Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a variable-speed operation control apparatus of a hydroelectric power generation system including a power generator interconnected to a power system through a main circuit and a water turbine directly connected to the power generator. The apparatus includes a branch circuit branched from the main circuit and including a frequency converter which performs conversion between an output frequency of the power generator and a system frequency of the power system, wherein the power generator is interconnected to the power system through the branch circuit when a flow rate of water is less than a fixed level.

Abstract: In a motor temperature estimating device including: a polyphase motor 1 having a first phase coil, a second phase coil and a third phase coil; current sensors; a determination section that determines whether or not the polyphase motor is rotating; and a transformation section that transforms a first phase output signal from the first phase current sensor, a second phase output signal from the second phase current sensor, and a third phase output signal from the third phase current sensor to output a post-transformation output signal, the post-transformation output signal is inputted to a first temperature estimation section that estimates the temperature of the polyphase motor during rotation, and the first phase output signal, the second phase output signal and the third phase output signal are inputted to a second temperature estimation section that estimates the temperature of the polyphase motor during stop.

Abstract: A circuit assembly comprising a sealed interface is configured to isolate one or more electrical components. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising a substrate and a cover comprising a polycarbonate material in connection with the substrate. The assembly further comprises an adhesive seal disposed around a perimeter surface of the cover. The adhesive seal comprises a UV curable adhesive having a chemical composition. The assembly further comprises a polyamide over-molded coating enclosing at least a portion of the circuit board and covering the adhesive seal.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes selectively activating, by control logic and based on a control signal, a switch; in response to determining that an electrical characteristic of a signal provided to the switch satisfies a threshold while the switch is deactivated, activating, by the control logic and regardless of the control signal, the switch until determining that a potential of the signal provided to the switch satisfies a threshold potential; and in response to determining that the potential of the signal provided to the switch satisfies the threshold potential, deactivating the switch.

Abstract: A control circuit controls power supplied via an electrical wire, by turning a FET provided on the electrical wire on/off. A control unit calculates the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the electrical wire and the electrical wire temperature in time series, based on a previous temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the electrical wire 5 and the electrical wire temperature that was calculated previously, and the value of current flowing through the electrical wire. The control unit is configured to suspend this time-series calculation of the temperature difference, and clocks the elapsed time from suspension to resumption of calculation of the temperature difference. The control unit, in the case where calculation of the temperature difference is resumed, sets an initial temperature difference to be used as the previous temperature difference, based on the clocked elapsed time, in an initial calculation of the temperature difference after resumption.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an input-output processor, and by following an instruction from the input-output processor, messages are transmitted and received with other game apparatus 12 connected via a network. The messages are transmitted and received in an electronic mail format, and has identification information of an application being a creation source of the message as well as general information, such as a transmission source, a destination and a subject as header information.

Abstract: A bath safety control system and a bath safety control method are disclosed. The bath safety control system is electrically coupled to a load and includes a power source, at least one safety relay, an operation relay, a processing unit, and a detecting unit. The processing unit determines whether the operation relay has a fault according to whether the detecting unit is activated. When the processing unit determines that the operation relay has the fault, the processing unit controls the at least one safety relay to be turned off. The bath safety control system and the bath safety control method can enhance the protection of the load.

Abstract: A communication system includes a conversion module configured to convert a signal between a radio frequency baseband (RF-BB) and an intermediate frequency (IF). At least one RF front-end module converts the signal between the IF and a radio frequency (RF). The RF front-end module is configured as an RF phased array and includes a coaxial interconnect configured to connect the conversion module with the RF front-end module. The signal is transmitted between the conversion module and the RF-front end module via the coaxial interconnect. At least one RF front-end module includes an active front-end (AFE) configured to allow the signal to be transmitted via the coaxial interconnect while minimizing any deterioration of the signal.

Abstract: Described examples include methods of fabricating conductive and resistive structures by direct-write variable impedance patterning using nanoparticle-based metallization layers or chemical reaction-based deposition. In some examples, a low conductivity nanoparticle material is deposited over a surface. The nanoparticle material is selectively illuminated at different applied energy levels via illumination source power adjustments and/or scan rate adjustments for selective patterned sintering to create conductive circuit structures as well as resistive circuit structures including gradient resistive circuit structures having an electrical resistivity profile that varies along the structure length. Further examples include methods in which a non-conductive reactant layer is deposited or patterned, and a second solution is deposited in varying amounts using an additive deposition for reaction with the reactant layer to form controllably conductive structures.

