Abstract: Devices and system for interfacing a power line communications (PLC)-enabled communication device in a building using three-phase power and two separate electric power meters are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system can include a specially-configured coupler that enables PLC communications signals to pass to all power lines but without interfering with the operation of the electric power meters.

Abstract: Connection apparatuses are provided, in which at least one isolation transformer comprises a primary coil and a secondary coil each comprising a first end, a second end and a tap, and a high voltage impulse protector is disposed between the primary coil of the isolation transformer and a ground terminal, discharging an overcurrent caused by a high voltage impulse to the ground terminal by point discharge when a high voltage impulse event occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing EMI generated by a power conversion device, as well as a power conversion device employing such apparatus or method (and/or devices employing such a power conversion device) are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus includes a hybrid filter for use in reducing EMI. The hybrid filter includes a passive filtering component, and an active filtering component coupled at least indirectly to the passive filtering component. The active filtering component includes a voltage controlled voltage source, and the hybrid filter operates to reduce a level of a common mode current, whereby the EMI generated due to the common mode current is reduced.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement embodiments that use relative groupings of energy pathways that include shielding circuit arrangements that can sustain and condition electrically complementary energy confluences.

Abstract: A powered device includes a first supply terminal, a second supply terminal, and at least one input pin coupled to the first supply terminal. The powered device further includes an external capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first supply terminal, a switch coupled to the second supply terminal and coupled to a second terminal of the external capacitor, and power surge detection logic coupled to the switch. The external capacitor is charged in response to a detected power surge that exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An electronic system comprises a system board and a transient voltage suppression (TVS) device coupled to the system board. The TVS device comprises an intermediate coupler coupled to the system board, and a TVS board coupled to the intermediate coupler and having components adapted to suppress transient voltages. The intermediate coupler provides a path between the system board and the TVS board to conduct transient voltage current to the TVS board.

Abstract: A signal adapter comprising an explosion proof housing, a circuit member disposed on an inside of the explosion proof housing, a signal input connector electrically connected to the circuit member, a signal output connector electrically connected to the circuit member, and a seal disposed on the inside of the explosion proof housing and around the circuit member, creating an explosion proof seal between the signal input connector and the signal output connector.

Abstract: A snubber circuit has a voltage detection circuit which detects that a voltage between first and second terminals exceeds a predetermined voltage, a protection circuit which performs control to prevent an overvoltage between the first and second terminals when the voltage detection circuit detects that the voltage between the first and second terminals exceeds the predetermined voltage, and a voltage control circuit which bypasses a portion of a main current flowing between the first and second terminals to the protection circuit when the voltage detection circuit detects that the voltage between the first and second terminals exceeds the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: Retainers for movable surge arrester disconnectors to prevent relative displacement of the disconnectors with respect to the arrester within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A surge suppressor module includes a power conductor, a ground conductor, and a housing including an opening and a plurality of dovetail groove mechanisms and arcuate ground bus bars for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module. An alternating current surge suppressor circuit is housed by the housing. The circuit receives the power and ground conductors through the opening of the housing. The circuit electrically connects the ground conductor to the plurality of arcuate ground bus bars for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module, in order to provide a common ground connection thereto.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic device formed as an integrated circuit (IC) wherein the electronic device further includes a transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit. The TVS circuit includes a triggering Zener diode connected between an emitter and a collector of a bipolar-junction transistor (BJT) wherein the Zener diode having a reverse breakdown voltage BV less than or equal to a BVceo of the BJT where BVceo stands for a collector to emitter breakdown voltage with base left open. The TVS circuit further includes a rectifier connected in parallel to the BJT for triggering a rectified current through the rectifier for further limiting an increase of a reverse blocking voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interposer substrate for interconnecting between active electronic componentry such as but not limited to a single or multiple integrated circuit chips in either a single or a combination and elements that could comprise of a mounting substrate, substrate module, a printed circuit board, integrated circuit chips or other substrates containing conductive energy pathways that service an energy utilizing load and leading to and from an energy source. The interposer will also possess a multi-layer, universal multi-functional, common conductive shield structure with conductive pathways for energy and EMI conditioning and protection that also comprise a commonly shared and centrally positioned conductive pathway or electrode of the structure that can simultaneously shield and allow smooth energy interaction between grouped and energized conductive pathway electrodes containing a circuit architecture for energy conditioning as it relates to integrated circuit device packaging.

