Abstract: A threshold detection circuit includes, in one embodiment, a comparator having a first input connection for receiving a backup voltage from a backup power source, a second input connection for receiving a primary voltage from a primary power source, and an output connection for providing an output voltage; a first resistor and a first capacitor that are coupled in series between the first input connection and the output connection; and a second resistor that is coupled between the first input connection and the output connection, and that is coupled in parallel to the series of first resistor and the first capacitor.

Abstract: A solid state circuit breaker includes a first terminal; a second terminal; a first wide-band gap field effect transistor coupled to the first terminal; a second wide-band gap field effect transistor coupled to the second terminal, wherein the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor are common-source connected to one another; and a bi-directional snubber device coupled to the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor. Such a solid state circuit breaker may also include a gate drive circuit coupled to the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor, where the gate drive circuit may comprise a voltage regulation stage and a drive stage.

Abstract: A communication system in which an operating voltage can be selected from a plurality of interface voltages enables an interface voltage to be switched in a stable manner during operation of the system. When the interface voltage is to be switched, a host device (1) and a slave device (2) perform the switching while maintaining the signal level of buses in a stable manner. This structure enables the communication system to switch an interface voltage using a small number of signal lines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, an apparatus, a computer program product and a system for a first serial and a second serial interface for connecting or disconnecting a power terminal of a first serial interface to a power terminal of a second serial interface based on a voltage level at an identification terminal of the second serial interface, wherein each interface comprising at least one data line and power supply line.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to add functionality to a terminal of a high voltage integrated circuit without the penalty of additional high voltage circuitry. The benefit is that alternative modes of operation can be selected for testing, trimming parameters of the integrated circuit, or any other purpose without the cost of an additional terminal. In one embodiment, ordinary low voltage circuitry monitors the voltage on the terminal that normally is exposed to high voltage. The configuration of a simple voltage detector and an ordinary latch allows easy entry into the test and trimming mode when the integrated circuit is not in the intended application, but prohibits entry into the test and trimming mode when the integrated circuit operates in the intended application.

Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.

Abstract: An exemplary LCD (2) includes a control signal input terminal (210) configured for receiving a control signal; an output terminal (220) configured to be connected to a load circuit; a first direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first switching transistor (250) including a control electrode “b” connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode “c” connected to the DC power supply via a first bias resistor, and a second current conducting electrode “e” connected to ground; a second switching transistor (250) including a control electrode “G” connected to the first current conducting electrode of the first switching transistor, a first current conducting electrode “S” connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode “D” connected to the output terminal; and a discharging resistor (225) configured to be connected between the output terminal and ground.

Abstract: An electronic device and an external power supply device control method applicable to the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device is electrically connected to an external power supply device that is able to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. The electronic device includes a switch module and an internal power module. The switch module, when being triggered, generates a switch signal. The internal power module receives the switch signal and accordingly generates a trigger signal to the external power supply device, so that the external power supply device is triggered to switch from the OFF state to the ON state and accordingly supplies electric power to the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a test mode in a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a test mode control block that generates a coding control signal according to whether or not a control fuse is cut, and a test mode coding block that sets default values of a multi-bit test code in response to the coding control signal.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat circuit has improved power stealing for controlling an AC control device. The circuit comprises a source of AC control power coupled to an electronic switch means having an electronic switch means control input. The electronic switch means controls the AC control device. The diode bridge controls the electronic switch means by a DC control signal applied to the diode bridge means DC connection. The amplifier means has an amplifier input for controlling the state of the amplifier and an amplifier output for generating the DC control signal. An isolated gate FET means is electrically coupled to the amplifier input for controlling the state of the amplifier. The isolated gate FET means is powered by the current derived from the source of AC control power by power stealing. The digital signal controls the state of the AC control.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a method for switching an alternating current signal between at least two paths includes providing, in at least one of the paths, first and second field effect transistors in series. The method also includes providing a control voltage node operable to receive a control voltage and maintaining each of the first and second field effect transistors in pinch-off mode by offsetting a voltage on each gate of the field effect transistors with a DC voltage component other than the control voltage when it is desired for the alternating current not to flow through the at least one path.

