Abstract: A protection circuit which is capable of preventing a faulty operation resulting from an abnormal control signal a method for operating the same, a flat display device using the same, and a method for driving the flat display device using the same are disclosed. The protection circuit includes a reference voltage output circuit for outputting a first reference voltage corresponding to a minimum allowable voltage of a control signal and a second reference voltage corresponding to a maximum allowable voltage of the control signal, and a comparison circuit, comparing a level of the control signal with the first reference voltage and second reference voltage and supplying a output control voltage corresponding to the control signal representing the a high-logic state to the controller when the level of the control signal has a value between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage.

Abstract: A power control system reduces power losses by utilizing an over current protection method that detects an over current event based on a power utilization factor PUTIL and an output voltage of an output stage of the power control system. In at least one embodiment, the power control system detects the over current event without sensing an output current in an output stage of the power control system. Since the output current is not sensed, the power control system avoids power losses otherwise associated with sensing the output current. The power control system includes a power factor correction (PFC) stage and an isolation stage. A controller determines the power utilization factor PUTIL using voltages sensed from the PFC stage. In at least one embodiment, the controller responds to the over current event by entering an over current protection mode.

Abstract: A power manager for managing power delivered to a battery operated peripheral device is disclosed. The power manager includes an input current limiter arranged to suppress a power surge associated with an insertion event by a power cable arranged to provide an external voltage. A voltage converter unit coupled to the input current limiter converts the received external voltage to a supply voltage that is transmitted by way of a main bus to a voltage sensor unit coupled thereto. During the insertion event, a comparator unit coupled to the voltage sensor, sends a first switching signal to a switchover circuit that responds by connecting the peripheral device and an uncharged battery to the main bus such that the supply voltage is provided thereto. When the battery is substantially fully charged, the switchover circuit responds by electrically disconnecting the battery so as to not overcharge the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply and a power supply system using such power supply. The inventive power supply includes a power converter for converting an input voltage into an intermediate output voltage, an output protection circuit connected to an output terminal of the power converter and an output terminal of the power supply for protecting the power converter by its ON/OFF operations, and a control unit connected to the output protection circuit for controlling the output protection circuit. When an operating frequency of the power converter is higher than a first reference frequency and the intermediate output voltage is higher than a first reference voltage, the control unit outputs a first control signal to a control terminal of the output protection circuit to turn off the output protection circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power factor correction circuit and a driving method thereof. The power factor correction circuit includes: an inductor for receiving an input voltage and supplying output power; a power switch connected to the inductor to control an inductor current flowing through the inductor; an auxiliary conductor coupled to the inductor with a predetermined turn ratio; and a power factor correction controller that controls the output power by controlling the switching operation of the power switch and determines whether or not the output voltage of the output power is an over-voltage.

Abstract: A method for producing an oscillation signal which indicates oscillation in an electrical power supply system, in which measured values that characterize current and voltage at a measurement point in the electrical power supply system are detected and are converted to digital current and voltage vector measured values. Impedance values are calculated in the complex numerical domain from the current vector measured values and the voltage vector measured values. A curve profile formed by the impedance values is considered and, if appropriate, the oscillation signal is produced using characteristic properties of the curve profile.

Abstract: A biologic and medical multi-channel low voltage micro-electric-field generator including a power supply unit, at least one micro-electric-field generating unit set comprising a step-down unit, a linear regulator unit, and a pulse generating and outputting unit, and a programmable logic control unit. The micro-electric-field generating unit set is connected to an output end of the power supply unit. The step-down unit depresses the voltage of frequency power. The linear regulator unit regulates the output of the step-down unit. The pulse generating and outputting unit turns on/off the output of the linear regulator unit and connects to a network electrode group. The programmable logic control unit controls the characteristics of the output pulse from the pulse generating and outputting unit. The generator is applicable in gene, protein, drug and/or a variety of plasmids delivery to the organs, cells within the tissues of large animal or human.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a chip including an error amplifier, a pulse width modulator (PWM), and an inductor driven by said PWM in series with an output node (VOUT), wherein a load current flows through the inductor. A circuit for sensing the load current includes a first operational amplifier and a sense resistor having resistance RSENSE; wherein a sense current related to the load current flows through the sense resistor. A reference resistor has a resistance RREFERENCE which is a fixed multiple of RSENSE. A set resistor has a resistance RSET. Tracking circuitry sets a voltage across the reference resistor to be equal to a voltage across the set resistor. A function block receives a current through the set resistor and a current through the reference resistor to find their ratio. A current multiplier provides a measurement current which is proportional to the load current divided by RSET.

