Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical installation comprising a monitoring module positioned between a sensor connected to a measurement cable and first and second supply cables for the sensor. The monitoring module comprises a first transistor comprising first and second power electrodes and a control electrode, the first and the second power electrodes of the first transistor being electrically connected to the second supply cable and to the measurement cable, respectively, so that when the first transistor is in the closed state thereof, a first fault value is generated on the measurement cable. The control electrode of the first transistor is connected to the first supply cable so that the loss of current in the first supply cable, caused by the interruption of the current, automatically triggers the switching of the first transistor to the closed state thereof.

Abstract: The invention discloses a high-voltage driver switch system and switching method. The system includes a main control chip module and an energy storage capacitor connected with a battery pack, a drive circuit module, a pre-charge circuit and a charge circuit for charging the energy storage capacitor. The pre-charge circuit is connected with the main control chip module and has a current limit resistor, so as to pre-charge the energy storage capacitor under the control of the main control chip module. The charge circuit is connected with the main control chip module and has an electronic switch module which includes two ends connected respectively with the battery pack and the energy storage capacitor, the battery pack charges the energy storage capacitor when switched-on. The invention reduces the instantaneous start-up current and avoids a high current impact caused by charging the energy storage capacitor by the battery pack directly.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a power storage device, a positive electrode-side relay, a negative electrode-side relay, a power control unit that includes a capacitor configured to be pre-charged in response to a system start request and that is connected with the power storage device via the positive electrode-side relay and the negative electrode-side relay, and a control device programmed to close the positive electrode-side relay and the negative electrode-side relay at different timings always or under a predetermined condition in response to the system start request and programmed to change a sequence of closing the positive electrode-side relay and the negative electrode-side relay in accordance with a predetermined restriction. This configuration effectively extends the lives of the positive electrode-side relay and the negative electrode-side relay.

Abstract: A micro or nano electromechanical relay device (10) comprising a source electrode (204) an electrically conductive beam (202) comprising an arcuate portion (12a) coupled to the source electrode by an arm portion, first and second drain electrodes (DE1, DE2) and first and second actuator electrodes (AE1, AE2). The arc of the arcuate portion defines a beam axis (BA). The arcuate portion is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis (PA) which is coaxial or generally coaxial with the beam axis.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for detecting and suppressing DC electric arcs at a component, and are particularly adapted for vehicle wiring harnesses. The apparatus can include a detector circuit electrically connected to input and output terminals so as to be electrically connected in parallel to the component, the detector circuit being configured to detect a significant voltage spike across the component upon the component actuating between open and closed positions. The detector circuit can also be configured to transmit a control signal upon detecting the significant voltage spike. The detector circuit can include multiple circuit elements, enabling both the detection of the significant voltage spike and the transmission of the control signal, that are directly electrically connected to each other. A switching circuit conducts electricity from the power source side of the component to the load side of the component upon receipt of the control signal.

Abstract: In a protective relay device, a current differential relay computation unit determines whether or not a fault has occurred within a protected section based on an operating quantity and a restraint quantity. A disconnection detection unit computes a first amount of difference by subtracting the operating quantity a certain time period ago from the operating quantity at a present point in time, computes a second amount of difference by subtracting the restraint quantity the certain time period ago from the restraint quantity at the present point in time, and determines that a disconnection has occurred at one of first and second current transformers when a first determination condition that an absolute value of a sum of the first amount of difference and the second amount of difference is equal to or smaller than a first set value is satisfied.

Abstract: A relay is disclosed. In an embodiment a relay includes a magnet armature including a magnetic core and a permanent magnet secured to the magnet armature for identifying a position of the magnet armature.

Abstract: A negative voltage backflow direct current supply system for a rail transport is provided. The system adds a negative voltage return line and a DC converter for realizing negative voltage backflow current based on traditional DC power supply system. The negative voltage backflow line replaces the backflow line of running rail in the traditional DC power supply system, which can greatly reduce or eliminate the stray current in the traditional DC power supply system and the negative influence of too high ground potential of running rail. At the same time, the DC converter can be used as regenerative braking energy storage device of train to improve the regenerative braking energy utilization efficiency of DC power supply system and maintain the voltage stability of DC power supply system of rail transport.

Abstract: A motor starter for operating an electric motor connected to a multiphase power supply includes a semiconductor switch arranged in a current-carrying phase of the multiphase power supply, and an electromechanical switch arranged in parallel relation to the semiconductor switch in the current-carrying phase. The electromechanical switch includes a movable switching piece configured tiltable to reduce a current gradient in the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A triac driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a phototriac coupler, a first resistive element, and a second resistive element, which are connected in series to a gate terminal of a triac. A minimum resistance of the first resistive element including tolerance is higher than a maximum resistance of the second resistive element including tolerance.

