Abstract: A semiconductor element drive device which individually drives semiconductor elements configuring a power converter includes plural protection circuits which detect information necessary for carrying out a protection operation for the semiconductor elements, an alarm signal output circuit which, having set therein pulse signals with pulse widths differing from one of the plural protection circuits to another, continuously outputs a pulse signal corresponding to a protection circuit, among the plural protection circuits, which has first detected that a protection operation is necessary, as an alarm signal during a period in which it is detected that the protection operation is necessary, and a notification signal output circuit which, when the alarm signal is output from the alarm signal output circuit, outputs one pulse thereof equivalent to the set pulse width as a protection operation notification signal.

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: 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: With a wire protection method in accordance with the present invention, the method being used for supplying electric power from a power source to a load, an applied-current to the load is detected every predetermined time, A wire rise temperature is calculated using the detected applied-current I(n) and by a relational expression concerning heat radiation and heat generation of the wire. The calculated rise in temperature is added to a reference temperature so that a wire temperature is estimated. When the estimated wire temperature is lower than a predetermined upper limit temperature, the calculation of the rise in temperature is repeated. When the estimated wire temperature has become equal to or higher than the predetermined upper limit temperature, the electric power supply from the power source to the load is stopped so that the wire is protected.

Abstract: A method provides electronic overload protection having a thermal trip level. The method executes a function by a processor; provides the electronic overload protection by the function executed by the processor; and adjusts the thermal trip level by the function executed by the processor in order to mimic adjusting a physical thermal characteristic of a thermal time constant of a fixed mechanical system.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device for thermal monitoring of a connection device, said connection device comprising at least two terminals to be monitored, including at least one active terminal, the device comprising at least one electrically conductive fault-initiating element electrically connected to a protective conductor, and electrically insulating detection means for detecting abnormal heating, in thermal contact with each terminal to be monitored, the detection means preventing each fault-initiating element from coming into electrical contact with an active terminal so long as these detection means are not subject to a threshold temperature, and the detection means releasing the fault-initiating element when they are subject to a temperature higher than or equal to the threshold temperature in such a way that this fault-initiating element comes into electrical contact with an active terminal, the thermal monitoring device being characterized in that each fault-initiating element comprise

Abstract: A thermal protection circuit has two electrical connection terminals for a device to be protected, and a temperature-dependent switch. The switch is provided with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, two stationary contacts which are connected to the connection terminals, and a current transfer element, which is arranged on the switching mechanism. The current transfer element is moved by the switching mechanism and comprises two counter contacts, which are electrically connected to one another and in temperature-dependent bearing contact with the two stationary contacts. The thermal protection circuit is provided with a controllable semiconductor valve for AC voltage having two current terminals and a control input. Each of the two current terminals is connected to one of the connection terminals, and the control input is electrically connected to the counter contacts at the current transfer element via the switching mechanism at least when the temperature-dependent switch is closed.

Abstract: An electronic component has an integrated protective device which responds in the event of a thermal overload and interrupts a current flow through the component. The protective device has an electrical terminal which may be brought under spring pretension by intrinsic resilience and assumes a mounting position in the pretensioned state and a current interrupting position in the untensioned state.

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: A method according to one embodiment may include discovering, by software, at least one variable from at least one component populated on a shelf system. The method may also include performing, by the software, at least one shelf management function based on at least one variable. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester which, in a housing (7), has at least one arrester element (3), in particular a varistor, a solder-fixed thermal disconnection point (5), which is connected to the arrester element, and a damage indicating device (11) for displaying the fault state, wherein the damage indicating device also queries the state of a thermal disconnection device, in particular a fuse, and presents the possible fault states of the arrester element and of the disconnection device mechanically in an OR combination in a suitable way. Furthermore the thermal disconnection device comprises a movable component, which is fixed by an indicator wire and is released after the melting or destruction of said wire. According to the invention, a guide part (9) for a compression spring (10) or similar force accumulator is provided on or in the housing.