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: A protection and attenuation circuit for sensitive AC loads is described. The circuit provides AC power protection and attenuation utilizing high-efficiency switch-mode techniques to attenuate an AC power signal by incorporating a bidirectional, transistorized switch driven from a pulse width modulation signal, PWM. The circuit monitors characteristics of the AC power signal driving a known load and characteristics of the load or other elements and determines the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal, PWM, based upon the duration and amplitude of the over-voltage, over-current, over-limit or other event.

Abstract: An integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor chip includes voltage regulators for stepping down an externally-supplied power voltage to produce an internal power voltage, and internal circuits which operate based on the internal power voltage. The voltage regulators are laid in the area of the buffers and protective elements for the input/output signals and power voltages so that the overhead area due to the on-chip provision of the voltage regulators is minimized. The internal power voltage is distributed to the internal circuits through a looped main power line, with an electrode pad for connecting an external capacitor for stabilizing the internal power voltage being provided on it, so that the internal power voltage is stabilized and the power consumption of the integrated circuit is minimized.

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: Devices, reference voltage generators, systems and methods may include an embodiment of a voltage regulator output transistor using a thin gate insulator to provide a low output impedance despite having a semiconductor channel width that is relatively small. The output transistor is protected from damage by a clamping circuit provided to limit the gate-to-source voltage of the transistor such that damage to the output transistor should be reduced or prevented. One such clamping circuit includes a clamp transistor that receives a reference voltage at its gate. The magnitude of the reference voltage limits to voltage to which the gate of the transistor can be driven. A voltage reference circuit provides the reference voltage so that it compensates for process and temperature variations of the output transistor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fault protection circuit, a method of operating a fault protection circuit and a voltage regulator. In one embodiment, the fault protection circuit is for use with the voltage regulator and includes an output power section having first and second MOS transistors configured to provide a regulated voltage on an output node of the voltage regulator. The fault protection circuit also includes a gate pull-down section connected to the first and second MOS transistors and configured to provide a gate pull-down MOS transistor to limit a current through the first and second MOS transistors during a current overload fault condition on the output node.

Abstract: A power supply with adjustable outputted voltage includes an AC power input processing circuit and a DC power input processing circuit. The AC power input processing circuit has at least one voltage adjuster that is electrically connected with the DC power input processing circuit for adjusting the outputted voltage. The DC power input processing circuit includes a current sensor, a DC/DC converter, a ripple filter, and a DC/DC self-drive switch. When an extremely large inputted current is detected by the current sensor and the DC/DC converter stops actions, the DC/DC self-drive switch is turned off to protect the circuit.

Abstract: An AC-DC power converter controls an external upstream switching device, which supplies it power to be converted. Power conversion is initiated when an external signal requests power be converted or when a program within the AC-DC power converter detects the need for power conversion. When this occurs, the AC-DC power converter signals the external switching device, which is upstream of the AC-DC power converter to turn on, thereby supplying the power to be converted to the AC-DC power converter.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter and a method protect a MOSFET driven by the converter from overcurrent conditions. No extra pins are required to sense the current, which saves IC package area and cost.

