Abstract: The object is to provide a technique for adjusting a turn-on operation and a turn-off operation of a transistor independently from each other in simulation for evaluating characteristics of the transistor. A simulation circuit for simulation for evaluating characteristics of a transistor includes a gate power supply configured to apply a voltage to a gate terminal of the transistor, a first diode connected between the gate terminal and the gate power supply, and a second diode connected in antiparallel with the first diode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a 3-phase undervoltage trip device capable of automatically tripping a circuit breaker based on an under-voltage of a 3-phase line voltage, including lines to which a 3-phase power is applied. The undervoltage trip device is connected to lines to which a 3-phase power is applied and configured to operate to automatically trip a circuit breaker when an open phase condition occurs on any one of three phases of the power. As the undervoltage trip device automatically trips the circuit breaker when the open phase condition occurs on any one of three phase, occurrence of the open phase condition due to disconnection or an accident on the line may be easily detected.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling electric load(s) includes two smart switches connected in a three-way circuit configuration. Each of the two smart switches includes a first and second input terminals configured to receive an AC power. The switch also includes a first and second output terminals configured to provide the AC power to an electric load, and further includes a relay configured to selectively couple the first input terminal to the first output terminal or the second output terminal, and a controller configured to control the coupling of the relay. The switch includes a first AC/DC converter and a second AC/DC converter. The first and second AC/DC converters are configured to selectively receive the AC power from the corresponding first or second output terminal that is selectively coupled with the first input terminal and to provide a DC power to the controller.

Abstract: The present application relates to a coil actuator for low and medium voltage applications, which comprises a electromagnet operatively associated with a movable plunger, a power & control unit electrically connected with the electromagnet and first and second input terminals (T1, T2) operatively connected with the power & control unit, wherein an input voltage (VIN) is applied between said first and second input terminals during the operation of the coil actuator. The coil actuator further comprise a third input terminal (T3) operatively connected with the power & control unit, the third input, terminal being adapted to be in a first operating connection (A), which correspondences to normal control conditions (NDC) for the operation of the electromagnet, or in a second operating condition (B), which corresponds to overriding control conditions (ODC) for the operation of said electromagnet.

Abstract: What is disclosed are systems and methods of compensation of images produced by active matrix light emitting diode device (AMOLED) and other emissive displays. The electrical output of a pixel is compared with a reference value to adjust an input for the pixel. In some embodiments an integrator is used to integrate a pixel current and a reference current using controlled integration times to generate values for comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator circuit for actuating a circuit breaker controller, the circuit being characterized in that it comprises two branches in parallel between two terminals and in that the first branch includes only a first coil; the second branch includes a second coil having impedance that is lower than the first, in series with a switch controlled by a switch circuit.

Abstract: What is disclosed are systems and methods of compensation of images produced by active matrix light emitting diode device (AMOLED) and other emissive displays. The electrical output of a pixel is compared with a reference value to adjust an input for the pixel. In some embodiments an integrator is used to integrate a pixel current and a reference current using controlled integration times to generate values for comparison.

Abstract: A power supply system with automatic switchover voltage for vehicle control unit is proposed. The system comprises a supply communication module configured to communicate with a vehicle control unit, the supply communication module comprising a power supply module to provide power for a vehicle control unit; and a communication device coupled to the supply communication module for showing power supply status; wherein the supply communication module provides a first direct voltage and communicates with the vehicle control unit before supplying power, and if the supply communication module does not receive any message from the vehicle control unit within a first time interval, the supply communication module automatically switches to a second direct voltage from the first direct voltage or automatically increases the first direct voltage within a second time interval, and supplies power to the vehicle control unit; and wherein the second direct voltage is greater than the first direct voltage.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes an x-ray tube with a vacuum envelope in which an emitter and an anode are arranged. The emitter is configured to be heated by an external coil emitter heating current supply. The emitter is configured as a flat emitter and an adaptation circuit is arranged between the flat emitter and the coil emitter heating current supply. A coil-emitter-based x-ray tube assembly may be replaced by a flat emitter-based x-ray tube assembly without constructional changes.

