Abstract: A DC voltage grid includes an electrical conductor electrically interconnecting electrical components, with a DC voltage applied between parts of the electrical conductor. An actuator is configured to vary the DC voltage such that a value of the DC voltage depends on at least one state of the DC voltage grid. Information about the at least one state is transmitted to the electrical components of the DC voltage grid by way of the DC voltage. A wind farm having wind turbines connected to such a DC voltage grid and a method for operating such a DC voltage grid or such a wind farm are also disclosed. The DC voltage of the DC voltage grid is controlled or regulated depending on a state of the DC voltage grid.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if a fault condition exists in an electrical network. The method includes determining that a fault protection device has been opened and monitoring a voltage angle of a voltage waveform across a vacuum gap switching arrangement if the fault protection device is open, where the vacuum gap switching arrangement includes at least one vacuum gap switching element. The method also includes triggering a breakdown of a vacuum gap in the at least one vacuum gap switching element when the voltage angle corresponds to a predetermined switching angle to enable a temporary current flow through the vacuum gap switching arrangement, measuring the current flow through the vacuum gap switching arrangement, and determining whether the fault condition exists based at least in part on the measured current flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method, and computer program product embodiments for modifying the functionality of an alternating current (AC) controlling device. An example computer-implemented method includes determining whether an electrical terminal of an AC controlling device is connected to a grounded conductor. In response to determining that the electrical terminal is connected to the grounded conductor, the example computer-implemented method includes generating a first control signal configured to permit the AC controlling device to perform a function. In response to determining that the electrical terminal is not connected to the grounded conductor, the example computer-implemented method includes generating a second control signal configured to prevent the AC controlling device from performing the function.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a USB device, a USB cable, and a USB repeater. The USB cable or the USB device includes a USB connector and the USB repeater. The USB repeater may gain a signal of a differential pin pair of the USB connector. The USB repeater may monitor a signal of a configuration channel pin of the USB connector. The USB repeater selectively runs in one of a plurality of working modes corresponding to a plurality of protocols according to a monitoring result.

Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes a battery controller and battery modules, each respective module having battery cells, a cell sense board, and a semiconductor switch. The switch is connected in parallel with the cells within the respective module, and configured to conduct an electrical current during a thermal runaway propagation (TRP) event in which one or more cells is in an open-circuit state. This action bypasses the module and enables electrical components to be powered by the RESS during the TRP event. A battery electric system includes a direct current (“DC”) voltage bus, an electrical component connected thereto, the battery controller, and the RESS. A method for constructing the RESS includes connecting a respective semiconductor switch in parallel with the at least one battery cell of each respective one of the multiple battery modules, and electrically connecting the multiple battery modules together to construct the RESS.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The first PCB may include a wireless communication circuit, a first connector which includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a first conductive path which couples the wireless communication circuit and the first terminal, a second conductive path which couples a first ground and the second terminal, a third conductive path which couples a Direct Current (DC) power source and the first conductive path, and at least one resistor and at least one first inductor coupled with the third conductive path. The electronic device may further include a second PCB electrically coupled with to at least one antenna.

Abstract: An electronic device for controlling switching timing is described. The electronic device includes load voltage measuring circuitry configured to measure a load voltage to produce a load voltage measurement. The electronic device also includes a processor coupled to the load voltage measuring circuitry. The processor is configured to determine whether a load voltage spike is indicated by the load voltage measurement. The processor is configured to control switching timing based on whether a load voltage spike is indicated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for maintaining a stable power supply to a circuit when activating/deactivating a switch in order to accelerate the switching time of the switch. The gate of a FET is coupled to a switch driver. The switch driver is powered by a positive power supply and a negative power supply. When the switch is to be activated/deactivated, the gate is first coupled to a reference potential (i.e., ground) for a “reset period” to reduce any positive/negative charge that has been accumulated in the FET. At the end of the reset period, the gate is then released from the reference potential and the switch driver drives the gate to the desired voltage level to either activate or deactivate the switch.