Abstract: An electric circuit includes a plurality of electric circuit elements. The circuit is prone to creating voltage spikes on a pair of spaced lines. A jumper line connects the pair of spaced lines. A thermoelectric element is connected on the jumper line such that the voltage spike will pass through a hot node on the thermoelectric element. A cool node of the thermoelectric element is positioned adjacent to components which require cooling.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus, which is immovable in a facility, comprises plural electric circuits. Each electric circuit has one or more resistance elements and is connected to each input terminal connected a power source. The electric circuits are arranged positionally closely with each other. In each electric circuit, a desired functional circuit is connected in series to the resistance element, and a protection circuit is connected in series to the resistance element and connected in parallel with the functional circuit. A discharge member is provided in each electric circuit and arranged between each input terminal and the functional circuit. The discharge member includes a discharge gap which allows the discharge member to face with the discharge member of an adjacently arranged electric circuit. The discharge gap discharge deliberately to the adjacently positioned discharge member when a voltage applied to any of the electric circuits exceeds a predetermined voltage value.

Abstract: An over-current protection device is employed to control switching associated with a switched mode power supply to prevent the excessive buildup of current. The device includes a function for relating the switching of the SMPS with a monitored output of the SMPS. This function is selectively modified to ensure the current associated with the SMPS does not exceed a maximum value and does not fall below a minimum value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to use a current to detect two different operating conditions on a single input terminal.

Abstract: A method and the related circuit protect against malfunctioning of the feedback loop in switching power supplies. More particularly, the circuit identifies a condition of excessively high voltage at the output. In one embodiment the circuit for the protection against malfunctioning of the feedback loop of a switching power supply comprises: circuitry that generates a voltage proportional to the output voltage of the switching power supply; a comparator for comparing the voltage proportional to the output voltage with a reference voltage; a counter coupled to the comparator and capable of supplying an output signal when said voltage proportional to the output voltage exceeds said reference voltage a threshold number of times; said output signal is indicative of a malfunctioning of the feedback loop.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: The load drive device of the present invention comprises a load drive unit for switching on/off output current that flows to an inductive load; and an overcurrent protection circuit for detecting whether the output current is in an overcurrent state, wherein the load drive unit has an output transistor connected to one end of the inductive load; and a pre-driver for generating a control signal of the output transistor in accordance with an input signal, and the pre-driver has a first drive unit for switching on/off the output transistor during normal operation; and a second drive unit for switching off the output transistor more slowly than the first drive unit during overcurrent protection operation.

Abstract: The temperature dependence of an inrush current suppression circuit comprising a MOSFET having an input terminal coupled to a direct current input voltage can a transistor electrically coupled to the MOSFET can be reduced by matching the temperature coefficient of a transistor to a component electrically coupled to the transistor.

Abstract: A converter includes a converter bridge (101) adapted to transfer electrical energy between the AC terminal (102) and the DC terminal (103) of the converter. The converter also includes electrical paths bypassing the converter bridge for conducting overvoltage transients occurring in the AC terminal around the converter bridge to the DC terminal. Each electrical path includes a unidirectionally conductive semiconductor component (104a, 104b, 104c), such as a diode, and a voltage-limiting component (105) for which the ratio of voltage change to current change is small when the voltage of the voltage-limiting component is greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. Because of the overvoltage protection thus achieved, AC chokes can be omitted from the AC terminal or at least they can be designed smaller, reducing the load-dependent voltage drop of the DC terminal.

Abstract: A fault detection circuit and a short-circuit detection circuit for a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) driver integrated circuit having a power bridge and a CCFL load are disclosed that includes a reference circuit operable to generate a reference current in response to an external component, a replica component having a dimension substantially less than the components of the power bridge, a multiplexer circuit, and a comparator circuit. The replica component and the multiplexer circuit pass the reference current and the replica current to the comparator circuit respectively.

