Abstract: A switching power supply includes: a first switch provided between a positive terminal of a DC power supply and a positive terminal of a load; a second switch connected in parallel with the first switch; a first capacitor provided between the second switch and a node of the first switch on a DC power supply side; a first inductor provided between the first capacitor and the positive terminal of the DC power supply; and a control circuit that turns off the second switch after the first switch is turned off and when or before a voltage across the first capacitor becomes zero.

Abstract: A method to reduce an inductive voltage surge across a switch array is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, (a) directing at least a portion of an electric current away from at least a portion of said switch array; and (b) independently opening different portions of the switch array. A system to reduce an inductive voltage surge across an electrical device comprising a current bypass circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery unit includes: a battery having cell units connected in parallel, in which one or a plurality of battery cells is connected in series; an external terminal provided for the battery; a switching element provided between each internal terminal and the external terminal of the cell unit; a protection circuit monitoring whether or not a fault occurs in each of the plurality of cell units and cutting off, through the switching element, a connection between the internal terminal and the external terminal of the cell unit with the fault detected; and an informing signal output terminal notifying an external device that the connection with the external terminal with respect to at least one of the cell units is cut off.

Abstract: A method for preventing fake charging of an electronic apparatus is provided. The method includes: providing a power management table for setting function units for each power range; activating a fake charging preventing function according to a predetermined condition or an activating operation of users; detecting power of the electronic apparatus every a first predetermined time interval; determining a current power range the detected power falls into; determining whether the current power range is changed; beginning to time when the current power range is changed; activating function units which are disabled and whose power range is the current power range when the timing reaches a second predetermined time interval and the detected power is still in the current power range.

Abstract: A disconnect device for selectively disconnecting a battery from a load includes a primary mechanical contact defining primary current path between the battery and the load. The device further includes a controller generating open and close commands for operating said primary contact and an electronic switch also operated by the controller. The electronic switch provides a secondary current path to eliminate flashover that may damage the primary mechanical contact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a switching device, a high power supply system and methods for switching high power including a relay and a power semiconductor switch arranged in parallel to the relay.

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient device is configured in parallel with a bypass switch and implemented at an input to a switching regulation stage of a switching power supply. A monitoring module determines that a voltage across the regulation switch in the switching power supply is below a predefined threshold voltage for greater than a predefined threshold time period. A control module controls operation of the bypass switch. The control module opens the bypass switch in response to the monitoring module determining that the voltage across the regulation switch is below the predefined threshold voltage for greater than the predefined threshold time period such that substantially all of the current entering the switching regulation stage passes through the PTC device. By causing substantially all of the current to pass through the PTC device, the device will enter a high impedance state thereby preventing smoke and smell from occurring.

Abstract: A solid state pre-charge module includes a relay, a transistor connected to the relay and a solid state device connected to the transistor. The solid state device controls switching of the transistor.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power distribution system comprises at least one power bus; at least one load conductor; and a hybrid contactor for interconnecting the at least one power bus and the at least one load conductor and through which inductive energy passes upon disconnection of the at least one load conductor from the at least one power bus. A first portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as an arc. A second portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as resistively dissipated heat.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes an AC power input configured to receive AC power from a single-phase AC power source or a multi-phase AC power source, a DC power source, an output circuit including a power output, a controllable switch configured to selectively couple at least one of the AC power input and the DC power source to the output circuit, and a processor coupled and configured to affect operation of the output circuit depending upon which of single-phase and multi-phase operation of the UPS is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a switch module, is provided. The apparatus can include an electromechanical switch structure configured to move between an open configuration and a fully-closed configuration (associated with a minimum characteristic resistance) over a characteristic time. A commutation circuit can be connected in parallel with the electromechanical switch structure, and can include a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the electromechanical switch structure and a pulse circuit including a pulse capacitor configured to form a pulse signal (in connection with a switching event of the electromechanical switch structure) for causing flow of a pulse current through the balanced diode bridge. The electromechanical switch structure and the balanced diode bridge can be disposed such that a total inductance associated with the commutation circuit is less than or equal to a product of the characteristic time and the minimum characteristic resistance.

