Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit protection device for protecting an electrical circuit, the circuit protection device having a signal processing unit which includes a digital processor which is adapted to receive a digital signal Idig which has a value representative of a current through an electrical path of an electrical supply, receive a digital signal Vdig which has a value representative of the voltage across the electrical path, and produce a digital signal IRdig which has a value representative of the real component of the current through the electrical path, based on the digital signals Idig and Vdig.

Abstract: An electrical power-switching circuit controls power to an electronic device. In some embodiments, the circuit consists of only transistors, resistors, and capacitors, making it small, low cost, and functional over a wide range of supply voltages. The circuit may be switched on and off by a momentary-contact switch. The circuit can be constructed so that, except for transistor leakage current, no power is consumed in the off state, and the controlled device can shut off its own power.

Abstract: Overcurrent and overload protection for the power output of a pulse-width-modulated digital audio system is disclosed. The overcurrent protection circuitry includes a latch that is set in responsive to output current from the power output stage that exceeds an overcurrent threshold; the output of the latch gates the pulse-width-modulated control signal to block power output for the remainder of the current pulse-width-modulated cycle; upon the end of the cycle, or the beginning of the next, the latch is cleared to enable power output in that next cycle. Overload protection is provided by circuitry including counters for counting the relative number of overcurrent cycles to normal, non-overcurrent cycles, and generating an overload signal to block power output in the event of too frequent overcurrent cycles.

Abstract: A power converter controller circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, a power converter controller circuit includes a control circuit to generate a switching signal to be coupled to a power switch to control power delivered to an output of a power converter. A timing circuit is to be coupled to the power switch and coupled to receive a feedback signal and the switching signal. The timing circuit is to disable the power switch from receiving the switching signal in response to the feedback signal after detection of a fault condition. The feedback signal repeatedly transitions between first and second states in response to the output when the power supply operates normally. The feedback signal maintains its state when the power supply is in the fault condition. The feedback signal transitions between the first and second states independently from the switching signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply control system comprising 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 digital overcurrent protection device for a power supply device includes a receiving end for receiving a current sensing signal, a digital reference voltage generator for digitally generating a reference voltage, a comparator coupled between the receiving end and the digital reference voltage generator for comparing the current sense signal with the reference voltage in order to generate a comparison result, and a control unit coupled to the comparator for controlling a power switch of the power supply device according to the comparison result.

Abstract: This invention relates to fault detection in electrical circuits. The invention provides a switch for a fault tolerant digital output module comprising: an output transistor pair for enabling and disabling an alternating output current; and a current limiter for clamping the output current to a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling an electronic overcurrent trip for low-voltage circuit breakers. According to the method, digitized signals for the electricity values are generated and evaluated, and a tripping device providing short-circuit protection is activated when an overcurrent event is assumed to take place based on the evaluation. According to the method, signals whose electricity value does not lie between the electricity values of the previous signal and the subsequent signal, or whose electricity value does not correspond to the electricity values of the previous signal or the subsequent signal, are rated as potentially erroneous signals and are tested by use of additional criteria.

Abstract: A FET monitoring and protecting system (10) that includes a FET switch device (20). The FET switch device (20) includes a FET (22), a logic device (57), and a feedback status output (26). The logic device (57) is electrically coupled to the FET (22) and generates a feedback status signal. A counter (60) is incremented in response to an actual short circuit condition of the FET switch device (20). A controller (18) is electrically coupled to the feedback status output (26). The controller (18) permits the activation of the FET (22) in response to the feedback status signal and a value of the counter (60).

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 parameterization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a current sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts, a microprocessor cooperating with the sensor and the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, and a power supply structured to at least power the microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a configurable clock and a routine structured to reduce current consumption from the power supply through modulation of the configurable clock.

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: 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 controller having discrete driver circuitry for driving an electrical load and a method are provided. The controller includes a microprocessor having ports configurable to operate as inputs or outputs. The controller also includes discrete driver circuitry connected to ports of the microprocessor. The discrete driver circuitry is configured to apply electrical power to drive an electrical load. The controller further has logic for configuring the ports of the microprocessor as an output to enable on/off of the output signal that drives the electrical loads, and further for configuring the ports of the microprocessor as an input to receive feedback signals from the discrete driver circuitry. The feedback signals are processed to detect fault conditions.

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.