Abstract: Provided is a high voltage DC circuit breaker that interrupts a fault current flowing through a high voltage DC transmission line with a vacuum circuit breaker and a gas circuit breaker connected in series. The circuit breaker includes: a vacuum circuit breaker installed on a DC transmission line and operating to interrupt a current in the DC transmission line when a fault occurs on either side of the DC transmission line; a gas circuit breaker connected in series with the vacuum interrupter; an LC circuit connected in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker and including a capacitor and a reactor connected in series to induce LC resonance; a first bidirectional switching device connected in series with the LC circuit and switching a current flowing in any of two opposite directions; and a second bidirectional switching device connected in parallel with the LC circuit.

Abstract: To provide a dc interruption apparatus requiring no circuit for producing current zero point forcibly and having a simplified construction adequate for cost reduction, one end of a main contact 30a, 30b, 30c for each phase of a dc high speed vacuum circuit breaker 30 is connected with a positive output end of a corresponding phase of a rectifier 20 for converting ac power to dc power with semiconductor devices arranged in a bridge. The other ends of the main contacts 30a, 30b, 30c are connected together to form a positive side output line 40. A pulse-shaped current flows in an arm of each phase of the rectifier 20 and the current is commutated among the arms sequentially, so that the current is reduced to zero after the commutation. Each of main contacts 30a, 30b, 30c of dc high speed vacuum circuit breaker 30 interrupts the current reduced to zero by the commutation, so that the interruption is easier.

Abstract: A network device capable of performing rule-based actions dependent on geolocation-based conditions or realtime conditions from an external source. The network device can obtain its geolocation, obtain a rule based on a condition, query sources for and/or calculate updated statuses of the condition based on the geolocation, and perform actions based on the updated status of the condition, the geolocation, and the rule. The network device is capable of safely shutting down when voltage supplied to the network device falls outside of and acceptable range.

Abstract: Disclosed is an industrial control device including a point-to-point backplane/point module architecture providing RIUP (Removal and Insertion Under Power) functionality where data communications between modules is maintained after the removal of a point module from the backplane. According to an exemplary embodiment, a backplane includes a plurality of bypass switches controlled by respective point modules, whereby data communicated bypass a removed point module interface and point-to-point data communications are provided to an inserted point module after an initial routine is executed by a microcontroller associated with the inserted point module.

Abstract: An on-load tap changer is provided having a plurality of modules, each of which is operable to change taps in a transformer winding. The tap changer includes a motor connected to rotate at least one shaft. The at least one shaft is connected to the tap change modules and is operable upon rotation to cause the tap change modules to each perform a sequence of operations that effectuate a tap change. A multi-turn absolute encoder is connected to the at least one shaft. A monitoring system is connected to the encoder and is operable to determine from the position of the at least one shaft where the tap change modules are in the sequence of operations.

Abstract: A circuit breaking arrangement is disclosed, which is adapted to be coupled to a transmission line arranged to carry direct current for controllably effecting discontinuation of flow of direct current in the transmission line. The circuit breaking arrangement includes a current interrupter unit adapted to, when actuated, interrupt current in the transmission line and a first resonance circuit and at least a second resonance circuit. Each of the first and the at least a second resonance circuit is adapted to, upon actuation of the current interrupter unit and when the respective resonance circuit is activated, generate a resonance current superposing current of any arc generated in the current interrupter unit after actuation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the direction of manipulation of a control button of a terminal are disclosed. The apparatus includes a position detection unit and a direction control unit. The position detection unit detects the position of a terminal based on a signal of a sensor. The direction control unit changes the direction of manipulation of a control button physically attached to the terminal and adapted to receive various types of control commands from a user in response to the detected position of the terminal.

Abstract: A plurality of normally-open pushbutton switches are coupled to and cooperate with a pair of MOSFETs to provide each pushbutton switch of the plurality of pushbutton switches with a power on switch function for a personal audio device that does not require power to be drawn from a power source to monitor each of the pushbutton switches or to identify which of the pushbutton switches was manually operated to power on the personal audio device while awaiting operation of one of the pushbutton switches to cause the personal audio device to be powered on.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of a circuit having a DC power supply, a load, and a switch element connecting the DC power supply to the load. The system includes a capacitive element coupling a first input node of a sensor element to a first interconnection node of the circuit between a first voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load. The system also includes a grounding structure coupling a second input node of the sensor element to a ground plane isolated from the DC power supply. In the system, the grounding structure is positioned with respect to a second interconnection node of the circuit, between a second voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load, so as to define a stray capacitance for carrying a transient signal resulting from the opening or closing of the switch element, which can be detected through the sensor element for monitoring the current switch state of the switch element.

