Abstract: A power supply controller is disclosed. An example power supply controller includes an input voltage sense input coupled to sense an input voltage sense signal representative of an input voltage of a power supply. An output voltage sense input is coupled to sense an output voltage sense signal representative of an output voltage of the power supply. A current limit circuit is coupled to generate a current limit signal. The current limit signal is varied relative to a first ratio representative of a ratio of a product of the input voltage and a scaled output voltage of the power supply, to a sum of the input voltage and the scaled output voltage of the power supply. A drive signal generator is coupled to generate a drive signal in response to the current limit signal to drive the power switch of the power supply to limit an output power of the power supply in response to the input voltage.

Abstract: A power factor correction type switching power supply unit can change reference values of an overcurrent limit at an optimum timing at a time of an overcurrent protection of a step-up type converter, so that no sudden change occurs in an inductor current. A detection level selection circuit selects one of first and second threshold values with a selection signal, and outputs it as an overcurrent detection level to an overcurrent detection circuit. An input voltage monitoring circuit determines the selection signal in such a way that the larger of two threshold values is selected when an alternating current input voltage exceeds a first reference voltage, and the smaller threshold value is selected when the alternating current input voltage does not exceed a second reference voltage, and outputs the selection signal to the detection level selection circuit at a timing at which the alternating current input voltage approaches a zero.

Abstract: A processing arrangement for the fault situation of a local electric power transmission grid comprises a generator-specific element arranged to monitor the fault situation of a data communication bus and the statuses of the switches of the electric power transmission network and to compare the status data concerning the same switch. In case of a fault situation the generators change into droop control only if there are no other possibilities to continue with the normal adjustment of the generator.

Abstract: One or more attributes (e.g., pan, gain, etc.) associated with one or more objects (e.g., an instrument) of a stereo or multi-channel audio signal can be modified to provide remix capability. An audio decoding apparatus obtains an audio signal having a set of objects and side information. The apparatus obtains a set of mix parameters from a user input and an attenuation factor from the set of mix parameters. The apparatus then generates a plural-channel audio signal using at least one of the side information, the attenuation factor or the set of mix parameters.

Abstract: A circuit protection device is applied to a power supply module. The circuit protection device includes a judgment module and a control module. The judgment module includes a comparing unit, a feedback unit and a reset unit. The comparing unit has an output terminal, a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The feedback unit is electrically connected to the output terminal and the first input terminal. The reset unit is electrically connected to the feedback unit and the first input terminal. The control module is electrically connected to the comparing unit and the reset unit of the judgment module. The comparing unit receives a first reference signal representing the output current of the power supply module and a second reference signal representing the output voltage of the power supply module, and outputs a judgment signal to the control module.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of generating a regulated voltage are disclosed. One apparatus includes a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator includes regulator circuitry for generating a regulated voltage from a first power supply and a second power supply, and voltage spike protection circuitry for voltage-spike-protecting the regulator circuitry. The voltage spike protection circuitry includes a charge-storage circuit, and at least one switching element, wherein the at least one switching element comprises a plurality of switching block segments. The charge-storage circuit includes charge-storage circuit segments, and each charge-storage circuit segment is physically closer to at least one of the plurality of switching block segments the charge-storage circuit segment protects, than any other switching block segment.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided including a trigger circuit having a capacitor connected between a pulse generator and a second switching element, and a latch circuit connected via a diode, between a junction of a load with a first switching element and the control terminal of the second switching element, wherein when the pulse generator outputs a drive signal, both of the first switching element and the second switching element are turned on and the second switching element is held in the ON state through the latch circuit by a voltage at the junction. When the drive signal is stopped, both of the first switching element and the second switching element are turned off; meanwhile if the load is short-circuited, the first switching element and the second switching element are turned off through the latch circuit by the voltage at the junction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surge protection circuit for a line driver. The surge protection circuit includes a transistor, including a first terminal coupled to a positive output pad of the line driver and a second terminal coupled to a negative output pad of the line driver, an inverter, including an output terminal coupled to a third terminal of the transistor, and a first RC circuit, including a resistor having a terminal coupled to an input terminal of the inverter and another terminal coupled to a power supply, and a capacitor having a terminal coupled to the input terminal of the inverter and another terminal coupled to a ground. A first RC time constant of the first RC circuit is substantially equal to or greater than a period of a differential mode surge signal.