Abstract: A thermal protection method and system of an Integrated Circuit (IC) are provided, which are applicable to a wireless terminal equipment. The method includes: measuring a temperature value of a protection point; comparing the measured temperature value with a thermal protection temperature threshold; and starting a protection measure when the measured temperature value reaches or exceeds the thermal protection temperature threshold and a duration of reaching or exceeding the thermal protection temperature threshold exceeds a preset time.

Abstract: An over-current protection device is disposed on a circuit board and configured to protect a battery. The over-current protection device includes a resistive device, at least one insulation layer and a weld electrode layer. The resistive device exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior. The insulation layer has a thickness of at least 0.03 mm. The weld electrode layer is configured to weld a strip interconnect member to electrically coupled to the battery, and has a thickness of at least 0.03 mm. The insulation layer and the resistive device are disposed between the weld electrode layer and the circuit board. The circuit board, the resistive device and the weld electrode layer are electrically coupled in series. The association of the resistive device and the weld electrode layer has a thermal mass capable of withstanding welding the strip interconnect member without significant damage to the over-current protection device.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine interface system including a first circuit board, a bracket coupled to the first circuit board, a fan coupled to the bracket and disposed over the first circuit board, a second circuit board coupled to the bracket, a first cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board; and a second cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board.

Abstract: A protective device including a substrate, a conductive section and a first auxiliary medium is provided. The conductive section is supported by the substrate, wherein the conductive section comprises a metal element electrically connected between first and second electrodes. The metal element serves as a sacrificial structure having a melting point lower than that of the first and second electrodes. The first auxiliary medium is disposed between the metal element and the substrate, wherein the first auxiliary medium has a melting point lower than that of the metal element. The first auxiliary medium facilitates breaking of the metal element upon melting.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture includes a thermally protected light emitting diode (“LED”) module. The thermally protected LED module includes a thermal protector positioned in series between a source of electrical power and an LED driver and is configured to open a circuit to prevent power from being supplied by the power source to the LED driver for an LED package when a thermal rating or activation temperature of the thermal protector is exceeded. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the LED driver may be 90 degrees Celsius, and the thermal rating of the thermal protector may be 80 degrees Celsius, and when the temperature of the driver or a mounting bracket upon which the driver is mounted reaches 80 degrees Celsius, the thermal protector opens a circuit and removes current flow from the power source to the driver, thereby removing power to the LED package.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module (10) with a plurality of solar cells (20) interconnected in serial and/or parallel arrangement within the module (10) is equipped with an overheat protection system (30) for suppressing damages of the photovoltaic module (10) due to defects of the solar cells (20). The overheat protection system (30) comprises a heat sensor (32) which is thermally coupled to a solar cell (20). The heat sensor (32) is physically integrated into an electrical switch (34, 36, 38) which is electrically connected to said solar cell (20).

Abstract: An embodiment method for power switch temperature control comprises monitoring a power transistor for a delta-temperature fault, and monitoring the power transistor for an over-temperature fault. If a delta-temperature fault is detected, then the power transistor is commanded to turn off. If an over-temperature fault is detected, then the power transistor is commanded to turn off, and delta-temperature hysteresis cycling is disabled.

Abstract: A current limiter and related methods to protect a switched-mode power supply from inrush current. The current limiter may include a resistive element electrically interconnected in series to a thermal element. The resistive element and the thermal element may be disposed about a single, unitary core. The resistive element may be in the form of a wire wound resistor wound about the core. The thermal element may be in the form of plated portion of the core. The thermal element may act as a thermal fuse to prevent overheating and unsafe failure of the resistive element in cases where excessive current passes through the resistive element. The thermal element may be configured to trip in a safe manner without sparking or creating exposed energized conductors. Thus the current limiter may be operable to limit inrush current while providing for safe failure modes.

Abstract: Faulty battery detecting and locating devices and methods are able to detect and locate a faulty battery cell. The device applies an energy to a sensing member, such as a polymeric tube containing at least two polymer-coated and twisted electric wires. Heat that is generated by a faulty battery triggers an electric communication between the two electric wires by melting at least a portion of the polymer. The resulting change in resistance between the two electric wires is used to detect and locate a faulty battery.

