Abstract: An intelligent switching unit to be connected with a processing unit is disclosed, the intelligent switching unit comprising a switching unit to be actuated by a user, a detection module connected to the switching unit, the detection module detecting a signal outputted by the switching unit and providing a detected signal representative of the signal outputted by the switching unit and a communication module for receiving and transmitting the detected signal to the processing unit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package (1) comprising first and second dies on a laminate (5) in a resin encapsulating housing (6) comprises a digital signal processing integrated circuit (8) fabricated on the first die (2), and a digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9) fabricated on the second die (3). First external terminals (16) are selectively coupled to corresponding first input terminals (10) of the digital signal processing circuit (8) through corresponding primary input switches (19), and first output terminals (11) of the digital signal processing circuit (8) are selectively coupled through primary output switches (23) and secondary input switches (25) to second input terminals (12) of the digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9). Second output terminals (13) of the digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9) are selectively coupled to second external terminals (17) through secondary output switches (30).

Abstract: An arc fault circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts, and an arc fault trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The arc fault trip mechanism includes an arc fault test circuit adapted to simulate an arc fault trip condition to trip open the separable contacts. A proximity sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, is adapted to sense a magnetic target to actuate the arc fault test circuit.

Abstract: A micromechanical device may include one or more piezoresistive elements whose electrical resistance changes in response to externally or internally induced strain. The present invention leverages the piezoresistive properties of such devices to sense the positional state of the device. A sensing circuit may be integrated into the device that senses an electrical resistance of at least a portion of the micromechanical device and provides information regarding the positional state of the micromechanical device. The micromechanical device may be a compliant device that includes relatively flexible members such as mechanical beams or ribbons. The positional states may be continuous positional states (such as the position of an actuator) or discreet positional states (such as the positional state of a bistable memory device). In certain embodiments, the micromechanical device is a threshold detector that latches to a particular stable configuration when an applied force exceeds a selected value.

Abstract: Embodiments of a switching power supply circuit are disclosed wherein the number of times that a switch of the circuit is enabled is counted.

Abstract: A circuit includes a micro electro mechanical switch and a detection circuit. The micro electro mechanical switch has a movable portion positioned to form an electrical connection between a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in response to an electrostatic force provided by a top activation electrode and a bottom activation electrode. The detection circuit is electrically coupled to the top and bottom activation electrodes and is for detecting a first capacitance value between the top and bottom activation electrodes when the movable portion is in a first position and for detecting a second capacitance value when the movable portion is in a second position. By detecting a change in the capacitance, it can be determined if the switch is open or closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a power signal from a load current is described, has a controller with a load current input, a load current output, an intermediate signal output, and a status signal output, an influencing device with an intermediate signal input and a power signal output, and an interruption device with an interrupt input, an interrupt output, and a status signal input. The controller generates a status signal and an intermediate signal depending on the load current, and the interruption device interrupts the power signal if the status signal satisfies a predetermined first condition, and otherwise lets the power signal pass, and the influencing device generates the intermediate signal as the power signal and output the same at the power signal output if the intermediate signal does not satisfy a predetermined second condition, and otherwise generates and output a power signal with a predetermined value.

Abstract: A solenoid test device includes a clock circuit, a control circuit, and an output port configured for coupling to two ends of a solenoid. The clock circuit generates a clock signal and sends it to the control circuit. The control circuit periodically and alternately couples one of the two ends of the solenoid to ground via the output port under the control of the clock signal. The solenoid test device is used to generate a periodic control signal to test service life and stability of solenoids.

Abstract: A load bank that is used to test electrical connections. The connections are attached to the load bank, so that the switches are loaded during the testing. The overheating or underheating, of either switches or loads can be tested, evaluated, and used to determine faults and errors.

