Abstract: A safety circuit to disrupt power to a heating element of an appliance to be powered through a solid state switch (Tri-ac, Q1), typically a triac, from an AC power source (V1) having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle delivering power. A low resistance condition is sensed by detecting either the current through or voltage across the solid state switch during the positive half cycle and the negative half cycle of the AC power line, when the solid state AC switch is not actuated. A fault signal is generated to interrupt power to the heating element, preferably by a crowbar circuit opening a fuse, whenever the low resistance condition is detected.

Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a housing; an interface connected to the housing or exposed through the housing and comprising at least one configuration channel (CC) pin; a circuit disposed inside the housing, comprising a current generator and a comparator, and electrically connected to the interface; a processor disposed inside the housing and operatively connected to the interface and the circuit; and a memory operatively connected to the processor. The memory cause the processor, when executed, to detect moisture corresponding to the at least one CC pin on the basis of the comparator while the at least one CC pin is connected to the current generator and to control at least one switch disposed between the current generator and the at least one CC pin, in response to detection of the moisture, thereby conducting switching such that the at least one CC pin is not connected to the current generator. Other embodiments are also possible.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a power switch coupled between a first voltage supply node and an internal voltage supply node and a switch control circuit coupled to a control electrode of the power switch. The switch control circuit includes a driver circuit coupled between a second voltage supply node and a third voltage supply node, a pass-gate having a first node coupled to an output of the driver circuit and a second node coupled to the control electrode of the power switch, a pull-up transistor having a first current electrode coupled to the first voltage supply node, a second current electrode coupled to the control electrode of the power switch, and a bias circuit having a bias output configured to provide a higher voltage between the first and second power supply nodes as a bias voltage to a body electrode of the pull-up transistor.

Abstract: A power source apparatus and associated method for protecting an electrical device such as a mobile device from an electric shortage are disclosed. The power source apparatus can be provided within the electrical device to provide power to device components. The power source apparatus can include a power source such as a battery, one or more triggering components, and a disconnection component. The triggering component(s) can be connected to a moisture/fluid detection circuit of the electrical device. Upon receiving an input signal indicative of detected moisture/fluid within the electrical device, the triggering component(s) send a disconnection signal to the disconnection component which may be a solenoid. The disconnection component disconnects the power source from device circuitry of the electrical device. The power source apparatus can also include a reconnection component that can be manually actuated by a user or automatically actuated to reconnect the power source to the device circuitry.

Abstract: A power source apparatus and associated method for protecting an electrical device such as a mobile device from an electric shortage are disclosed. The power source apparatus can be provided within the electrical device to provide power to device components. The power source apparatus can include a power source such as a battery, one or more triggering components, and a disconnection component. The triggering component(s) can be connected to a moisture/fluid detection circuit of the electrical device. Upon receiving an input signal indicative of detected moisture/fluid within the electrical device, the triggering component(s) send a disconnection signal to the disconnection component which may be a solenoid. The disconnection component disconnects the power source from device circuitry of the electrical device. The power source apparatus can also include a reconnection component that can be manually actuated by a user or automatically actuated to reconnect the power source to the device circuitry.

Abstract: A system for managing short-circuits in an aircraft meshed electrical energy distribution network, comprising nodes connected to one another by inter-node links forming a mesh of the network. A system node comprises a switch, a current limiter, circuitry elements to measure the current intensity circulating on the link and circuitry elements to measure a voltage drop on the link, and a control unit configured to acquire a link current measurement, compare the measurement with a predetermined current threshold and, if the measurement exceeds this threshold, command the current limiter to limit the link current, acquire a link voltage drop measurement, determine a time associated with the value of the voltage drop and check whether the voltage drop is still present after a time period equal to the time obtained, and if the voltage drop is still present then, command the opening of the switch corresponding to this link.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a system. The system includes a radio frequency (RF) generator configured to output a RF signal. A transmission line is coupled to the RF generator. A plasma chamber is coupled to RF generator via the transmission line, wherein the plasma chamber is configured to generate a plasma based on the RF signal. A micro-arc detecting element is configured to determine whether a micro-arc has occurred in the plasma chamber based on the RF signal.

Abstract: A surge absorbing element includes a varistor substrate, a pair of electrodes that are electrically connected to both end faces of the varistor substrate, respectively, to sandwich the varistor substrate, external leads that electrically connect to the paired electrodes, respectively, exterior members that cover the electrodes, and a thermal expansion body that is provided between the paired electrodes and that irreversibly expands with heat generated by the varistor substrate to separate at least one of the paired electrodes from the varistor substrate. A temperature at which the thermal expansion body starts expanding is, for example, equal to or higher than 180° C.