Abstract: A control circuit for a washing machine that avoids contact bounce short circuit failures is provided. A washing machine that utilizes an induction motor including a starting winding used to start rotation of the motor at the beginning of a cycle. Such washing machines require that the motor be operated in both directions during different cycles. To enable such operation, a mechanical timer uses a pair of single pole, double throw switches in a switching assembly to reverse the L1 and neutral connections to the starter winding. To avoid the contact shorting problem, the control wiring runs either the L1 or neutral side of the voltage source, or both, through the centrifugal switch to open the input contact(s) once the motor has reached its operating speed. Then, if the switching assembly has L1 and N contacts touching at the same time, it will not result in a dead short.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate.

Abstract: An electric circuit includes a load, a solid state device, and a control for opening the circuit such that current will not flow through the solid state device, and for facilitating flow of current to bypass said solid state device and provide a current path to an arc fault circuit interrupter. A bypass includes a normally opened switch which is closed to provide current to the arc fault circuit interrupter.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) micro-switch array based current limiting enabled circuit interrupting apparatus. The apparatus comprising an over-current protective component, wherein the over-current protective component comprises a switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit comprises a plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices. The apparatus also comprises a circuit breaker or switching component, wherein the circuit breaker or switching component is in operable communication with the over-current protective component.

Abstract: A multiphase current interrupter is provided for interrupting a phase current between two contacts in an electrical phase. The current interrupter includes a first ablative chamber disposed around contacts for a first electrical phase. The first chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the first electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. The current interrupter further includes at least a second ablative chamber disposed around contacts for at least a second electrical phase. The second chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the second electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. An interconnecting structure provides fluid communication between the first ablative chamber and the second ablative chamber. The interconnecting structure is adapted to dissipate a shock wave generated in any of the ablative chambers.

Abstract: Pilot switch circuitry coupled across first and second terminals of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch is provided to reduce or eliminate arcing between a cantilever contact and a terminal contact when the MEMS switch is opened or closed. The pilot switch circuitry establishes a common potential at the first and second terminals prior to, and preferably until, the cantilever contact and terminal contact come into contact with one another when the MEMS switch is closed. The pilot switch circuitry may also establish a common potential at the first and second terminals prior to, and preferably after, the cantilever contact and terminal contact separate from one another when the MEMS switch is opened.

Abstract: A method to reduce an inductive voltage surge across a switch array is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, (a) directing at least a portion of an electric current away from at least a portion of said switch array; and (b) independently opening different portions of the switch array. A system to reduce an inductive voltage surge across an electrical device comprising a current bypass circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A contactor may operate to interrupt current in a circuit while the circuit is operating under load. A shunt is provided to by-pass surge power current around contacts to reduce arcing. The shunt includes a solid-state switch that may be operated in a series of pulses during movement of the contacts. The pulse control unit may detect a potential for arcing and then provide for periodic pulsing operation of the shunt. Because the solid-state switch may operate discontinuously, the contactor may be constructed with a switch that is selected on a basis of its pulse rating.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power distribution system comprises at least one power bus; at least one load conductor; and a hybrid contactor for interconnecting the at least one power bus and the at least one load conductor and through which inductive energy passes upon disconnection of the at least one load conductor from the at least one power bus. A first portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as an arc. A second portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as resistively dissipated heat.

Abstract: A switching power supply includes: a first switch provided between a positive terminal of a DC power supply and a positive terminal of a load; a second switch connected in parallel with the first switch; a first capacitor provided between the second switch and a node of the first switch on a DC power supply side; a first inductor provided between the first capacitor and the positive terminal of the DC power supply; and a control circuit that turns off the second switch after the first switch is turned off and when or before a voltage across the first capacitor becomes zero.

Abstract: The provided relay system includes a load having a first terminal and a second terminal, a relay coupled to a common ground and the first terminal of the load and a relay protection circuit eliminating an arc generated by the relay. The relay protection circuit has an energy storage element with a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the load and a second terminal and electrically connected to the relay in parallel for storing and releasing an electrical power, and a high-impedance element coupled to the second terminal of the load to cause the energy storage element to have a relatively speedy charge and a relatively slow discharge.