Abstract: A cooling device for the redundant cooling of a control unit for a vehicle. The control unit has a first electronic component and a second electronic component that is redundant with respect to the first electronic component. The cooling device has a first cooling circuit for cooling the first electronic component and a second cooling circuit, fluidically separated from the first cooling circuit, for cooling the first and/or second electronic component.

Abstract: A color change kit for an electrical wiring device, the color change kit including: a frame having: a top surface, a second surface, a width, a length and a height; a bezel extending above the top surface of the frame and having a width, a length and a height, an interior surface and a top perimeter surface, and an opening formed therethrough; and an elongated recessed separator having a top surface and a bottom surface and being positioned within the opening and below the top perimeter surface, extending along an axis parallel to the length of the bezel, wherein the elongated recessed separator is configured to split a portion the opening into a first aperture and a second aperture; a toggle switch cover positioned through and actuatable within the first aperture, and a dimmer slider positioned and actuatable within the second aperture.

Abstract: An operation processing unit computes an amount of operation for adjusting electric power supplied to a load. A signal generator computes, based on an amount of operation, the number of switch elements to be turned on among switch elements and a duty ratio to be set for the number of switch elements to be turned on and generates, based on the determined number of switch elements and duty ratio, a signal for driving at least one of the switch elements. The signal generator includes a correction value operation unit that obtains a correction value based on a difference of an on-pulse width between a shunt current flowing through a corresponding one of the switch elements and a shunt drive signal for driving the corresponding one switch element, and a corrector that corrects, based on the correction value, an amount of operation output from the operation processing unit.

Abstract: A supervisory control system provides power management in an electronic device by providing timeout periods for a hardware component to lower levels of the operating system such as a power management arbitrator and/or a hardware interface controller. The power management arbitrator and/or hardware interface controller transition at least a portion of a hardware component to a lower-power state based on monitored activity information of the hardware component. The supervisory control system may further provide wakeup periods to the power management arbitrator and/or a hardware interface controller to determine whether the hardware component should be transitioned to a higher-power state at the end of the wakeup period if the hardware component satisfies a transition condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to communicating fault event information between power supply devices. In an example, a fault event communication system can include a comparator that can be coupled to a node that can have a shared bus voltage established by current sharing circuitry. The comparator can compare the shared bus voltage to a reference voltage and output a fault alert signal based on the comparison to alert a respective power supply device that another power supply device is experiencing a fault event. The system can include logic circuitry that can initiate a timer for a time interval in response to receiving the fault alert signal. The logic circuitry can determine a type of fault event at the respective power supply device based on the fault alert signal and duration of time that has elapsed since initiating the timer.

Abstract: A method is provided for heat dissipation in a current compensation circuit (211, 221, 231) of a charger that charges a high-voltage battery. The charger is supplied with AC current from a charging cable on its input side and DC current for charging the high-voltage battery is provided by the charger on its output side. The charger does not have galvanic isolation and a leakage current is brought about by the AC current in at least one capacitor that is installed in the charger on the input side and connected to a protective conductor. The leakage current is compensated by the current compensation circuit (211, 221, 231) that is formed by power semiconductor electronics (211, 221, 231). Heat arising in the power semiconductor electronics (211, 221, 231) is dissipated by connecting the power semiconductor electronics to a carrier plate (212, 222, 232) within a housing of the charger (100).

Abstract: A device module for a galley of a passenger aircraft contains electrical consumers with a maximum total electrical power, a power input for an on-board power supply system of the passenger aircraft to feed in electrical input power, an energy storage device for energy from the power input for the consumers, and a control unit to limit the input power to a maximum value less than the maximum power, and to feed a power surplus of the input power to the energy storage device in order to feed additional power for consumers from the energy storage device. A galley contains the device module. In a method for operating the device module, the input power is limited to the maximum value, a power surplus is fed to the energy storage device, and additional power is fed to the consumers from the energy storage device.