Abstract: A switching mode power supply apparatus includes a conversion unit to convert input power into output power having a predetermined voltage by performing a switching operation, a light emitting unit to emit light if the voltage of the output power exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a light receiving unit to receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit and output a signal indicative of the voltage of the output power, a switching controller to control the switching operation of the conversion unit according to the voltage of the output power indicated by the signal output from the light receiving unit, and a disconnection unit to disconnect power applied to the light receiving unit if a voltage of the power applied to the light receiving unit exceeds a predetermined trigger voltage.

Abstract: A controller has an output for supplying power to an output device. The controller monitors the supplied power to provide short-circuit protection to the output device. The controller also receives discrete inputs at the output based on the introduction of temporary short-circuit conditions introduced by a momentary switch connected between outputs of the controller in parallel with the output device. The controller detects short-circuit conditions in the output and distinguishes between short-circuit fault conditions and discrete inputs generated by activation of the momentary switch based on measured characteristics of the detected short-circuit conditions.

Abstract: A power supply includes an integrated cable manager board. The integrated cable manager board is configured to integrate elements of the power supply on the integrated cable manager board. The integrated cable manager board includes a circuit monitoring device and a plurality of connectors. The circuit monitoring device is disposed on the integrated cable manager board and monitors the circuit status of the power supply. The connectors are disposed on the integrated cable manager board and each of the connectors is operable to provide power.

Abstract: A protection circuit equipped magnetic energy recovery switch including a magnetic energy recovery switch having at least two reverse-conductive type semiconductor switches and two capacitors employs a protection circuit and control method for protecting the capacitors against an overvoltage or short-circuited discharge, and protecting the reverse-conductive type semiconductor switches and a load against an overvoltage or overcurrent, and can be used as a controller or a current limiter.

Abstract: An electrical accumulator unit includes a power storage device, a first switch, a power converter, a controller, and a dissipation circuit for dissipating energy remnant in the power converter when the electrical accumulator unit is turned Off. The first switch connects the power storage device to the power converter, which includes at least a second switch that is selectively turned On and Off to regulate the transfer of power between the power storage device and an output of the electrical accumulator unit. The controller turns Off the electrical accumulator device by turning Off the first switch, thereby disconnecting the power storage device from the power converter, and turning On the second switch to connect the dissipation circuit to the power converter in a recirculation circuit path that dissipates energy stored in the power converter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device arranged for converting an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage, comprising a bridgeless boost converter; and a surge protection system. The surge protection system comprises a first protection diode (Dprot1), where the anode is connected to a first AC input terminal and the cathode is connected to a positive boost output terminal (Obp); a second protection diode (Dprot2), where the anode is connected to a negative boost output terminal (Obn) and the cathode is connected to the first AC input terminal; a third protection diode (Dprot3), where the anode is connected to a second AC input terminal and the cathode is connected to the positive boost output terminal (Obp); and a fourth protection diode (Dprot4), where the anode is connected to the negative boost output terminal (Obn) and the cathode is connected to the second AC input terminal.

Abstract: An over-temperature protection circuit is adapted to a light source driver coupled to a light-emitting device. The light source driver has a current setting terminal receiving a set current to control the magnitude of a current flowing through the light-emitting device. The over-temperature protection circuit includes a first, second, and third resistors, a thermal resistor measuring temperature of the light-emitting device, and a diode. A first terminal of the first resistor provides the set current to the current setting terminal. The second resistor is coupled between the first resistor and a ground voltage in series. A first terminal of the thermal resistor is coupled to a reference voltage. The third resistor is coupled between the thermal resistor and the ground voltage in series. An anode and a cathode of the diode are respectively coupled to a second terminal of the thermal resistor and a second terminal of the first resistor.

