Abstract: A technique for providing short circuit protection in electrical systems used in hydrocarbon exploration and production and, more particularly, for such electrical systems comprising serially connected nodes, includes an apparatus and method. The apparatus, includes a power supply and a plurality of electrically serially connected application sensors downstream from the power supply. Each application sensor includes a sensing element; and a plurality of electronics associated with the sensing element. The electronics shut off upstream power to the downstream application sensors in the presence of a short circuit. The method includes serially supplying power to a downhole apparatus comprising a plurality of electrically serially connected downhole sensors; sensing, in series and upon receiving power from upstream, at each downhole sensor whether a downstream short circuit exists; and shutting off upstream power to the downstream downhole sensors in the presence of a short circuit.

Abstract: A seismic survey apparatus includes a plurality of serially connected electrical nodes; a power supply capable of supplying power to the electrical nodes and detecting a voltage leakage among the electrical nodes; and a software component capable of locating the leakage upon its detection. A method for use in seismic surveying includes powering a plurality of serially connected electrical nodes in a seismic surveying system; automatically detecting a voltage leakage among the electrical nodes on the power domain; and automatically locating the detected voltage leakage.

Abstract: A seismic survey apparatus includes a plurality of serially connected electrical nodes; a power supply capable of supplying power to the electrical nodes and detecting a voltage leakage among the electrical nodes; and a software component capable of locating the leakage upon its detection. A method for use in seismic surveying includes powering a plurality of serially connected electrical nodes in a seismic surveying system; automatically detecting a voltage leakage among the electrical nodes on the power domain; and automatically locating the detected voltage leakage.

Abstract: A technique for providing short circuit protection in electrical systems used in hydrocarbon exploration and production and, more particularly, for such electrical systems comprising serially connected nodes, includes an apparatus and method. The apparatus, includes a power supply and a plurality of electrically serially connected application sensors downstream from the power supply. Each application sensor includes a sensing element; and a plurality of electronics associated with the sensing element. The electronics shut off upstream power to the downstream application sensors in the presence of a short circuit. The method includes serially supplying power to a downhole apparatus comprising a plurality of electrically serially connected downhole sensors; sensing, in series and upon receiving power from upstream, at each downhole sensor whether a downstream short circuit exists; and shutting off upstream power to the downstream downhole sensors in the presence of a short circuit.