Abstract: A method includes measuring a plurality of latchup release parameter values of a monitored circuit to generate data. Each latchup release parameter value of the plurality of latchup release parameter values is associated with the monitored circuit exiting a latchup state. The method also include predicting, based on the data and based on one or more characteristic values of a protection circuit coupled to the monitored circuit, whether the protection circuit is likely to prevent an occurrence of a latent failure within the monitored circuit in particular latchup conditions.

Abstract: A semiconductor module which includes a plurality of control circuits that respectively drive a plurality of semiconductor elements on and off and a plurality of signal output circuits for the respective control circuits and which output operation status information, where the signal output circuits are respectively provided with signal output terminals having an open-drain configuration, and the signal output terminals each are connected to an internal lead frame on which the power semiconductor elements and the control circuits are mounted.

Abstract: In a device for controlling a motor mounted on a system with different operation modes, a controller unit calculates an input value for the motor based on an output value of the motor and a target value depending on operation modes of the system, and instructs a driver circuit of the motor to apply the input value to the motor. An estimation unit estimates an amount of rise in temperature of the motor by applying the input value for the motor to a thermal model of the motor. A notification unit compares a value estimated by the estimation unit with a threshold value. When the estimated value exceeds the threshold value, the notification unit sends a request for change of operation mode to the system.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a transducer configured to generate an electrical output responsive to an input, and a data storage element configured to change state responsive to the transducer. The electronic device may include a power circuit configured to turn on and supply power responsive to the data storage element changing state, and a processing circuit configured to be powered by the power circuit.

Abstract: An exemplary power conversion system includes a power conversion device and a control system. The power conversion device converts electrical power from one form to another. The power conversion device includes at least one switching element capable of being turned off to block an electrical current flowing through the at least one switching element. The control system is electrically coupled to the power conversion device for monitoring an electrical current flowing through the at least one switching element and for monitoring at least one parameter in association with the operation of the power conversion system. The control system further generates an over-current threshold value that is variable with respect to at least one monitored parameter.

Abstract: A control device for an on-vehicle electric compressor controls and drives an electric motor arranged in the on-vehicle electric compressor. The control device includes a temperature acquisition unit, a current detector, a threshold current value setting unit, and a motor current controller. The temperature acquisition unit acquires a temperature of the control device. The current detector detects a motor current, which is current that flows through the electric motor. The threshold current value setting unit sets a threshold current value in accordance with the temperature of the control device acquired by the temperature acquisition unit. The motor current controller controls the motor current based on a detection result of the current detector so that the motor current becomes less than or equal to the threshold current value.

Abstract: A method of establishing current limits for each of a plurality of device couplers mounted on a trunk of an electrical circuit at distributed physical positions, in which each of said device couplers is capable of servicing one or more spurs connected thereto, and in which said trunk has a total trunk current and a known resistive component, comprising the steps of: a) establishing physical characteristics of the electrical circuit including i) an order in which said device couplers are mounted on said trunk along its length; ii) a load current each device coupler requires to service the one or more spurs connected thereto; and, iii) a voltage drop of each of said sections of trunk caused by the resistive component thereof, which is proportional to a physical length thereof and the combined load currents of each device coupler serviced by that section of trunk; b) calculating a current limit for each device coupler, which current limit is greater than said load current, according to a predetermined tolerance

Abstract: A power converter includes: a circuit board having an insulating substrate and a plurality of wirings in the insulating substrate; and first and second switching elements on a first surface of the circuit board that are connected in series. The first switching element has first and second electrodes. The second switching element has a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The circuit board has a first wiring connected to the first electrode, a second wiring connected to the second and third electrodes, a third wiring connected to the fourth electrode, a fourth wiring as an output wiring connected to the third electrode, and a fifth wiring connected to the third wiring. The first, second, third and fourth wirings are arranged in order on the first surface, and the fifth wiring on a second surface opposite to the first surface is opposed to the first, second, and third wirings.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit includes a current sensing module that is configured to sense an output current of a power transistor and to generate a corresponding sensing current which is proportional to the output current. A first current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a first limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a first current level. A second current limiting module coupled to the current sensing module is configured to generate a second limiting current based on the sensing current when a variation of the output current of the power transistor exceeds a second current level. A converting module coupled to the first and second current limiting modules and the power transistor controls a gate voltage of the power transistor based at least on the first and second limiting currents.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of making are disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a power field effect transistor (FET), and integrated sensors including a current sensor, a high current fault sensor, and a temperature sensor. The structure of the power FET includes a drain contact region of a first conductivity type disposed in the substrate, a drain drift region of the first conductivity type disposed over the drain contact region, doped polysilicon trenches disposed in the drain drift region, a body region of a second conductivity type, opposite from the first conductivity type, disposed between the doped polysilicon trenches, a source region disposed on a lateral side of the doped polysilicon trenches and in contact with the body region, and a source contact trench that makes contact with the source region and with the doped polysilicon trenches.