Abstract: A system includes a control switch and a control module. The control switch is configured to drive current through an electrical load in a closed state, and disconnect the electrical load from a power supply in an open state. The control module is configured to connect to a thermostat switch that operates in one of an open state or a closed state based on a temperature of the thermostat switch. The control module is further configured to control a state of the control switch based on a state of the thermostat switch and detect a fault in the control switch based on the state of the thermostat switch and a voltage across the control switch.

Abstract: Detection accuracy of a short circuit state in a load driving circuit is improved thereby operation efficiency of a motor may be enhanced. A gate control circuit 25 turns off NMOS transistors Q1 and Q4, turns on an NMOS transistor Q3, and turns on and off an NMOS transistor Q2 intermittently so as to control rotation of a motor 10. A detection circuit 30a detects a voltage Va at a connection node a between the NMOS transistor Q2 and the motor 10 a predetermined time after the NMOS transistor Q2 is turned on. A control circuit 20 turns off the NMOS transistor Q2 so as to cut off a current from a power supply to the motor 10 if the voltage Va at the connection node a is within a range in which the motor 10 is determined to be short-circuited.

Abstract: Power supplies are switched in a manner that mitigates parasitic shorts. According to an example, a control circuit (e.g., 310) operates primary and backup power supplies using the higher of the primary and backup supply voltages, for switching between the power supplies.

Abstract: By using switching power supplies a, b, and n, which have detection function of over-current, over-voltage and low voltage, in the case where a short-circuit occurred in a load which is connected to output of a switching power supply, and in the case where a MOSFET of the switching power supply is in a short-circuit state and broken, a main power is forced to be off, and a failure log of the switching power supply is stored in a non-volatile memory unit EEPROM; and also in the case where the main power was turned off and on, even if an abnormal log of the switching power supply logged in the non-volatile memory unit, reclosing of the main power is suppressed and which of the switching power supply occurred failure is notified to the outside.

Abstract: The voltage of a detection resistor connected to the drain of a low-side switching device is normally a negative voltage, but a positive voltage appears when a countercurrent occurs in an abnormal state. A current comparator monitors the voltage of the detection resistor, transmits high output to an AND circuit whole the voltage of the detection resistor is a negative voltage to maintain the output voltage of the current comparator in a low state when an output signal of a driver can be transmitted to the low-side switching device, and allows the output voltage of the current comparator in a low state when the voltage of the detection resistor becomes a positive voltage, thereby forcibly turning off the low-side switching device.

Abstract: There is provided a control system and method related to the use of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices in vehicles. An exemplary control method includes receiving a status signal that indicates a fault condition in the operation of an IGBT device of an affected converter. The exemplary method also includes sending a control signal that turns off all IGBTs of the affected converter. The exemplary method additionally includes receiving a second status signal for each of the IGBTs that indicates whether each of the IGBTs successfully turned off. The exemplary method further includes generating an indication that the fault condition relates to a saturation condition or a power supply being outside a designated range, depending on a duration of the fault signal.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a charge pump circuit which produces a bias voltage that is applied to a transient suppression device used to clamp both positive and negative transients on signal lines. The bias voltage can be set to a level that is above the sum of a DC voltage differential between positive and negative signal lines and the maximum signal voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply device having an overvoltage protection function against an overvoltage caused by a lightning strike, a power surge, or the like. The power supply device having an overvoltage protection function includes: a power supply unit inverting input power to supply driving power; a controller controlling an inverting operation of the power supply unit in response to an external control signal; and a protection unit interrupting the control signal provided to the controller to stop the inverting operation of the power supply unit when a voltage level of the input power is equal to a pre-set voltage level or higher.

Abstract: A regulating system includes an input port having a first input terminal and a second input terminal, an output port having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, a regulating circuit, an over-current protection circuit, and an overvoltage protection circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a regulating diode, a first bipolar transistor and a second bipolar transistor. The first output terminal is connected to the base of the first bipolar transistor via the regulating diode and grounded via first bipolar transistor. A base of the second bipolar transistor connects to the collector of the first bipolar transistor. The second output terminal is grounded via the second transistor. When an output voltage of the first output terminal increases over a predetermined voltage, an electrical connection between the second output terminal and ground is cut off to stop providing output voltage from the output port.