Abstract: An arc suppression circuit in a protection relay having trip contacts is used to turn off a battery-powered solenoid and trip an AC power circuit breaker. The arc suppression circuit uses a switch-control circuit to control the turning off of a semi-conductor switch so that the semi-conductor switch provides a current path around the trip contacts, and is carrying all, or substantially all, of the load current, before the trip contacts are opened. When the trip contacts begin to open, the switch-control circuit holds the semi-conductor switch on for a sufficient time to prevent an arc from becoming established before turning the semi-conductor switch off. In a second embodiment, the arc suppression circuit provides a second switch-control circuit. This second switch-control circuit is configured to accept control signals from a microprocessor within a protection relay.

Abstract: An electrical switching device is presented. The electrical switching device includes multiple switch sets coupled in series. Each of the switch sets includes multiple switches coupled in parallel. A control circuit is coupled to the multiple switch sets and configured to control opening and closing of the switches. One or more intermediate diodes are coupled between the control circuit and each point between a respective pair of switch sets.

Abstract: A voltage compensation circuit is disclosed for proving an elevated output AC voltage upon an under voltage input AC voltage condition. The voltage compensation circuit comprises an autotransformer having a first and a second autotransformer winding. A first position of a switch connects the first autotransformer winding to the input AC voltage for providing an elevated output AC voltage at the second autotransformer winding. The second position of the switch shorting the first autotransformer winding for providing a non-elevated output AC voltage.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: An electronic switch structure capable of extinguishing arcs is provided. A device capable of extinguishing arcs generated when an electric switch is turned on or off is in a following structure. Two silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in inverse parallel. Trigger ports of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to triggering current limiting circuits each formed by a diode and a resistor connected in series, respectively. Positive poles and negative poles of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to a voltage dependent resistor and a resistance-capacitance absorption circuit for over voltage protection in parallel. A triggering end of the device is connected to a contact bridge of the switch. Two ends connected in inverse parallel of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to two ends of fixed contacts of the switch respectively. Thus, an electronic arc extinguishing device having a simple structure, a small volume, and high reliability is formed.

Abstract: A switching system is provided. The switching system includes electromechanical switching circuitry, such as a micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate.

Abstract: An electric circuit in which a combined resistance including a plurality of resistors of a small rating is disposed. The electric circuit includes a bypass section in order to allow a short-circuit current, when it occurs in the electric circuit, to intensively flow through one of the resistors in the combined resistance bypassing a remaining resistor in the combined resistance.

Abstract: A contactor may operate to interrupt current in a circuit while the circuit is operating under load. A shunt is provided to by-pass surge power current around contacts to reduce arcing. The shunt includes a solid-state switch that may be operated in a series of pulses during movement of the contacts. The pulse control unit may detect a potential for arcing and then provide for periodic pulsing operation of the shunt. Because the solid-state switch may operate discontinuously, the contactor may be constructed with a switch that is selected on a basis of its pulse rating.

Abstract: A motor starter is provided. The motor starter includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current from a motor connected to the motor starter. The switching may be performed between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method of opening and closing electrical power feed lines using a hybrid contactor, which combines a traditional set of mechanical main contacts with a high voltage solid state switch. The solid state switch provides a parallel current path around the main contacts. When the main contacts are to be opened or closed, the solid state switch is first closed, diverting current away from the main contacts to prevent arc formation when the main contacts are being opened or closed. Once the main contacts are opened or closed, the solid state switch is opened, as the parallel current path is no longer needed. Optional auxiliary contacts are connected in series with the solid state switch to provide galvanic isolation between an input terminal and an output terminal.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a load breaker arrangement (1) for switching on and off a DC current of a DC current circuit in a photovoltaic plant with a semiconductor switching element (4) to avoid a switching arc, there being provided an electronic control unit (5) configured such that one or more signals are received by the control unit, and the load breaker arrangement (1) being configured such that in at least one current-carrying line of the DC current circuit there is galvanic separation by a switching contact that is automatically controllable by the control unit (5) in the switched-off condition and one or more control signals being transmitted to the load breaker arrangement (1) and a semiconductor switching element (4) interrupting the DC current so that the switching contact is de-energized, whereby the signals are flaw signals that are received in case of a flaw in the PV generator, inverter or on the AC side, the DC current circuit being automatically switched on or off by th