Abstract: An electric circuit device and method is for recognizing a closed switch contact as well as a protective ground conductor interruption in a one- or multiphase electric supply line. A control of a residual current monitoring device (RCMB control) includes one fault current control unit for generating a control signal pattern including a series of switching-on impulses forwarded to a first electronic switch unit to activate a possible artificial passive fault current on one or more active conductors and the protective ground conductor (as a return conductor), this fault current actually flowing, being recognized, and evaluated in a closed circuit in a closed switch contact to be tested and an intact protective conductor. Owing to control signal patterns varying during monitoring, a reliable detection of the artificial passive fault current is ensured even in large dynamic disturbance levels while the electric installation (supply line) to be monitored is in operation.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for controlling moveable robot blocks to dynamically form a barrier. A barrier plan is generated indicating a placement of moveable robot blocks at locations in a coordinate system to form a barrier in a geographical area, wherein the coordinates system indicates locations for the moveable robot blocks to form the barrier. Commands are transmitted to the moveable robot blocks deployed in the geographical area where the barrier is to be formed to cause the moveable robot blocks to move to the locations in the coordinate system in the barrier plan to form the barrier.

Abstract: An inverter for a photovoltaic apparatus, which includes a DC section, a DC/AC conversion section, an AC section and a control section. The DC section includes a plurality of DC input channels each including a DC/DC converter electrically connected between input terminals and the output terminals of the DC input channels. The inverter includes a measuring circuit arrangement adapted to measure an isolation resistance of the photovoltaic strings electrically connected with the DC input channels, when the inverter operates in predefined test conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus has an input interface for receiving an input clock signal, and a plurality N of clock divider circuits, each clock divider circuit generating a corresponding monitored clock signal by dividing the input clock signal by N. Each clock divider circuit is arranged, when generating a leading edge of each clock cycle of its corresponding monitored clock signal, to use a leading edge of a different clock cycle of the input clock signal to the clock cycle of the input clock signal used by any other of the clock divider circuits. Analysis circuitry provided in association with each clock divider circuit produces a width indication for each clock cycle of the corresponding monitored clock signal. Alarm generation circuitry then triggers an alarm signal when, for any of the monitored clock signals, a variation in the width indication is detected over multiple clock cycles of that monitored clock signal.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and apparatus that are able to detect the presence of a connection to a contact of an electronic device and are also able to detect the presence of moisture at the contact.

Abstract: A power converter including a transformer, a resonant circuit including the transformer and a resonant capacitor having a characteristic resonant frequency and period, and output circuitry connected to the transformer for delivering a rectified output voltage to a load. Primary switches drive the resonant circuit, a switch controller operates the primary switches in a series of converter operating cycles which include power transfer intervals of adjustable duration during which a resonant current at the characteristic resonant frequency flows through a winding of the transformer. The operating cycles may also include energy recycling intervals of variable duration for charging and discharging capacitances within the converter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor, USB connectors, and variable resistors or variable current sources. The processor is configured to read and load instructions causing the processor to dynamically adjust a current consumed by a given connector through adjustment of a related variable resistor or variable current source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input device for vehicle and control method of the same, and more particularly, to an input device for vehicle implemented as a plurality of sensor electrodes and control method of the input device. The input device may include: first sensor electrodes arranged in a first preset channel area with a first preset density; second sensor electrodes arranged in a second preset channel area with a second preset density, the second density being less than the first density; and a controller configured to determine a capacitive reference value of the input device based on first sensor value information that is collected from the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage, wherein the energy storage is connected to at least one energy source, wherein the energy storage is configured to store energy from the at least one energy source; a power supplier, wherein the power supplier is connected to an external load, wherein the power supplier is configured to provide energy from the energy storage to the external load; and a distribution regulator, wherein the distribution regulator is configured, in real-time, to operate the energy storage apparatus in a reduced power mode.