Abstract: A novel inductive overvoltage suppression circuit for power converters is presented. High amplitude voltage spikes are generally occurring in high frequency power converters in presence of small parasitic inductances coupled to the power distribution rails, in correspondence of the switching transitions, particularly when high load currents are required. The presented invention proposes active clamps to limit the amplitude of the overvoltage. Furthermore the excess energy in the parasitic inductances is utilized to provide energy and/or a signal to determine when to turn on the next phase power device with the fastest transition possible without incurring in cross-conduction currents in the power stage of the converter, thus improving its overall performance, and circuit reliability in addition to achieving high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A power converter includes a first phase leg including a first di/dt reactor and a first control section, the first di/dt reactor and the first control section being coupled between an active line and a neutral line. The power converter also includes a first current crowbar coupled between the active line and the neutral and a controller coupled to the first di/dt reactor, the control section and the first current crowbar and configured to activate the current crowbar based on a voltage across the first di/dt reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises identifying, based on a first signature of a power converter, an arc fault; determining, based on the first signature, a type of the arc fault; and performing an action on the power converter based on the type of the arc fault.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a transformer and an integrated circuit regulator. The integrated circuit regulator is coupled to the transformer and includes switching regulator logic, a counter, and a switching transistor. The regulator logic generates a switching signal in response to the feedback signal. The counter receives the feedback signal, where the feedback signal periodically cycles between a first state and a second state when the switched mode power supply operates normally. An output of the counter indicates an auto-restart mode of the regulator in response to the feedback signal remaining in the first state for a predetermined count due to a fault condition. The switching transistor is coupled to be turned on and off in response to the switching signal when the output of the counter does not indicate the auto-restart mode and is disabled when the output of the counter indicates the auto-restart mode.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator capable of providing overcurrent protection without increasing current consumption even when an output current increases. An overcurrent protection circuit includes: a sense resistor provided to a drain of an output transistor, for sensing an output current; an offset comparator for comparing voltages at both terminals of the sense resistor; and a first transistor including a gate connected to an output of the offset comparator. A current path between a detection transistor and the sense resistor is eliminated, and hence a current for detection does not increase even when an output current is large.

Abstract: A generator controller provides independent and redundant overvoltage protection to an associated generator. The generator controller monitors the generator output at a first point of a regulation and a second point of regulation. A generator control unit (GCU) provides overvoltage protection based on the generator output monitored at the first point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a first generator control relay (GCR) to remove excitation from an exciter winding and tripping a generator line contactor (GLC) to disconnect the generator output from a bus. A overvoltage protection unit (OPU) provides independent, redundant protection based on the generator output monitored at the second point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a second GCR to remove excitation from the exciter winding and tripping the GLC to disconnect the generator output from the bus.

Abstract: Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of generating a regulated voltage are disclosed. One apparatus includes a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator includes regulator circuitry for generating a regulated voltage from a first power supply and a second power supply, and voltage spike protection circuitry for voltage-spike-protecting the regulator circuitry, wherein the voltage spike protection circuitry includes a dissipative element and a charge-storage circuit. One method includes a method of generating a regulated voltage. The method includes regulator circuitry generating a regulated voltage from an input voltage, and voltage-spike-protecting the regulator circuitry with voltage spike protection circuitry, wherein the voltage spike protection circuitry includes a dissipative element and a charge-storage circuit.

Abstract: An electrical power diagnostic system includes a system housing, a power saw management system, and a user interface. The system housing is electrically connected with the power unit of the power saw, wherein the system housing includes a control panel provided thereon for allowing a user to adjust an operational parameter through the control panel. The power saw management system includes a control processor mounted within the system housing to electrically communicate with the power saw, wherein the control processor is pre-programmed to manage operational parameters of the power saw and supervise actual operation of the power saw machine and the saw blade in such a manner that when abnormal operating condition of the power saw machine is detected, the control processor is adapted to selectively adjust the operational parameters of the power saw machine for stopping the abnormal operating condition from continuously happening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for draining stored power are disclosed, which the apparatus and method are applied to an EMI filter circuit for draining power. When the power supply circuit is not working, the apparatus provides a bleeder resistor to drain the power stored in the capacitors of the EMI filter circuit. On the other hand, when the power supply circuit is working, the apparatus provides an open-circuit resistor which has extremely large electrical resistance in order to stop draining power. Thus, the apparatus for draining stored power will not cause extra power waste.