Abstract: A current protection apparatus (200) and current protection method (1000) that may include programmable current protection characteristics has been disclosed. A current protection apparatus (200) may include a power distribution unit (230) with power distribution outlets (PDO-1 to PDO-8), each having a corresponding circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8). Each circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8) may operate in response to a processing unit (236) that can sample current values flowing between a respective power distribution outlet (PDO-1 to PDO-8) and a load device (LD1 to LD8). Processing unit 236 may operate under control of software stored on a memory (238) to control a switching circuit (320). Current protection characteristics for each circuit breaker unit may be independently programmed and/or altered by a user, for example by way of a computer (250).

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a series arc fault detector and method of operation is provided. The series arc fault detector measures the RMS current and monitors current stability in response to a change in current levels. The sensitivity of the series arc fault detection is changed in response to the current satisfying a stability criterion. The circuit breaker further enables and disables series arc fault detection based on an enable threshold. The enable threshold is set based on the level of sensitivity being used to detect a series arc fault.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method of controlling a solid state power controller (“SSPC”) selectively allows a current through a solid state power control switch in response to the current in a plurality of SSPCS exceeding at least one threshold. A microprocessor module collects power surge data from a plurality of groups of SSPCs, and determines if the amount of power surge data within a group of SSPCs is sufficient to constitute a lightning threat. If the microprocessor module determines a lightning threat is present, the microprocessor module sends a command to certain SSPCs in the afflicted group to lockout an instantaneous trip protection for the duration of the lightning threat, allowing the power surge to pass from the SSPCs to a load or plurality of loads, leaving the SSPCs undamaged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an AC load from half-wave rectified power detects a half-wave rectified voltage or current, sets a status indication indicating the type of asymmetric fault causing the half-wave rectified power, and selectively turns the SSPC ON or OFF depending on the type of fault. There are two example circumstances that can cause an asymmetric fault: when the SSPC is OFF and a switch is shorted (“SSPC Failed Shorted”), or when the SSPC is commanded ON and a switch remains open (“SSPC Failed Open”). If the SSPC is OFF when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Shorted” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned ON to clear the fault. If the SSPC is commanded ON when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Open” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned OFF to clear the fault.

Abstract: Relay devices, systems and methods for obtaining an accurate representation of a current monitored with a Rogowski coil, without integration of the Rogowski coil output voltage signal in the time domain.

Abstract: An overcurrent controller for a remotely controlled ceiling fan provided with lamps and lantern, one terminal of which is connected to AC power and the other terminal is connected to at least one ceiling fan and at least one lamp and lantern, the controller comprising a power conversion unit, a microprocessor unit, an overcurrent control unit, a wireless signal control unit, a ceiling fan control unit, and a lamp and lantern control unit. Thus, when the current of lamp and lantern exceeds a set current, the output transition of an operation amplifier of the overcurrent control unit may be achieved to trigger the microprocessor unit, the microprocessor unit being thereby provided with an output in 3 modes: 1. Down-regulation mode; 2. Flicker alarm mode; and 3. Power failure mode for achievement of power saving and prevention of energy waste.

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a two pole circuit breaker having a first pole electrically coupled to an x-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit and having a second pole electrically coupled to a y-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit. The two pole circuit breaker is so designed that both of the two poles of the circuit breaker trip simultaneously and open even when an undesired electrical condition exists on the portion of the power distribution unit electrically coupled to only one of the poles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic trip device and a circuit breaker equipped with said electronic trip device, said trip device comprising at least one current sensor, an actuator, and an electronic processing unit to control said actuator, wherein the electronic processing unit comprises means for monitoring the state of connections of the at least one current sensor and/or of the actuator, and display means for displaying the operating state of the trip device, the means for monitoring acting on the display means to display the state of connections of the at least one current sensor and/or of the actuator. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the state of connections of an electronic trip device comprising monitoring of the state of the connections and control of display of the state of the connections.