Abstract: In an electromagnetically controlled inlet valve actuator provided to a high pressure fuel pump, an impinging sound which is generated at the time of operating the mechanism is reduced. In a high pressure fuel pump provided with an electromagnetically controlled inlet valve (operated by way of a plunger rod), a current supply period includes a 1st current supply period for performing an operation of attracting the plunger rod in a valve closing direction, a 2nd current supply period for alleviating a speed at which the plunger rod moves in a valve opening direction, and a limited current supply period disposed between the 1st current supply period and the 2nd current supply period in the form of spanning a pump top dead center.

Abstract: A circuit includes a switching module, a control module, and a driving module. The driving module is electrically coupled between the control module and the switching module for generating a driving signal. The driving module includes a normal driving unit and a fault protection unit. The normal driving unit is for turning on and off the switching module according to a first command signal from the control module. The fault protection unit is for lowering the driving signal from a driving value to a protection value according to a second command signal from the control module during a fault protection period after the control module receives a fault signal.

Abstract: A switch assembly, for instance adapted to wall-side installations, for supply arrangements of a load via multiple activation points (for example in the form of “double switching”), comprises a pair of traveler contacts alternatively connectable to a power supply, as well as a switch having an output contact, alternatively connectable to one or the other of the traveler contacts, respectively, on the basis of the current position of switch. Switch is an electronic switch which is connected, for example through an electronic circuit which optionally also performs a driving function on switch, to a respective power line. Powering elements are provided, for example in the form of a pair of diodes, controlled electronic switches or diode bridges, which connect said respective power line to the one of traveler contacts which is currently connected to power supply, therefore ensuring a steady supply irrespective of the switch position.

Abstract: A system for driving an analog gauge that displays an indication of a condition of a vehicle has a microcontroller that receives signals representing a voltage at a sender terminal of the analog gauge and the condition of the vehicle. The microcontroller determines a desired resistance based on the condition of the vehicle and a current command signal based on the desired resistance and the voltage at the sender terminal. The microcontroller sends the current command signal to a current driver circuit to command a flow of current. The current driver circuit is coupled to the sender terminal and has a virtual resistance simulated by the flow of current through the current driver circuit and the voltage at the sender terminal. The analog gauge is driven according to the virtual resistance of the current driver circuit and displays the indication of the condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for controlling power delivered to a power-consuming device. The device can harvest power from a conductor carrying a high voltage using a power harvesting device. The device can include a power storage device to power a hardware processor and a communication component when there is no voltage flowing through the conductor. The device can determine when a control event is to occur. At such time, the device terminates control power delivered to the power-consuming device and continues to withhold the control power until the control event expires. When the control event has ended, the device allows control power to flow to the power-consuming device. The device uses a timer and the communication component to send and receives signals associated with a control event to a user. The device can also operate in a limited mode to conserve power when the device is not in use.

Abstract: A control apparatus configured to control communication between an on-vehicle device and a device coupled to the on-vehicle device via a cable, the control apparatus including a cable length detecting part configured to detect a length of the cable and a power supply voltage controlling part configured to control, based on the length of the cable detected by the cable length detecting part, a power supply voltage in a connector connected to the device by changing a power supply voltage applied to a power supply line of the cable.

Abstract: A configurable, connectorized method and apparatus for driving a solenoid coil reduces energy consumption and heating of the solenoid coil, allows detection of the solenoid state, and simplifies connections to the solenoid.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a relay circuit involves driving a relay circuit using a first driver circuit if a voltage of a battery supply for the relay circuit is lower than a voltage threshold and driving the relay circuit using a second driver circuit if the voltage of the battery supply for the relay circuit is higher than the voltage threshold.

Abstract: A method of energizing a coil of a solenoid of a directional control valve, wherein an armature of the solenoid moves between a first position in which the solenoid is operating and a second position in which the solenoid is not operating, the method comprising energizing the coil with a voltage, controlling the voltage, detecting a current in the coil at which the armature of the solenoid moves between the first position and the second position, and using the current at which the armature of the solenoid moves between the first position and the second position increased by a margin as an operating current for energizing the coil of the solenoid.

Abstract: A method for detecting a closing moment of a valve having a coil drive includes impressing an electrical voltage in the exciter coil to generate an exciter current through the coil, which attracts the movable armature and lifts the valve element off its valve seat. After the exciter current decays to zero, the voltage profile at the exciter coil is sampled and read out over time in the form of time value/voltage value pairs. The detected voltage values and time valves are transformed by the formation of a logarithm to form a transformed function. The transformed function is subsequently derived numerically with the formation of a derivation function. A transformed time value corresponding to the valve closing moment is detected based on the derivation function of a predetermined threshold value S being undershot, and the closing moment is calculated therefrom by inverse transformation.