Abstract: A voltage stabilizing and surge preventing vehicle grounding system is essentially constructed of a surge absorber, a surge suppresser, and a multi-tapped closed loop grounding wire. The positive terminal of the surge absorber is connected to a first conductor of the surge suppresser, whereas the negative terminal of the surge absorber is connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle generator. A second conductor of the surge suppresser is connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle generator so as to stabilize the output voltage of the generator and prevent the impulse surge from the generator.

Abstract: A filter circuit has first and second varistors, a resistance, an input terminal, an output terminal, and a ground terminal. The resistance is connected between the first and second varistors. The input terminal is connected to a junction between the first varistor and resistance through a first coil. The output terminal is connected to a junction between the second varistor and resistance through a second coil. The ground terminal is connected to a side of the first varistor opposite from the resistance and a side of the second varistor opposite from the resistance.

Abstract: A shorting stub for connection between an inner conductor and an outer conductor of a coaxial cable. The shorting stub of a tungsten or tungsten alloy, having a connecting portion between an inner conductor connection and an outer conductor connection. The shorting stub may be cost effectively formed using metal injection molding techniques. The connecting portion may be formed by a plurality of loop segments in a range of different configurations. If needed, one or more supports may be applied to support the shorting stub during the metal injection molding.

Abstract: An aircraft device power supply is capable of connecting to either an AC or a DC power bus provided on an aircraft. When connected to an aircraft's AC power bus, an AC power signal is EMI-filtered, stepped down in voltage to the same voltage as that of the DC power bus, and then rectified. When connected to an aircraft's DC power bus, a DC power signal is EMI-filtered before it is merged with the rectified AC power signal via an AC/DC switchover subcircuit. The output of the AC/DC switchover subcircuit is input to a power factor correction subcircuit which outputs a boosted DC voltage, regardless of which of the AC or DC aircraft power buses is connected to the power supply. A step down converter reduces the boosted DC voltage to a lower, system voltage which may then be further reduced or modified, as appropriate for device to be powered.

Abstract: Included are a Zener diode D2 having a cathode connected onto a voltage output line, dividing resistors having one terminal connected to the anode of the Zener diode D2 and having the other terminal grounded, a transistor Q1 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors via a resistor and having an emitter grounded, a transistor Q2 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors and having an emitter grounded, and a microcomputer having an undervoltage detection terminal 10a which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q1 and to which 3.3 V is externally applied and a power supply terminal 10b which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q2 and via which a P-ON-H signal of 3.3 V that starts a power supply circuit 126 when the power supply is turned on is transmitted.

Abstract: A chip type electronic component for test is provided with an element body, and four or more terminal electrodes placed on the exterior of the element body. The element body has a plurality of laminated insulator layers, and a plurality of internal electrodes arranged to be opposed to each other with the insulator layer in between. Each of the internal electrodes is connected to at least one same terminal electrode out of the four or more terminal electrodes and connected to any one terminal electrode except for the at least one same terminal electrode.

Abstract: A printed circuit board trace coupling system for providing high voltage isolation includes a driving circuit, a coupling transformer including a printed circuit board trace, and a receiving circuit.

Abstract: In a servo control apparatus constituted by a converter unit 3 for rectifying an AC power supply voltage to produce a DC power supply voltage, and a plurality of inverter units 5 for producing drive power supply voltages of motors from the DC power supply voltage, the servo control apparatus is provided with a power supply breaker 2 which is connected to the side of the AC power supply of the converter unit 3; and a ground fault detecting circuit 16 built in the converter unit 3. When a ground fault happens to occur, the servo control apparatus stops the operations of all of the inverter units 5 so as to cut off the breaker 2.

Abstract: A varistor comprises an element body, two external electrodes, and a metal conductor. The element body includes a portion having first and second faces opposing each other. Two external electrodes are arranged on the first face of the element body. The metal conductor is arranged on the second face of the element body. The metal conductor has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the element body. At least a region between the two external electrodes and metal conductor in the element body exhibits a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic. The heat transmitted to the varistor is efficiently diffused from the metal conductor in the varistor.

Abstract: An alumina sintered body comprises an alumina substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface opposing each other, an embedded film electrode made of a metal and embedded in the alumina substrate at a depth HD of 0.4 mm or less from a first main surface SF1, and an embedded terminal formed of a metal, embedded in the alumina substrate nearer a second main surface SF2 side than the embedded electrode. The embedded terminal is in contact with the embedded electrode and a film thickness HE of the embedded electrode is 25 ?m or less.