Abstract: A distribution control system (DCS) control module for a transformer in nuclear power engineering, includes: an input command processing logic unit (1), a malfunction processing logic unit (2), a state processing logic unit (3), an output command generating logic unit (4) and a 6.6 kV switchgear of the transformer. The DCS control module utilizes the DCS integral with the power units to realize the control of 6.6 kV transformer switch, the sharing of the operator station with the power unit control system, and the overall monitoring, and the operation reliability of the power units is improved.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a surge current protection circuit. The surge current protection circuit comprises a peak current detector and a current sensing device. When the peak current detector detects when a surge current has occurred, by monitoring a change in duty cycle on a node of a HS (high side) switch, a LS (low side) switch is activated. The current sensing device senses the current drawn through the LS switch. When the current sensing device senses a current that exceeds a current limit, the HS switch is turned off for a period of time such that the surge current is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set protection circuit for when a diode short-circuit defect occurs in a power factor correction circuit of a critical conduction mode. In a conventional power factor correction circuit, an excessive amount of current flows to a switch if a diode is short-circuited so that the switch is damaged. In order to prevent damage to the switch, the present invention provides a method for stopping turn-on of the switch when a switch current is excessive.

Abstract: A power converter includes a transformer, a switch element, a control circuit, an over-current detecting circuit, and a compensation signal generating circuit. The transformer includes a primary winding and at least an auxiliary winding. The control circuit is coupled to the switch element, and controls on/off status of the switch element to control a primary current flowing through the primary winding. The over-current detecting circuit compares the primary current with a current limit, and then controls the control circuit to turn off the switch element if the primary current is greater than the current limit. The compensation signal generating circuit is coupled between the auxiliary winding and over-current detecting circuit, and provides an adjustment value to calibrate the current limit according to an output of the auxiliary winding; wherein the adjustment value varies with time when the switch element is turned on.

Abstract: A voltage switchable dielectric material comprising a concentration of multi-component particles that are individually formed by a mechanical or mechanochemical bonding process that bonds a semiconductive or conductive-type host particle with multiple insulative, conductive, or semi-conductive guest particles.

Abstract: A power management circuit for managing power of an electronic device includes a regulator and a protection circuit. The regulator converts an input voltage into a corresponding rated voltage and includes an enable pin and an output pin. The enable pin receives a voltage signal to enable or disable the regulator, and the output pin selectively outputs the rated voltage. When the electronic device is implemented as a slave universal serial bus (USB) device and the enable pin receives a low voltage signal, the regulator is disabled, and the protection circuit receives an output voltage. When the electronic device is implemented as a USB host and the enable pin receives a high voltage signal, the regulator is enabled, and the output protection circuit outputs the rated voltage.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose methods and systems for controlling operation of a regulator controller integrated circuit. The regulator controller integrated circuit may include a run input and a voltage supply input. A voltage supply, having an on state and an off state, may be coupled with the voltage supply input of the regulator controller integrated circuit. A JFET that has a source, a drain, and a gate may be present. The source of the JFET may be coupled with electrical ground. The drain of the JFET may be coupled with the run input of the regulator controller integrated circuit. The gate of the JFET may be coupled with the voltage supply. Such embodiments may disable a regulator unless a supply voltage is present without requiring a supply voltage for control circuitry.

Abstract: A power converter uses a PWM controller to provide a driver output to modulate the duty of the power converter. A protection apparatus and method compare a current sense input of the PWM controller with a reference voltage to assert a signal representing failure, count the number of cycles where the signal representing failure is asserted, and reset an enable signal to inhibit the driver output if the signal representing failure is asserted in several cycles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a secondary side protection method for a switching power converter, used to turn off a secondary side switch according to a secondary side voltage signal, wherein the secondary side voltage signal has falling edges corresponding to the start instants of secondary side discharge periods, and rising edges corresponding to the end instants of the secondary side discharge periods, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the time interval between two adjacent the rising edges repeatedly to derive discharge end cycle times; and generating a first turn-off signal to turn off the secondary side switch when the relative difference of two successive the discharge end cycle times exceeds a predetermined percentage. The present invention also provides a secondary side protection apparatus according to the method.