Abstract: A ground fault detection apparatus is configured to be connected to an ungrounded battery for supplying power to a load via a step-up circuit and to detect ground fault by calculating an insulation resistance of a system provided with the battery, and includes a capacitor that operates as a flying capacitor, a set of switches that switch between a first voltage measurement path including the battery and the capacitor, a second voltage measurement path including the battery, the capacitor and a negative-electrode-side insulation resistor as an insulation resistor between a negative-electrode side of the battery and a ground, a third voltage measurement path including the battery, the capacitor and a positive-electrode-side insulation resistor as an insulation resistor between a positive-electrode side of the battery and the ground, and a capacitor charge voltage measurement path, and a pair of Form C contact relays that can reverse connection direction of the capacitor.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring a thickness of rubber layer of a tire. The layer includes a joined face, which is joined to an adjacent metal reinforcement, and a free face in contact with air. The system includes a casing with an application face for contacting the free face, and a sensor positioned in the casing and structured to measure a distance d between the joined face and the free face. The sensor includes a source coil and an adjacent sensing element. The source coil is a source of an alternating magnetic field. The sensing element includes a sensing device configured to produce an output signal that is dependent on an induced local magnetic field. An excitation power and a frequency of the source coil are such that the local magnetic field induced between the reinforcement and the source coil increases in strength as the distance d decreases.

Abstract: A battery system (10) has at least one battery (9) with a plurality of battery elements (1, 2, 24, n), a regulating or control unit (12) and a switching unit (3) with at least one switching element (6). The regulating or control unit (12) is configured to instruct the switching unit (3) to dynamically switch the at least one switching element (6) over time such that battery elements (1, 2, 24, n) from at least one accordingly dynamically changing subset of the plurality of battery elements (1, 2, 24, n) are connected, and a respective voltage level to be provided is provided thereby for the plurality of load consumers. In addition to providing a plurality of voltage levels, the battery elements (1, 2, 24, n) are deliberately loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting arc faults in a circuit having a switch (28), including a leakage current management device (46), an arc fault detector (30) arranged to monitor output voltage and to send a signal representative of the output voltage, and a controller (36) coupled to the arc fault detector (30). The controller (36) is configured to monitor the output voltage signal, compare the output to a threshold, and if the output exceeds the threshold, provide an arc fault indication.

Abstract: A pre-fluxing system and method to reduce inrush current for a winding used in a transformer, motor or a solenoid. The system has a primary winding and a tertiary winding connected with a power source for providing electrical energy to these windings. A pre-fluxing circuit is connected to the tertiary winding. The power source provides electrical energy to the tertiary winding via the pre-fluxing circuit, and the pre-fluxing circuit pre-magnetizes the tertiary winding when energized. The tertiary winding is configured to pre-magnetize the primary winding to reduce inrush current when the power source energizes the primary winding.

Abstract: Many DC applications switching converter modules are multilevel, series connected converters. If an individual converter cell fails, it is desirable to be able to bypass the failed cell, in order to continue operating the rest of the converter. A bypass switch is provided as a hybrid switch, including a parallel combination of a slow mechanical switch with high current conduction capability and a low power semiconductor switch with faster acting switching capabilities. When the bypass switch is activated (closed), the low power semiconductor switch is turned on first and quickly establishes the bypass within 10 ?s or less, to temporarily conduct required current until the slower mechanical switch turns on. The mechanical switch is subsequently turned on with zero voltage, given the parallel-connected semiconductor switch being on. If desired, the semiconductor switch can then be turned off with zero voltage, given the presence of the mechanical switch.

Abstract: A method for checking a control circuit for an inductive load, wherein one or two currents are measured and evaluated. An arrangement for carrying out such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ground fault detection apparatus includes a control unit, a detection capacitor, a positive-electrode-side first resistor connected to positive-electrode side of a high-voltage battery, a negative-electrode-side first resistor connected to negative-electrode side, a positive-electrode-side second resistor having one end grounded and another end, voltage of which being measured by the control unit, a negative-electrode-side second resistor having one end grounded, a positive-electrode-side C contact switch as a twin relay that alternatively switches connection destination of one end of the detection capacitor between a path including the positive-electrode-side first resistor and a path including the positive-electrode-side second resistor based on instruction from the control unit, and a negative-electrode-side C contact switch as a twin relay that alternatively switches connection destination of another end of the detection capacitor between a path including the negative-electrode-side first resistor and a