Abstract: A varistor comprises a varistor portion, a metal portion, and buffer portion. The varistor portion has a varistor element body exhibiting a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic and two electrode portions. The metal portion has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the varistor element body. The buffer portion is disposed between the varistor portion and metal portion so as to be bonded to each of the varistor portion and metal portion and mainly composed of glass. The two electrode portions are arranged in the varistor element body so as to be electrically insulated from each other while exposing at least a portion of each thereof from an outer surface of the varistor element body. The metal portion and varistor portion are joined firmly to each other. The heat transmitted to the varistor can efficiently be diffused from the metal portion.

Abstract: Compact and integral arrangements for an energy-conditioning arrangement having various predetermined energy pathways utilized in part for the purpose of conditioning energies of either one or multiple of circuitry. Some energy-conditioning arrangement variants can be operable to provide multiple, energy-conditioning operations.

Abstract: A lightning protection or internal surge device designed to suppress surges on electrical transmission or distribution lines by expending some of the excess energy in the form of corona discharge in both wet and dry conditions. The device is a very thin (of diameter not exceeding 0.1 mm) conducting wire, fiber, filament, or a bundle of such filaments, or a yarn or woven or knitted fabric made of such fibers or wires which is wound around a live conductor or ground wire forming a coil. When the coil is exposed to the fields created by the voltage surges on the line or ground wire it enhances corona losses on the line thereby damping/suppressing the surges as well as prolonging the front time of the surge to reduce its steepness.

Abstract: An air terminal for lightning protection includes a central rod and a curved conductive surface around the central rod. The central rod includes a tip mount for receiving a tip from a tip set that includes a plurality of tips that impart different electrical characteristics to the air terminal. For example, the tips of the tip set may have a variety of radii of curvature, and may provide different gap sizes between the various tips and the curved conductive surface. The curved conductive surface and the grounded central rod may be electrically coupled together via an electrical connection. The electrical connection may include a fixed impedance or resistance, or may include a variable impedance unit that automatically varies impedance based on a voltage difference between the curved conductive surface and the grounded central rod.

Abstract: A predetermined electrode arrangement (1/1, 1/2, 1/3A, 1/6) comprising a plurality of shielded electrodes (213, 215) and a plurality of shielding electrodes (204, 214, 269A, 269B,) that together with other conductive (799, 206, 208, 207, 203, 218, 216, 217, 218) semi-conductive (not shown) and/or non-conductive material elements (212) are formed into a multi-functional energy condition assembly (1-1, 1-2, 1-3A, 1-6) or variant to be selectively coupled into circuitry (4-1, 5-1, 1-2).

Abstract: A varistor comprises a varistor element body, first and second inner electrodes opposing each other, a first outer electrode connected to the first inner electrode physically and electrically, a second outer electrode connected to the second inner electrode physically and electrically, and an electrically insulating layer. The first and second inner electrodes are arranged within the varistor element body so as to have end portions exposed at two outer surfaces of the varistor element body. The first outer electrode is arranged on one of the two outer surfaces so as to cover a portion of the end portion of the first inner electrode exposed at the one outer surface. The second outer electrode is arranged on the one outer surface so as to cover a portion of the end portion of the second inner electrode exposed at the one outer surface.

Abstract: A surge detection circuit for determining that the characteristics of an internal circuitry of a chip have deteriorated by surges applied from a sensor to the chip and generating a warning signal. The surge detection circuit is connected to an input terminal and includes a surge detector for detecting surge applied to the input terminal and generating an output signal showing the detection result. A determination unit determines that the characteristics of the input circuit have deteriorated based on the output signal of the surge detector and generates a warning signal based on the determination result.

Abstract: A power line based communication system includes a powerline termination module, a plurality of powerline gateways, and a plurality of powerline nodes. AC coupling modules couple powerline nodes to medium voltage power lines. One AC coupling module includes a housing having an upper portion that contains a transformer and a lower portion that contains a power node. Another AC coupling module intercouples a powerline node to a test point of a dead front transformer. Still another AC coupling module employs a surge arrestor to couple signals between a powerline node and a medium voltage transmission line. Yet another AC coupling module clamps on a medium voltage power line to couple signals between a powerline node and a medium voltage power line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ESD event protection for a circuit using a source or bulk pump to increase the bulk and/or source potential level during an ESD event. The apparatus comprises a protection circuit that, in response to an ESD event, limits the voltage formed between two terminals of a transistor by adjusting a potential level on the second terminal.

