB processing unit when the portable computing device is connected to the USB processing unit of the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: Devices, such as mobile devices, may be exposed to short circuit and output overload events. To protect against such events, mobile devices typically include current limit circuits. Some current limit circuits may involve user programmable function. User programmable function may need accurate current limit detectors. Various embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for detecting one or more programmed current limits. Some embodiments allow for a user application to select among parallel or serial configurations of current detection circuitry. Each such configuration may include multiple resistive devices of different resistive values.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and trip control logic external to and coupled to the circuit breakers. The trip control logic enables a plurality of different tripping options to be selected for each of the circuit breakers.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device that includes a heatsink and a set of IGBTs coupled to the heatsink and configured to deliver power to a field exciter and a battery. The electronic device also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the heatsink and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and, based on the temperature reading, determine a junction temperature for at least one of the IGBTs of the set of IGBTs. The controller is also configured to de-rate an output power provided by each of the IGBTs based, at least in part, on the junction temperature.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and a trip unit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts. The trip unit includes a first component having a processor and a first memory storing a first set of a plurality of trip unit settings, and a second component of the trip unit. The second component is separable from the first component or the trip unit, and includes a second memory storing a second set of a plurality of trip unit settings. The second component saves the first set of the plurality of trip unit settings as the second set of the plurality of trip unit settings in the second memory, and restores the second set of the plurality of trip unit settings in the first memory of the first component or of another first component of another trip unit.

Abstract: A current detection circuit for a power semiconductor device utilizes a sense function of the power semiconductor device. The magnitude of current flowing in power semiconductor devices 1, 11 is detected by a current-voltage conversion circuit 24 connected to sense terminals S, S of the power semiconductor devices. The detected signal is delivered to a current direction detection circuit 27, which detects the direction of the current and delivers the detected current direction signal to an external CPU 3, which in turn gives gain-setting and offset-setting signals corresponding to the current direction signal. An output gain adjuster 221 adjusts the magnitude of gain and an output offset adjuster 231 adjusts the magnitude of offset to correct for differences between the characteristics of the sense regions and the main regions of the power semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for overcurrent sensing including; generating an analog output signal representative of a sensed AC current, generating a digital representation of the analog output signal using a plurality of discrete samples, determining those of the plurality of discrete samples having a substantially identical magnitude and estimating an amount of overcurrent in the sensed AC current by evaluating those of the plurality of discrete samples that have the substantially identical magnitude. In some embodiments, the substantially identical magnitude is a maximum magnitude represented by the digital representation.

Abstract: A method for protecting an electronic switch incorporated in an automotive vehicle in order to control the power supply of an electric load, the method including implementing a protection strategy, based on the use of a table of overload intensity values IS, intended to make it possible to detect and count the overshoots of the overload values IS, and to interrupt the operation of the electronic switch beyond a given number of overloads undergone. A table of overload intensities IS is established giving, for values of the power supply voltage that are greater than a predetermined voltage value VNbat, values IS=IT+?Ic, with ?Ic being identical for all the values, and for values of the power supply voltage that are less than or equal to VNbat, a constant value IS such that IS=IT(VNbat)+?Ic.

Abstract: A tool for configuring a branch current monitor facilitates mapping the connections of branch circuits to voltage sources in a power distribution panel.

Abstract: A switching power source apparatus includes a high-side MOSFET 11, a ramp signal generator 18 to generate a ramp signal, an amplitude signal generator 2 to generate an amplitude signal Comp corresponding to an amplitude of the ramp signal, a superposing circuit 3 to generate a superposed signal by superposing a second ramp signal on a first reference voltage, a first feedback controller 1 to control the ON timing and ON width of the high-side MOSFET, an overcurrent detector to detect if a current of an output load is an overcurrent, and an OFF timer 26 to determine a period during which the high-side MOSFET 11 is forcibly turned off and generate a forcible OFF signal. If an overcurrent is detected, the controller 1 turns off the high-side MOSFET, and according to the forcible OFF signal, forcibly turns off the high-side MOSFET 11 for the determined period.

Abstract: The adaptive power management system for aircraft galleys includes one or more programmable circuit breakers for corresponding interchangeable aircraft galley inserts. Current rating settings of the programmable circuit breakers can be changed by direct interrogation by a galley network controller, which can also automatically switch selected circuit breakers to open to shut down the power supply to an entire galley complex or individual galley inserts, as needed, or by a passive signal.