Abstract: An on-load tap changer is provided having a plurality of modules, each of which is operable to change taps in a transformer winding. The tap changer includes a motor connected to rotate at least one shaft. The at least one shaft is connected to the tap change modules and is operable upon rotation to cause the tap change modules to each perform a sequence of operations that effectuate a tap change. A multi-turn absolute encoder is connected to the at least one shaft. A monitoring system is connected to the encoder and is operable to determine from the position of the at least one shaft where the tap change modules are in the sequence of operations.

Abstract: A method of inducing a high efficiency conductive state at room temperature within a conductive mass (1) by injecting a complex modulated carrier signal (7) into one or more injection points (2,3) whereby the carrier signal and the subharmonic modulation frequencies (4,5,6) which are imbedded in the modulation of the carrier signal are tuned to the mass lattice qualities of the material. The amplitude and phase relationship of each individual subharmonic frequencies (4,5,6) are respectively tuned to the mass lattice qualities of the conductive mass (1). This method of excitation, with precise matching of subharmonic modulation frequencies, and with a precise matching concordant harmonic of the carrier frequency, creates an observed ionic excitation throughout the conductive mass (1) at room temperature.

Abstract: Retrofit kit, circuitry and method are provided for reconfiguring a tap changer (18). The retrofit kit may be used to retrofit a tap changer having contacts (15) subject to electrical arcing so that when the kit is installed such contacts are no longer exposed to electrical arcing. The circuitry may include a vacuum switch assembly (100) having a first vacuum interrupter (202) electrically coupled to a first electrical contact of the tap changer. A second vacuum interrupter (204) may be electrically coupled to a second electrical contact of the tap changer. The first and second vacuum interrupters may be selectively actuated to a respective circuit-interrupting condition when a tap change is performed to avoid formation of electrical arcing on the first and second movable contacts (15).

Abstract: An electric household appliance (1) has an electronic control unit (5) powered by a low-voltage power unit (6), and a device (7) for reducing energy consumption of the electric household appliance in standby mode. The device includes: a bistable relay (21) which is switched by a low-voltage enabling signal (S2) to a closed position to turn on the low-voltage power unit (6), or is switched by a disabling signal (S3) to an open position to turn off the low-voltage power unit (6); a low-voltage capacitive power unit (10) designed to generate the low-voltage enabling signal (S2); and a hand-operated control device (11) interposed between the low-voltage capacitive power unit (10) and the bistable relay (21) to supply the low-voltage enabling signal (S2) to the bistable relay.

Abstract: A normally-open pushbutton switch is coupled to and cooperates with a pair of MOSFETs to provide a power on switch function for a personal audio device that does not require power to be drawn from a power source to monitor the pushbutton switch while awaiting operation of the pushbutton switch to cause the personal audio device to be powered on.

Abstract: In order to provide a high impedance between two sensor terminals, for instance for connecting a Rogowski transducer to a circuit breaker, but to prevent the coupling-in of interference signals in the case of a non-connection to the terminals, two auxiliary terminals are connected. In at least one embodiment, they are connected in such a manner that in the basic state, the sensor terminals are short circuited but in the case of a connection, for example of a plug to the sensor terminals and simultaneously to the auxiliary terminals, the short circuit is canceled with external short circuiting of the auxiliary terminals.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting an operating mode is disclosed. The detecting device includes a pulse generator and a hold-up unit. The pulse generator is disposed for issuing a one-shot pulse signal in response to each of button signals respectively. The hold-up unit is disposed for receiving the button signals to respectively generate delayed button signals by way of clock delay determined by a clock signal. The one-shot pulse signal and the delayed button signals are used to determine an operating mode of a system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of a circuit having a DC power supply, a load, and a switch element connecting the DC power supply to the load. The system includes a capacitive element coupling a first input node of a sensor element to a first interconnection node of the circuit between a first voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load. The system also includes a grounding structure coupling a second input node of the sensor element to a ground plane isolated from the DC power supply. In the system, the grounding structure is positioned with respect to a second interconnection node of the circuit, between a second voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load, so as to define a stray capacitance for carrying a transient signal resulting from the opening or closing of the switch element, which can be detected through the sensor element for monitoring the current switch state of the switch element.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes first to third system main relays, a limiting resistor, and a control device. Upon start of the motor drive device, the control device determines whether or not the first and third system main relays are welded, based on voltage VH. If the control device determines that the first and third system main relays are both welded, then it prohibits a discharging process, which is to discharge a capacitor using motor generators.

