Abstract: A sequential switching shunt regulator cell comprising: a power line (PL) for connecting a power source (SA) to a power bus (PB); a shunting (SSW) switch for shunting said power line; and driving means (DM) for opening or closing said shunting switch depending on an error signal (MEA) indicative of a voltage level of said power bus; characterized in that it also comprises: a non-redundant rectifier (D3) connected in series to said power line for disconnecting the power bus from the shunting switch when the latter is closed; and a fault detector (FD) for detecting a short-circuit fault condition of said non-redundant rectifier, and for opening the shunting switch in reply to said condition. Advantageously, the rectifier can be a synchronous rectifier. A solar power regulator comprising a plurality of solar arrays connected to a power bus through respective sequential switching shunt regulator cells of the kind described above.

Abstract: A sequential switching shunt regulator cell comprising: a power line (PL) for connecting a power source (SA) to a power bus (PB); a shunting (SSW) switch for shunting said power line; and driving means (DM) for opening or closing said shunting switch depending on an error signal (MEA) indicative of a voltage level of said power bus; characterized in that it also comprises: a non-redundant rectifier (D3) connected in series to said power line for disconnecting the power bus from the shunting switch when the latter is closed; and a fault detector (FD) for detecting a short-circuit fault condition of said non-redundant rectifier, and for opening the shunting switch in reply to said condition. Advantageously, the rectifier can be a synchronous rectifier. A solar power regulator comprising a plurality of solar arrays connected to a power bus through respective sequential switching shunt regulator cells of the kind described above.