Abstract: A ground fault detector includes a relay configured to receive a first current. The ground fault detector also includes a voltage regulator configured to provide a voltage potential to ground. The ground fault detector further includes an amplifier configured, in response to a ground current flowing into or out of the ground fault detector, to change an output voltage of the amplifier in order to cause a change in the first current received at the relay. The change in the first current is indicative of a ground fault. Upon detection of a ground fault, the ground fault detector can be isolated from ground.

Abstract: An output buffer apparatus that includes an electronic circuit composed of a buffer that electronically feeds an electronic status signal behind the buffer and into a digital output that drives the buffer. The electronic status signal provides a status signal indicative of the state of the field load in electrical communication with the electronic circuit. The digital output is buffered without losing the line-fault detection feature associated with that digital output. The disclosed output buffer apparatus can be implemented in the context of industrial control and automation systems.

Abstract: A ground fault detector includes a relay configured to receive a first current. The ground fault detector also includes a voltage regulator configured to provide a voltage potential to ground. The ground fault detector further includes an amplifier configured, in response to a ground current flowing into or out of the ground fault detector, to change an output voltage of the amplifier in order to cause a change in the first current received at the relay. The change in the first current is indicative of a ground fault. Upon detection of a ground fault, the ground fault detector can be isolated from ground.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor (FET) driver is provided that includes an input modulator and an isolating capacitor. The input modulator is configured to output an alternating current (AC) signal. The isolating capacitor is configured to receive the AC signal as an input and to store a charge based on the AC signal in a filter capacitor. The filter capacitor is configured to drive a capacitor-driven FET based on the stored charge.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor (FET) driver is provided that includes an input modulator and an isolating capacitor. The input modulator is configured to output an alternating current (AC) signal. The isolating capacitor is configured to receive the AC signal as an input and to store a charge based on the AC signal in a filter capacitor. The filter capacitor is configured to drive a capacitor-driven FET based on the stored charge.