Abstract: A surge energy transfer circuit comprises a surge protection device, gas tube, inductor and high voltage capacitor for significantly reducing surge energy entering a power facility, lowering a remnant surge voltage to convert the surge energy in a voltage form. The converted voltage is superimposed to an operating power to slightly cause a rise of a peak value of the operating voltage. After the surge energy is converted in tens of mS, the operating power returns to a normal voltage value. Accordingly, the lifetime of the surge protection device can be extended and the surge immunity of the power facility can be improved to normal under surge interference situations.

Abstract: To provide an overcurrent protection apparatus for a load circuit which can detect an overcurrent accurately without being influenced by the offset voltage Voff of an amplifier (AMP1). When the amplifier (AMP1) has the offset voltage Voff which is a positive value (Voff>0), a current obtained by subtracting a current Ia from a current I1 flowing through a resistor R1 by conducting a current source IA is flown into a resistor R3. In contrast, when the amplifier (AMP1) has the offset voltage Voff which is a negative value (Voff<0), a voltage drop is generated at a resistor R2 by conducting a current source IB to thereby control so that a voltage Vds becomes same as the voltage generated at the resistor R1. Thus, since a voltage V3 generated at the resistor R3 becomes a voltage from which the influence of the offset voltage Voff is eliminated, it is possible to determine an overcurrent accurately by eliminating the influence of the offset voltage Voff.

Abstract: A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit to trip in response to a microcontroller fault or a failure of a regulated power supply powering the microcontroller. The circuit breaker includes an RC circuit connected to an SCR. The resistor of the RC circuit is connected between the anode and gate of the SCR, and the capacitor is connected between the gate and cathode of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first pin coupled to the RC circuit, which is initially in a high input impedance state. In the event of a microcontroller fault or power supply failure, the capacitor will charge to a voltage sufficient to activate the SCR and trip the breaker. If the microcontroller startup routine is successful, the pin is configured as an output and is pulled low, shorting out the capacitor.

Abstract: A method for transferring energy between first and second units with first and second meters and subscriptions to first and second backend platforms, as well as a first unit for supporting such energy transfer, where the backend platforms execute an authentication procedure and a switch is unbarred by a first control box upon successful execution of the authentication procedure. A second control box sends an amount of the transferred energy measured by the second meter to the first control box, energy consumption data is sent to the backend platforms, and a consumption clearing procedure is executed between the first and the second units at the backend platforms by means of the received energy consumption data.

Abstract: A transmission delay line is introduced between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for declamping a semiconductor wafer that is electrically adhered to a surface of an electrostatic chuck by a clamping voltage. In this method, the clamping voltage is deactivated. For a time following the deactivation, a first region of the wafer is lifted an first distance from the surface of the electrostatic chuck while a second region of the wafer remains adhered to the surface of the electrostatic chuck. A predetermined condition is monitored during the time. The second region is lifted from the surface of the electrostatic chuck when the predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to drivers and methods for driving devices, comprising at least one functional unit at least one of which is adapted to deduce a device parameter of an electronic device from a terminal parameter of the electronic device.

Abstract: A protection circuit is coupled between a chipset and an I/O port. The protection circuit comprises at least two protection devices and a control device. The protection devices are coupled in parallel with each other, and coupled between the I/O port and the chipset. The protection devices receive an input signal from the I/O port. When the I/O port has a surge current thereon, the protection devices perform a discharge operation for the surge current. The control device selects one of the protection devices to transmit the input signal t the chipset.

Abstract: A reformed inductor, a surge protection device, and a surge protector with the reformed inductor and the surge protection device are disclosed. The surge protector includes a main body, a power plug, at least a socket, and a power protection device; wherein the power protection device include a reformed inductor, a plurality of fuses, and a plurality of surge absorber. The design of the surge protector can be used to reduce surge and stabilize current by connecting with circuit of the power outlet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a controlling apparatus for a signal outputting circuit in an electronic system. The controlling apparatus includes a detecting circuit, a switch, and a controlling circuit. The detecting circuit is used for detecting whether the electronic system has an abnormal condition. The switch is electrically connected between a signal receiving terminal and the signal outputting circuit. The controlling circuit is electrically connected between the detecting circuit and the switch. Once the detecting circuit detects that the electronic system has the abnormal condition, the controlling circuit sets the switch into a high-impedance state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a series capacitor bank are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a capacitor protection circuit. The capacitor protection circuit may include a capacitor bank, a pilot circuit and a main commutation gap. The pilot circuit and the main commutation gap may be provided in parallel electrical communication with the capacitor bank. Additionally, one or more plasma injectors may be provided in series electrical communication with the pilot circuit. The plasma injectors may be operable to provide partially or completely ionized plasma across the main commutation gap to make conductive the main commutation gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a fault current limiter comprising, a current limiting unit configured to limit a fault current according to a reactance value by increasing the reactance value if the fault current is generated, and a driving unit configured to increases an inductance of the current limiting unit by generating a repulsive force by means of the fault current when the fault current is received and the driving unit is connected to the front end of the current limiting unit.