Abstract: An integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor chip includes voltage regulators for stepping down an externally-supplied power voltage to produce an internal power voltage, and internal circuits which operate based on the internal power voltage. The voltage regulators are laid in the area of the buffers and protective elements for the input/output signals and power voltages so that the overhead area due to the on-chip provision of the voltage regulators is minimized. The internal power voltage is distributed to the internal circuits through a looped main power line, with an electrode pad for connecting an external capacitor for stabilizing the internal power voltage being provided on it, so that the internal power voltage is stabilized and the power consumption of the integrated circuit is minimized.

Abstract: A regulator for a switched mode power supply includes switching regulator logic, a counter and a logic gate. The switching regulator logic is coupled to receive a feedback signal and to generate a switching signal in response. The feedback signal periodically cycles between a first state and a second state when the power supply operates normally. The counter is coupled to receive the feedback signal and 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. An output of the logic gate enables the power switch to turn on and off in response to the switching signal when the output of the counter does not indicate the auto-restart mode and the output of the logic gate disables the power switch in response to the output of the counter indicating the auto-restart mode.

Abstract: An inrush current control circuit selectively short-circuit bypasses an inrush current limiting resistor (R1) of a power supply that includes a switching transistor (Q1) having a control terminal (gate or base) driven in dependence on a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal. The inrush current control circuit includes a bypass transistor (Q3), a first resistor (R3), a capacitor (C2), a second resistor (R2) and a diode (D3), wherein an anode terminal of the diode (D3) is connected to one of the terminals of the switching transistor (Q1) of the power supply.

Abstract: A tunable voltage isolation ground to ground ESD clamp is provided. The clamp includes a dual-direction silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) and trigger elements. The SCR is coupled between first and second grounds. The trigger elements are also coupled between the first and second grounds. Moreover, the trigger elements are configured to provide a trigger current to the dual-direction silicon controlled rectifier when a desired voltage between the first and second grounds is reached.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter includes a switching control circuit adapted to provide a control signal having a duty cycle. A switching regulator is adapted to receive both a supply voltage having the first voltage level and the control signal. The switching regulator is further adapted to provide an output signal at the second voltage level as a function of both the supply voltage and the control signal. In addition, a current sensing circuit is adapted to provide at least one alarm signal based the duty cycle of the time-varying signal. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection device for a power supply device includes a receiving end for receiving a current sensing signal, a compensating current unit coupled to the receiving end for compensating the current sensing signal in order to generate a current sense compensation signal, a first reference voltage generator for generating a first reference voltage, a comparator coupled between the compensating current unit and the first reference voltage generator for comparing the current sense compensation signal with the first reference voltage in order to generate a comparison result, a control unit coupled to the comparator for controlling a power switch of the power supply device according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A circuit fault detector and interrupter which consists of parallel current conduction paths, including a path through a mechanical contactor and a path through a power electronics switch having active feedback control. A fault can be detected by a fault detection circuit within 50 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, causing the mechanical contactor to be opened and the fault current to be commutated via a laminated, low-inductance bus through the power electronics switch. The power electronics switch is thereafter turned off as soon as possible, interrupting the fault current and absorbing the inductive energy in the circuit. The fault current can be interrupted within 200 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, and the device reduces or eliminates arcing when the mechanical contactor is opened.

Abstract: A filter appliance comprises first electrical terminals (201-203) for connecting to a multiphase electrical converter device, second electrical terminals (204-206) for connecting to a load, main current coils formed of foil conductors and connected between the first and the second electrical terminals, and shielding coils whose first ends are electrically connected to a third electrical terminal (219) of the filter appliance. Each of the shielding coils is formed of foil conductor that is alongside and a distance apart from the foil conductor of the corresponding main current coil so as to form a capacitive shield between successive turns of the main current coil. When the third electrical terminal is connected to constant electrical potential, the shielding coils reduce the common mode voltage applied to the load and, for example, a risk of bearing damages in an electrical motor driven by a multiphase electrical converter device is reduced.