Abstract: A release mechanism for surge protectors includes a first electrical connection pin soldered with a varistor's second electrode, a function rotating member sheathed on a fixed column and installed between a varistor and a bridge bracket, an elastic driving device fixed into an internal box body, and a bridge bracket fixed to a second electrical connection pin in the internal box body (2). If the varistor is not released, then the bridge bracket will be passed through a soldering window and soldered with a varistor's first electrode, or else the elastic driving device will drive the function rotating member to rotate around the fixed column. An arc shield plate shields between the bridge bracket and electrode. A failure status indicating area is exposed and a remote linkage rod is triggered.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a busbar for electrically connecting a plurality of cells of a battery module. In order to electrically disconnect the battery cells from each other upon thermal runaway of at least one of the cells or short circuit, the busbar includes a core and a shell at least partially made of a first material, said first material being an electrically conducting material, wherein the core is at least partially made of a second material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is significantly higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material.

Abstract: A memory system is connectable to a host and comprises a memory chip including a nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell array, a memory controller, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, which is representative of a temperature of the memory controller, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature, which is representative of a temperature of the memory chip. The memory controller is configured to compare the first temperature against a first threshold temperature and a second temperature against a second threshold temperature and carry out access to the memory chip when either the first temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature or the second temperature is greater than the second threshold temperature.

Abstract: An integrated circuit die that includes a temperature monitoring system that obtains measured temperature data from on die temperature sensors during a mode when power is not being supplied to a system controller of the die. After the system controller is powered up, the system controller obtains the measured temperature data. This system and method can be useful in that heat from a powered up system controller does not affect the temperature readings of the temperature monitoring system.

Abstract: A varistor component and a method for securing a varistor component are disclosed. In an embodiment, a varistor includes a first external contact, a second external contact, a varistor electrically connected to the first external contact, a path between the varistor and the second external contact and an active releasing device including a shutter and a heat sensitive element, wherein the heat sensitive element releases the shutter under abnormal operation conditions and the shutter closes the path between the varistor and the second external contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single phase, non-insulated, miniaturized DC/AC power inverter having an output power density higher than 3000 W/dm3, wherein said power inverter is packaged in a casing made of an external electrically conductive enclosure containing a fan blowing in an axial direction to a side face of the casing and, in a stacked elevation arrangement, successively from a bottom side to a top side, a layer of active filter capacitors, a heatsink, a layer of wideband semiconductors switches connected to a PCB with thermal vias and a layer of active filtering inductors, the fan and the component stacked arrangement being designed so as, in operation, the external temperature of the casing does not overcome 60° C. in any point, for an ambient temperature of maximum 30° C. under a maximum load of 2 kVA.

Abstract: A localized substrate heater is configured to apply variable substrate heating to an integrated bipolar transistor. The base-to-emitter voltage (Vbe) of that bipolar transistor at varying substrate temperature settings is sensed, with the sensed Vbe processed to determine temperature coefficients of the bipolar transistor. The bipolar transistor may, for example, be a circuit component of an integrated temperature sensing circuit.

Abstract: An intelligent diagnosis system for a power module. The system includes a power module, a hardware checking module and a diagnostic module. The power module has a temperature sensing element for obtaining a temperature difference between a starting minimum temperature and a current temperature. The hardware checking module has a current sensing element, a voltage sensing element and a magnetic coupling closed loop detection element for obtaining the current, the output voltage and the input voltage of the power module, and the hardware loop status, respectively. The diagnostic module calculates the number of cycles that have been operated, a measured impedance and an instantaneous power based on those measurement results, and calculating a risk index based on the number of cycles that have been operated, the temperature difference, the measured impedance, the instantaneous power and the hardware loop status, thereby determining the accumulation of the abnormality index record.

Abstract: Electrical apparatuses with connector overheating protection and methods for protecting electrical apparatuses from connector overheating during current sinking and current sourcing operations are presented. The electrical apparatus includes an electrical connector and a temperature sensor, which is in direct contact with a physical part of the electrical connector. The temperature sensor monitors a temperature of the electrical connector during current sinking and current sourcing operations. During current sinking, if the temperature sensor senses a predetermined level of overheating of the electrical connector, then the sourcing of current to the electrical apparatus is switched off. During current sourcing, if the temperature sensor senses a predetermined level of overheating of the electrical connector, then the sourcing of current to the sinking device is switched off.