Abstract: A solenoid control device executes feedback control such that a drive current for a solenoid follows a target current, by driving, through PWM, a MOSFET provided on a power supply line to the solenoid. An overcurrent detection circuit that outputs an overcurrent detection signal when the drive current for the solenoid reaches an overcurrent determination current value is provided, and it is determined whether an overcurrent is generated. Whether a short-circuit occurs between both terminals of the solenoid is determined by monitoring whether the overcurrent detection circuit is repeating an output of the overcurrent detection signal and a stop of the output of the overcurrent detection signal.

Abstract: A relay drive unit drives a relay by supplying a power source voltage from a battery. The relay drive unit includes a power source voltage detector, a drive signal generator, and a relay drive circuit. The power source voltage detector detects the power source voltage. The drive signal generator generates a PWM signal as a drive signal for maintaining the relay in an ON state. The PWM signal has a preset duty ratio according to a magnitude of the power source voltage detected by the power source voltage detector. The relay drive circuit turns a supply of the power source voltage from the battery on/off based on a duty ratio of the drive signal generated by the drive signal generator.

Abstract: A relay fault detection and correction system includes a signal detector structured to measure primary and secondary signals, and generates a fault output signal if the signals appear to be unterminated due to a relay not connecting the signals to the loads. A cycle circuit is structured to cause a relay controller to cycle a potentially under-performing relay between its states a number of times after the signal detector generates the fault output.

Abstract: A smart plug for coupling an electric vehicle to a power supply includes a relay including contacts, the relay configured to operate in a closed state to enable power to be supplied to the electric vehicle and an open state to prohibit power from being supplied to the electric vehicle. The smart plug also includes a microcontroller (MCU) coupled to the relay, the microcontroller outputting a control signal to operate the relay in the closed state. The smart plug further includes a zero crossing detector (ZCD) coupled to the relay, the ZCD outputting a close signal to the relay when a voltage of the power is substantially zero and outputting an open signal to the relay when a current of the power is substantially zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of limiting a current idc supplied by a DC power supply, the method comprising: interposing a switching stage between the power supply and a load, the switching stage including a controllable switch in series with a freewheel diode; and periodically controlling the switch so that for each period of duration T, the following averaged quantity 1 T ? ? o t ? i _ · ? t is calculated in which i is a current that is an image of the power supply current idc, the averaged quantity being reset to zero at the beginning of each period, with the switch being caused to be closed so long as said averaged quantity remains below a predetermined current threshold ithresh, and with the switch being caused to be open, otherwise.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.

Abstract: A relay failure detecting device includes: an opening-closing unit that is driven by a coil for opening and closing a current pathway; a detecting unit that detects a current value of a current flowing in the coil; an opening-closing instructing unit that outputs an instruction signal to instruct opening and closing of the opening-closing unit; and a failure detecting unit that detects a failure in the opening-closing unit by using the current value output by the detecting unit within a predetermined period of time starting from when the instruction signal is output.

Abstract: An intake/exhaust valve control device for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder having an intake valve and an exhaust valve includes: solenoids for driving at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve; a battery for supplying an electric current to the solenoids, a battery state predicting unit for predicting the voltage state of the battery; and an energization start timing setting unit for setting the current carrying start timing of the battery with respect to the solenoids based on the result of the prediction by the battery state predicting unit. According to the intake/exhaust valve control device, since it is possible to obtain the amount of energization necessary for driving the solenoids at an appropriate timing, it is possible to secure the responsiveness of the solenoids.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.

Abstract: Circuitry, systems and methods that address the need to coordinate relay switching with another event, such as a zero crossing of an alternating current (AC) voltage waveform are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods continuously or periodically calibrate the timing of control signals to a relay, such that the switching of the relay in response to some (e.g., second or subsequent) control signals occurs closer in time to a zero crossing of an AC line voltage than the switching of the relay in response to other (e.g., initial or first) control signals.

Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A solenoid control device executes feedback control such that a drive current for a solenoid follows a target current, by driving, through PWM, a MOSFET provided on a power supply line to the solenoid. An overcurrent detection circuit that outputs an overcurrent detection signal when the drive current for the solenoid reaches an overcurrent determination current value is provided, and it is determined whether an overcurrent is generated. Whether a short-circuit occurs between both terminals of the solenoid is determined by monitoring whether the overcurrent detection circuit is repeating an output of the overcurrent detection signal and a stop of the output of the overcurrent detection signal.

Abstract: An earth leakage circuit breaker includes a level discriminator operable to compare an output level of a zero-phase-sequence current transformer placed in an electric circuit with each of a plurality of reference levels set in advance and output a plurality of pulses each indicating a time period during which the output level of the zero-phase-sequence current transformer has exceeded one of the plurality of reference levels; a duration counting portion operable to count a time period during which each of the plurality of pulses is being continuously outputted from the level discriminator; a circuit interruption determiner having a plurality of circuit-breaking levels associated with respective reference levels and operable to output a signal to break the electric circuit when the time period obtained from the duration counting portion has exceeded each of the circuit-breaking levels; and a relay coil-driving circuit operable to drive the coil of a circuit cutout relay in response to the signal outputted from

Abstract: A relay drive unit drives a relay by supplying a power source voltage from a battery. The relay drive unit includes a power source voltage detector, a drive signal generator, and a relay drive circuit. The power source voltage detector detects the power source voltage. The drive signal generator generates a PWM signal as a drive signal for maintaining the relay in an ON state. The PWM signal has a preset duty ratio according to a magnitude of the power source voltage detected by the power source voltage detector. The relay drive circuit turns a supply of the power source voltage from the battery on/off based on a duty ratio of the drive signal generated by the drive signal generator.

Abstract: Circuitry, systems and methods that address the need to coordinate relay switching with another event, such as a zero crossing of an alternating current (AC) voltage waveform are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods continuously or periodically calibrate the timing of control signals to a relay, such that the switching of the relay in response to some (e.g., second or subsequent) control signals occurs closer in time to a zero crossing of an AC line voltage than the switching of the relay in response to other (e.g., initial or first) control signals.

Abstract: A circuit for alarming abnormal state of a computer fan includes a detection circuit coupled to the computer fan, a controller coupled to the detection circuit and the computer fan, an alarm unit coupled to the controller. The detection circuit detects a power source and a speed control signal received by the computer fan, the controller determines the work state of the computer fan according to the power source, the speed control signal, and a speed signal received from the computer fan and raises an alarm through the alarm unit if the computer fan is not working normally.

Abstract: A solenoid valve driving circuit for a solenoid valve includes a current detector for detecting a current that flows in a solenoid coil, a rate of change over time calculating unit for calculating a rate of change over time of the detected current, and a maintaining state transition determining unit for determining a timing at which transition from a first period to a second period occurs based on the calculated rate of change over time.

Abstract: A method of energizing a coil of a solenoid of a directional control valve, wherein an armature of the solenoid moves between a first position in which the solenoid is operating and a second position in which the solenoid is not operating, the method comprising energizing the coil with a voltage, controlling the voltage, detecting a current in the coil at which the armature of the solenoid moves between the first position and the second position, and using the current at which the armature of the solenoid moves between the first position and the second position increased by a margin as an operating current for energizing the coil of the solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device for use in an electrical distribution system. The device includes a plurality of line terminals configured to terminate the plurality of line conductors and a plurality of load terminals configured to terminate the plurality of load conductors. The protective circuit assembly includes at least one fault detector configured to generate a fault detection signal based on electrical perturbations propagating on at least one of the plurality of line terminals or at least one of the plurality of load terminals. A device integrity evaluation circuit includes a timing circuit coupled to the source of AC power by way of the plurality of load terminals and configured to generate a time measurement. The device integrity evaluation circuit is configured to reset the time measurement if the protective circuit assembly generates the fault detection signal during a predetermined test interval in the properly wired condition.