Abstract: The invention discloses an over current protecting device and the method thereof. The over current protecting device is adapted to a DC-DC converter. A voltage output end of the DC-DC converter may generate an output current and transmit the output current to a load on a motherboard via a power copper layer on the motherboard. The over current protecting method includes the following steps: detecting a voltage drop on the power copper layer; controlling the DC-DC converter to operate normally when the voltage drop is smaller than a threshold value; and controlling the DC-DC converter to stop operating when the voltage drop is larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: The invention discloses a short circuit protecting device adapted to a DC-DC converter with a soft-start function, and a voltage output terminal of the DC-DC converter increases an output current in segments in multiple time periods after the DC-DC converter is started. The short circuit protecting device including a voltage sensor connected to the voltage output terminal to sense the output voltage; a start timer generating a enable signal in a predetermined period after the DC-DC converter is started; a comparison circuit connected to the voltage sensor and the start timer and comparing the output voltage with a predetermined voltage according to the enable signal. The sum of the time period is a startup time of the DC-DC converter, and the startup time is longer than the predetermined period. When the output voltage is smaller than the predetermined voltage, a comparison circuit outputs a control signal to stop the DC-DC converter.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit for protecting a pass element in a controlled voltage supply circuit electrically connected between a circuit power supply interconnection terminal region suited for electrical connection to a circuit power supply and an output terminal, the pass element being protected from voltage surges that may occur on the circuit power supply interconnection with respect to a voltage reference interconnection. A voltage reference is provided electrically connected in series with a voltage. The voltage divider and the voltage reference are connected in series with one another between the circuit power supply interconnection and the voltage reference interconnection. A threshold switch is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the voltage divider output and one of the voltage divider terminating regions terminating regions, and has an output coupled to the pass element control region.

Abstract: A switching regulator with fault protection and method thereof. The switching regulator comprises a switching circuit, a control circuit, a fault detection circuit and a fault timer. The fault detection circuit is electrically coupled to the switching circuit to detect whether a fault condition exists and generate a fault signal accordingly. The fault timer starts to time once the fault signal becomes valid, and is reset when the fault signal becomes invalid. If the fault time reaches a first time threshold, the control circuit is disabled, and the switch in the switching circuit is turned off.

Abstract: A functional element is prevented from breakdown and deterioration because of mounting and demounting of the functional element immediately after cut-off of driving power from a constant-current power supply or during supply of the driving power. An electric circuit is configured to electrically connect a constant-current power supply 1 having a capacitance between an output terminal and a reference potential terminal and a detachable functional element 2 to each other. The electric circuit has an element breakdown prevention circuit 10 having a first circuit terminal connected to an output terminal of the constant-current power supply 1 through the functional element 2, and a second circuit terminal connected to the reference potential terminal of the constant-current power supply 1 through the functional element 2.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an inductive load, e.g. of a fuel injection valve, includes supply terminals for supplying a voltage, output terminals for connecting the load, and a detection device which is connected to at least one of the output terminals and is used for detecting the point in time at which the operation of the load is discontinued and/or detecting at least one fault case during a non-operational phase of the load. In order to render the detection process more reliable while using less circuitry, the detection device encompasses a current mirror with a first current source and a second current source. The current first is connected to one of the two output terminals during a detection phase. The current supplied by the second current source is evaluated as a signal of the detected result.

Abstract: Electronic protection unit comprising a control unit and a main and auxiliary power supply stage to supply electrical power to said control unit. The auxiliary power supply stage comprises electronic means suitable to generate an auxiliary power supply voltage, in response to a light radiation received in input. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process to manage an electronic protection unit of a power line, in emergency condition.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit includes a filter capacitor interposed between AC input terminals, a first inductor interposed between the first end of the filter capacitor and an input of a first rectifying bridge circuit, and a second inductor interposed between the second end of the filter capacitor and another input of the first rectifying bridge circuit. The power factor correction circuit further includes a second rectifying bridge circuit including inputs connected to AC input terminals, and outputs connected to a smoothing capacitor. A control circuit controls switching devices in the first rectifying bridge circuit. The power factor correction circuit can facilitate preventing an overcurrent from flowing through diodes and parasitic diodes in the switching devices, using a simple configuration.

