Abstract: An overcurrent detection circuit that detects an overcurrent state of a transistor that outputs a current to a load is provided with a start-up monitoring portion that distinguishes between a start-up state and a steady state, an overcurrent monitoring portion that monitors an overcurrent state of the transistor, and an output voltage monitoring portion that detects whether the output voltage to the load is normal or abnormal. The overcurrent monitoring portion changes an overcurrent detection level while referring to information from the start-up monitoring portion and the overcurrent monitoring portion.

Abstract: An ECU performs a program including a step of notifying a system main relay shut-off signal to a high-voltage system using equipment when a system main relay shut-off demand due to a HV system failure is generated, a step of shutting off the system main relay when a high voltage shut-off acknowledging signal from the high-voltage system using equipment is not unreceived, a step of shutting off the system main relay when a high voltage shut-off acknowledging signal from the high-voltage system using equipment is unreceived and a current value in a high voltage circuit is more than the predetermined threshold, and a step of shutting off the system main relay when the current value in the high voltage circuit is not more than the predetermined threshold and the predetermined period of time has elapsed from the occurrence of a HV system malfunction.

Abstract: An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) having a switch configured to connect one of two sources to a load, a mechanical drive, an actuator, and a solid state control relay is disclosed. The mechanical drive is configured to drive the switch between a first position and a second position, the first position connecting the switch to the first source, and the second position connecting the switch to the second source. The actuator is in mechanical communication with the mechanical drive to cause the mechanical drive to move on command. The solid state control relay is responsive to an external signal and productive of a control signal, wherein the actuator is responsive to the control signal to cause the mechanical drive to move.

Abstract: The invention provides a power switching apparatus used in a network equipment in order to switch power generated by the Ethernet and an D.C. power supply. The power switching apparatus comprises a first input port used to connect to a first power terminal; a second input port used to connect to a second power terminal; an output port used to output a voltage; a switching circuit connected to the first input port, the second input port and the output port, wherein the switching circuit cuts off the output voltage generated by the first power terminal and outputs the voltage generated by the second power terminal while the second power terminal is plugged into the second input port.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for squib for igniting a squib which has a heat producing portion that includes an electrically conductive portion and a fuel portion, and transmits a heat produced by supplying electrical current to the electrically conductive portion to the fuel portion, the circuit having an electrical current boosting device which steeply boosts electrical current supplied to the electrically conductive portion. The ignition circuit achieves electrical operation with greater reliability and less cost.

Abstract: An electro-static discharge protection circuit including a first-LDNMOS transistor, a second-LDNMOS transistor, a first-resistor, and a gate-driven resistance is provided. The drain of the first-LDNMOS transistor is served as an electro-static input end, the P-body and source of the first-LDNMOS transistor are connected to each other. A coupling-voltage signal determines whether the first-LDNMOS transistor is turned on or not. The drain, P-body, and gate of the second-LDNMOS transistor are respectively connected to the drain of the first-LDNMOS transistor, the source of the first-LDNMOS transistor, and a common-ground potential. The first-resistor is connected between the source of the first-LDNMOS transistor and the common-ground potential.

Abstract: A communication-circuit line protector capable of maintaining reliable connection to a port unit of a communication system, easily checking a disorder or failure of the communication-circuit line protector, and effectively releasing heat generated from an inner portion of the communication-circuit line protector is provided. The communication-circuit line protector include: a housing having a plurality of openings disposed on a side thereof; a ground pin provided to an inner side of the housing, the ground pin having an elastic end portion which cooperates with a lower-side inner wall of the housing opposite thereto to be in close contact with a ground portion, thereby maintain reliable ground contact; and a PCB having the ground pin attached to one side thereof and a conduction member provided to a lower end portion thereof, thereby maintaining good connection at a time of connection to a port.

Abstract: A module for controlling power supply to a load in a product which includes a microchip, and an electromechanical switch and a proximity/touch sensor connected to the microchip, preferably to the same input. The switch is primarily used to activate or deactivate the load and the proximity/touch sensor to vary the effect of operating the switch, or to control additional functions such as the activation of a signal, typically a light signal, which helps to locate the product, particularly in the dark, and to vary the duration of an automatic time-out period at the end of which the load is deactivated.

Abstract: This invention features a more compact and higher reliability power supply module including a high voltage DC input, a low voltage DC output, a number of DC/DC converters connected in parallel between the high voltage DC input and the low voltage DC output, and a controller configured to modulate each DC/DC converter to convert the high voltage DC input to the low voltage DC output.

Abstract: A power converter capable of providing a range of DC voltages to an external device and a method of providing a range of DC power are provided. The power converter comprises a supply circuit for receiving a request for DC power and for providing the requested DC power. The supply circuit comprises a detection circuit for sensing a connection to an external device, a source controller circuit for determining a DC output power required by the external device, and a converter circuit for generating the required DC output power. The external device comprises a device controller circuit for communicating the request for DC power. A first conductor provides a path for the device to communicate the required DC power to the power converter and for the power converter to supply the required DC power. A second conductor provides a common reference for conducting return current to the power converter.