Abstract: A multi-stack power supply clamp circuit for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to enhance performance of advanced submicron processes is provided. The clamp circuit includes a bias voltage generator with low leakage and high current drive capabilities, and means to lighten current load on the voltage generator through reduced gate leakage. The bias voltage generator has includes a differential amplifier. The multi-stack clamp circuit provides voltage-tolerant ESD protection with optimized leakage, reduced sensitivity to operating conditions, and tolerance of increased gate current in new process technologies.

Abstract: A device for ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection of a circuit of a semiconductor device comprises a field effect transistor based varistor with gate, source and drain regions, wherein one of the source and drain regions is connected to an input/output pad of the semiconductor device, and the other one of the source and drain regions is connected to an input/output terminal of the circuit. A biasing circuit is connected to the gate region of the varistor to create an accumulation region below the gate of the varistor at normal operating voltages of said semiconductor device. The semiconductor device is preferably an integrated device on a single substrate.

Abstract: A predetermined single electrode shielding set for groupings of complementary electrodes that are operable to shield and that together are selectively formed or amalgamated into a predetermined sequential combination of commonly configured energy pathways operable for shielding various paired complementary electrodes and other predetermined elements that result in an electrode architecture practicable to provide multiple energy conditioning functions.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for protecting a wireless communication system from impulse surges occurring in the system under the impact of lightning discharges. The device includes a high frequency line, and a first decoupling filter formed as a ?/4 section and a gas arrestor, sequentially connected to the high frequency line, in which the gas arrestor is connected between the first decoupling filter and the ground. A low frequency line and a second decoupling filter are connected in series between an output terminal, through which a signal flows into a circuit, and a contact point between the first decoupling filter and the gas arrestor. The low frequency line includes a low voltage limiter and a low pass filter. A T-shaped high pass filer is connected to the high frequency line.

Abstract: A device (10) for suppressing electrostatic discharge comprises first and second multilayer structures (14, 16) surrounding an electrostatic discharge reactance layer (12), the resistance of said electrostatic discharge reactance layer (12) varying in response to the occurrence of an electrostatic discharge signal. Each multilayer structure (14, 16) comprises a barrier layer (18), a terminal layer (20) and an electrode layer (28). Alternatively, a conductive layer (80) can be used instead of a second multilayer structure (16). An ESD suppression device (110) can be embedded in a printed circuit board (122, 210) providing a way to protect board components from harmful ESD events.

Abstract: ESD protection circuitry for a signal power supply pad (801) comprising a discharge circuit (802) operable to discharge the ESD pulse to ground, and a precharge reduction circuit (810) in parallel with the discharge circuit. This precharge reduction circuit is operable to cancel any precharge voltage to ground before an ESD event, and also to discharge any trailing pulse to ground after an ESD event. The reduction circuit comprises a discharge resistor (811), preferably about 10 k?, connected to the discharge circuit, and a control MOS transistor (812) in series with the discharge resistor. The transistor source (812a) is connected to the resistor, the drain (812b) to ground, and the gate (812c) to core power (813) so that the transistor is shut off during IC operation and conducting when pre-charge or post-charge is present at an ESD pulse.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a body, an electrical contact having a first end for electrically coupling to an electrical apparatus and a second end within the body, and a conductor electrically coupled to the second end of the electrical contact. The electrical device also includes an access region defining a cavity and a surge arrester that electrically couples to the conductor through the access region. The cavity provides access to an interior of the electrical device. The access region may include an insulating projection extending from an insulating body of the electrical device and a conductive cover surrounding the insulating projection. The insulating projection defines the cavity. The conductive cover is electrically isolated relative to a conductive shell that surrounds the insulating body.

Abstract: A control device includes a capacitor disposed between P–N lines and constituting a snubber circuit, and a voltage detection resistor for detecting a voltage between the P–N lines by dividing resistances to detect surge voltages of transistors, in which gate control signals are provided from drivers to the transistors through gate resistance variable devices, respectively. The gate resistance variable devices include variable resistors, respectively, and the resistance values of the variable resistors are controlled based on variable resistor control signals provided from a detected voltage monitoring device, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating and/or eliminating RFI, EMI, and noise transients in power supply circuits. The circuit isolates DC to DC and AC to DC power coupling by use of dual, parallel current paths that are alternately gated. The gating of the switches is controlled by a control module, which ensures that the input and output of the circuit is electromagnetically blocked during any instant in time, while simultaneously ensuring proper and continuous delivery of current to the circuit output load.

