Abstract: A method for controlling a triode for alternating current (TRIAC), applied to a device, is provided. A voltage is connected to an anode of the TRIAC, and a scaled down voltage is fed into an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) pin of the device. The method includes (1) tracking the voltage at the anode of the TRIAC; (2) applying a trigger pulse to a gate of the TRIAC for a preset time based on the voltage at the anode of the TRIAC reaching a threshold; and (3) detecting whether there is a dip that corresponds to the preset time in the scaled down voltage at the ADC pin of the device. The method further includes, in response to not detecting a dip corresponding to the preset time in the scaled down voltage at the ADC pin, (4) waiting an amount of time; and (5) repeating the steps (1)-(3).

Abstract: A system to detect a status of a switching semiconductor in a switching circuit is provided. The system includes the switching semiconductor, an actuator, wherein the actuator is electrically coupled to a first end of the switching semiconductor, a resistor electrically coupled to a second end of the switching semiconductor, a switching device electrically coupled to the resistor, a detector connected to a collector terminal of the bi-polar junction transistor, and a processor. The processor is configured to provide a trigger voltage to the switching semiconductor, wherein the trigger voltage activates the switching semiconductor and induces current flow from the actuator through the resistor via the switching semiconductor. The processor activates the switching device, based on the activated switching semiconductor and detects a voltage at a collector terminal of the switching device. The processor determines the status of the switching semiconductor based on the detected voltage.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter (100) for interrupting an electric current in an electrical line is disclosed. The circuit interrupter (100) includes a controller (102) for detecting a breaker fault condition. The controller (102) is connected to a first semiconductor switch (114) for energizing a solenoid (104) to trip a circuit breaker on detection of the breaker fault condition, wherein a winding of the solenoid (104) is energized to trip the circuit breaker, and wherein the solenoid (104) is configured with a center tap in the winding, such that there are two parts (106, 108) in the winding separated by the center tap. Further, upon detection of an open condition in a part of the winding, the controller (102) is configured to provide a trip signal to the circuit breaker using the other part of the winding.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter (100) for interrupting an electric current in an electrical line is disclosed. The circuit interrupter (100) includes a controller (102) for detecting a breaker fault condition. The controller (102) is connected to a first semiconductor switch (114) for energizing a solenoid (104) to trip a circuit breaker on detection of the breaker fault condition, wherein a winding of the solenoid (104) is energized to trip the circuit breaker, and wherein the solenoid (104) is configured with a center tap in the winding, such that there are two parts (106, 108) in the winding separated by the center tap. Further, upon detection of an open condition in a part of the winding, the controller (102) is configured to provide a trip signal to the circuit breaker using the other part of the winding.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter for interrupting an electric current in an electrical line is disclosed. The circuit interrupter includes an electronic circuit for monitoring and detecting a breaker fault condition. The electronic circuit is connected to a semiconductor switch for energizing a solenoid to trip a circuit breaker. A winding of the solenoid is energized to trip the circuit breaker. The solenoid is configured to have a center tap in the winding, such that there are two parts in the winding separated by the center tap. Further, upon detection of an open circuit condition in a part of the winding, the electronic circuit is configured to provide a trip signal to the circuit breaker using the other part of the winding.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter for interrupting an electric current in an electrical line is disclosed. The circuit interrupter includes an electronic circuit for monitoring and detecting a breaker fault condition. The electronic circuit is connected to a semiconductor switch for energizing a solenoid to trip a circuit breaker. A winding of the solenoid is energized to trip the circuit breaker. The solenoid is configured to have a center tap in the winding, such that there are two parts in the winding separated by the center tap. Further, upon detection of an open circuit condition in a part of the winding, the electronic circuit is configured to provide a trip signal to the circuit breaker using the other part of the winding.