Abstract: A power supply control signal generating circuit includes a connector, a switch, a transistor, and an input-output (I/O) controller. The connector includes a first pin and a grounded second pin. The switch has two terminals respectively coupled to the first pin and the second pin of the connector. The transistor has its base coupled to the first pin of the connector and a power supply via a first resistor, its collector coupled to the power supply via a second resistor, and its emitter grounded. The I/O controller has an input terminal coupled to the collector of the transistor, and outputs a power supply control signal at the output terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for sensing the voltage at multiple sense points. The present invention acquires optimal feedback from a plurality of sources including those integrated on the same motherboard, for populated or unpopulated connectors and for adapter cards plugged into the connectors, for the purpose of controlling the voltage regulator output. The voltage regulator, connected to a logic system, provides voltage to those connectors needing the voltage.

Abstract: A mobile phone includes a signal processor, an operating module, and a power supply system. The working voltage of the operating module is bigger than that of the signal processor. The power supply system includes a power source, a voltage boosting unit, and a controller. The input terminal and output terminal of the voltage boosting unit is connected to the power source and the operating module respectively. The controller is configured for connecting the signal processor to the power source or the output terminal of the voltage boosting unit corresponding to the output voltage of the power source being bigger or smaller than a preset threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a switching time of an electric switching device. An electric switching device includes an interrupter link. A first line section and a second line section can be connected and disconnected by way of the interrupter link. In order to determine a switching time, the temporal progression of a driving voltage is determined in the first line section. In addition, a temporal course of an oscillator voltage appearing in the second line section is determined. Potential switching times are determined at the voltage zero crossings of a resulting voltage. The selection of the potential switching times ensues while evaluating the rises of the driving voltage and of the oscillator voltage or of the polarity of the oscillating current.

Abstract: A safety device can provide electrical shock protection for an electrical appliance. Voltage sensors can monitor voltage levels among a power conductor, a neutral conductor, and a ground conductor. When sensed voltages indicate that these conductors are properly wired to an electrical power utility, inline switches can close to allow power to pass through the safety device to the appliance. When one or more of the sensed voltages indicates that the power level is too low to operate the appliance, one or more switches of the safety device can open to block power from passing through to the appliance. When one or more of the sensed voltages indicates that an electrical problem posing a shock hazard exists in the electrical appliance, one or more switches of the safety device can open to interrupt power from transmitting to the appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling and for setting the switching states of switches which are connected to the electrical poles or outputs of a fuel cell and which are followed by a network, which is fed from the fuel cell, and has loads. The invention is preferably suitable for use in a vehicle. The switches are opened if the fuel cell and/or the vehicle assume critical states.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes power supply pads of two or more kinds, switches each of which is connected between adjacent two of the power supply pads to allow short-circuiting them, and at least one control line connected to control terminals of the switches according to the kinds of the power supply pads connected to the switches.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: an integrated circuit having a first circuit part, a second circuit part, a first power source line of the first circuit part, a second power source line of the second circuit part, and a coupling switch coupling the first power source line and the second power source line; a power source supply part which generates a power source to be supplied to the first and second circuit parts and which has a power source supply control circuit controlling the supply of power source to the second circuit part; and a power source control part that controls the power source supply control circuit and the coupling switch, wherein the power source control part controls the power source supply control circuit so as to supply a power source in accordance with the operating state of the second circuit part and closes the coupling switch.

Abstract: An exemplary power switching circuit (20) includes a control signal input terminal (210); an output terminal (220); direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first transistor (250) including a control electrode connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode, and a grounded second current conducting electrode; a second transistor (260) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor via a discharging resistor (264) and a diode (266) respectively and connected to the DC power supply via a discharging capacitor (265), a first current conducting electrode connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor (270) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor, a first current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal, and a second grounded current conducting electrode.

Abstract: A self-powered current loop transmitter transmits a process variable over a wireless link, deriving operating power from the current which drives the loop. A storage capacitor is connected across the system input terminals through a switch to provide the operating power for the system components.

Abstract: In a cooling system used in cooling of a heater housing box, the present invention presents an apparatus for stabilizing power supply of heater housing box cooling apparatus capable of changing over a plurality of taps provided in the winding of a power transformer before the output voltage exceeds an allowable voltage range when turning on alternating-current power supply. For this purpose, first resistor 1 for elevating slowly the output voltage of the power transformer when turning on the alternating-current power supply is provided at the secondary side of the power transformer, direct-current voltage V1 rectified and smoothed from the output voltage is delayed by the charging time of a first capacitor, and an electronic controller for operating a tap changeover relay for automatically changing over the plurality of taps provided in the power transformer is started before the output voltage exceeds the allowable voltage range.