Abstract: Compact and integral arrangements for an energy-conditioning arrangement (800q) having various predetermined pathways (813a, 813b) utilized in part for the purpose of conditioning energies of either one or multiple of circuitry that would otherwise detrimentally effect a predetermined application having a single or multiple, circuitry systems. Some energy-conditioning variants can be operable to provide multiple-conditioning operations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an Electro Static Discharge (ESD) protection componentin which slurry including varistor particles and a resin binder is produced, and a varistor green sheet is formed from this slurry. A conductor layer is formed on a surface of the varistor green sheet. A adhesive layer is formed on a baked ceramic substrate, the varistor green sheet is adhered to the adhesive layer and then baked. The method produces a high-performance and uniform ESD protection component.

Abstract: A surge protector for alternating current service includes at least an incoming hot line and a neutral line, but usually includes an incoming hot line, an incoming neutral line and a safety ground line. The surge protector has an input transformer and a series connected transformer with input connection to the input transformer secondary winding, and connected in series to a non-linear surge suppression circuit, and therefore has a gross output connection to the non-linear surge suppression circuit, and a low impedance input to the secondary winding of the series connected transformer from the non-linear surge suppression circuit, and has a surge cancelled hot line output connection.

Abstract: A structure comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a shielding electrode provides improved energy conditioning when used in electrical circuits. The structures may exist as discrete components, as part of an interposer or a first level interconnects, or a part of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A data surge protection module which can be added to data and control networks not having such protection. The use of quick connect/disconnect connectors allows the rapid installation or replacement of such modules. a built in ground plate and a braided low impedance conductor offer alternative grounding methods for the module. The module employs two or more diode steering bridges and uses a diode as the surge suppression element.

Abstract: The active part which is provided for use in a surge arrester includes two connecting fittings, which are arranged along an axis at a distance from one another, at least one cylindrical varistor column, which is provided between the two connecting fittings, and at least one dielectric loop. This loop is supported on the two connecting fittings and thus holds the active part together, thus forming a contact force. The active part is distinguished by a small physical height and little use of materials. This is achieved in that at least one of the two connecting fittings has an electrode, which is arranged at right angles to the axis and is in the form of a plate, as well as an electrical connection, which is integrally formed on the plate. Furthermore, supporting means which are in the form of shoulders are provided for the dielectric loop, and are formed in the plate and/or are integrally formed at the edge of the plate.

Abstract: Methods of protecting against a surge voltage and apparatus for performing the same. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a circuit to protect a device from a surge voltage. The circuit is connected between the device and first and second nodes to which the surge voltage may be applied. A charge storage device is connected between third and fourth nodes and the device is operatively connected to the third node and a fifth node. The circuit comprises a first overvoltage protection device coupled between the fourth node and a fifth node, the fourth and fifth nodes being operatively connected to the first and second nodes, respectively, and a second overvoltage protection device coupled between the third node and the fifth node. A voltage between the third and fifth nodes during the surge voltage is substantially less than a switching voltage of the second overvoltage protection device for at least a portion of the duration of the surge voltage.

Abstract: The pluggable electrical apparatus, formed in particular as a surge arrester (A), has an axially symmetrical housing (1) with a housing axis (7) running in the plugging direction, a flange (5) for fastening the apparatus housing (1) on a housing (30) of a high-voltage installation (H) and an axially symmetrical active part (6). In order to make it possible for this apparatus (A) to be fitted into the high-voltage installation (H) in a simple manner, the flange (5) is formed into the apparatus housing (1) and the active part (6) is mounted displaceably in the axial direction in the apparatus housing (1) and held with a prestressing force with respect to the apparatus housing (1) before a plug-in connection is formed.

Abstract: A surge suppressor includes a high-pass filter configured to pass signals in the range suitable for use in a powerline network.

Abstract: In order to provide an interface circuit, a power converter using the same and an electric vehicle using the same, wherein this interface circuit ensures improved control reliability without employing a photo-coupler, an interface circuit 100A transfers control signals to the power transistor in a large-current circuit 300 from a small-signal circuit 200 for driving a power transistor. The interface circuit 100A has a noise absorber 120 that electrically absorbs a noise voltage produced between the ground of the small-signal circuit 200 and that of the power transistor. The noise absorber 120 transfers to the power transistor the control signals generated by the small-signal circuit 200, without being affected by the noise voltage if produced.