Abstract: A smart breaker includes a current detector configured to detect current flow from a power source to a protected device. A controller has logic and is configured to select a trip value in response to the detected current flow and stored configuration information relating to the protected device. The protected device includes at least one installed component requiring power and the stored configuration information can be at least one of data regarding the number of installed components in the protected device requiring power, the amount of power used by each of the installed components, and the expected power requirements of the installed components.

Abstract: Administering offset voltage error in a current sensing circuit including recording by a power supply management module a current sensing voltage for a power supply when no operating load is drawn from the power supply and dynamically calculating by the power supply management module output current of the power supply with an active load in dependence upon the recorded current sensing voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multichannel active sensing and switching device featuring a multiple sensing and switching module configured to respond to operational conditions of different load types and provide load type sensor signals containing information about the operational conditions of the different load types, and also configured to respond to controller signals for controlling the operation of the different load types in two or more different protection configurations; and a controller module configured to respond to the load type sensor signals and provide the controller signals in order to control the operation of the different load types in the two or more different protection configurations. The controller module may be programmable and configured to provide a default circuit breaker configuration and a device specific configuration using active intelligence (AI).

Abstract: An Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), such as a protective relay, may monitor and/or protect an electrical power system by detecting fault conditions using stimulus inputs from the electrical power system. The IED may operate (take protective actions) when fault conditions are detected. A monitoring device may supervise the IED. The monitoring device may detect power system disturbances independently of the IED, using the same stimulus inputs (or a subset thereof) used by the IED to implement its protection function(s). The monitoring device may supervise the IED using hard-coded supervision, soft-coded supervision, and/or user-configurable supervision. The IED may be prevented from operating outside of an operating window defined by the monitoring device. Components of the monitoring device may be separated and/or isolated from the IED, such that a failure in certain IED components may not cause a simultaneous failure or malfunction of the monitoring device.

Abstract: A distributed busbar protection system using time-stamped data gathered from measurement devices in an electrical power system bus arrangement by respective intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The IEDs may derive the timestamp information from a clock or other time source, which may be synchronized to a common time source and/or an absolute time. The time-stamped measurement data may be used by a protection device to monitor and/or protect the electrical power system. The protection device may include a real-time vector processor, which may time-align the time-stamped data, determine one or more bus differential protection zones, and implement a differential protection function within each of the protection zones. One or more protective control signals may be transmitted to the IEDs to trip the corresponding breakers and clear the bus fault.

Abstract: A first overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a first time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the first threshold, reaches a first duration time, which corresponds to a first threshold. A second overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a second time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the second threshold, reaches a second duration time, which corresponds to a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. The second duration time is longer than the first duration time. A determination circuit determines that an overcurrent flows into the wire harness and cause a control circuit to deactivate the switching element when inputting at least one of the first and second time-up signals.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and a trip unit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts. The trip unit includes a first component having a processor and a first memory storing a first set of a plurality of trip unit settings, and a second component of the trip unit. The second component is separable from the first component or the trip unit, and includes a second memory storing a second set of a plurality of trip unit settings. The second component saves the first set of the plurality of trip unit settings as the second set of the plurality of trip unit settings in the second memory, and restores the second set of the plurality of trip unit settings in the first memory of the first component or of another first component of another trip unit.

Abstract: An electrical device protection apparatus, such as an overload relay, can include a microprocessor 102 that can receive a wide range of current signals from a current transformer or other current sensor. Also microprocessor 102 can employ a voltage sensor 112 to measure line voltage, for representing true power, and as a power supply 114 source for the microprocessor 102. The microprocessor can then generate annunciation signals 118, control signals 120, and/or communication signals 122 as necessary for the control and/or protection of an attached electrical device.