Abstract: A triac circuit comprises a triac having first and second main terminals (MT1,MT2) and a gate terminal and a thyristor connected between one of the main terminals (MT1,MT2) and a control terminal of the triac circuit. The thyristor is used to prevent turn on of the triac when it has turned on by temperature induced leakage currents.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting an overheating condition at an electrical power device and automatically breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds a setpoint value. In various configurations the device is a receptacle adapted to be used in a wall mounted box or a receptacle unit that is plugged into an existing receptacle. A temperature sensor is wired parallel to a normally open test switch on a ground fault circuit interrupter or other circuit interrupting device. The temperature switch is responsive to the temperature local to the receptacle, such as is caused by poor connections to or in the receptacle or a near-overload condition. The temperature setpoint is less than the melting temperature of the insulation of the electrical wiring. The temperature sensor is a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient that allows current to flow thereby latching the interrupting device in a tripped position until the device is reset for reuse.

Abstract: A three-phase electric motor of a compressor receives first, second, and third phases from a three-phase power supply. A method for protecting the motor includes, using a line break protector, disconnecting the motor from only the first phase in response to a temperature being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The method also includes measuring a first current flowing through the line break protector, and determining a current value based on the first current independent of current in the second and third phases. The method further includes disconnecting the motor from the first, second, and third phases in response to the current value being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An electronic load for testing stability of a power voltage of a power source under test (PSUT) includes a voltage supply device, a field effect transistor (FET), an amplification circuit, and a current sampling resistor. The amplification circuit includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The voltage supply device is connected to the first input. The second input is connected to a source electrode of the FET. The output is connected to a gate electrode of the FET. A drain electrode of the FET is connected to the PSUT. One end of the current sampling resistor is grounded, and the other end of the current sampling resistor is connected to the source electrode of the FET and the second input. The voltage supply device outputs a control voltage. The amplification circuit amplifies the control voltage and drives the FET using the amplified control voltage.

Abstract: A rotary breaker that interrupts a transmission of a driving force from a motor to a drive mechanism unit is provided between the motor having a permanent magnet incorporated therein and the drive mechanism unit of an electric vehicle. A second controller controls the rotary breaker based on operation states of a power converting unit that has a power converter that drives the motor by converting a direct-current voltage or an alternate-current voltage into an alternate-current voltage with an arbitrary frequency and a first controller that controls the power converter, operation states of the motor and the rotary breaker, and an operation state of the second controller itself.

Abstract: A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device, a Protective Circuit Module (PCM) including the PTC device, and a secondary battery including the Protective Circuit Module (PCM) are provided. A support portion is formed at one end of a conductive plate of the PTC device, a conductive layer disposed on the upper portion of the PTC main body is fixed to the Protective Circuit Module (PCM), and the support portion is fixed by a coated adhesive that is melted at a high temperature and then hardens when the high temperature is removed, thereby preventing the PTC device from swaying or twisting.

Abstract: There is provided a protection apparatus for a load circuit, capable of protecting the load circuit by simulating a fuse. A pseudo heat capacity Cth* smaller than a heat capacity of an electric wire used in the load circuit is set, and a temperature of the electric wire is calculated with reference to an arithmetic expression of heat generation amount of the electric wire, an arithmetic expression of heat radiation amount of the electric wire, a time counted by the count unit, and the pseudo heat capacity Cth*. Then, a semiconductor relay S1 is interrupted when the calculated temperature of the electric wire reaches an allowable temperature of the electric wire to protect the load circuit from heat generation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a resistor formed of a lightly-doped P-type region formed in a portion of a lightly-doped N-type semiconductor well extending on a lightly-doped P-type semiconductor substrate, the well being laterally delimited by a P-type wall extending down to the substrate, the portion of the well being delimited, vertically, by a heavily-doped N-type area at the limit between the well and the substrate and, horizontally, by a heavily-doped N-type wall. A diode may be placed between a terminal of the resistor and the heavily-doped N-type wall, the cathode of the diode being connected to said terminal.