Abstract: A contactor arc suppression system for an electric propulsion vehicle having an on-board diesel-electric power generating system for supplying electric power to a plurality of DC electric traction motors for propelling the vehicle in which the traction motors are operable in an electric power generating mode during electrical braking of the vehicle and the vehicle further has a dynamic braking grid selectively coupled in parallel with the traction motors for absorbing the generated electric power during such electrical braking. The system includes at least one contactor having a pair of contact tips arranged to selectively couple the dynamic braking grid into parallel circuit arrangement with the electric traction motors during electrical braking and a snubber circuit having a diode and a first capacitor connected in series circuit arrangement with the snubber circuit connected in parallel with the contact tips of the contactor.

Abstract: A shunt activation signal is transmitted by an external control terminal through an external transmission interface to switch a flash memory controller in a shunt mode. The shunt activation signal of the external transmission interface can set up a switch as shunt. When the flash memory controller is defective due to errors or damage, the shunt mode enables the external control terminal to directly process data saving/retrieving to the flash memory chip or testing through the external transmission interface. Thus, the user need not purchase a new flash memory to replace the defective flash memory with the damaged flash memory controller.

Abstract: A voltage regulating circuit has a first switch, a transformer and a second switch. The first switch has an input node, a first node and a second node. The transformer is connected to the switches has a first coil and a second coil. The first coil and the second coil respectively have an end, and the second coil is connected to the first coil in series at a node. The node between the first and second coils is connected to the second node of the first switch. The second switch is connected to the transformer and has a first node, a second node and an output node. The first node is connected to the end of the first coil. The second node is connected to the first node of the first switch. The transformer will not heat up when the transformer needs not to be used.

Abstract: A motor starter is provided. The motor starter includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current from a motor connected to the motor starter. The switching may be performed between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.

Abstract: An electrical switching topology for a hybrid switch provides extremely low losses in both cryogenic and non-cryogenic electronic systems. In this switch having switch modules connected in parallel, switching losses in a first module are separated from conduction losses in the parallel-connected second module. The conduction losses are then further reduced by cryogenically cooling the second module. Since the switching losses of the first module can be absorbed outside a cryogenic container, the switching losses do not add to the cryogenic heat load. In other applications, the switching module operates at lower temperatures to provide higher switching speeds and reduces switching heat generation.

Abstract: A surge suppression unit includes a circuit board containing electrical surge suppression components configured to redirect power surges. Anti-arcing separator walls are vertically aligned in between at least some of the electrical components for reducing electrical arcing. An epoxy may be spread in between the surge suppression components to both hold the separator walls upright while at the same time further retarding arcing. In another embodiment, the epoxy can be spread over substantially an entire top surface of the printed circuit board covering substantially all low profile electrical components while leaving a large portion of other higher profile MOVs or SADs uncovered. In yet another embodiment, the electrical components can also be covered with a fire retardant sand.

Abstract: An arc suppression circuit in a protection relay having trip contacts is used to turn off a battery-powered solenoid and trip an AC power circuit breaker. The arc suppression circuit uses a switch-control circuit to control the turning off of a semi-conductor switch so that the semi-conductor switch provides a current path around the trip contacts, and is carrying all, or substantially all, of the load current, before the trip contacts are opened. When the trip contacts begin to open, the switch-control circuit holds the semi-conductor switch on for a sufficient time to prevent an arc from becoming established before turning the semi-conductor switch off. In a second embodiment, the arc suppression circuit provides a second switch-control circuit. This second switch-control circuit is configured to accept control signals from a microprocessor within a protection relay.

Abstract: A method and electrical circuit for dynamic reconfiguration of a DC-to-AC inverter comprising first and second power rails where each the rails has a power source. The method comprises monitoring the first and second power rails for short-circuit failure; and upon failure of one of the power rails, disconnecting the failed power rail from its power source.