Abstract: A switching controller for circuit breaker in which a switching control arithmetic operation unit performs arithmetic operations to determine for each circuit breaker a synchronous delay count value which is sent to each switching command control unit of the corresponding circuit breaker, which upon receiving a switching command signal from a superordinate device, counts the synchronous delay count value D, to turn on a semiconductor switch of the switching command output unit after counting completes. The switching command signal (circuit breaker drive current) is output after the synchronous switching control to the circuit breaker drive coil of the circuit breaker. The switching controller can implement cost saving and space saving, even if switching of a circuit breaker in a lower branch system, such as a power distribution system, is controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller for controlling an excitation current of a relay, wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the energization of the relay by means of a switch, to control the excitation current through the excitation winding of the relay in such a way that through the excitation winding there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch, to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding to the commutation device through the first terminal and through the second terminal of the relay controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller for controlling an excitation current of a relay, wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the energization of the relay by means of a switch, to control the excitation current through the excitation winding of the relay in such a way that through the excitation winding there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch, to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding to the commutation device through the first terminal and through the second terminal of the relay controller.

Abstract: A relay includes contacts, a driving coil, a moving part, and a resistor. The driving coil generates a magnetic force in accordance with a command signal. The moving part is configured to be driven by the magnetic force to open and close the contacts. The resistor has a predetermined electrical resistance. When the command signal is at a first level, the relay is set to a first on-state in which the contacts are closed through the resistor. When the command signal is at a second level higher than the first level, the relay is set to a second on-state in which the contacts are closed through the moving part without the resistor.

Abstract: A relay failure detecting device includes: an opening-closing unit that is driven by a coil for opening and closing a current pathway; a detecting unit that detects a current value of a current flowing in the coil; an opening-closing instructing unit that outputs an instruction signal to instruct opening and closing of the opening-closing unit; and a failure detecting unit that detects a failure in the opening-closing unit by using the current value output by the detecting unit within a predetermined period of time starting from when the instruction signal is output.

Abstract: A first switching unit and a second switching unit are connected in series to an electric power load. A voltage supply unit, which is connected between the first switching unit and the second switching unit, supplies a voltage to the second switching unit. A determining unit determines an occurrence of a malfunction in at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and an electronic apparatus incorporating the semiconductor device are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a power circuit that further includes a power transistor for providing current to a load (load current), a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the power transistor, and a current detector for detecting the load current. If the detected temperature of the power transistor reaches a first predetermined temperature, and if the detected load current exceeds a first predetermined load current, a signal is output through an external terminal of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for adding and connecting a remotely operated SPDT relay to an electric power circuit of an AC appliance connected to a manually actuated electrical SPDT switch for integrating said AC appliance into an home automation network, each said relay and said SPDT switch includes a pole terminal and dual traveler terminals and said relay is similar to a shape and a size of an AC switch fit for installation into a standard electrical box.

Abstract: A bistable contactor drive circuit includes a series branch comprising a first relay coil and a control signal source is connected to a power supply. A third normally closed contact and an eighth normally opened contact of the first relay are connected to a positive electrode of the power supply. A first normally opened contact and a sixth normally closed contact are connected to a negative electrode of the power supply, a second movable contact is connected to a positive electrode of the bistable contactor coil, and a seventh movable contact thereof is connected to a seventh movable contact of a second relay. A negative electrode of the bistable contactor coil is connected to a second movable contact of the second relay. Other connections in the circuit provide for operation of the bistable contactor drive circuit.

Abstract: A programmable parameter or feature is provided for a power converter through a multi-function connection on the converter controller. The parameter or feature selection is active for programming during a startup mode, and the connection is used for other control purposes during a steady state run mode. A reference signal is read on the multifunction connection during startup mode and a selection of a parameter value or feature is made based on a value of the reference signal. The reference signal is compared to preset, internal reference values to select a desired parameter value or feature. An internal preset value is chosen based on the selection and the programming circuitry is disconnected from the connection to permit alternate functionality for the connection. The programmable circuit permits selection from a variety of parameter values or features based on an external signal, without dedicating an external pin on the controller.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a dispensing valve movable between open and closed positions for controlling the flow of the fluid from the fluid dispenser. A solenoid is operatively connected to the dispensing valve and is capable of moving the dispensing valve between the open and closed positions. The fluid dispenser further includes a power supply having a voltage and a driver circuit electrically connected to the solenoid and the power supply. The driver circuit provides an output signal to the solenoid having a time variable component, for example, a peak current duration, determined as a function of the voltage of the power supply. Thus, the driver circuit automatically adjusts to, and can be used with, power supplies of different voltages. The invention further includes a method by which the driver circuit provides the output signal as a function of the power supply voltage.