Abstract: The invention regards a method for estimating the temperature of a semiconductor chip accommodated in a power semiconductor device in operation, such as an IGBT power module, the method comprising the steps of; while the power semiconductor device is in operation determining a voltage drop over the power semiconductor device for a value of applied load current and; estimating the temperature of the semiconductor chip by evaluating the relationship between the determined voltage drop and the value of applied load current on the basis of a semiconductor chip temperature model. The invention also regards the corresponding apparatus for estimating the temperature of a semiconductor chip, as well as a wind turbine comprising such an apparatus.

Abstract: In a fault detection protecting circuit, an overheat detection unit is provided for each of communication channels on an IC chip, and detects the temperature in each communication channel as the detected temperature. A chip temperature detection unit detects the temperature at an arbitrary position on the IC chip as a reference temperature. A detection unit sets a predetermined ratio value regarding the difference between an overheat protective temperature and a reference temperature based on the detected temperature in each communication channel and the reference temperature, and identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold value. A stop-control unit stops the output from one of the communication channels when the detection unit identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection and when it is identified that the communication channel is in an overcurrent state.

Abstract: A flyback power converter includes a transformer which has a primary winding, a secondary winding, and an auxiliary winding; a power switch controlling the conduction of the primary winding; and a control circuit generating a control signal to control the power switch, wherein the control circuit is an integrated circuit having a current sensing pin for obtaining a current sensing signal of a current through the power switch. The flyback power converter further includes a temperature-sensitive resistor or a mode detection resistor coupled between the auxiliary winding and the current sensing pin. The temperature-sensitive resistor provides a temperature-related signal for the control circuit to perform an over-temperature protection, or the temperature-sensitive resistor provides a mode detection signal for the control circuit to determine an operation mode of the flyback power converter.

Abstract: Provided is an LED light which may include a base plate, an LED module disposed under the base plate, a plurality of heat pipes provided over the base plate, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins provided over the base plate. The plurality of heat pipes may include a first portion thermally coupled to the base plate and a second portion that extends from the first portion. The plurality of heat dissipation fins may be spaced apart from each other and thermally coupled to the second portion of the heat pipes to dissipate heat from the LED module. The LED light may include an upper bracket provided over the plurality of heat dissipation fins and fastened to a hanger, and a plurality of studs that connect the base plate to the upper bracket.

Abstract: An assembled battery includes a plurality of secondary battery cell series modules each having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series, wherein in each secondary battery cell series module, the secondary battery cells are connected in series by a first connection member, the secondary battery cell constituting the secondary battery cell series module and the secondary battery cell constituting the secondary battery cell series module adjacent to the above secondary battery cell series module are connected in parallel by a second connection member, the electrical resistance value of the second connection member is higher than the electrical resistance value of the first connection member, and the melting point of a material constituting the second connection member is lower than the melting point of a material constituting the first connection member.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for detangling and positioning of automatic fender positioning systems, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, where upon while retracting the fender, the motor is configured to detect changes in current, and is configured to shut down if an overcurrent state is detected, the overcurrent state detection being based at least in part on a configured current limit.

Abstract: An electronic switch is connected in series with a load dependent on an input signal. The electronic switch is operated in a first operation mode for a first time period after a signal level of the input signal has changed from an off-level to an on-level. The first operation mode includes driving the electronic switch dependent on a voltage across the load and dependent on a temperature of the electronic switch. The electronic switch is operated in a second operation mode after the first time period. The second operation mode includes driving the electronic switch dependent on the temperature according to a hysteresis curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact for a varistor (VAR), comprising a first feed element (ZL1) which is suitable for connecting to a supply network, and a plurality of electrical connection points (V1, V2 . . . VN) which are at a distance from one another and are suitable for making multiple connections to a pole of said varistor (VAR). The plurality of electrical connection points (V1, V2, . . . VN) and the first feed element (ZL1) are electrically interconnected, and the plurality of electrical connection points (V1, V2, . . . VN) are each designed with fuse elements (F1, F2, . . . FN) such that local shorting of one part of the varistor (VAR) can be achieved by disconnecting the local electrical connection point (n) (V1, V2, . . . VN) in question.