Abstract: An electrical connector and methods for minimizing arcing when the connector is connected or disconnected under load are disclosed. The invention provides an arc reduction circuit with one or more regulators, such as transistors, integrated into the connector housing that sense movement of the connector and shunt the current to an impedance circuit when a potential arc condition is sensed.

Abstract: A circuit to suppress arc across contacts of a relay is provided, in which the relay is electrically coupled to a power supply and a load. The circuit includes an arc suppression circuit electrically coupled between the first and second contacts of the relay, and the arc suppression circuit includes a capacitor and a switch, both of which are electrically coupled to the first and second contacts of the relay, in which the switch is configured to turn on when the first and second contacts of the relay change state, thereby providing an alternate path for a current flow through the load.

Abstract: In a hybrid DC electromagnetic contactor, by including a power unit for supplying a certain power voltage; a main contact point of a breaking switch for providing a supply path of the power voltage by being switched in accordance with a voltage apply to an operational coil; a switch for providing a supply path of the power voltage according to a gate signal; a snubber circuit for charging voltage at the both ends of the switch in turning off of the switch and being applied-discharged an electric current when the charged voltage is not less than a certain voltage; and a discharge current removing unit for removing the discharge current by providing a discharge current path to a load block in turning off of the switch, it is possible to minimize a size of leakage current when the main contact point and the semiconductor switch are turned off, and accordingly it can be practically used.

Abstract: An apparatus for the improvement of AC waveform comprising means for applying a demand input waveform at an input of a circuit for power conditioning (including an inverter PWMVC or BBHCC) that is operable to provide an output waveform at an output; a feedback loop between the input and output, the feedback loop including means for sampling the output waveform (ADC1), means for subtracting a required waveform (RW) from the output waveform to produce an error waveform, means for processing the error waveform in a pre-defined manner to produce a processed error waveform (Clip1, Disc1, Att1), means for adding or subtracting the processed error waveform from Th. demand waveform to produce a revised demand waveform, and means for applying the revised demand waveform to the input of the power conditioning circuit at a subsequent time as an input demand waveform to produce a new AC output waveform at the output.

Abstract: A DC arc-suppressor for network appliance power managers comprises an electromechanical relay that controls the flow of battery power to a network appliance by remote control. The relay includes electrical contacts that open to interrupt the flow of current in response to an off-command signal. A transistor is connected in shunt across the relay contacts to temporarily divert such flow of current. A timing circuit is connected to respond to the off-command signal by first turning on the shunt transistor, then open the relay contacts, then turn off the shunt transistor. Such shunt transistor is sized to carry the full rated power of the relay contacts, but only for the few milliseconds that are needed to allow the relay contacts to fully separate.

Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a normal current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and a balance is struck between the normal current carrying path and a parallel alternative or transient current carrying path. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. The transient current carrying path presents a substantially open circuit during normal operation. The variable resistance elements have a lower resistance during initial phases of circuit interruption, favoring transition of all current from the normal current carrying path to the transient path. Thereafter, the variable resistance elements increase in resistivity, producing additional back-EMF to drive the fault current to a zero level and to limit let-through energy.

Abstract: A relay is designed to be used in a circuit where the voltage levels are high in comparison to the spacing between the contacts when open. Contact closure arcing is suppressed by actuating a MOSFET that shorts the contacts together while they open. The same MOSFET can momentarily short the contacts together just before they first begin to close, allowing a test current to be passed through the MOSFET and through the terminals connecting to both relay contacts, to insure that arc suppression will be successful; and if this test fails, then the relay can be disabled by a switch in series with the relay coil to prevent arcing and a possible fire hazard. Relay deactuation can be sensed to trigger arc suppression, and relay actuation can be sensed to initiate fail-safe testing by a circuit that responds no matter which way the relay coil is connected into the external circuit that drives it.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a circuit interrupter by deionizing arc plasma developed during an interruption event. A source material is disposed in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary current carrying path through the device. Upon movement of a movable contact in the primary current carrying path, current begins to flow through the source material, causing surface ablation of a material which deionizes arc plasma, resulting in greater voltage investment in the arc and more rapid extinction.