Abstract: With an IC including a driver that drives a large current, its characteristics may be deteriorated or the IC may be broken by heat generated by the large current. By providing a plurality of sensors and disposing some of the sensors so as to be close to an output driver that flows a large current, which is a source of heat generation, an increase in the temperature of the IC can be rapidly detected, and the deterioration of the characteristics of the IC can be prevented by accurately actuating an overheating protection function based on a result of detection. Alternatively, breakage of the IC can be prevented by suppressing overheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-board electrical system supply system (1), having a DC/DC converter (11) with at least one semiconductor rectifier element (4), having two supply connections (9a, 9b) for an on-board electrical system, which supply connections are connected at the output end to the DC/DC converter (11), having an isolating switch (5) which is coupled between one of the supply connections (9a, 9b) and the DC/DC converter (11), and having an on-board electrical system isolating circuit (10) which is designed to determine a reverse voltage (U, Ua, Ub) across at least one of the semiconductor rectifier elements (4), and to actuate the isolating switch (5), in order to decouple the on-board electrical system from the DC/DC converter (11), depending on a value of the determined reverse voltage (U, Ua, Ub).

Abstract: When a temperature is less than a first threshold, a protection circuit unit executes a normal operation by a pulse width modulation. When the temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and is less than a second threshold, the protection circuit unit executes a first heat dissipation suppressing operation that suppresses a self-heating of a switching element. When the temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the protection circuit unit executes a full off operation that terminates the switching element. When the temperature is decreased to be less than the first threshold and to be greater than or equal to a third threshold after the temperature becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold, the protection circuit unit executes a second heat dissipation suppressing operation that suppresses a heat dissipated due to an energization of the switching element.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures and methods for active optic cable (AOC) assembly having improved thermal characteristics. In one embodiment, an AOC assembly includes a fiber optic cable having a first end attached to a connector with a thermal insert attached to the housing for dissipating heat from the connector. The AOC assembly can dissipate a suitable heat transfer rate from the active components of the connector such as dissipating a heat transfer rate of 0.75 Watts or greater from the connector. In one embodiment, the thermal insert is at least partially disposed under the boot of the connector. In another embodiment, at least one component of the connector has a plurality of fins. Other AOC assemblies may include a connector having a pull tab for dissipating heat from the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive disturbance reduction device (18) for reducing an inductive disturbance of a signal like an ultrasound signal to be transmitted via first connection conductors (25, 26) of an electrical connector (11), which is caused when ablation current flows through a second connection conductor (24) of the electrical connector. The inductive disturbance reduction device is adapted to induce a voltage, which at least partly compensates a voltage induced in the electrical connector, in order to reduce the inductive disturbance in the signals to be transmitted via the first connection conductors of the electrical connector. Since the inductive disturbance is reduced, a high quality electrical connection can be provided, without necessarily using, for instance, a technically relatively complex and expensive coaxial connector. The inductive disturbance reduction device may be integrated, for instance, in a part of the electrical connector or in a cable.

Abstract: A lighting circuit which lights a semiconductor light source, the lighting circuit includes a drive circuit configured to receive a PWM signal from a controller, to generate a drive current to the semiconductor light source, and to switch the drive current according to the PWM signal. When a non-input state of the PWM signal exceeds a predetermined time, the lighting circuit is configured to assert an abnormality detection signal and to output the abnormality detection signal to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PC board jack assembly that reduces or eliminates signal loss with an audio plug. The jack assembly employs a support housing having a passageway sized to receive the audio plug with connectors to engage the opposite sides of a conventional audio jack. The jack assembly provides secure attachment to a PC board to avoid trace lifting.

Abstract: A temperature sensor 31A for bolted connections 8A, includes a thermally conductive housing 30 having a skirt portion 62 with an opening shaped to fit on a portion of a bolted connection of a bus bar. The skirt portion of the housing is configured to be in thermal contact with the bolted connection when the skirt portion is fitted on the bolted connection of the bus bar. The temperature sensor further includes a temperature transducer 70 in thermal contact with the housing. The temperature transducer is configured to sense a temperature of the housing which relates to a temperature of the bolted connection and to output signals to a data collector 1 via wireless or wireline communication.