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 circuit breaker system and method having zone selective interlock features with separate restrained and unrestrained setting capability 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 of a fault condition. The upstream circuit breaker upon receipt of this signal changes the tripping response of the second circuit breaker to a restrained mode. The circuit breakers include features enabling the user to modify and adjust both the restrained and unrestrained trip curves associated with both the restrained and unrestrained modes of operation.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus protects an electrical circuit against excessive current loads. A first remotely programmable circuit breaker trip device receives an external command with a programmable current threshold, detects a current level in the electrical circuit, and may cause a break in the electrical circuit depending on the detected current level in accordance with a first current duration associated with the stored programmable current threshold. A second electrical circuit breaker trip device is arranged to cause a break in the electrical circuit in accordance with a second current duration different, e.g., shorter, than the first current duration if a current flowing in the electrical circuit exceeds a predetermined rated current for more than the second current duration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing current overdraw by a wireless modem sinking current from a host power supply of a host device (e.g. laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA)). The methods and apparatuses are applicable, but not limited to Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) wireless modems and Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) wireless networks.

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: A system (10) is provided for communicating with a residential electronic circuit breaker (18, 20, 22, 24). The system (10) comprises a residential electrical wiring system (16) including a power line (28) and neutral line (32), a residential electronic circuit breaker (18) electrically connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) and a programmer (34) configured to be selectively connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) to communicate with the circuit breaker (18).

Abstract: An electronic control for a circuit breaker with automatic breaker rating is disclosed. The electronic control includes a memory to store circuit breaker ratings, a breaker rating switch to select circuit breaker ratings, and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the breaker rating switch and the memory. The microprocessor is configured to interpret a selected circuit breaker rating of the breaker rating switch, set an amplifier gain adjustment for the circuit breaker based on the selected circuit breaker rating, and transmit the selected circuit breaker rating to the memory for storage in the memory.

Abstract: A power distribution and protection system and method where an electrical power source distributes power to different load circuits and provides protection that changes on the fly as required by sensing the characteristics of the loads. This is accomplished by a central processing node that is connected to multiple point of use nodes. The characteristics over an initial period of time of the current drawn by the loads are detected and compared to references that determine whether a load is inductive, resistive or is in arcing condition. One of the techniques used involves counting the zero crossings over a predetermined period of time. If the voltage applied to the loads is AC, a high pass filter is used to extract the ringing characteristics to be compared.

Abstract: An adaptive protection algorithm and system for protecting electrical distribution systems traces the flow of power through a distribution system, assigns a value (or rank) to each circuit breaker in the system and then determines the appropriate trip set points based on the assigned rank.

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 virtual ?T trip criterion is implemented in an electrical power distribution system to provide current-based tripping for a solid state power switching device. A first-order system model is implemented either by hardware or software to represent a rise in temperature of the electrical wire through which power is supplied. When the simulated temperature exceeds a threshold, the solid state power switching device may be tripped.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism opening and closing the contacts, a first processor determining an open or closed state of the contacts, and a wireless transceiver transmitting the open or closed state from the first processor and receiving a signal. A first accessory includes a wireless receiver, a second processor and outputs. A second accessory includes a wireless transmitter, a third processor and a circuit generating the signal for or communicating the signal to the third processor, which outputs the signal to the wireless transmitter, which transmits the signal to the wireless transceiver. The first processor receives the signal from the wireless transceiver and causes the mechanism to open or close the contacts. The wireless receiver receives the open or closed state from the wireless transceiver. The second processor receives the open or closed state from the wireless receiver and outputs the same to the outputs.

Abstract: In breaker devices an early short-circuit recognition is required and also a tripping of the contacts. The recognition of a short-circuit occurs so early that with consideration of the response time of the measuring probes and the unlocking mechanism by a suitable analysis algorithm the release of the movable contact occurs before or at least at the time that the current-breaking forces correspond to the contact force. The contact force is hence compensated for and a rapid opening of the contacts can be achieved.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter method for interrupting a flow of current, including: providing a controller for determining the presence of predetermined current in the circuit, the predetermined current value stored in the controller; providing a circuit breaker comprising a trip mechanism for receiving trip signal, a current transformer for providing output proportional to predetermined current in the circuit, a switch for interrupting the flow of current in the circuit, a control input for receipt of an operating signal by the trip mechanism, and proximate and distal connectors connecting the circuit breaker to a source and a circuit, respectively; determining, by the controller, the presence of a current in the circuit; receiving a trip signal at the circuit breaker from the controller, and interrupting the flow of current in the circuit, when the current in the circuit is determined by the controller to be a predetermined current.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electronic circuit breaker prevents the circuit breaker from contributing its own delay to a power interruption time window on a load. A monitor coupled to a control processor in the circuit breaker causes the control processor to operate in a low-energy consumption sleep mode if it detects a power interruption. During the sleep mode, the control processor draws current from an energy storage device until the power source is reconnected to the control processor. Because the control processor operation is suspended rather than stopped during the power interruption, the control processor does not need to conduct any preliminary power up operations when power is resumed.