Abstract: A circuit is used for preventing a computer from being powered up before a CPU voltage of the computer is prepared properly. The circuit includes a power supply for providing power to the computer, a power button for powering on the computer system, a power controller, and a switch. The power controller includes an input terminal connected to the power button and an output terminal for electrical connection to the power supply. The input terminal receives a PWRBT# signal when the power button is momentarily triggered, and the output terminal outputs a PSON# signal to the power supply to control the power supply to provide the electrical power to the computer in response to the received PWRBT# signal. The switch is serially connected between the output terminal and the power supply. The switch includes a control terminal monitoring if the CPU voltage is prepared properly so as to control conduction of the switch and further to control connection between the output terminal and the power supply.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.

Abstract: Provided are a battery protection IC adaptable to any number of batteries connected in series without increasing a breakdown voltage thereof, and a battery device including the battery protection IC mounted thereon. A charge control signal input terminal and a discharge control signal input terminal of one battery protection IC are provided with a clamp circuit (121), and hence an output driver (112) of another battery protection IC connected to those terminals is not applied with a voltage equal to or higher than a breakdown voltage. Accordingly, the breakdown voltage of the battery protection IC is not required to be high.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a specified voltage source and automatically switching off a second voltage source regardless of voltage source potential of the two voltage sources are disclosed. The present invention uses pinch-off of a JFET, controlled by an inverter, to control a backup power supply based on the availability of the main supply.

Abstract: The power conversion system allows for multiple segregated and ground independent power sources to provide redundant power to modules within an electronics equipment cabinet with increased reliability and reduced sensitivity to common fault propagation. The power conversion system provides power conditioning modules having independent supply rails that supply power to each module within an electronics equipment cabinet. FET and diode solid-state control and driver logic enable each individual supply rail. Efficient power distribution is facilitated by primary and hot-backup operation of one or more power conditioning modules. Power conversion is facilitated by one or more input supply power feeds and one or more converter stages.

Abstract: A protection device for an output power source of an electronic device includes a compare unit, an invert unit and a switch unit. The compare unit is coupled with the output power source and receives an input voltage value and a predetermined voltage value from the output power source. The compare unit compares the input voltage value and the predetermined voltage value to generate a comparison signal. The invert unit is coupled with the compare unit and receives the comparison signal to generate an inverted signal. The switch unit is coupled with the output power source and the invert unit, and receives the inverted signal. If the input voltage value is higher than the predetermined voltage value, the switch unit turns on and outputs an output voltage, and if the input voltage value is lower than the predetermined voltage value, the switch unit turns off and has no output.

Abstract: A field device interface module includes a connector, a plurality of terminals, a protocol interface module, a controller and a power supply module. The connector is configured to operably couple to a computer. The terminals are operably coupleable to a field device. The protocol interface module is coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to generate signals in accordance with a process communication protocol. A power supply module is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The controller is coupled to the protocol interface module and to the power supply module and is configured to measure a voltage across the plurality of terminals and selectively cause the power supply module to provide power to the field device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal which includes a voltage comparing unit that compares a battery voltage to a reference voltage, and a controller that controls a booting operation of the mobile terminal according to the comparison.

Abstract: An algorithm for verifying the state of switches (such as in a transfer switch mechanism) and for controlling the switches. The control algorithm controls automatic actuation of the switches. The verification algorithm measures the instantaneous voltage on the source and load sides of one or both switches and calculates the RMS magnitude, period, and relative phase for each voltage measurement. If the voltage characteristics for the load do not match any of those for any source, an error is outputted. If the voltage characteristics of the sources match each other, the algorithm determines that they are synchronized. The algorithm determines which switch is closed by comparing the voltage characteristics of the load and of each source, and if there is a match, then the switch associated with the source that is matched with the load is determined to be closed. Otherwise, the switch is determined to be opened.