Abstract: A heating element includes two flexible plastics layers connected in overlying relationship with first and second conductors each running along the element between the layers the side edges with a row of printed conductive strips at right angles to the conductors. A grounding layer comprising a sheet of foil laminated to a carrier is laminated to the heating element. A reinforcing layer in the form of a bitumen anti-fracture membrane is applied on one surface and a reinforcing layer of a fiber reinforced material is applied on the opposite surface for engagement into a tile adhesive layer. A resistor is provided between the grounding layer and the ground terminal of a GFI or similar device for controlling the heating current so as to avoid false triggering of the GFI.

Abstract: In an overvoltage protection apparatus before an inverter configured to feed electric energy from a DC voltage source into an AC power grid, the overvoltage protection apparatus includes a DC voltage input stage. The DC voltage input stage includes, at least two current-carrying lines and an EMC filter including interference suppressing capacitors and interference suppressing inductors, and surge arrestors configured to divert overvoltages with respect to ground are connected to the current-carrying lines after the EMC filter, from a point of view of the DC voltage source.

Abstract: When an electricity storage unit is being charged or discharged, a control circuit obtains efficiency Efn of a DC/DC converter based on input/output voltage value Vi, input/output current value I and electricity storage unit voltage value Vc detected by an input/output voltage detection circuit, an input/output current detection circuit, and an electricity storage unit voltage detection circuit, respectively. By using temperature T a detected by temperature sensor, when efficiency Efn lies out of predetermined range (from Emin to Emax) according to input/output voltage value Vi, input/output current value I, electricity storage unit voltage value Vc and temperature T, at least any one of an electricity storage unit and the DC/DC converter is determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: An LED lamp driven by alternating current includes at least a first constant-current supplying device, at least a second constant-current supplying device and at least an LED load. A terminal of the first constant-current supplying device is connected to the first connecting terminal of the AC power source. A terminal of the second constant-current supplying device is connected to the second connecting terminal of the AC power source. The LED load is connected between the first constant-current supplying device and the second constant-current supplying device in series. Through the current limiting function of the first constant-current supplying device and the second constant-current supplying device, the LED lamp may be protected.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a half bridge utilizing bidirectional semiconductor switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a high side driver operable to control a high side bidirectional semiconductor switch, wherein the high side driver provides a negative bias voltage to the bidirectional semiconductor switch to turn the high side bidirectional semiconductor switch OFF. A low side driver may be operable to control a low side bidirectional semiconductor switch. An external voltage source with a negative terminal of the voltage source connected to the high side driver may be provided. A high side driving switch may be positioned between the negative terminal of the voltage source and the high side driver and operable to connect the high side driver to the negative terminal of the voltage source when the low side driver turns the low side bidirectional semiconductor switch ON.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for an electrical load in a vehicle electrical system includes an auxiliary battery, a thermal transducer in physical contact with the auxiliary battery, a charger circuit for controlling the charging of the battery in response to at least a temperature of the auxiliary battery, and an output power delivery circuit for providing power to an electrical load during normal and emergency conditions. The auxiliary power system is housed in a thermally-conductive enclosure that is in thermal communication with the charger circuit and the power delivered circuit. The power delivery circuit selectively delivers power to the electrical output from both an electrical input terminal and from the battery based on the magnitude of a voltage available on the electrical input terminal.

Abstract: A device corrects the power factor in forced switching power supplies and includes a converter and a control device to obtain a regulated voltage on an output terminal. The control device comprises an error amplifier having an inverting terminal (Vout) and a non-inverting terminal receiving a reference voltage. The device includes first and second resistances coupled in series with a conduction element positioned between the first resistance and the inverting terminal of the error amplifier and a fault detector suitable for detecting the electrical connection of the conduction element with the output terminal and suitable for detecting an output signal of the second resistance. The fault detector is suitable for supplying a malfunction signal upon detecting an electric disconnection of the conduction element from the output terminal or when the output signal of the second resistance tends to zero.