Abstract: A circuit protects a power conversion system with a feedback control loop from a fault condition. The circuit has an oscillator having an input for generating a signal with a frequency and a timer connected to the oscillator input and to the feedback control loop. The timer disables the oscillator after a period following the opening of the feedback control loop to protect the power conversion system.

Abstract: A method for protecting against over voltage in a power supply comprises monitoring current amplitude and direction on an output connection of a power source that combines power from a plurality of power sources, and determining occurrence of a fault condition of the monitored power source based on the current amplitude and direction. In a fault condition of the monitored power source, operation of the monitored power source subject to the fault condition is terminated while continuing operation of the plurality of power sources exclusive of the monitored power source.

Abstract: A biometric reader protection system comprises a power controller configured to determine an amount of current flow to a biometric reader and interrupt the current flow to the biometric reader if the current flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a circuit for monitoring, detecting and recovering from an overcurrent condition is described. The circuit may include a switch, current sensor, latch circuitry and microprocessor. The microprocessor may allow the circuit to recover from the overcurrent condition.

Abstract: An overcurrent detection circuit assembly provides a diagnostic feedback signal indicative of an overcurrent or short condition is disclosed. The detection circuit receives a sense current that is proportional to a load current provided to an electrical device or load. The detection circuit provides the feedback signal to a microcontroller that can control the device and the power supply to protect the device against short circuit or other fault condition.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a first lug and second and third acoustic lugs electrically connected to a power circuit. Separable contacts are electrically connected in series between the first lug and the second acoustic lug. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts. A first acoustic sensor is coupled to the second acoustic lug and senses a first acoustic signal from the second acoustic lug. A second acoustic sensor is coupled to the third acoustic lug and senses a second acoustic signal from the third acoustic lug. The first and second acoustic signals are operatively associated with a power circuit fault. A current sensor senses a current flowing between the first and second lugs. A circuit inputs the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current and detects and distinguishes a parallel arc fault or a series arc fault from the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for protecting a plurality of circuits including a plurality of circuit protective devices wherein each circuit protective device includes a respective nominal current rating. According to one embodiment, the system includes current sensing circuitry configured to measure a current of each circuit protective device; and a controller configured to receive each of the measured currents. According to one embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine a ratio between a total current being carried by all of the circuit protective devices combined and a total nominal current rating of all of the circuit protective devices combined and employ the ratio to determine a modified nominal current rating of each circuit protective device, respectively.

Abstract: A safety switching apparatus for safe disconnection of a load in an automated installation has at least one input for receiving an analog input signal. It further has an A/D converter which converts the analog input signal to a digital signal. An evaluation and control unit controls at least one output switching element as a function of the digital signal. An analog signal combiner is designed to superimpose an analog test signal on the analog input signal in order to form an analog combination signal. The analog combination signal is supplied to the A/D converter. The operation of the safety switching apparatus can then be monitored for faults by means of the analog test signal.

Abstract: A rating plug that, in addition to setting the percentage de-rating on the voltage conditioning (i.e., gain/filter) circuit, by controlling the operational amplifier gain with analog switches in series with the opamp feedback loop, provides breaker frame and/or sensor information to a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing automatic circuit breaker identification to an electronic trip unit including: a mounting plate with mechanical means to releasably engage said electronic trip unit employing a microcontroller; an electronic module embedded in the mounting plate containing a non-volatile memory device, said device containing data identifying the circuit breaker type and ratings, and in operable communication with the electronic trip unit microcontroller, where the microcontroller reads the identification data from the non-volatile memory, the microcontroller is programmed to configure its overcurrent protection algorithms to match the characteristics of the circuit breaker.

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 circuit and method for emulating a component in a circuit are shown that control a current controlled oscillator with a first current that is proportional to a square of a load current of the component and also charge and discharge a high precision capacitor using the current controlled oscillator. The oscillations of the current controlled oscillator are counted to obtain a count value, which is transformed to a transformed current signal using a predetermined transfer function. The transformed current signal is subtracted from the first current that controls the current controlled oscillator. The transformed current signal is subtracted from a second current that is proportional to a square of the load current to determine whether the count value is incremented or decremented responsive to the oscillations of the current controlled oscillator.