Abstract: A circuit protection device including a housing, a metal oxide varistor disposed within said housing, a terminal having a contact lead at a first end electrically attached to said metal oxide varistor by solder and having a second end extending outside of said housing, an arc shield disposed within said housing between said contact lead and said metal oxide varistor, a micro switch housed in a pocket portion of the housing, said micro switch having a trigger portion and an indicator portion disposed at least partially outside of said housing, said arc shield positioned against said trigger portion, and a spring configured to bias said arc shield away from said pocket portion and to move said arc shield away from said trigger portion when said solder is melted to provide a barrier between said metal oxide varistor and said contact lead, whereby the indicator portion is retracted into the housing.

Abstract: A battery module including a unit cell assembly including two or more battery cells or unit modules; a left case coupled to a left side of the assembly, the left case provided at a left outer side thereof with a first fastening groove extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the battery module such that a sensing assembly is fastened into the first groove, the left case being provided at opposite ends thereof with second fastening grooves formed parallel to a height direction of the battery; and a right case coupled to a right side of the assembly, an external input and output terminal oriented to a front of the battery, the right case provided at a right inner side thereof with a plurality of fixing grooves formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the assembly such that the assembly is fastened and fixed into the fixing grooves is provided.

Abstract: A device for digitally protecting against an overvoltage event may include a front-end circuit, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a protection switch. The protection switch may be coupled to the overvoltage protection circuit and may be configured to decouple the front-end circuit from an external medium, in response to a clamp signal. The overvoltage protection circuit may be configured to detect the overvoltage event at one or more nodes of a circuit. In response to the detection of the overvoltage event, the overvoltage protection circuit may generate the clamp signal to activate the protection switch.

Abstract: A temperature detecting apparatus includes a temperature detecting circuit configured to output a first pulse signal according to a temperature detected by a temperature sensor, and an insulating transformer configured to transmit the first pulse signal to an integrated circuit which is operated by an operation voltage different from that of the temperature detecting circuit. The insulating transformer is installed between the temperature detecting circuit and the integrated circuit. The temperature detecting circuit and the insulating transformer are mounted on a common substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect and control plasma fires are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring an optical fiber using a sensor, the optical fiber being positioned proximate a conductor through which electricity is to flow, the optical fiber not being coupled to a signal generator or a light source; identifying a change in the optical fiber, the change associated with a change in the optical fiber or a casing surrounding the optical fiber due to a plasma fire; and controlling the flow of electricity through the conductor based on identifying the change.

Abstract: An irregularity detection device for a power switch determines if a temperature-dependent resistance on a current path of the power switch is abnormal according to if a voltage on the current path is greater than or equal to a configuration value when the power switch is turned on, and generates an irregularity alarm associated with the power switch based on the determination result.

Abstract: An electrical adaptor comprising a housing. A male electrical plug comprises a prong extending from the housing and is configured as a standard 120-volt male plug. The prong comprises a distal tip, and the distal tip forms an end to the male electrical plug. A female socket is electrically connected to the male electrical plug and comprises an electrical contact positioned in the housing. The female socket is configured to receive a standard 120-volt male plug. The electrical contact comprises a distal tip, and the distal tip forms an end to the female socket. At least one thermal indicator circuit is electrically connected to the male electrical plug and the female socket and is electrically positioned between an end of the male plug and an end of the female socket. The thermal indicator circuit is configured to actuate an alarm upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature without interrupting electrical flow between the male electrical plug and the female socket.

Abstract: A system can include a processing core to execute machine readable instructions. The system can also include a memory accessible by the processor core. The memory can include preprogrammed test data that characterizes one of an impedance of a processor and a current output to the processor during execution of a test routine. The processor can include the processing core and the one of the impedance of the processor and the current output to the processor is based on a power measurement taken during execution of a test routine. The power measurement can be taken with a current sensor that is at least one of lossy or at least about 98% accurate.

Abstract: A circuit having a power transistor and drive circuit is disclosed. One embodiment provides a drive terminal and a load path. The power transistor is integrated in a first semiconductor body. A first sensor arrangement having a sensor transistor is integrated in the first semiconductor body. The sensor arrangement provides a first sensor signal dependent on a threshold voltage of the sensor transistor. A drive circuit to which the first sensor signal is supplied and designed to drive the power transistor via its drive terminal as a function of the first sensor signal.