Abstract: A device for detecting wear of switching contacts in an electric switch appliance is disclosed, the wear of the contacts being caused at least at a pair of switching contacts appliance. The device includes a lightwave guide and a detector. A light exiting from at least one light source is capable of being injected into the lightwave guide and guided by the lightwave guide up to the detector. The lightwave guide is arranged relative to the pair(s) of switching contacts, such that the intensity of the light injected in the lightwave guide, which is measured by the detector, decreases in the switching appliance as the number of wear particles of contacts generated by the wear of the contacts increases.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for measuring contact erosion in an electrical switching device by a dynamic resistance measurement (DRM). To determine an overlap time and a contact erosion in an exemplary switching device, a change in current across the switching device can be measured indirectly by a measurement current being passed across the switching device and a parallel conductor, the change in current in the parallel conductor being measured. Exemplary embodiments relate, to the following: detection of a differential current measurement signal in the parallel conductor with the aid of a Rogowski coil; and selection of a parallel conductor resistance on an order of the switch resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing an electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switching elements arranged in a H-bridge configuration, the electronic circuit being adapted to drive an associated DC-motor operatively connected to the H-bridge, the DC-motor being adapted to move an associated piston rod in an injection device, the method comprising the steps of providing a test signal to the electronic circuit, and measuring a value of a return signal in response to the provided test signal and determining whether the value of the return signal is in agreement with an expected value, the providing of the test signal and the measuring of the return signal being performed while one or more switching elements is/are switched off.

Abstract: A first voltage, which is dropped out onto a pull-down resistor that is coupled to a first power circuit breaker, is compared to an adjustable first reference voltage in order to determine a first comparative value. A second voltage, which is dropped out onto the pull-up resistor that is coupled to the second power circuit breaker, is compared to an adjustable second reference voltage in order to determine a second comparative value. Determination then occurs according to the first comparative value and second comparative value as to whether the first output pin of the first power circuit breaker and the second output switch of the second power circuit breaker are contacted to each other. The first output pin and second output pin are connected to one another by way of a node outside the power circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electrical series terminal with a terminal housing, with two conductor connecting elements located in it, and with two current busses, first end regions of which are each assigned to a conductor connecting element and second end regions of which together form an elastic contact region for accommodating the contact plug of a test plug. In the electrical series terminal, when the test plug is inserted into the test opening, elastic contact legs of the second end regions are bent back relative to one another and which together form a second elastic contact region for holding the contact plug of a test plug. The second contact region in the insertion direction is located in front of the first contact region so that an inserted contact plug first makes contact with the second contact region and only upon further insertion with the first contact region.

Abstract: A switch for switching off at least one airbag having two identical sensors for detecting a switching state of the switch is provided, the two identical sensors being connected up in such a way that the electrical characteristic-quantity ranges to be evaluated for detecting the switching state differ from each other. This is achieved with the aid of different resistor networks between the two sensors and a signal evaluation unit.

Abstract: A galvanically isolated signal conditioning system includes a signal conditioning circuit on an integrated circuit chip; a flying capacitor; and a galvanically isolating MEMS switching device on an integrated circuit chip for selectively switching the flying capacitor from across a pair of input terminals in one state to across the input terminals of the signal conditioning circuit in another state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for monitoring the function of a fill level measuring apparatus, and particularly of a vibration level switch, comprising a first piezo-electric vibration device (SP) as a transmitting device, a second piezo-electric vibration device (EP) as a receiving device, an oscillator circuit (O), the input (P0) and output (P4) of which during normal operation are connected to the vibration devices (EP, SP), the second connections of which devices are at common ground potential, and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the function.

Abstract: There is provided a method of testing an electrical switchgear system. A node in the electrical switchgear system monitors a power line signal and controls a breaker based on the power line signal. The method includes applying an analog signal to the node, and receiving data representing a status of the breaker. The analog signal simulates the power line signal.

Abstract: A device and method for testing seal tightness of a fuel tank system of a motor vehicle, wherein excess pressure is built up in the fuel tank system by an electrically operated pump and electric current consumption of the pump is compared to reference values in order to determine whether the seal tightness of the fuel tank system is sufficient, and wherein the fuel tank system includes a filler neck with a locking fuel tank cap. A control line is connected in parallel to the power supply line of the pump, the control line being guided across an electric tank cap switch, which assumes a different switch state when the filler neck is closed properly than when it is not closed properly. In at least one of these lines, an electric resistor is installed, which allows a determination of the switch state of the tank cap switch.

