Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp, coupled across input-output (I/O) and common (GND) terminals of a protected semiconductor device or integrated circuit is provided. One ESD clamp comprises an ESD transistor (ESDT) with source-drain coupled between the GND and I/O terminals, a first resistor coupled between the gate and source and a second resistor coupled between the ESDT body and source. Paralleling the resistors are control transistors with gates coupled to one or more bias supplies Vb, Vb?. The main power rail (Vdd) of the device or IC is a convenient source for Vb, Vb?. When the Vdd is off during shipment, handling, equipment assembly, etc., the ESD trigger voltage Vt1 is low, thereby providing maximum ESD protection when ESD risk is high. When Vdd is energized, Vt1 rises to a value large enough to avoid interference with normal circuit operation but still protect from ESD events.

Abstract: A method to reduce an inductive voltage surge across a switch array is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, (a) directing at least a portion of an electric current away from at least a portion of said switch array; and (b) independently opening different portions of the switch array. A system to reduce an inductive voltage surge across an electrical device comprising a current bypass circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in currently designed industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises network connectivity allowing interrogation of the components for operational data associated with the component.

Abstract: A static relay system configured to be connected in series with an electrical load supplied with AC current, including: two series-connected field-effect transistors fabricated in a material having a high bandgap energy; a detector detecting a threshold of a voltage across the terminals of each of the transistors or of the two transistors; an electromechanical relay connected in series with the transistors; and a controller for opening at least one transistor or the electromechanical relay when the threshold voltage is exceeded.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing transient electrical event protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a detection and timing circuit, a current amplification circuit, and a clamping circuit. The detection and timing circuit is configured to detect a presence or absence of a transient electrical event at a first node, and to generate a first current for a first duration upon detection of the transient electrical event. The current amplification circuit is configured to receive the first current from the detection and timing circuit and to amplify the first current to generate a second current. The clamping circuit is electrically connected between the first node and a second node and receives the second current for activation. The clamping circuit is configured to activate a low impedance path between the first and second nodes in response to the second current, and to otherwise deactivate the low impedance path.

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: Indicating apparatus for indicating the operating state of a component of an electrical load protection system, including a housing containing a longitudinal chamber, an indicating member mounted for longitudinal displacement in the chamber, a resilient device normally biasing the indicating member toward a first end of the housing, a catch arrangement for retaining the indicating member in a retracted position adjacent the housing second end; and a release device responsive to a trouble voltage pulse for operating the catch arrangement to a released condition, thereby to release the indicating member for displacement toward an indicating position adjacent the housing first end. At least the first end of the housing is transparent, thereby to provide a visual indication when the indicating member is in the indicating position. Switch contacts are operable between open and closed conditions when the indicating member is displaced between the indicating and retracted positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to surge protection systems that protect outside plant equipment from high-energy surges. In one exemplary embodiment, a protection system is used for protecting Ethernet equipment that is coupled to an outside Ethernet cable. The protection system provides protection and remains capable of coupling signal energy between an Ethernet cable and Ethernet equipment without significantly degrading Ethernet performance. However, the protection system, while allowing the desirable Ethernet signals to pass between the cable and the equipment, prevents the electrical voltages and currents of high-energy surges, such as surges from lightning or AC power faults, from damaging the Ethernet equipment.

Abstract: The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a solar module with a bimetal breaker, which comprises a solar module with terminal ribbons deposited on both sides of the solar module and inter-connecting ribbons extended and connected to the terminal ribbons, and a bimetal breaker being deposited on a joint of the terminal ribbon and the inter-connecting ribbon of the solar module. The bimetal breaker comprises a bimetal unit that is composed of two metal layers, and when the bimetal unit is heated, the bimetal unit will bend because of different thermal expansion coefficients and push the conducting terminals to separate from each other, so as to prevent the solar module from being damaged due to high temperature.