Abstract: The adaptive power management system for aircraft galleys includes one or more programmable circuit breakers for corresponding interchangeable aircraft galley inserts. Current rating settings of the programmable circuit breakers can be changed by direct interrogation by a galley network controller, which can also automatically switch selected circuit breakers to open to shut down the power supply to an entire galley complex or individual galley inserts, as needed, or by a passive signal.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system and method having zone selective interlock features is provided. The system and method include the transmission of a selective interlock signal from a downstream circuit breaker to an upstream circuit breaker in the event a first or second fault condition is detected. The upstream circuit breaker upon receipt of this signal changes the response of the second circuit breaker depending on whether the first or second fault condition has been detected.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: Administering offset voltage error in a current sensing circuit including recording by a power supply management module a current sensing voltage for a power supply when no operating load is drawn from the power supply and dynamically calculating by the power supply management module output current of the power supply with an active load in dependence upon the recorded current sensing voltage.

Abstract: A power equipment protection system includes a plurality of trip units including at least a first trip unit and a second trip unit, wherein each of the plurality of trip units is configured to monitor operation data. The system also includes a shared memory device coupled to the plurality of trip units via a network, wherein the shared memory device is configured to transmit a synchronization request to at least the second trip unit, receive a response from the second trip unit, including operation data associated with the second trip unit, receive a data request from the first trip unit, and transmit the operation data associated with the second trip unit to the first trip unit via the network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Fourier transform-based phasor estimation method and apparatus capable of eliminating the influence of exponentially decaying DC offsets. According to a Fourier transform-based phasor estimation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, an input signal is sampled, and samples of one-cycle data of the input signal are separated into at least two sample groups. A Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is performed on each of the sample groups. A DC offset included in the input signal is calculated on a basis of results of the DFT on each of the sample groups, and an error caused by the DC offset is calculated using the calculated DC offset. A phasor of a fundamental frequency component included in the input signal is estimated by eliminating the calculated error, caused by the DC offset, from the results of the DFT on the input signal.

Abstract: A method for sectioning a medium-voltage distribution electric line evidencing a disturbance using a section switch. The steps are: (a) detecting a current having an amplitude and a wave form profile in the medium-voltage line; (b) analyzing the wave form profile to determine whether the fault is transient, permanent, a transformer input current or transformer in-rush current; (c) and determining the behavior of the section switch from the result of the wave form profile analysis. The section switch is installed on auxiliary branches of a distribution network having a main line that is protected by an automatic reset circuit breaker. The section switch has an opening mechanism having a coil and an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit has a power source for the coil and electronic circuit, a detector to detect current and an analyzer to determine whether the detected current is a transient or a permanent fault.

Abstract: A circuit breaker closing actuator and a method of operation is provided. The closing actuator is disposed to communicate and receive signals from a trip unit. The trip unit includes a communications to transmit and receive data and signals from a remote location. The trip unit transmits a signal to the closing actuator in response to receiving a closing signal from the remote location. The closing actuator validates the signal and activates a driving circuit if the signal is validated. The driving circuit enables power to a solenoid that closes the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker configuration contains a number of circuit breakers each to be connected via lines to a system component of a power distribution system and a plurality of control buttons with a respective one of the control buttons connected to a respective one of the circuit breakers. The respective control button for the respective circuit breaker passes through a control panel and is actuated from a front side of the control panel. A coupling element accessible from the front side of the control panel is provided for an interchange of diagnosis data and/or parametrization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.

Abstract: A power supply control system includes a plurality of electronic control units, a monitoring device, a power source line coupled with each of the electronic control units for supplying an operating voltage to each of the electronic control units, and a power source switch disposed on the power source line. The monitoring device calculates a deactivating threshold value based on an assigned threshold value of each of the electronic control units set in accordance with an operating state of each of the electronic control units. The monitoring device deactivates the power source switch so as to stop the supply of the operating voltage to all of the electronic control units when an electric current value of the power source line is greater than the deactivating threshold value.

Abstract: Electronic circuit breakers and systems for isolating a load from a power-supply unit are provided. One electronic circuit breaker includes a current sensor, a switching element coupled to the current sensor, and a switch controller coupled to the current sensor and the switching element. The switch controller is powered by the power-supply unit and is configured to switch OFF the switching element when the current sensor detects an amount of current from the power-supply unit greater than a predetermined amount. An electronic system includes a power-supply unit, a load, and the above-referenced electronic circuit breaker coupled to the power-supply unit and the load.