Abstract: A wireless power supply and method of wirelessly supplying power use light to directly supply power wirelessly to an electrical apparatus without a power cable. The wireless power supply includes: a plurality of pressure switches adapted to switch ON/OFF in response to an applied pressure; and a plurality of light emitting devices respectively connected to the plurality of pressure switches, the plurality of light emitting devices adapted to emit light to supply the power to a load in response to at least one of the pressure switches being switched ON.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting failure of an isolation device includes a current sensor to sense current through the isolation device and a circuit responsive to the current sensor output signal and to an enable signal that controls the isolation device for providing an Early Failure Warning (EFW) signal indicative of whether the isolation device has failed. The enable signal is at a first logic level when the isolation device is on and is brought to a second logic level to disable and test the isolation device. Also described is a method of detecting a failure of an isolation device including disabling the isolation device, sensing a current through the isolation device, and providing an EFW signal indicating that the isolation device has failed if the current through the isolation device is greater than a predetermined level when the isolation device is disabled.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has an input connection for connecting an external signal conductor that passes signals to execute functions in the device. The external signal conductor can pick up strong interfering signals with high frequency content, for example when the device is used in a car. To protect against unintended execution of functions the device contains a timer circuit comprising a capacitance and a current supplying circuit coupled to an integration node. A discharge diode is coupled between the input connection and the integration node, with a polarity such that the discharge diode, when in forward bias, is capable of draining current from the current supplying circuit. A detector is coupled to the integration node for generating a signal to be supplied to the integrated circuit device to respond to a signal transition on the conductor. The diode serves to reset integration on the integration node before the detector detects the transition in case of short pulses.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a power output stage including at least one half bridge with upper and lower semiconductor switches connected in series, wherein the semiconductor switches are controllable alternately to a switched-on state and a switched-off state by pulse-width modulated pulses, includes measuring a first voltage across the lower semiconductor switch when the upper semiconductor switch is switched on and measuring a second voltage across the lower semiconductor switch when the lower semiconductor switch is switched on, comparing a difference between the operating voltage and the first voltage to a predetermined voltage and comparing the second voltage with the predetermined voltage, which is the maximum permissible voltage across a semiconductor switch when it is switched on, and determining that the power output stage or the output of the at least one half bridge is faulty when at least one of the difference and the second voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A sampling voltage is periodically applied between contacts of a switch of a device to determine a status of the switch. When a CPU is in a sleep state and the status of the switch is determined closed, the CPU is activated. The sampling voltage when the CPU is in the sleep state is adjusted lower than the one when the CPU is in the wakeup state. This reduces power consumption for the switch status determination. The sampling voltage adjusted at the lower level periodically adjusted to a higher level to reduce errors in the determination due to insulation films on the contacts.

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: A system for testing a relay is provided. The system includes a plurality of signal generators to generate signals to test relays. The system includes a controller to provide at least some inputs for use by at least one of the signal generators to generate the signals. The system also includes a hand-held controller in communication with the controller. The hand-held controller is operable to receive and display relay test information for a user. The hand-held controller is operable to transmit one or more control inputs for testing the relay.

Abstract: A high voltage switching matrix for selectively connecting a plurality of different voltage/current sources or inputs with a plurality of different outputs includes a common or shared relay for each of the voltage/current sources at the voltage/current source inputs rather than at the output ports.

Abstract: A system of an embodiment of the invention includes an array of micro-electromechanical (MEM) device assemblies and a testing mechanism situated outside of the array of the MEM device assemblies. Each MEM device assembly includes a MEM device capable of being individually written to, but incapable of being electrically read. The testing mechanism tests each MEM device assembly for proper operation without directly reading the MEM device of the MEM device assembly.

Abstract: A field effect sensor interfaces with a power supply and detection circuit using two wires. The detection circuit can determine which of several parallel-connected field affect sensors is or is not activated at any given time.

Abstract: A configuration is provided by which it may be determined whether a MEMS device is in a select state. The select state is defined by a position of a moveable element, which is moved with electrostatic forces upon activation of an electrode. The select state is detected with a sensing configuration that has first and second regions. The regions are generally separated such that they are electrically uncoupled unless the moveable element is in the position that defines the select state. A detector may be provided to indicate whether the first and second regions are coupled electrically.

Abstract: A testing interface provides rapid, temporary connections to individual signal relays used in railroad signal systems when testing is required, and otherwise permits normal operation of railroad signal vital circuits through its connections. A connectivity block provides contacts that are used to isolate the relay from its application circuit and provide connectivity to the relay coils for testing when a connection paddle is inserted into the block. The interface allows fully automated or manual testing of installed relays without requiring removal from the relay rack.