Abstract: A method of operating a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) includes starting up the switched-mode power supply by determining a rate of increase of a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal based on an input voltage and a switching frequency of the SMPS; and generating the PWM signal having the duty cycle in accordance with the determined rate of increase.

Abstract: Data reliability and integrity may be compromised when memory resources used to store the data reach elevated temperatures. A sensor in the memory resource may monitor the temperature of the memory resource in real-time. A comparator in the memory resource may indicate a high temperature condition to a memory controller. The memory controller, in response to the high temperature condition, can restrict or halt data flow to the memory resource. When the real-time temperature of the memory resource falls below a defined threshold, the memory controller may resume data flow to the memory resource.

Abstract: A controller includes a tracking regulator having a reference voltage input and a voltage output and configured to regulate the voltage output to the reference voltage input. The controller is configured to, in response to a short to ground of the voltage output, electrically couple the reference voltage input to the voltage output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge protection device, comprising at least one surge arrester and one thermally trippable switching device connected in series with the surge arrester, wherein the above-mentioned means form a structural unit and the thermal tripping means is arranged in the region in which heating of the surge arrester is to be expected on overloading thereof. The thermal tripping means is in the form of a stop part through which there is no operating or surge current flowing and which effects or enables unlatching of the switching device in the case of thermal overload. Furthermore, the stop part is coupled thermally and mechanically to a surface side of the surge arrester and blocks the movement path of a mechanically prestressed unlatching slide.

Abstract: A power harvesting system employs a saturable core transformer having first and second primary windings and a secondary winding. The first primary winding is a high impedance winding with a large number of turns and the second primary winding is a low impedance winding with a small number of turns. The first and second primary windings are connected to a load. A relay is operable in a first state to connect A/C power to the first primary winding and in a second state to connect A/C power to the second primary winding. When A/C power is connected to the first primary winding, a small current flows in the first primary winding which is insufficient to activate the load but sufficient to transfer power to the secondary winding. When A/C power is connected to the second primary winding, a larger current flows in the second primary winding sufficient to activate the load and to transfer power to the secondary winding.

Abstract: A system for controlling gatings of a multi-core processor, the system includes a pulse width modulation generator for generating a control square wave; and a phase shifter for shifting a phase of the control square wave to generate control square waves with different phases, and respectively inputting the control square waves with the different phases to a gating of each of multiple processing engines in the multi-core processor. A multi-core processor is provided that includes multiple processing engines. Each processing engine includes a gating, and a system for controlling the gating. Accordingly, in the multi-core processor, the load to be processed in a certain period of a working cycle can be averaged to be processed in a longer period of the working cycle. Consequently, current noise and voltage noise and temperature growth due to the load change can be reduced.

Abstract: A rectifier is described herein. According to one example, the rectifier includes a semiconductor substrate and further includes an anode terminal and a cathode terminal connected by a load current path of a first MOS transistor and a diode that is connected parallel to a load current path. An alternating input voltage is operably applied between the anode terminal and the cathode terminal. Further, the rectifier includes a control circuit that is configured to switch the first MOS transistor on for an on-time period, during which the diode is forward biased. The first MOS transistor, the diode, and the control circuit are integrated in the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An electrical contact pair and a connector terminal pair that can reduce the amount of sliding wear in a contact portion. The electrical contact pair includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and a contact portion. The first electrical contact includes, above a first conductive base material, an Ag—Sn alloy layer, and a first AG layer that is laminated on a surface of the Ag—Sn alloy layer, and the first AG layer is exposed as the outermost surface. The second electrical contact includes a second AG layer above a second conductive base material, and the second AG layer is exposed as the outermost surface. The contact portion is obtained as a result of a surface of the first AG layer of the first electrical contact and a surface of the second AG layer of the second electrical contact being in contact with each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting malfunction of a relay, which includes a temperature determination unit configured to determine whether or not a relay resistor is overheated based on a resistance temperature of the relay resistor being connected to a relay; a charging voltage determination unit configured to determine whether or not a variation value of a charging voltage of a direct current (DC) link capacitor according to an operation start of an inverter system exceeds a reference variation value; and a relay malfunction determination unit configured to determine whether or not the relay is malfunctioned based on one or more the determination results whether or not the relay resistor is overheated and whether or not the variation value exceeds the reference variation value.