Abstract: A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows, through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.

Abstract: System and method for protecting a power converter. The system includes a duty-cycle detection component configured to receive a modulation signal, determine a first duty cycle corresponding to a first period of the modulation signal, compare the first duty cycle with a threshold duty cycle, and generate a duty-cycle comparison signal. Additionally, the system includes a threshold generator configured to receive the duty-cycle comparison signal and generate a threshold signal corresponding to a second period of the modulation signal, the second period being after the first period, and a comparator configured to receive the threshold signal and a first signal and to generate a first comparison signal. The first signal is associated with an input current for a power converter. Moreover, the system includes a pulse-width-modulation component configured to receive the first comparison signal and generate the modulation signal for adjusting the input current for the power converter.

Abstract: Enhanced safety for an electrical appliance is provided by a circuit arrangement which removes power from a portion of the appliance, which if activated, could result in potentially dangerous conditions, while maintaining energization of other portions of the circuit which if de-activated could also result in potentially dangerous conditions. The circuit arrangement includes elements for detecting various types of dangerous or incipient dangerous conditions.

Abstract: An electrical installation with circuit integrity of an electric through line under fire impact. Branch off devices are connected to the through line, and branch lines are connected to the branch off devices. The branch off devices include a thermally triggering disconnect device for providing circuit integrity of the through line under fire impact. The disconnect device is configured to disconnect an electrical connection between the branch line and the through line self-acting when an ambient temperature increases to a predetermined value that is typical for a fire. An installation kit and a branch off device for such an electrical installation.

Abstract: A device for protecting against overvoltages that includes at least one overvoltage protection component (11); a thermosensitive member (17) capable of deforming, dependent upon the temperature thereof; a thermal connection between the at least one protection member and the thermosensitive member; and at least one mechanical member (15) for cooperating with the thermosensitive member and capable of cooperating with a system for triggering an electrical cut-off device (2). The thermosensitive member (17) and the at least one mechanical member (15) are arranged such that, when the thermosensitive member exceeds a given temperature threshold, the thermosensitive member, by reason of the deformation thereof, causes a movement of said at least one mechanical member (15) which correspondingly actuates the system for triggering the electrical cut-off device.

Abstract: A power supply controller includes a switch circuit to be provided between the power source and power supply path, the switch circuit switches the power supply from the power source to the load between on and off, and a power-supply-path protection circuit. The power-supply-path protection circuit controls switching operation of the switch circuit according to a power-supply command signal that commands to start or terminate the power supply to the load, to calculate a temperature of the power-supply path, and if the calculated temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit, to inhibit the switch circuit from the power supply, thereby protecting the power-supply path. In a case where the power supply by the switch circuit is inhibited, if the temperature of the power supply path decreases to a predetermined threshold temperature, the power-supply-path protection circuit removes inhibition of the power supply by the switch circuit.

Abstract: A network communication device for generating dying gasp signals includes a voltage detection circuit, a charging and discharging circuit, a power supply circuit, a central processing unit (CPU), a load circuit, an over-heating detection circuit, and an over-heating protection circuit. The CPU includes a dying gasp detection pin connected to the voltage detection circuit to retrieve a detected voltage of an external power supply, and determines whether the external power supply is off according to the detected voltage, and generates dying gasp signals upon the condition that the external power supply is off. The over-heating protection circuit changes voltage of the dying gasp detection pin of the CPU to make the CPU to generate the dying gasp signals and to turn off the load circuit and the power supply circuit upon the condition that the over-heating detection circuit determines that the network communication device overheats.