Abstract: A system and method for testing performance characteristics of a MEMs device includes an activation driver configured to receive and drive a waveform to an activation side of the micro electromechanical device and configured to provide readback of an activation voltage and activation current drawn by activation of the micro electromechanical device. A switch driver configured to provide a load to a switch side of the micro electromechanical device provides readback of a load voltage and a load current drawn by the micro electromechanical device. A contact-closure counter and master control card (MCC) is included to control the activation and switch drivers while a digital volt meter (DVM) is in operable communication with the micro electromechanical device to read back analog readback. An analog multiplexer provides the analog readback to a corresponding activation driver or switch driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a switch is provided that permits the performance of a switch to be reliably tested and to precisely determine a host of parameters that collectively define the performance of the switch. The apparatus includes a stage upon which the switch is mounted. The apparatus also includes an actuator for actuating the switch and a positioning device, such as a micrometer, for controllably positioning at least one of the actuator and the stage such that the actuator actuates the switch. The apparatus may also include a measurement device for monitoring the electrical condition of the switch as its state is altered. For example, the measurement device may monitor a measure representative of the electrical resistance such as voltage drop across at least two contacts of the switch. Additionally, the measurement device may monitor travel of at least one of the actuator and the stage.

Abstract: A configuration is provided by which it may be determined whether a MEMS device is in a select state. The select state is defined by a position of a moveable element, which is moved with electrostatic forces upon activation of an electrode. The select state is detected with a sensing configuration that has first and second regions. The regions are generally separated such that they are electrically uncoupled unless the moveable element is in the position that defines the select state. A detector may be provided to indicate whether the first and second regions are coupled electrically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a computer programme and a device (2) for determining contact wear in an electrical switchgear (3) in an electric switchgear assembly (1) as well as to a switchgear assembly (1) with such a device (2). According to invention, for determining a contact wear status variable (Cwsum) a current measuring signal (Imess) is monitored for deviations (&Dgr;) from an expected faulty switch-off current (If) and, in case of deviations, the status variable (Cwsum) is not immediately calculated from current measuring signal (Imess), but indirectly using a characteristic current value (Ichar). Embodiments, among other things, relate to: deviations by saturation of the current transformer (30) and maximal current measuring signal (Imax) as characteristic current value (Ichar); status variable (Cwsum) as a measure for arcing power during switching-off and, in particular, equal to a potential function (f(Imess)) of the switch-off current (Imess).

Abstract: A pressure point detector has a simple structure and is capable of detecting which location of a two-dimensional surface such as a circle a pressure is applied can be detected. The pressure point detector is comprised of a flexible insulation member in a predetermined shape, a resistance film formed on one side of the flexible insulation member, a conductive member made of conductive material and established to face the insulation member with a with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a pair of electrodes established on said resistance film in a parallel fashion to produce voltage distribution, thereby producing an output voltage from said conductive member indicative of a location of the pressure applied to the insulation member.

Abstract: A configuration is provided by which it may be determined whether a MEMS device is in a select state. The select state is defined by a position of a moveable element, which is moved with electrostatic forces upon activation of an electrode. The select state is detected with a sensing configuration that has first and second regions. The regions are generally separated such that they are electrically uncoupled unless the moveable element is in the position that defines the select state. A detector may be provided to indicate whether the first and second regions are coupled electrically.

Abstract: An arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter for a power circuit includes a line terminal; a load terminal; and separable contacts electrically connected between the line and load terminals. An operating mechanism opens the separable contacts and has a closed position for closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. A ground fault protection circuit is operatively associated with the power circuit. An arc fault protection circuit is also operatively associated with the power circuit. A circuit tests the ground fault protection circuit, tests the arc fault protection circuit, and restores the operating mechanism to the closed position responsive to sequential activation of test and reset buttons.

Abstract: An interrogation of a switched state of a switch is carried out with a high interrogation current until a closed switch is detected. The following interrogations of the switched state are then carried out with a low interrogation current until a definable time period which runs starting from a detection of the closed switch or until a definable number of interrogations which is counted starting from the detection of the closed switch is exceeded. After the expiry of the time period or the number of interrogations, the interrogation is continued with the high interrogation current until a closed switch state of the switch is detected again.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus (4) for condition diagnosing of a tap changer (1) immersed in a cooling fluid (3), controlling and regulating an inductive power device (5), such as a transformer or reactor. The diagnosing method basically compares and evaluates expected heat exchanges between the tap changer (1) and ambient air and the inductive power device (5), an expected amount of heat generated by the tap changer (1) during operation, together with an actual temperature of the fluid (3). From the actual temperature, expected heat exchanges and expected generated heat, the heat balance in the system may be obtained and is used for disgnosing the operation conditions of the tap changer (1). The results from the condition diagnosing may be used as indicators (70) that can alarm operators or may be sent as a data signal (78) to remote and/or portable display means (79), such as a computer.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated or shorted power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by detecting whether or not any switch is shorted in the series-connected stack of switch stages.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor packaged with an integrated circuit includes switches and control circuitry. In a test mode, the control circuitry causes the switches to turn off and on such that the first and second capacitance of the MEMS sensor can be monitored individually. During a normal mode of operation, the switches are maintained such that the MEMS sensor packaged with the integrated circuit operates to produce a filtered and trimmed output reflecting the sensed phenomena.