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes providing a control of the autonomous vehicle to a user associated with a vehicle service. The method includes identifying one or more release signals indicative of one or more actions of the user. The method includes releasing the control of the autonomous vehicle from the user, based at least in part on the release signals.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a power management circuit which supplies power from a battery to electronic components, a battery management circuit which controls connection between the battery and the power management circuit, a physical key formed on a part of the electronic device, a key control circuit which controls connection between the physical key and the battery management circuit, and a processor connected to the power management circuit. The processor is configured to transmit a signal for powering off the electronic device to the power management circuit, and when the electronic device is powered off, to control the key control circuit to connect the physical key with the battery management circuit. The power management circuit is configured to, when receiving the signal for powering off the electronic device, control the battery management circuit to disconnect the battery from the one or more electronic components included in the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic circuit breaker having a semiconductor switch that is connected between a voltage input and a load output and that is driven as a function of the output voltage sensed at the load output during the switching on and/or cutting in of a capacitive load, wherein the output voltage is compared with a stored voltage threshold value, wherein when the voltage threshold value is reached or negatively exceeded, a current limit, to which a load current carried by the semiconductor switch is limited, is increased from a nominal value to a first step value increased therefrom, wherein the current limit is reduced stepwise from the first step value to the original nominal value, and wherein the semiconductor switch is opened if the output voltage does not reach the voltage threshold during a triggering time after the stepwise reduction of the current limit.

Abstract: An ear-wearable device includes a shell shaped for wearing in a user's ear. The shell comprises a tunnel wall shaped to define a tunnel that passes through the ear-wearable device. The tunnel wall defines one or more contact pin apertures through which distal ends of two or more contact pins pass. One or more electrical components are encased within the shell. The contact pins are conductors from the one or more electrical components. The distal ends of the contact pins are positioned to make electrical contact with terminals of a cable plug that is removably inserted into the tunnel.

Abstract: System controller and method for providing at least an output voltage. For example, the system controller includes a first controller terminal configured to receive an input voltage. The input voltage is associated with an input-voltage magnitude. Additionally, the system controller includes a second controller terminal configured to receive a control voltage, and a third controller terminal configured to output an output voltage to a load. Moreover, the system controller includes a supply voltage generator configured to receive the input voltage from the first controller terminal and generate a supply voltage. The supply voltage is associated with a supply voltage magnitude. Also, the system controller includes a ramp voltage generator configured to receive the supply voltage and generate a ramp voltage.

Abstract: An input apparatus for a vehicle is provided with a plurality of sensor electrodes; and a controller is configured to determine a capacitance reference value of the input apparatus based on information about sensor values collected from a subset of sensor electrodes, which is randomly selected from the plurality of sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A switch of an inverter of an X-ray tube power supply including: at least four MOSFETs aligned in parallel; a plurality of intermediate radiators positioned between the MOSFETs in order to separate two successive MOSFETs; at least four snubbers positioned in parallel, each being positioned beside a MOSFET; a control unit of said switch positioned so that the succession of MOSFETs is positioned between the alignment of snubbers and the control unit.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is used for testing a USB type power supply unit connected to a power supply unit and includes: a connection port receiving a power supply from the power supply unit; a first conversion unit connected to the connection port and converting the power supply to an input voltage; a control unit connected to the connection port and the first conversion unit and receiving the input voltage; a plurality of switch units connected to the control unit. The control unit obtains the number of voltage values of the power supply according to power supply information by the power supply unit; the number of voltage values of the power supply is the number of different voltage values that the power supply can support, and each voltage value corresponds to the switch units.

Abstract: A power tool has a tool holder, an electric motor, a handle, and a main switch for switching on the electric motor. The power tool executes the following control method. The main switch is scanned to see whether it has been actuated. A start inhibitor transmits a blocking signal to a motor controller if the main switch is actuated before the power tool has been connected to the power supply. An activator receives signals from a control unit separate from the electric power tool, compares the received signals with a predefined signature and transmits a release signal to the motor controller if the received signal corresponds to the predefined signature. The motor controller switches on the electric motor in response to actuation of the main switch if the start inhibitor is not transmitting a blocking signal or the activator is transmitting a release signal.