Abstract: A rotation direction control method of a cooling fan is disclosed. The rotation direction control method includes a detection step, a determination step and a driving step. The detection step receives a temperature control signal from a temperature detection unit by a rotation direction control unit when a predetermined dust-expelling time period begins. The determination step determines whether a detected temperature is higher than a predetermined value based on the temperature control signal by the rotation direction control unit. The driving step controls the rotation direction control unit to keep outputting a cooling signal so as to drive a motor of the cooling fan for a cooling operation when the determination of the determination step is positive.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a thermal overload protection device (22) for protecting an electric component (10), in particular an electronic component, wherein the overload protection device (22) has a short-circuit unit (24) for short-circuiting connections (12, 14) of the component (10), and an actuating member (26) actuating the short-circuit unit (24) in a temperature sensitive manner. According to the invention it is provided that the short-circuit unit (24) is attached to a circuit path support (16) in at least one area (28), and is supported in at least another area (30) on the component (10) disposed on the circuit path support (16) via the actuating unit (26), and/or at least one of the circuit paths (18, 20) contacting one of the connections (12, 14) to be short-circuited. The invention further relates to a respective arrangement (36) having a circuit path support (16), at least one component (10) disposed thereupon, and at least one assigned overload protection device (22).

Abstract: Methods and techniques to implement a digital signal processor for avoidance of audio feedback are disclosed, in particular, audio signal processing systems that reduce the requirement for physical segregation of sound acquisition and diffusion zones. In a more general aspect, the components and techniques described herein provide a for a sound space and sound processing equipment such that sound travelling electronically in a loop through the sound processing equipment that is output into a physical sound diffusion zone, received at the input to the sound processing equipment, and then re-amplified, etc. is attenuated over that loop by frequency modification. The frequency modification is such that, at least for some signals, on each pass through the loop, the sound processing equipment will attenuate or amplify individual sub-bands of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal that is received at the input of the sound processing equipment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement on a common chip or chip support, for safety critical applications, in particular for use in control and regulation units for a motor vehicle braking system, including at least one microprocessor system module, which has at least one core processor, provided with at least one ROM and at least one RAM, at least one power module for controlling external users and at least one monitoring module for monitoring at least parts and/or part systems of the circuit arrangement, the circuit arrangement including at least one temperature sensor for recording a chip temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device having one or more parallel-connected voltage-limiting elements which are located in one physical unit, such as varistors, diodes or means of this type configured in the form of a disc, comprising a shell apparatus in order to electrically disconnect the overvoltage-limiting elements when they are thermally overloaded, and means for indication and/or signalling of the fault state which then occurs, wherein the switching apparatus is connected via a means which can be released thermally, such as adhesive or a solder, to a connecting contact of the at least one overvoltage-limiting element, and/or to an external terminal contact or plug contact. According to the invention, the switching apparatus is in the form of a solid U-shaped switching fork, the fork tines of which run essentially parallel to the side surfaces of the overvoltage-limiting element, holding the latter in the space between the tines.

Abstract: The invention is an excess temperature protection element for photovoltaic installations. The element has a cylindrical housing closed off with two cover plates, encasing therein a plug-and-socket connection that is certified for photovoltaic installations. The plug connector is connected to the interior face of one cover plate and the socket connector to the interior face of the second cover plate, so that the two connectors are in electrical contact with each other when the housing is closed. A pressure element between the two cover plates biases the plates away from the housing. One of the plates is a releasable plate secured to the housing by a hot-melt material. When the temperature of the PV installation rises above a threshold value, the hot-melt material softens, allowing the pressure element to push the releasable cover plate away from the housing, thereby disconnecting the plug-in connection in the housing.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element having at least one overvoltage limiting component in a housing, terminal contacts for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to a path to be protected, an electrically conductive connecting element and with a spring system acting on the connecting element, a first terminal contact being directly connected with the first pole of the overvoltage limiting component, the connecting element being in electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component via a thermally separating connection. With the thermal connection separated, the connecting element moves out of electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component by the force of the spring system an insulating disconnecting element connected to the connecting element is moved between the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component.