Abstract: A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at locations other than end of travel or detent positions. By investigating the second derivative, one is provided with feedback of areas on the switch that might require further investigation or re-evaluation.

Abstract: A switching regulator that has first, second, third and fourth terminals, a first power transistor disposed between the first terminal and a first node, a second power transistor disposed between the first node and a second node, a filter including a capacitor and an inductor, and a controller. The first power transistor is partitioned into a plurality of individually-addressable first transistor segments. The second node couples the second and fourth terminals. The second power transistor is partitioned into a plurality of individually-addressable second transistor segments. The inductor is disposed between the first node and the third terminal, and the capacitor is disposed between the third and fourth terminals.

Abstract: A built-in test system for aircraft indication switches comprises a plurality of aircraft indication switches and a first resistor adding network having input resistors individually connected to first contacts of different ones of the indication switches. The test system further includes a second resistor adding network having input resistors individually connected to second contacts of different ones of the indication switches. Output circuitry is provided for coupling outputs of the first and second resistor adding networks to an electronic control unit for the aircraft.

Abstract: A test apparatus which having a window comparitor circuit which includes a coil. The coil is placed over a solenoid valve cartridge and switched on and off. The on time of the window comparitor circuit is measured to verify correct assembly of the solenoid valve cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus including an electronic component, a sensing element, a power supply element, and logic. The sensing element is coupled to the electronic component. The sensing element is configured to sense an occurrence of an event and to transmit a data signal indicative of the occurrence. The power supply element is configured to receive energy from the sensing element and to power the electronic component with electrical energy. The electrical energy is derived from the energy received from the sensing element. The logic is configured to receive the data signal from the sensing element and to control operation of a component of the system based on a value of the data signal.

Abstract: A trip unit connection tester (10) is arranged to test the electrical connections (12) and (14) between a trip unit (16) and actuator (18) mounted within a circuit breaker (20). Tester (10) includes a power source (64) including a positive lead (68), and a negative lead (70). The positive lead (68) is coupled to a two-loop switch (58). The two loop switch (58) toggles between a first loop (98), and a second loop (100). The first loop (98) includes the power source (64), the two-loop switch (58), and the energy storage element (82) wherein the energy storage element (82) stores energy coming from the power source (64). The second loop (100) includes the two-loop switch (58), and the energy storage element (82), connections (12) and (14), and the actuator (18), wherein energy stored within the energy storage element (82) is released to the actuator (18).

Abstract: A supplementary device, such as a charging, cleaning and/or diagnosis device, for a small electric device, such as an electric hair cutting or hair removal apparatus or an electric toothbrush, but particularly for an electric shaving apparatus, includes an arrangement to detect whether it is connected electrically and/or magnetically to the small electric device, and an arrangement to discriminate between different types of small electric device. This arrangement monitors an electric and/or magnetic quantity prevailing at the connection of the supplementary device. A method for detecting the presence of an electric and/or magnetic connection between said devices includes monitoring an electric and/or magnetic quantity prevailing at the connection of the supplementary device.

Abstract: A circuit and method for connecting data lines in a digital communication system are disclosed. The circuit allows either a balanced data line or an unbalanced data line to be connected to a single input port with no internal reconfiguration of the system. Connection to a balanced data line isolation transformer is provided at the port. A separate connection to ground is provided at the same port. A user connects the system to a balanced data line using a jack wired for connecting the balanced data line pair across the isolation transformer. A user connects the system to an unbalanced data line using a similar jack; however, the jack in this case is wired to short one transformer connection to the ground connection provided at the port, thereby unbalancing the transformer. In one embodiment, this second jack is part of a patch cable that accepts a coaxial connector on. one end, appropriately wired to the shorted jack on the second end.