Abstract: A circuit uses a single control input to an oscillator of an electronic ballast to program the parameters of soft-start frequency, pre-heat frequency, ignition ramp time, and ballast run frequency. The output frequency of the oscillator is based on an electrical parameter at the control input node. A resistor-capacitor network may be used to program the soft-start ramp time and ignition ramp time. The resistive element of the restive-capacitance network may be used to program the pre-heat frequency. A switchable impedance may be used to program the ballast run frequency. A look-up table circuit may also be used in the alternative to implement a single control input for the oscillator of an electronic ballast.

Abstract: A universal trip unit for use with a circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a personality module of the circuit breaker apparatus and to thereby receive key breaker personality parameters that relate to operational characteristics of the circuit breaker apparatus, and a controller. The controller includes a memory on which a universal register, previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters are stored, the controller being configured to control the communication unit to receive the key breaker personality parameters in accordance with information determined from the universal register, and components to execute trip protection when at least one of a current and a voltage Within the circuit breaker apparatus exceeds a respective predetermined threshold as defined by the previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for remote data transmission having processing means comprising a first input to receive a first data item of a state of the circuit breaker, and at least one command output to command transmission of data. The processing means comprise: a second input to receive at least one second data item representative of an electrical fault or of an auxiliary command, identification means to identify the type of electrical fault, and initialization means of the at least one command output. An auxiliary unit and a circuit breaker comprising the device. A method for implementing said device.

Abstract: System and method for protecting a power converter. A system includes a threshold generator configured to generate a threshold signal, and a first comparator configured to receive the threshold signal and a first signal and to generate a comparison signal. The first signal is associated with an input current for a power converter. Additionally, the system includes a pulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive the comparison signal and generate a modulation signal in response to the comparison signal, and a switch configured to receive the modulation signal and adjust the input current for the power converter. The threshold signal is associated with a threshold magnitude as a function of time. The threshold magnitude increases with time at a first slope during a first period, and the threshold magnitude increases with time at a second slope during a second period. The first slope and the second slope are different.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inrush current control circuit for controlling current into a high-current circuit block. The inrush current control circuit comprises a number of distributed switches and a digital control circuit coupled to at least one of the distributed switches. The digital control circuit is configured to switch a first group of the distributed switches in response to an enable/disable signal. The digital control circuit is further configured to switch a second group of the distributed switches after a first programmable delay. According to one embodiment, a method comprises switching a first group of distributed switches by a digital control circuit of an inrush current control circuit in response to an enable/disable signal, and switching a second group of the distributed switches by the digital control circuit after a first programmable delay, thereby resulting in regulation of a flow of an inrush current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for detecting an early stage short circuit between the terminals of an electrolytic capacitor, and detecting a short circuit between a load that is connected in parallel to the electrolytic capacitor, the apparatus performing appropriate processing before an adverse effect is inflicted on peripheral equipment. In the control apparatus, microcomputers switch on a second relay; an electrolytic capacitor is gradually charged via a current-limiting resistor; a first voltage detection control for detecting a voltage between terminals of the electrolytic capacitor is performed when a first set time period has elapsed after the second relay has been switched on; and a second voltage detection control for detecting a voltage between the terminals of the electrolytic capacitor is performed when a second set time period, which is longer than the first set time period, has elapsed after the second relay has been switched on.

Abstract: A vehicle control device and method. To reduce consumption, the device and method test the state of each member used to input a command or interpret the wishes of the driver with the aid of a computer that is dedicated to each electricity-consuming resource. According to the device and method, when the engine is stopped, the accessories are no longer started up by pressing the start button.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit which includes a processing unit and a comparator circuit. The processing unit receives an input voltage, and a reset signal to reset the electronic trip unit, and generates a trip signal when sensed current of the electronic trip unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. The comparator circuit includes a first comparator which receives the trip signal from the processing unit and compares the trip signal with a predetermined reference voltage determined based on the reset signal, and a second comparator which compares a voltage generated by a power supply with the predetermined reference voltage. The comparator circuit determines whether the trip signal is for a valid trip event based comparison results of the first comparator and the second comparator.

Abstract: A direct current arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts and a trip circuit to trip open the contacts. The trip circuit includes a number of alternating current sensors structured to sense a current flowing through the separable contacts, a number of filter circuits cooperating with the AC current sensors to output a number of AC signals, a number of peak detectors cooperating with the filter circuits to output a number of peak current signals, and a processor cooperating with at least the peak detectors. The processor inputs the number of peak current signals as a plurality of peak current signals or inputs the number of peak current signals and determines the plurality of peak current signals. The processor also determines if the peak current signals exceed corresponding predetermined thresholds for a predetermined time, and responsively causes the contacts to trip open.