Abstract: The inverter device includes an IGBT bridge circuit, a drive block which has an upper arm photocoupler and a lower arm photocoupler, and a control block including a CPU which generates gate signals and supplies them to the photocouplers . The control block includes an upper arm shutdown circuit and lower arm shutdown circuit which individually shutdown the gate signals of the upper arm and lower arm IGBTs in accordance with shutdown signals input from the exterior, and the shutdown circuits carry out a shutdown operation in accordance with the shutdown signals, which have mutually inverted logics.

Abstract: A power supply controller can include a switching element electrically connected between a power source and a load, an anomaly detecting circuit capable of outputting an abnormal signal, a power supply circuit which generates a constant voltage, a holding circuit which is activated by being supplied with the constant voltage generated by the power supply circuit, continuously outputs a shutoff signal to cause the switching element to perform a shutoff operation on the basis of the abnormal signal, an output circuit, such that if a first off signal is being inputted from an external source, the first off signal continues for a predetermined period of time after the start of the continuous output of the shutoff signal, outputs a second off signal, and an electrical conduction circuit structured to enable the power supply circuit into conduction in response to an on signal from an external source and enable the power supply circuit out of conduction if the second off signal is outputted.

Abstract: A control system, method, and device for managing variable power sources in DC power systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. An electrical component can be configured to condition power from a photovoltaic (PV) panel such that current is drawn from the PV panel at a peak power continuously, at all times, or irrespective of current flux.

Abstract: One embodiment monitors a line-side electrical current provided by a power sourcing equipment (PSE) port to a powered device (PD), the PSE port having a power-isolation transformer with a primary coil on an isolated side and a secondary coil on a line side. A switching signal having a switching period and a duty cycle is applied to the primary coil of the power-isolation transformer. A value is determined for an electrical current on the isolated side of the power-isolation transformer, conversion is performed between a line-side electrical current value Iout and a corresponding isolated-side peak-current value Ipeak, and the line-side electrical current is indirectly monitored based on the determined isolated-side current value.

Abstract: In an overcurrent protection circuit 23 according to the present invention, a timer circuit TMR that generates an overcurrent protection signal EN according to the results of comparison between a detection voltage Va (Vb) and VrefL and VrefH is configured as follows. When Va (Vb) has reached VrefL, the timer circuit TMR starts to count T1. When T1 has elapsed with Va (Vb) kept above VrefL, the timer circuit TMR changes EN to a disabled state and starts to count T2. When T2 has elapsed, the timer circuit TMR returns EN to an enabled state. On the other hand, after Va (Vb) has reached VrefL and T1 starts to be counted, when Va (Vb) has reached VrefH, the timer circuit TMR forcibly stops the counting of T1 without waiting for T1 to elapse, changes EN to a disabled state, and starts to count T2. With this configuration, it is possible to offer necessary and sufficient protection for an object to be protected (for example, a load or an element provided inside a device).

Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch for use with an auxiliary light source for a gaseous discharge lamp includes a current sensing component, a timer power component, an off-delay timer, a voltage control component, and a phase control component. When the light output from the gaseous discharge lamp is interrupted, or during the initial warm up of the gaseous discharge lamp, the non-arcing electrical switch activates an auxiliary lamp to supply temporary illumination. The electrical switch has improved reset reliability and repeatability while decreasing the reset period required during momentary interruptions of the gaseous discharge lamp. Furthermore, the electrical switch requires no negative or minus power supply in order to initiate reset and operates at voltages of less than two volts.

Abstract: The protection of an inductance of a voltage step-up converter, comprising a first switch with an inverted input logic between the inductance and a terminal of connection of a load to be supplied, the control electrode of which can be connected either to the inductance supply voltage, or to a voltage smaller than the voltage of a power electrode of said first switch, on the inductance side.