Abstract: A technique includes operating a converter to convert a first voltage produced by an electrochemical cell stack in a power producing mode into a second voltage. The technique includes operating the converter to convert a third voltage into a fourth voltage to drive the electrochemical cell stack in a pumping mode.

Abstract: A circuit that selectively connects an integrated circuit to elements external to the integrated circuits. The circuit includes an input/output element that selectively connects an input/output pin as a function of a power requirement or a signal bandwidth requirement of the integrated circuit. The input/output element includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an external element, such as a power supply or external signal path. The input/output element also includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an internal element, such as a power network or internal signal line.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The life of load tap changer contacts is monitored by detecting an arcing event; identifying arcing surfaces involved in the arcing event; calculating a per-unit loss of life for the identified arcing surfaces as a result of the arcing event; updating estimates of cumulative erosion for the arcing surfaces; comparing the updated estimates of cumulative erosion to a first threshold value; and signaling for action when at least one of the updated estimates of cumulative erosion exceeds the first threshold value.

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: A switching system. The switching system includes an optical component, an electromagnetic switch, an auxiliary adjustment structure, and a control circuit. The optical component reflects or refracts a light. The electromagnetic switch, on one side of the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in a direction. The auxiliary adjustment structure, on the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in other direction. The control circuit, coupled to the electromagnetic switch, adjusts an on-off signal of the electromagnetic switch by a native frequency of the switching system, wherein the native frequency is obtained from an initial signal.

Abstract: A tact switch module is provided. The tact switch module includes a tact switch to control a driving voltage to be supplied to a power supply by sensing an ON input by a user; and a power control unit having a power input port which is connected to the power supply and a power output port to output a first voltage when power is supplied to the power input port, wherein the driving voltage triggers the power supply to output the power, and the power supply supplies the power to the power input port while the first voltage is supplied from the power output of the power control unit.

Abstract: Described is a system for generating electrical power, which system includes a turbine that is mechanically connected to a generator, which in turn is connected via a multiphase transformer to a load. In at least one embodiment, at least two counter-connected switching devices of the converter are assigned to each phase of the transformer. The transformer is provided on the side facing the converter with two winding arrangements in a star connection. Each of the windings of the first winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in one direction. Each of the windings of the second winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in the opposite direction. The star points of the two winding arrangements are connected via a direct current choke.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: A loadbreak, switch safety device mechanism, which provides easily visible, positive alignment and engagement of high-voltage switch loadbreak actuating and trip arms. The apparatus can be easily adapted to various types of high-voltage loadbreak designs. The apparatus is comprised of a new high-voltage loadbreak switch interrupter safety flag, constructed of a molded, rotatable arm about a pivot axis.

Abstract: Circuit for determining the presence or absence of a remotely controlled circuit beaker connection to a control circuit and the current state of an internal operating device of a remotely controlled circuit breaker connected to a control circuit.

Abstract: A discharge prevention circuit and electronic equipment with the discharge prevention circuit are provided. The discharging prevention circuit includes a first power line, a second power line, a capacitor, a current detector and a switch. The first and second power lines directly or indirectly connect a power feed line to a load. The capacitor and the current detector are directly or indirectly connected in series between the first and second power lines. The switch is disposed in the first or second power line. The current detector detects at least charging current to the capacitor and discharging current from the capacitor. And if the current detector detects discharging current from the capacitor, the switch acts to stop current flow between the capacitor and the power feed line through the switch.

Abstract: A universal switch interface includes a monitored switch having an ON mode and an OFF mode of operation and connected circuitry. The circuitry includes a rising edge sensor coupled to the monitored switch to provide a first timing signal indicative of a rising edge when the monitored switch is moved from one mode to the other and a falling edge sensor coupled to the monitored signal to provide a second timing signal indicative of a falling edge when the monitored switch is moved from into the opposite mode. A counter is coupled to start with the first timing signal and to stop with the second timing signal. The counter is designed to provide an output signal from the monitored switch only when the second timing signal occurs a predetermined period of time after the first timing signal.