Abstract: Devices, such as mobile devices, may be exposed to short circuit and output overload events. To protect against such events, mobile devices typically include current limit circuits. Some current limit circuits may involve user programmable function. User programmable function may need accurate current limit detectors. Various embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for detecting one or more programmed current limits. Some embodiments allow for a user application to select among parallel or serial configurations of current detection circuitry. Each such configuration may include multiple resistive devices of different resistive values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing automatic circuit breaker identification to an electronic trip unit includes a processor and a configuration module comprising configuration data identifying the particulars of a circuit breaker and that is in operable communication with the processor.

Abstract: A power supply control system having a first switch circuit configured to set a power supply line which connects a power supply unit and a power supply circuit to one of a connected state and a non-connected state, a first control unit configured to operate in one of a normal mode and a sleep mode in which a consumption current is smaller than in the normal mode, and to detect a magnitude of a current flowing into the first switch circuit and control an operation of the first switch circuit based on the detected magnitude of the current while operating in the normal mode, and a second control unit configured to control an operation of the first control unit based on the detection result of an opening-closing state detection unit configured to detect an opening-closing state of a battery lid provided to the power supply unit.

Abstract: A switching element driving device has a first transistor that decreases the gate voltage of a power element at a faster rate than during a normal turn-off, and a second transistor that decreases the gate voltage of the power element at a slower rate than during a normal turn-off. If the gate voltage detected by the gate voltage monitoring means when an overcurrent in the power element is detected by overcurrent detection means is greater than a predetermined value, the gate voltage is decreased by the first transistor, and then, while the power element remains on, the gate voltage is decreased by the second transistor. If the gate voltage detected by the gate voltage monitoring means when an overcurrent in the power element is detected by overcurrent detection means is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the gate voltage is decreased only by the second transistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing a signature of a signal of a power converter and determining, based on analysis of the signature, whether an arc fault exists.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for monitoring and detection of conditions indicative of an electrical fault for an electrical circuit or system. In one aspect, a central control can simultaneously monitor a plurality of geographically distributed electrical circuits or systems for conditions that have been predetermined to be indicative of an electrical fault or concern, and provide either some communication (e.g., a warning) or instruction (e.g., to terminate power) back to the monitored circuit/system, the owner/operator/user of the circuit/system, or both. The central control can collect, store, mine, and analyze data from the diverse monitoring of plural systems. A knowledge base can be built up over time and used to establish monitoring of the same, other circuits and systems, develop more accurate monitoring and communication of faults or concerns, and account for factors related to normal operation of a circuit or system.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a power supply controller that includes a switching element disposed between a power source and a load, a current detecting element connected to the switching element and capable of outputting a detection signal in the form of a load current to the switching element, a voltage generator circuit capable of supplying an output voltage between the switching element and the load, an anomaly detecting circuit capable of outputting an abnormal signal when the load current exceeds a threshold current such that the threshold current corresponds to the output voltage.

Abstract: A switch circuit including a first switch, a reference device, a current generating device and a comparator. The first switch has a first resistance and develops a first voltage when a first current is provided through it. The reference device has a second resistance which is a known multiple of the first resistance. The current generating device provides a reference current through the reference device which develops a second voltage having a level indicative of a maximum current level of the first current. The comparator compares the first and second voltages and provides a maximum current indication. An amplifier may be used to force one side of the first switch and the reference device to the same voltage, where the reference device is coupled between an input and an output of the amplifier. The switch circuit may include a calibration mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide power distribution switch circuits with fast responses to hard short-circuits are disclosed. In one example, a power distribution switch to detect a hard short-circuit condition is described, comprising a switching device having a resistance between an input terminal and an output terminal, to conduct a current from an input power source having an input voltage to an output terminal having an output voltage, a voltage feedback loop having a digital output voltage to increase the resistance of the switching device in response to a short-circuit based on the output voltage, and an analog current feedback loop to increase the resistance of the switching device based on a current through the switching device and a reference current.