Abstract: A power strip includes a plug, a main body, a thermo-sensor output unit, a comparison control unit, and a switch unit. The main body includes a number of electrical sockets. The thermo-senor output unit senses a temperature of the cable. When the sensed temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature, the thermo-sensor output unit outputs a voltage signal to the comparison control unit to make the comparison control unit turn off the switch unit to disconnect the plug from the sockets.

Abstract: The invention discloses a current direction detection module including a conversion unit, a bridge unit and an operation unit. The conversion unit has primary and secondary sides, wherein the secondary side has first and second ends. The bridge unit has first, second, third and fourth rectifying elements and first, second, third and fourth nodes. Each rectifying element has an anode and a cathode. The anode of the first rectifying element is coupled to the fourth rectifying element. The anode of the second rectifying element is coupled to the first rectifying element. The anode of the third rectifying element is coupled to the second rectifying element. The anode of the fourth rectifying element is coupled to the third rectifying element. The first and second nodes are coupled to the first and second ends. The operation unit amplifies two bridge voltages at the third and fourth nodes and outputs an operation voltage.

Abstract: A method is intended to make it possible to drive a PTC electrical load element with a switching unit with the highest possible operational reliability. For this purpose, the electric current is switched off if a predetermined current threshold value is exceeded, the magnitude of the current threshold value being determined from the operating parameters of the load element.

Abstract: An over-current protection device includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a resistive device and a temperature sensing switch. The first conductive member includes a first electrode foil and a second electrode foil those are formed on a same plane. The resistive device is laminated between the first conductive member and the second conductive member and exhibits positive temperature coefficient or negative temperature coefficient behavior. The temperature sensing switch can switch the first electrode foil and the second electrode foil between electrically conductive status and current-restriction status, e.g., open circuit, according to temperature variation. The threshold temperature of the temperature sensing switch is lower than the trip temperature of the resistive device.

Abstract: A current measurement apparatus includes a shunt resistor (1) located between two terminal members (5, 6), each connected electrically to a respective end (4, 3) of the shunt resistor, and each extending over substantially the whole of an adjacent side face of the shunt resistor. Electrically insulating, thermally conductive material (8, 9) is provided between each side face of the shunt resistor (1) and the terminal members (5, 6), and serves to provide a thermal path for heat exchange between the shunt resistor and the terminals. The shunt resistor (1) is engineered to have the desired electrical properties, and the terminal members are connected by mechanical fasteners (13, 14) to ensure the required electrical properties without calibration. Measuring circuitry (15) is incorporated between the shunt resistor (1) and terminal members (5, 6).

Abstract: A high accuracy on-chip thermal sensor includes an integrated circuit and sensing elements. The thermal sensor finds application in various mobile and battery powered devices and includes a processor that analyzes a measured temperature signal and decides if the thermal sensor operates in low or high power operational mode, or if the device's CPU is to be reset. A method utilizing the thermal sensor includes making comparisons to two threshold temperatures and operating at low power mode below the first threshold temperature, high power mode between the two threshold temperatures and causing reset if the second threshold temperature is exceeded. Low power operational mode includes a lower clock frequency, lower bias current and lower power consumption. Higher power operational mode is used when the upper threshold temperature is being approached and includes a higher data sampling frequency and more accurate temperature control and uses higher power.

Abstract: A power safety system (PSS) includes a plurality of thermally-triggered electrical breaking arrangements (TTEBAs). The plurality of TTEBAs are associated with a plurality of electrical devices (EDs) disposed external to the PSS. The PSS further includes a plurality of electrical power connections (EPCs) associated with said plurality of TTEBAs that are configured to respectively electrically connect the PSS to the plurality of EDs. When at least one TTEBA in the plurality of TTEBAs is electrically operative and at least one thermal event occurs that is sufficient to thermally activate the at least one electrically operative TTEBA, at least the EPC associated with the at least one thermally activated TTEBA is electrically broken. A method to protect a human operator of the PSS from a thermal event is also presented. A PSS also extends to a primary and a secondary electrical charging system used to charge a battery of a vehicle.