Abstract: A protective device for a load circuit that instantly cuts off the load circuit when a dead short-circuit has occurred in the load circuit. The protective device includes a first detection circuit which detects a counter-electromotive force E1 induced in a common wiring line for connecting a plurality of load circuits and a power source, and a second detection circuit which detects a counter-electromotive force E2 induced at part of a load connection wiring line for connecting the individual load circuits. The load circuit is cut off when the first detection circuit detects that the counter-electromotive force E1 induced in the common wiring line has exceeded a predetermined value, and the second detection circuit detects that the counter-electromotive force E2 that has the same direction as that of E1 has been generated in the load connection wiring line.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus (100) includes a signal output section (60) which outputs an instruction signal for selecting a drive or protection mode, and a drive circuit (70) which controls the supply of electric current to the sensor. The drive circuit (70) includes detection means (77) for detecting an anomaly of the electrical connection state of the sensor, protection means (81), operable when the anomaly is detected, for forcedly switching to the protection mode, and report means (80) for outputting a report signal after the drive circuit has entered the protection mode. When the report is input, the signal output section outputs an instruction signal for switching the energization mode to the protection mode, and then outputs an instruction signal for switching to the drive mode. When the report signal is again input a predetermined number of times, the signal output section determines that an anomaly has occurred.

Abstract: An electrical protection assembly for connection between an electrical power supply line and electrical equipment has an insulating mounting structure; a first arm connectable to a live conductor for connection to a fusible device at a first end and a voltage surge protection unit at a second end, pivotally attached to the mounting structure in a displaceable manner intermediate its ends; a first connection arrangement at the first end of the first arm for connection to the fusible device; and a second connection arrangement at the second end of the first arm for connection to the voltage surge protection unit. The assembly further includes first and second springs for urging the first arm relative to the mounting structure. The springs may urge the second connection arrangement towards the voltage surge protection unit and the first connection arrangement away from the fusible device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pulse protection circuit having wave filtering functions, composed of an inductor free slow response protection circuit and a fast response protection circuit, and a filter is series-connected on a signal transmission route, and is utilized to provide impedance in effectively preventing electromagnetic pulses caused by lightning (LS) or other electronic weapon (NEMP, HEMP, PEMP) interferences. In addition, it is capable of suppressing electromagnetic pulses at specific frequencies, thus, raising the capability of electronic elements in resisting against electromagnetic pulses. Furthermore, said filter is made of high-temperature-super-conduction (HTSC) material, so that when said HTSC material of said filter is subject to a sudden infusion or invasion of said electromagnetic pulses, it is switched to a high impedance state in a very short period of time in effectively restricting currents passing through said filter, hereby avoiding the damages of a communication system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-static floating type gyro device comprising: a gyro mechanism having a gyro rotor and plural adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes for supporting said gyro rotor; a posture control circuit for generating complementary posture control voltages for controlling a posture of the gyro rotor, wherein the complementary posture control voltages applied to the adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes are alternated in time.

Abstract: An improved power transfer mechanism is disclosed, which is particularly beneficial in power transmission applications. The mechanism allows the SCFCL system to have more than one electrical reference. The use of hydraulic power simplifies the design of systems in which one part of the system is referenced to ground, while a second part of the system is referenced to a different voltage, typically much higher than ground. For example, the tank of the SCFCL system may not be connected to ground, while hydraulic power supply is referenced to ground. This embodiment is performed without the use of an electrically conductive path between the two parts of the system.

Abstract: A surge protection module comprises a base, a plurality of first pins extending from the base to connect electrically to an upstream circuit, a plurality of second pins extending from the base to connect electrically to a downstream circuit, a fuse device acting between each first pin and a respective one of the second pins, at least one analog arrestor upstream of the fuse devices that is electrically connected across the first pins and in electrical connection to a ground terminal extending from the base, and a low capacitance solid state arrestor arrangement electrically connected to each second pin downstream of the fuse devices and to the ground terminal.

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: An electrically noisy D.C. power source having high slew rate A.C. transient voltage, is cut off from a capacitive load by a switchable, constant slew rate voltage source, upon the detection of an A.C. transient voltage having a slew rate that would otherwise cause a current overload through the capacitive load or the voltage source, or the D.C. power source.

Abstract: A motor drive ground fault detection device operates by computing the total RMS voltage of all the phases, and comparing the total RMS voltage to a threshold to determine if a ground fault has occurred.

Abstract: Systems, circuits, and methods are described for providing efficient, monitoring capabilities for providing output reactive to monitored conditions. According to the disclosed methods, steps are included for providing a floating gate monitoring circuit in association with a monitored circuit and programming the floating gate to a selected charge level. The programmed floating gate charge level is then compared with a signal level in a monitored circuit. In an additional step, selected comparison criteria are used for selectably activating output. Exemplary embodiments of methods and associated circuits and systems employing the methods are also disclosed, in which protection for a monitored circuit is provided in the event of undervoltage, undercurrent, overvoltage, or undervoltage.