Abstract: An automatically switchable dual-power-circuit-loop circuit system selectively supplies a first power source through a first voltage output circuit loop to an output terminal, and a second power source is selectively supplied through a second voltage output circuit loop to the output terminal. A switching control circuit functions to detect the first output voltage of the first voltage output circuit loop. When the first output voltage regularly supplies electrical power, the first power source is supplied through the first voltage output circuit loop to the output terminal, while the switching control circuit generates a switching signal to switch a switching element to an open-circuit condition thereby cutting off the second voltage output circuit loop. When the first power source fails to supply power, the switching element is set in a closed-circuit condition to allow the second power source to be supplied through the second voltage output circuit loop to the output terminal.

Abstract: A fuel cell power management system and an anti-islanding method using the power management system. The power management system includes a fuel cell to generate direct current (DC) power, a power conditioning system (PCS) to generate alternating current (AC) power from the DC power generated by the fuel cell, a power grid that is connected to the PCS, a detector to detect a change in the AC power flowing from an output line of the PCS, and a controller to control the connection between the PCS and the power grid, according to the result of the detection.

Abstract: The method for mains-synchronous switching of circuit breakers comprises the following method steps: measurement of the current flowing through a circuit breaker (9) and measurement of a mains voltage on a first side of the circuit breaker (9), additional voltage measurement on a second side of the circuit breaker (9), feeding of all the measurement signals to a control device (18), deciding in the control device (18), on the basis of the characteristic data stored there, which measurement signal will be used as the reference value for the mains-synchronous tripping of the circuit breaker (9), generating a switching command, which initiates the mains-synchronous switching of the circuit breaker (9) on the basis of this decision, and carrying out the switching command by the circuit breaker (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the chance of a disturbance-free operation of a frequency converter (2) connected to a feeding network (18). According to the invention, during the operation of said frequency converter (2), an intermediate circuit voltage (UZK) is continuously measured and a network-side intermediate circuit current (iZKmains) is continuously determined; these measuring quantities are compared with pre-determined operating values of the frequency converter (2), and quantities which are higher or lower than said values are respectively stored; and the frequency (Hij) of said higher and lower measuring quantities is determined and converted into a characteristic number for the quality of the feeding network (18). As said characteristic number decreases, the chance of a disturbance-free operation of the frequency converter (2) increases.

Abstract: A system power supply apparatus includes a first constant voltage circuit that generates and increases a voltage up to a first constant level when receiving a first control signal. A second constant voltage circuit is provided to generate and increase a voltage up to a second constant level upon receiving a second control signal. The second constant voltage circuit generates and maintains a voltage at a third constant level lower than the second constant level for a prescribed time period upon receiving a third control signal. A control circuit is provided to input the third control signal to the second constant voltage circuit when the system power supply apparatus starts up.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a first internal terminal; a second internal terminal; a first switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a first reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the first reference electric potential; a second switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a second reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the second reference electric potential; and a comparator coupled to the first internal terminal and the second internal terminal to compare an electric potential of the first internal terminal with an electric potential of the second internal terminal, in which the first switching circuit and the second swi

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a proximity switch device, a system, and methods for operating and manufacturing a proximity switch device. According to an aspect, an inductive proximity switch device includes a plurality of inductive elements.

Abstract: A switch drive circuit utilizes charge transfer within and/or between boost circuit and/or snubber circuits for boosted switch drives. A boost circuit may include a divider to limit a boosted signal for driving a switch. A snubber circuit may transfer charge to a boost circuit.

Abstract: In a power controller for a mounting substrate adapted to mount an integrated circuit includes I/O pads mounted on a semiconductor substrate as the mounting substrate, and a Vcc1 electric circuit system mounted on the semiconductor substrate, an isolator portion is included in the power controller and is connected between one of the I/O pads and the Vcc1 electric circuit system. Another isolator portion may be connected between the other I/O pad and another Vcc3 electric circuit system.

Abstract: A connection monitoring system and method for a vehicle high voltage energy storage system is disclosed. The method performs a check, at initial connection of the high voltage energy storage system, to insure that the vehicle high voltage wiring system is fully connected and without short circuits prior to allowing full current to the vehicle and normal vehicle operation. The method switches in a resistor to limit current flow between the high voltage energy storage system and the vehicle high voltage wiring, and measures the voltage and a voltage rise time across the resistor. The voltage and the voltage rise time across the resistor are used to determine if a short circuit is present, and if so the high voltage energy storage system is disconnected to protect the vehicle and its users.