Abstract: Improved termination features for multilayer electronic components are disclosed. Monolithic components are provided with plated terminations whereby the need for typical thick-film termination stripes is eliminated or greatly simplified. Such termination technology eliminates many typical termination problems and enables a higher number of terminations with finer pitch, which may be especially beneficial on smaller electronic components. The subject plated terminations are guided and anchored by exposed internal electrode tabs and additional anchor tab portions which may optionally extend to the cover layers of a multilayer component. Such anchor tabs may be positioned internally or externally relative to a chip structure to nucleate additional metallized plating material. External anchor tabs positioned on top and bottom sides of a monolithic structure can facilitate the formation of wrap-around plated terminations.

Abstract: A discharge circuit for demagnetizing an inductive load includes a first switch comprising a control terminal and first and second terminals. The first terminal is connected to a voltage supply. A second switch includes a control terminal and first and second terminals. The second terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the second switch are connected to the inductive load. A third switch includes a control terminal and first and second terminals. The first terminal of the third switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switch. A first Zener diode includes an anode connected to the control terminal of the second switch and a cathode connected to the voltage supply. A first temperature sensing circuit generates a first sensed temperature signal based on a temperature of at least one component of the circuit. A first comparing circuit receives a first reference temperature signal and the first sensed temperature signal and that generates a first output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing inrush current into a component, such as a power converter (e.g., LED driver), which receives alternating current (AC) power from an AC power source (e.g., AC mains). The method may include pre-charging the input capacitance of a component or circuit for a determined period of time after closing of a control switch (e.g., photocontrol, contactor) using a capacitive load pre-charge circuit (e.g., resistor), and then shorting the capacitive load pre-charge circuit using a bidirectional AC switch coupled in parallel with the capacitive load pre-charge circuit after the determined period of time to selectively bypass the capacitive load pre-charge circuit. The bidirectional AC switch may include two source-connected metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) which have a very low “on resistance,” such that during steady-state operation, the protection circuit wastes very little power compared to conventional inrush protection circuits.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum nitride electrostatic chuck, comprising: a positioning electrostatic chuck and a carrier structure. The positioning electrostatic chuck includes a groove structure layer, a dielectric insulation layer, and a heat conduction layer. In the groove structure layer on the surface of the electrostatic chuck is provided with cooling gas channels, to facilitate control of the temperature distribution of a wafer. The electrostatic chuck is especially designed for use in a semiconductor manufacturing process of high temperature and high plasma power density. The dielectric insulation layer is provided with embedded electrodes, such that voltage conversion can be carried out to effect wafer absorption/release. The cooling gas channels are used to control temperature of the absorbed wafer, by means of heat conduction of aluminum nitride electrostatic chuck. Therefore, wafer temperature distribution is controlled through aspect ratio and geometry of cooling gas channel.

Abstract: A protection device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a fusible element and a heating element. The first substrate comprises a first surface, and the second substrate comprises a second surface facing the first surface. The fusible element is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate, and the heating element is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate and is disposed above the fusible element. When over-voltage or over-temperature occurs, the heating element heats up to blow the fusible element and thereby providing over-voltage and over-temperature protection.

Abstract: An electrical power contact includes a mating segment having a mating interface at which the electrical power contact is configured to mate with a mating contact. The mating segment includes an electrically conductive base layer, and an electrically conductive outer layer that includes the mating interface. The mating segment also includes a circuit protection layer that extends between the base layer and the outer layer. The circuit protection layer provides an electrical pathway between the base layer and the outer layer. The circuit protection layer includes a selectively conductive material that is configured to open the electrical pathway between the base layer and the outer layer when an electrical current above a predetermined threshold is passed through the circuit protection layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided. One method for processing communication between a vehicle and traffic lights is provided. The method includes processing geo-location for the vehicle using on-board electronics of the vehicle and data obtained from a global positioning system, and determining a heading direction of the vehicle based on changes in the geo-locations of the vehicle. The method includes receiving state information of one or more of traffic lights that are located within an area of influence associated with a current geo-location of the vehicle. The traffic lights are independent of the vehicle and the state information from the one or more traffic lights is processed for the current geo-location of the vehicle and based on the area of influence of the vehicle.