Abstract: A micro-grid dynamic stability control system includes: a micro-grid dynamic stability control device, configured to calculate a power factor based on a real-time voltage and current of a bus; a central control device, configured to transmit a reactive power control instruction if the power factor is lower than a predefined threshold; and at least one local control device, configured to transmit a control signal to the micro-grid dynamic stability control device and at least one distributed power supply controlled by the at least one local control device. In response to the control signal, the micro-grid dynamic stability control device compensates the voltage of the bus with droop control, and the at least one distributed power supply outputs a reactive power to the bus to increase the power factor of the bus.

Abstract: A power converter including a transformer, a resonant circuit including the transformer and a resonant capacitor having a characteristic resonant frequency and period, and output circuitry connected to the transformer for delivering a rectified output voltage to a load. Primary switches drive the resonant circuit, a switch controller operates the primary switches in a series of converter operating cycles which include power transfer intervals of adjustable duration during which a resonant current at the characteristic resonant frequency flows through a winding of the transformer. The operating cycles may also include energy recycling intervals of variable duration for charging and discharging capacitances within the converter.

Abstract: A method of utilizing charge from an ultra-capacitor in a vehicle electrical system having a voltage bus and having one or more voltage tolerant devices, includes when one of the voltage tolerant devices is turned on, electrically isolating that voltage tolerant device from the voltage bus, electrically isolating the ultra-capacitor from the voltage bus and electrically coupling the voltage tolerant device directly to the ultra-capacitor. In an aspect, the method includes electrically isolating the voltage tolerant device and the ultra-capacitor from the voltage bus and electrically coupling the voltage tolerant device directly to the ultra-capacitor when the ultra-capacitor has discharged to a nominal depletion voltage level.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a fan-less mode in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network device are provided. According to one set of embodiments, the PoE network device can receive a user command to enable the fan-less mode. In response to the command, the PoE network device can (1) turn off the active cooling fans of the device, and (2) modify a PoE power budget of the device from a first amount to a second, reduced amount that is less than the first amount.

Abstract: A load shed module configured to be connected in series between a power supply and a load is disclosed. A separate load shed module is connected in series between each load and the power supply. The load shed module determines the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply. Based on the frequency, the load shed module determines if utility power is connected or if a generator is connected. If the generator is connected and the frequency of the voltage goes outside of a desired operating range for a preset time, the load shed module disconnects the load from the power supply. Each load shed module includes a priority setting and reconnects its corresponding load after a predetermined time corresponding to the priority setting.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for determining a relay delay for a relay of a relay device used to switch AC power to and from a load. The relay delay can be pre-determined as a model or polynomial including variables for temperature and age, such that the switching instructions can be sent to the rely a relay delay before a zero crossing of the AC signal that the relay is switching, and where the relay delay accounts for temperature and age of the relay in real time or near real time.

Abstract: A railway turnout control method comprises: constructing a data space corresponding to a railway turnout area (101); adding a virtual railway turnout, in the data space, to an area in which a target turnback stopping point is located (102); adding the virtual railway turnout to a railway turnout list corresponding to a route along which a train drives into the area (103); and not releasing claim of the virtual railway turnout when the train stops at the turnback stopping point (104); Also provided is a railway turnout control system. The method and system can solve problems of deadlock of a turnback area and insufficient safety protection of crossed routes.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a plurality of converters and a discharging circuit. The converters convert an input power voltage from an input terminal to a plurality of output power voltages for output to a plurality of output terminals. The discharging circuit is between the input terminal and the converters and discharges of voltages of the output terminals based on a discharging control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a power converter having a power supply input for receiving an input power supply voltage generated by a power supply, an output for generating an output voltage to a load, and a power inductor coupled between the power supply input and the output may and further include an energy storage element coupled to the power supply input, the power inductor, and the output such that operation of the power inductor is split temporally between delivering energy to the energy storage element and delivering energy to the load, and operation of the energy storage element is split temporally between delivering energy to the load and receiving energy from one or both of the power supply and the load.