Abstract: Systems and methods of dynamic reactive power support for a power transmission system are provided. In one embodiment, a method of dynamic reactive power support for a power transmission system includes at least one circuit breaker connecting a shunt capacitor bank containing at least one shunt capacitor with a metal oxide varistor (MOV) connected in parallel. A controller is used to detect a voltage drop at the power transmission system (e.g., substation bus). In response to detecting the voltage drop, the controller closes the circuit breaker(s) connecting the shunt capacitors to the power transmission system. The controller then monitors at least one MOV to detect a current flow. Upon detection of a current flow in the MOV, the controller disconnects one or more shunt capacitors from the power transmission system by opening one or more circuit breakers. The shunt capacitors may be disconnected simultaneously, sequentially, in groups, or otherwise.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing mid-frequency noise in an integrated circuit having multiple voltage islands is disclosed. Voltage rails powered at higher nominal voltages are selectively connected to voltage rails powered at lower nominal voltages via controlled gates. During operation, a voltage rail in which voltage has decreased below a pre-determined threshold is coupled to a voltage rail powered at a higher nominal voltage for a pre-selected time interval.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement has a power supply unit, a mains switch and a switching element, for example a relay, that bridges a first switching contact of the mains switch. A load is coupled to a control terminal of the switching element, so that when the control voltage is turned off for the purpose of opening the switching element, the load is simultaneously turned off. The circuit arrangement contains a microprocessor, in particular, which is supplied with an operating voltage by the power supply unit, and which is coupled to the control terminal of the switching element for control of the switching element. The load is a fan, for example, which is switched off in a delayed manner when the circuit arrangement is switched off by means of the mains switch.

Abstract: The power supply device of the present invention supplies power highly reliably by suppressing an increase in costs even when a multiplicity of load groups are present. When operating normally, each of the normal power supply units supplies power via a normal path to each of the load groups. One redundant power supply unit is provided for a plurality of normal power supply units. When any of the normal power supply units fail, the redundant power supply unit continues to supply power to the load group via the redundant path. A diode for connecting the redundant path to the normal path is provided in each normal power supply unit and the redundant paths that are routed through the respective normal power supply units are connected so as to intersect one another between the normal power supply units.

Abstract: A UPS power distribution panel which includes means for detecting and differentiating between a symmetrical current waveform and a non-symmetrical current waveform and means for tripping and clearing a circuit breaker in the former but not the latter condition within one current waveform cycle.

Abstract: A constant voltage regulator and registers R1 and R2 generate a reference voltage with at least one of voltages supplied from a battery and an AC adaptor. The reference voltage is supplied to a first input terminal of a comparator. An input voltage supplied from the AC adaptor and divided by registers R3 and R4 is supplied to a second input terminal of the comparator. The comparator compares the reference voltage with the input voltage. When the reference voltage is lower than the input voltage, an FET switch SW1 is turned on and power is supplied from the AC adaptor side. When the reference voltage is higher than the input voltage, an FET switch SW2 is turned on and power is supplied from the battery side.

Abstract: A system and method to provide redundant power to a failing line in a communication device within a communication network supporting the transmission and reception of data. Through the use of a common Y-Cable connector, a power switch is provided to provide power between an active line and a standby line to maintain a high impedance state should one line fail.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing power of a mobile terminal includes: a first voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from an external power source to a first level; a second voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from the first voltage regulating unit or the external power source to a second level; and a switching unit that switches an output of the external power source or the first voltage regulating unit to the second voltage regulating unit. The coverage of an output voltage of the mobile terminal can be extended and the cost of the power management apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A novel circuit for driving a fan includes an output terminal for supplying the fan with drive power, a pulse width modulation driver, and a limiter. A first power terminal of the fan is held at a first voltage (e.g., 0V), and a second power terminal of the fan is coupled to the output terminal of the driver circuit. The PWM driver provides a series of fan drive pulses on the output terminal, and the limiter prevents the voltage on the output terminal from falling below a predetermined voltage. The predetermined voltage is greater than the first voltage at which the fan's first power terminal is held, and is sufficient to keep the fan in motion even when the duty cycle of the PWM signal is 0%. In a particular embodiment the limiter includes a voltage clamp. In a more particular embodiment, the voltage clamp is a diode. In another particular embodiment the limiter includes a switch for combining a PWM signal with a DC voltage at an output.