Abstract: Circuits and techniques are described for detecting a ground fault leak between the PSE and the PD. Prior to PoDL voltage being applied to the PD, a test switch is temporarily closed for sensing a voltage drop in a loop between the positive terminal of the PSE voltage source and any ground leakage path between the PSE and the PD. If the resistance of the ground leakage path is below a certain threshold, a fault is declared. A similar test may be performed without a test switch by supplying a known test current through the loop and sensing the voltage drop. Another test is to connect the positive terminal of the PSE voltage source to the loop and sense the resulting current. After the full PoDL voltage is applied to the PD, a ground fault may be detected by sensing the equivalence between the source and return PSE currents.

Abstract: An electric-wire protection device protects at least one electric wire among an electric-wire bundle that bundles a plurality of electric wires that are used to supply power to a plurality of loads from a power source Ba. Calculation circuit calculates an increased temperature of the electric wire from an initial temperature at the time that the estimate begins, based on a load current Is that has been detected and a thermal characteristic of the electric wire, and estimates the temperature of the electric wire by adding the increased temperature to the initial temperature. Current flow information supply portion supplies to the calculation circuit current flow information related to current flow to a load other than a subject load. Calculation circuit corrects the initial temperature by a correction value that corresponds to the current flow information that exists at the time the estimate begins.

Abstract: Methods and systems for compensating for temperature variation in the performance of electronic circuits and systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems are configured to store compensation parameters determined in calibration, where the compensation parameters are used by the systems to modify performance. In some embodiments, the systems are part of an automatic test equipment (ATE) system.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for managing and aggregating cached data of aggregated electronic devices for sharing functionality to fulfill requested tasks, while monitoring and controlling battery energy levels in the electronic devices to ensure sufficient battery power is available, individually or collectively, to fulfill a requested task. The electronic devices are positioned in proximity to a computing device for sharing cached hierarchies of each device as well as hierarchies of the aggregated devices. The electronic devices are provided in proximity to a charge distribution unit (CDU) for determining if each electronic device has enough battery power to complete all, or a portion, of a requested task. If any device needs charging, the CDU allocates and distributes battery power from one or more other device batteries and/or power outlet. The charging power is then transferred to the electronic device in need of charging to fulfill the requested task.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for overload protection for overvoltage protection equipment that has at least one voltage-limiting element and at least one voltage-switching element, and optionally with a back-up fuse, wherein the voltage-limiting element is in the form of a varistor and the voltage-switching element is in the form of a spark gap and these elements are connected in series. According to the invention, to protect against inadmissible pulsed currents, the voltage-limiting element in the series circuit has a monitoring spark gap, forming a bypass, connected in parallel with it. Furthermore, a monitoring device, e.g. a thermal monitoring device, is provided that bypasses both the monitoring spark gap and the voltage-switching element in the event of ageing effects, inadmissibly high mains voltages and/or low-energy, periodic, high-frequency overvoltages.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first power semiconductor element; a second power semiconductor element that is connected in parallel with the first power semiconductor element; a voltage changing unit that changes a voltage applied to a control terminal of the first power semiconductor element when the second power semiconductor element is turned on; a detection unit that detects a current flowing in the first power semiconductor element when the voltage changing unit has changed the voltage applied to the control terminal of the first power semiconductor element; and a temperature estimation unit that estimates a temperature of the first power semiconductor element based on a characteristic of the change of the current of the first power semiconductor element with respect to a change of the voltage applied to the first power semiconductor element.

Abstract: An article and circuit that controllably dims a luminaire, for example without controlling a line power of the luminaire. The luminaire includes a traditional three-contact socket to receive a photocontroller, such as that used for street lights. The article uses a desired dimming control signal to provide an output control signal that controls whether the light source in the luminaire is turned ON or turned OFF to thereby effect the desired amount of dimming. The output control signal may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal with a duty cycle that is related to the desired level of illumination or dimming. The system may use a dimming signal from a five or seven contact dimming photocontroller to provide such an output control signal to control the light-level for the luminaire.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) that is configured to have an increased yield. The IC includes a memory element configured to store a specific value determined based on a characteristic of the IC, and a controller configured to control an input regulator based on the specific value of the IC. The input regulator is operative to provide a regulated input to the IC during operation, such that the IC performance satisfies performance requirement.