Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a voltage potential in a power switching device. The method and apparatus uses a conductive shield surrounding a coil positioned around a connector in a power switching device. The coil is used to provide a current measuring device within the power switching device. The combination of the shield, connector and the dielectric between them forms a capacitor, which is the high voltage leg of a capacitive voltage divider circuit. The capacitive voltage divider has a low voltage leg made of one or more capacitors. The capacitors of the low voltage leg may be removed in order to adjust the output of the capacitive voltage divider. The output of the voltage divider circuit is measured, converted and displayed to a user.

Abstract: A method and tool for an integrated power switching device configuration tool and fault response tolerance calculator determines the fault response tolerance characteristics of a power switching device, adjusts the predicted fault responses based on the fault response tolerances and displays the adjusted fault response results. The fault response tolerance calculation tool uses configuration information defined during the configuring of the power switching device and applies this information to an over current response curve selected by a user. The tool calculates the different fault response tolerances and adjusts predicted response times accordingly. The adjusted fault responses are displayed to the user along with a range of recommended fault response values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a magnetic actuator in a power switching device by transmitting at least two different electrical current waveforms to the actuator. Both waveforms are sent to the actuator from a controller in the same direction to move an actuator's armature from a first position to a second position. The first current waveform causes the armature to move from the first position to the second position. The second waveform is transmitted to the actuator to keep the armature moving towards the second position without overdriving the armature.

Abstract: A method for determining an electrical current value using at least two current sensing circuits. One current sensing circuit is provided if the current value is below a switching threshold. The other current sensing is provided if the current value is above a switching threshold. Both current sensing circuits having a processing means to process the current signal and a determining means to determine the value of the current signal.

Abstract: A digital serial communications hub has the ability to delay, route and regenerate data on the fly at mixed baud rates, mixed character framing bits, and mixed protocols without prior setup. In addition, the communications hub stores and retrieves serial data in the time domain, and employs a simple and reliable error correction routine that takes advantage of the time domain format of the data. Physically, the communications hub is implemented as a circuit card integrating a central processor with several serial communications ports. The serial ports connect to a combination of electrical interfaces that include RS232, RS485, TTL, and Fiber Optic. The serial communication ports are routed through a central flow processor that controls data flow into and out of the circuit card via serial communications connectors.

Abstract: A power switching control device and methods for using the same to control a magnetic actuator within a power switching device are disclosed. The power switching control device uses a series of modulated current pulses to control a magnetic actuator within a power switching device. The power switching control device inputs a power signal and applies a series of modulated current pulses through the coil of the magnetic actuator in a first direction such that the actuator moves from a first position to a second position. Certain operating characteristics of a power switching device can be ascertained by analyzing the impedance of the magnetic actuator coil within the power switching device. The power switching device control device also has an improved energy management system therein. In this manner, the controller includes a voltage regulator that has the ability to switch between operating modes.

Abstract: A power switching control device and methods for using the same to control a magnetic actuator within a power switching device are disclosed. The power switching control device uses a series of modulated current pulses to control a magnetic actuator within a power switching device. The power switching control device inputs a power signal and applies a series of modulated current pulses through the coil of the magnetic actuator in a first direction such that the actuator moves from a first position to a second position. Certain operating characteristics of a power switching device can be ascertained by analyzing the impedance of the magnetic actuator coil within the power switching device. The power switching device control device also has an improved energy management system therein. In this manner, the controller includes a voltage regulator that has the ability to switch between operating modes.