Abstract: An electrical barrier (10) for connecting a power supply to electrical equipment situated in a potentially explosive atmosphere comprises an input (12), output (13), a shunt Zener diode (14), a fuse (15), an output resistor (16) and the sensor resistor (11). The Zener diode (14) is operable to limit the output voltage of the barrier. In some embodiments multiple Zener diodes are used if desired or appropriate. The output resistor (16) acts to limit the maximum output current whilst the fuse (15) acts to prevent operation of the barrier in the event of an excessive input. The sensing resistor (11), being in series with the Zener diodes (14), allows the current flowing through the Zener diode (14) to be determined. The value of this current is then used to regulate the voltage input to the barrier (10). By using such a sensing resistor in series with the Zener diode (14), the voltage on the Zener diode (14) can be controlled so that the desired current flows.

Abstract: An electrical power control system for use with a recreational vehicle or similar load to selectively control power thereto from either a utility power source or a generator power source comprising a power control stage coupled to the utility power source and the generator power source by a power supply stage to operate the electrical power control system and a utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively direct the power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle wherein the power control stage monitors polarity, phase and voltage levels, and controls the utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively feed power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle under a predetermined plurality of operating parameters or conditions and fault conditions.

Abstract: Spark-gap device including two discharge electrodes (2; 3) each having an elongated conductor portion (10; 5), called the active portion, with a connecting longitudinal end (11; 7) fixed to a connector. The electrodes are arranged in such a way that, when an electric arc is generated, the arc is formed between the active portions and the resulting electric current induces a magnetic field moving the electric arc along the active portions, preferably at an erosion-limiting high speed. At least a discharge electrode further includes at least a second conductor portion (9, 16; 6), called the passive portion, electrically connected to the connector and/or the active portion and with a form adapted to prevent a spontaneous electric arc from being inopportunely generated in normal usage conditions of the device.

Abstract: An electronic switching circuit system designed to be compatible with coaxial barrel style plug and socket connectors. Specific plug and socket contacts utilize a simple electronic device that causes the switching circuit associated with either or both the plug and socket to be activated only when the plug and socket pair is fully engaged.

Abstract: Provided is a system relay-to-relay direct communication system and method in a power system. The relay-to-relay direct communication system includes a first protective relay having a first transmit module where the first transmit module includes a first microcontroller adapted to provide a plurality of data channels. Each of the plurality of data channels is associated with channel data having a variety of bit-lengths. The relay-to-relay direct communication system also includes a second protective relay directly coupled to the first protective relay via a communication link. The second protective relay includes a first receive module where the first receive module including a second microcontroller adapted to provide the plurality of data channels. A speed of receipt of the channel data by the first receive module is adjustable based on an assignment of the channel data to the plurality of data channels of the first transmit module.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit therein is provided. The IC comprises a plurality of bonding pads, a plurality of ESD units, a first ESD bus and a second ESD bus. The first ESD bus has no direct connection with any power pad of the IC. Each ESD unit comprises a first diode, a second diode and an ESD clamping device. Due to the one-to-one correspondent of each bonding pad with an ESD unit, the present invention ensures ESD continuity through a continuous charge dissipation path no matter what kind of pin-to-pin ESD test the IC is undergoing or how many power sources the IC has. In addition, a bonding pad over active circuitry (BOAC) structure can also be deployed in the present invention to provide a better ESD protection for the whole IC chip.

Abstract: A field discharge circuit may rapidly reduce the field current of a generator, thereby avoiding an overvoltage condition. The field discharge circuit of the present invention may use another storage device, such as a capacitor, to quickly transfer the field current energy thereto and then slowly dissipate the transferred energy after the event (such as removal of a load) has passed. By transferring this energy to a storage device and subsequently slowly discharging this energy through a resistor, electromagnetic interference caused by a conventional resistive discharge can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for protecting against arcing events solar array panels and control equipment supplying a main power bus is provided. The control equipment comprises a regulator for controlling a solar array voltage (Vs) and includes a power dump stage for shunting the solar array voltage as a function of a control signal. The device comprises a voltage drop detection circuit for generating a voltage drop detection signal (VD) when a voltage drop is detected in the solar array voltage (Vs), and an arc-quenching circuit comprising a system for generating an output signal (Vo) which is applied as the control signal to the power dump stage so as to shunt the solar array voltage (Vs) when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage drop detection circuit.

Abstract: Prenotification information of releasing prohibition of an engine operation is stored in an EEPROM in an interval. The interval is after that a lock controller commands a steering lock to be operable. The interval is before that an engine controller switches an engine operation prohibiting signal to be in a prohibition releasing condition. The engine operation prohibiting signal may change from the prohibition releasing condition to the prohibition setting condition after an engine starting controller starts an engine. In this condition, the engine is stopped, or is continuously operated in accordance with the prenotifying information stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improved voltage source transfer switching. First and second voltage sources (primary and alternate) are connectable to a load via corresponding first and second switches, which may comprise SCRs. A controller operates the switches according to various transfer methods. In some transfer methods, the timing of the switching operation is critical. For example, switching times may be optimized to reduce or prevent transformer saturation due to the dc flux built up during the transfer event. The controller force commutates off the primary source switch by turning on the appropriate alternate source switch for a brief period of time. In this case, the alternate source switches are “pulsed” (rather than being turned on continuously), so that the switches will naturally commutate off at the next current zero cross. Subsequently, the volt-second balancing control logic will permanently turn on these switches at the appropriate time.