Abstract: A device for protecting a radio frequency transmission line from transient voltages includes an inner conductor for transmitting electromagnetic signals of a desired frequency band and a grounded, coaxial outer conductor electrically insulated from the inner conductor. A conductive bus bar extends longitudinally within the outer conductor and is conductively connected thereto. A plurality of gas discharge tubes are directly mounted on the inner conductor along at least a portion of its length in spaced apart intervals. In addition, each of the plurality of gas discharge tubes is conductively connected to a flattened surface on the bus bar through a metal spring washer. In use, the plurality of gas discharge tubes operate in parallel with one another to discharge transient voltages carried by the inner conductor that exceed a predefined threshold.

Abstract: An input-output interface circuit of the present invention includes an input-output terminal, an input buffer, a first MOS transistor of a first conductivity type formed in a floating well region, an output buffer for outputting a signal externally through the input-output terminal, an electrostatic protection circuit, and a floating well potential adjusting circuit, wherein the electrostatic protection circuit has a first resistance, and a diode connected between another end of the first resistance and a high level power supply potential, and the floating well potential adjusting circuit has a second resistance having one end connected to the input-output terminal, and a second MOS transistor of the first conductivity type having one end connected to another end of the second resistance, another end connected to the floating well region, and a gate connected to the high level power supply potential.

Abstract: A plurality of electric control units are connected to perform data-communication through a communication line. Each electric control unit comprises a recording means for recording data and a communication means, to control an operation of an object to be controlled. One of the plurality of electric control units determines whether it is possible to record data in the recording means, and records the data in the recording means when it determines that it is possible to record the data in the recording means. The “one of the plurality of electric control units” transmits the data to other electric control unit when it determines that it is not possible to record the data in the recording means. The “other electric control unit” receives the transmitted data and records it in own recording means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set protection circuit for when a diode short-circuit defect occurs in a power factor correction circuit of a critical conduction mode. In a conventional power factor correction circuit, an excessive amount of current flows to a switch if a diode is short-circuited so that the switch is damaged. In order to prevent damage to the switch, the present invention provides a method for stopping turn-on of the switch when a switch current is excessive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a cooking apparatus is provided including a microprocessor responsive to a set of user actuable keypads. The control comprises a numeric selector for initiating a cook time duration in minutes corresponding to the numeric selector with a first press. The same numeric selector can add (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a second press. And any numeric selector can then add ½ (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a third press.

Abstract: A system for protecting against reverse current flow in an output module of an Industrial Process Control System includes a transistor that is driven by a control signal and a current monitor arranged to monitor a current through the transistor. The system includes a processor that is arranged to receive the monitored current and to generate the control signal in dependence upon the monitored current. The processor is configured to turn off the transistor if a reverse current is detected in the transistor. Extension of the system provides a power feed combiner that is protected against reverse current flow.

Abstract: A line commutation type fault current limiter which can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, carry out line commutation by operating a cutoff switch by fault current energy, respond rapidly to a fault, be immediately restored to an original state, and perform either an active or a passive operation. The line commutation type fault current limiter includes a coupled inductor having a primary side connected to a main circuit and a secondary side matched with the primary side, a Zener diode switch electrically connected to the secondary side of the coupled inductor, a line commutation switch connected to the Zener diode switch as well as the primary side of the coupled inductor to form a bypass path in parallel with the primary side of the coupled inductor and to cut off the main circuit, when the Zener diode switch is turned on, and a current limiting unit electrically connected in parallel with the line commutation switch to limit a current flowing into the main circuit.

Abstract: A high-voltage NMOS transistor for ESD protection is coupled between a high-voltage I/O pad and a low-voltage terminal, and has a parasitic component between its source and drain. A trigger has an input coupled to the high-voltage I/O pad and an output coupled to the parasitic component. When the voltage on the high-voltage I/O pad raises above a threshold value, the trigger applies a voltage to trigger the parasitic component, so as to release an ESD current from the high-voltage I/O pad to the low-voltage terminal through the high-voltage NMOS transistor.