Abstract: A reactor that includes a coil with a pair of coil elements connected to each other, a magnetic core with a pair of interior core portions disposed inside the coil elements and an exterior core portion which connects the interior core portions to form a closed magnetic path, and an insulator interposed between the coil and the magnetic core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power semiconductor chip (10) having at least one upper-sided potential surface and contacting thick wires (50) or strips, comprising a connecting layer (I) on the potential surfaces, and at least one metal molded body (24, 25) on the connecting layer(s), the lower flat side thereof facing the potential surface being provided with a coating to be applied to the connecting layer (I) according to a connection method, and the material composition thereof and the thickness of the related thick wires (50) or strips arranged on the upper side of the molded body used according to the method for contacting are selected corresponding to the magnitude.

Abstract: A power cord having a circuit interrupter such as a leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) or arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), with a detection signal conductor wire in addition to the current carrying wires between the source and the load, and a temperature controlled switch coupled to the detection signal conductor wire on the load side. The temperature controlled switch is affixed to a device under measurement which is associated with the load, and changes its open or closed state when the device overheats. This in turn changes the state of the current flowing in the detection signal conductor wire. In response thereto, the circuit interrupter, which is coupled to the detection signal conductor wire on the source end, interrupts the power supply to the load.

Abstract: In one embodiment of lighting devices and lighting systems, the lighting device has a connection for connecting to a primary power supply and has a secondary power supply, such as a battery. A measuring circuit is operable to measure an impedance of the primary power supply connection and to determine from the measurement if a main power supply has failed, and if so whether to power light sources using power from the secondary power supply.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery according includes a plurality of electrode assemblies including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, a case housing the plurality of electrode assemblies, a cap assembly coupled to the case, and a first safety member including a first conductive plate between the first electrode assembly and the case, a second conductive plate between the second electrode assembly and the case, and a safety fuse between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate and coupling the first and second conductive plates together.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention determines an overheat state by comparing a forward voltage drop of a temperature sensing diode with a reference voltage, and in addition includes a series regulator circuit composed of an amplifier and resistors, that receives the forward voltage drop of a temperature sensing diode and delivers an output voltage as temperature information to an external output terminal for temperature detection of the semiconductor device. Such a device can continuously detect the temperature of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A sensing system comprising a sensor for generating an analog electrical signal indicative of a sensed physical property and an A/D converter for converting the analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal. A control circuit connected to the A/D converter is configured to receive the digital electrical signal and to perform a plurality of sensing system operations including determining a measurement value of the physical property as a function of said received digital electrical signal. A slew rate detection circuit connected to the sensor is configured to detect when the analog electrical signal indicates a slew rate that exceeds a threshold value, and to generate an interrupt electrical signal when the slew rate is detected as exceeding the threshold value. The control circuit determines a measurement value of the physical property in response to receiving the interrupt signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with a matched transistor pair with a matching resistance heater coupled to each transistor of the matched transistor pair. A method for forming a matching resistance heater. A method for operating an SOI integrated circuit containing a matched transistor pair with a matching resistance heater coupled to each transistor of the matched transistor pair.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for current monitoring are provided herein. An exemplary method may include: receiving a temperature of a power MOSFET, the temperature being sensed by a temperature sensor; determining a resistance of the power MOSFET using the received temperature; receiving a voltage across the power MOSFET, the voltage being measured by a differential amplifier; calculating a current provided to an electrical load by the power MOSFET using the determined resistance of the power MOSFET and the received voltage; comparing the calculated current to a predetermined threshold; and switching the power MOSFET to an off state in response to the calculated current exceeding the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A failure detector circuit for detecting status of a protected circuit, the failure detector circuit having an operating cycle, has an enabling signal generator, a comparator circuit, a delay circuit. The enabling signal generator enables the comparator for an enable time in each operating cycle. The comparator circuit compares an output of the protected circuit with a reference signal. The delay circuit receives an output signal of the comparator to decide whether a failure occurred within a give delay time.

Abstract: A device for preventing arc flashes in electrical systems is provided. The device may include at least one heat sensor for measuring a temperature of an electrical conductor, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one heat sensor and configured to arrest current in the electrical conductor if the measured temperature exceeds a predefined threshold temperature.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe voltage clamping device includes a regulated rail, a ground rail, and a shunt regulator assembly. The shunt regulator assembly is coupled to both the regulated rail and the ground rail and includes one or more regulating components. The shunt regulator assembly is configured to clamp a voltage applied across the regulated rail and the ground rail to a safety clamp voltage value. The intrinsically safe voltage clamping device also includes a power-sensing component configured to cause one or more limiting components to reduce a power dissipated in the respective regulating components without raising the clamp voltage.

Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a fuse element placed in parallel with a PTC thermistor layer. The element and PTC thermistor layer are provided on one or more insulating substrate, such as an FR-4 or polyimide substrate. First and second conductors connect the fuse element and PTC thermistor layer electrically in parallel, such that current (i) initially under normal flows mainly through the fuse element and PTC thermistor layer at a lower drop in voltage and (ii) after an opening of the fuse element flows under normal operation through the PTC thermistor layer at a higher drop in voltage.

Abstract: Three power supply devices 31 are connected in series via a transmission and receiving coupler 32 to the feeder 12, a short-circuit switch 38 that short-circuits both ends of each transmission coupler 32B is provided, a circuit including three receiving couplers 32A and the feeder 12 is set to a series resonant circuit at a predetermined frequency f, impedance of a circuit including each transmission coupler 32B, and a line connecting the power supply device 31 and the transmission coupler 32B is set to capacitive reactance at the predetermined frequency f, and an voltage to be output to the circuit including the line is controlled while a current flowing through the feeder 12 is being fed back to output a constant current of the predetermined frequency f to the feeder.

Abstract: Thermal sensors are disposed with OLEDs across a display of an electronic device to measure temperatures across the display surface. Thermal sensors may be used to create a temperature map across the display surface due to both the ambient environment and the internal environment of the electronic device. The thermal sensors may be disposed in the OLED layer, on a separate layer, or both. Thermal sensors may be disposed in a substantially 1:1 ratio with OLEDs or with zones of OLEDs. Both the temperature history and usage history for OLEDs may be recorded and processed to determine the age of each OLED. Controllers may adjust the driving strength of OLEDs or adjust the operation of components within the electronic device to compensate for aging or temperature based on the temperature map and age determination. Controllers may move static images from one part of the display to another less-aged part.

Abstract: A motor control device of controlling a motor unit that drives a wheel is provided. The device include a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of a motor coil, and a motor current limiter. The motor current limiter sets a plurality of threshold values of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, sets a current limiting condition that are different from each other for respective sectioned temperature ranges defined by the threshold values, and limits a current for the motor unit according to the current limiting condition for the temperature ranges to which the temperature having been sensed belongs.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes an electronic switch with a control terminal and a load path between a first and a second load terminal, and a drive circuit with an output terminal coupled to the control terminal of the electronic switch. The drive circuit includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal, a first drive unit coupled between the first input terminal and the output terminal and including a charge pump and drive unit, and a second drive unit coupled between the second input terminal and the output terminal and including a further electronic switch coupled between the output terminal and a terminal for a reference potential.

Abstract: A thermal protection device includes a heating circuit that develops a first heat magnitude when exposed to a temperature below a threshold and further develops a second heat magnitude greater than the first heat magnitude when exposed to a temperature above the threshold. A thermal circuit breaker is disposed in heat communication with the heating circuit and has component having a holding temperature greater than the threshold and a trip temperature greater than the holding temperature.

Abstract: A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component includes one or more transient voltage suppression structures. In an embodiment, the semiconductor component may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, an ESD protection circuit, or combinations of these circuits.

Abstract: The power supply controller performs the power-supply-path protection operation to restrict power supply through the switch element if a value of temperature increase of the power supply path W with respect to the reference temperature To exceeds the temperature threshold value and remove the restriction if the temperature decreases to the temperature threshold value or lower. And the controller performs the switch protection operation to restrict the power supply through the switch element if the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value and remove the restriction after the reference time H elapses. And also the controller adds the additional value F to the value of temperature increase on condition that the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value in the power supply protection operation and compares a post-addition temperature to the temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A power supply can provide brown-out protection and overheat protection. The power supply includes a rectifier, a transformer, and a power management device. The rectifier is used for receiving an alternating current voltage. The alternating current voltage has a voltage cycle. The transformer coupled to the rectifier has an inductor coupled to a switch for supplying an output voltage. The power management device is used for controlling the switch to make the inductor save power or release power. The power management device has a multi-functional pin coupled to the rectifier for receiving a detection voltage corresponding to a positive half cycle of the alternating current voltage. The multi-functional pin is also coupled to a thermistor for receiving an overheat protection signal.

Abstract: A protective device includes a substrate, an electrode layer, a metal structure, an outer cover and an arc extinguishing structure. The electrode layer is disposed on the substrate. The electrode layer includes at least one gap. The metal structure is disposed on the electrode layer and located above the gap, and the metal structure has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the electrode layer. The outer cover is disposed on the substrate and covers the metal structure and a portion of the electrode layer. The arc extinguishing structure is disposed between the outer cover and the substrate. A protective module is further provided.

Abstract: An electric-wire protection device that protects an electric wire by cutting off power to the wire when its temperature is elevated above a predetermined value is presented.