Abstract: A switch controller is described that permits a single AC load to be controlled by DC signals from multiple switches. In one example of the invention, a switch controller includes a switch-state evaluator that receives DC signals from two or more switches and a load controller, responsive to the switch-state evaluator, that controls an AC load. The switch controller changes the state of the load if there is a change in any one of the switches. The switch-state evaluator may be an Exclusive OR integrated circuit, which receives as inputs DC signals from user switches, and a Not OR integrated circuit, which receives as inputs the output signal from the Exclusive OR integrated circuit and DC signals from a disable switch and an override switch. The load controller may be an opto-isolator and a triac.

Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for monitoring the state of at least one switch. The circuit may include a first circuit, coupled to a switch, for detecting whether the switch is in one of a closed state and an open state and generating a signal having a value based upon the detection. The circuit may further include a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit, for configuring the first circuit to selectively detect the switch switching from a normally open state and to selectively detect the switch switching from a normally closed state.

Abstract: MEMS-based switching module, as may be electrically connected to other such modules in a series circuit, to achieve a desired voltage rating is provided. A switching array may be made up of a plurality of such switching modules (e.g., used as building blocks of the switching array) with circuitry configured so that any number of modules can be connected in series to achieve the desired voltage rating (e.g., voltage scalability).

Abstract: Variable iris using charged opaque particles The present invention relates to a variable iris using charged opaque particles, and to a method for operating such a variable iris. According to the invention, the variable iris has a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate, which are separated by one or more ribs to form a cell confining charged opaque particles, the first transparent substrate being provided with at least a first electrode and a second electrode both being adapted to be connected to a voltage source for acting on the charged opaque particles, and at least a third electrode adapted to be connected to the voltage source for acting on the charged opaque particles, the voltages applied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode being controllable to have the same or opposite signs. The variable iris further has a pulse driver for applying voltage pulses to the electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for detecting a loss of a current transformer connection coupling a protective relay to a power system element of a three-phase power system and providing a plurality of secondary current waveforms of the three-phase power system to the protective relay. The apparatus includes a first logic circuit and a second logic configured to provide corresponding first and second binary signals in response to respective comparisons of calculated current value(s) of a plurality of like-phase digitized current sample streams to respective threshold values. The apparatus also includes a set reset flip-flop having a set input adapted to receive the first and second binary signals to provide a third binary signal. The third binary signal indicates loss of a current transformer connection when the set input is asserted and indicates no loss of a current transformer connection when the reset input is asserted.

Abstract: In methods and circuits for using associated circuitry to enhance performance of a micro-electromechanical switch, one of the method embodiments is a contact conditioning process including applying a time-varying voltage to the control element of a closed switch. In another embodiment, a voltage profile applied to the control element of the switch can be tailored to improve the actuation speed or reliability of the switch. In another method embodiment, the performance of a switch may be evaluated by measuring a performance parameter, and corrective action initiated if the switch performance is determined to need improvement. An embodiment of a circuit for maintaining performance of a micro-electromechanical switch includes first and second signal line nodes, sensing circuitry coupled to the signal line nodes and adapted to sense a performance parameter value of the switch, and control circuitry operably coupled to at least one terminal of the switch.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement for detecting the state of at least one electrical switch having at least one set input (Set1, Set2, Set3) in each case and at least one sensor output (Sensor1, Sensor2, Sensor3) in each case, each of which is allocated to an electrical switch (S1, S2, S3), wherein the sensor output (Sensor1, Sensor2, Sensor3) is connected via a first current path to a first potential if a signal with the value logic “1” is present at the set input (Set1, Set2, Set3) and is connected via a second current path to a second potential if a signal with the value logic “0” is present at the set input (Set1, Set2, Set3), and wherein a wake-up signal is generated at a wake-up signal output (wakeup) if a current which is greater than a predetermined threshold current is detected in the first or second current path.

Abstract: A device for providing electrical power that includes one or more single pin outlets and one or more switches, each of the switches coupled to a respective one of the one or more single pin outlets. The at least one switch is actuatable by insertion of a pin in the single pin outlet. The device also includes a current device coupled to the one or more switches and configured to prevent the flow of electrical current to the single pin outlets unless all of the switches are actuated. Thus, the device is configured to prevent the flow of electrical power to all of the single pin outlets unless all of the single pin outlets have a pin properly inserted therein.

Abstract: An actuator unit includes a base actuator and an additional actuator, via which a useful circuit can be opened and closed. Given proper functioning, the base actuator can be activated by supplying electric energy and deactivated by not supplying electric energy. The additional actuator can be deactivated by supplying electric energy and can be activated via manual operation. A control unit deactivates the additional actuator only when an actual activation state of the base actuator differs from a desired activation state of the base actuator.