Abstract: Software embodied in a machine-readable storage medium and useful for controlling alternating-current (AC) output of a power converter connected to an AC power network. The software is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the AC power network that will be on the network when the network recovers from a fault. Such software allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the software provides this estimate by tracking the phase with a response time changed in inverse proportion to the voltage on the power network.

Abstract: A protection circuit includes a control unit, a switch unit, a storage unit, and a delay unit, and the protection circuit is used for protecting a processing unit. The control unit is used for receiving a control signal from the processing unit when the processing unit has completed initialization, and generating a pulse voltage. The switch unit is respectively turned on and cut off when the pulse voltage is at a first and second voltage level. The storage unit receives a second supply voltage from the power source and stores energy when the switch unit is turned on, and releases energy to generate a third supply voltage when the switch unit is cut off. The delay unit delays the pulse voltage for a predetermined time period, wherein the third supply voltage is provided to the primary module.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electrical lead in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor configured to record a temperature value of a conductor path coupled electrically to the electrical lead and a current limitation unit configured to limit a current flowing through the electrical lead when the temperature value of the conductor path exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a generator; a generator control unit connected to the generator; and a shunt regulator connected to an excitation output of the generator control unit, wherein the shunt regulator is configured to overload the excitation output of the generator control unit in the event of an overvoltage condition in the electrical system, such that an output voltage of the generator does not exceed a predetermined ceiling voltage during the overvoltage condition.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an electrolytic capacitor for stabilizing the head power source voltage, a transistor for charging the electrolytic capacitor, a transistor for discharging the electrolytic capacitor, a push-pull circuit, a resistor for controlling the charging/discharging current to the electrolytic capacitor, and a resistor for dividing the head power source voltage. The power supply to the head is turned on with the head power source voltage increased by the capacitor.

Abstract: A power providing system includes at least one inductive power outlet configured to be movable behind an extended surface. The inductive power outlet includes a primary inductor configured to couple inductively with a secondary inductor wired to an electric load. The inductive power outlet is mounted upon a positioning mechanism upon which the primary inductor may be moved behind the extended surface.

Abstract: A fork assembly includes a fixed board, a ground portion, a trigger portion, a switch and a resilient element. The ground portion includes a first arm and a second arm located opposite to the first arm, one end of each of the first arm and the second arm is connected to the fixed board, and the other end is free. The trigger portion includes a third arm and a fourth arm located opposite to the third arm, one end of each of the third arm and the fourth arm is connected to the fixed board. The switch is fixed on the other end of the third arm, and includes a normally open contact. The resilient element is configured on the other end of the fourth arm and corresponding to the normally open contact of the switch. The first, second, third and forth arms are conductively and resiliently connected together.

Abstract: Controllable electrical outlets and systems and methods for controlling and disabling the electrical outlets. A controllable electrical outlet includes a current sensor, an electrical switch, and a microcontroller. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet, the current sensor senses the flow of current and a current sense event is reported from the electrical outlet to a central computer. The central computer provides timing and control of the electrical outlet. When a predetermined elapsed time has passed, as measured by the central computer, a timed-out event is communicated from the central computer to the electrical outlet triggering the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. Communication between the central computer and an electrical outlet may occur, for example, via existing electrical wiring, wirelessly, or via dedicated communication wiring.

Abstract: A system is used with a plurality of modules, each module requiring galvanic isolation from the other modules. Galvanic isolators are employed, each having an input and an output, the output galvanically isolated from the input, the output responsive to the input according to a response characteristic of the isolator. Each module has, a respective first isolator and a respective second isolator. The input of each respective first isolator and each respective second isolator for each module is disposed controllably to receive an activation signal from the module indicative of a module fault to be annunciated or to receive a test signal from the module, the test signal being smaller than the activation signal. The outputs of the respective first isolators are aggregated to a first node and the outputs of the respective second isolators are aggregated to a second node.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a generator; a generator control unit connected to the generator; and a shunt regulator connected to an excitation output of the generator control unit, wherein the shunt regulator is configured to overload the excitation output of the generator control unit in the event of an overvoltage condition in the electrical system, such that an output voltage of the generator does not exceed a predetermined ceiling voltage during the overvoltage condition.

Abstract: A protection circuit includes a control unit, a switch unit, a storage unit, and a delay unit, and the protection circuit is used for protecting a processing unit. The control unit is used for receiving a control signal from the processing unit when the processing unit has completed initialization, and generating a pulse voltage. The switch unit is respectively turned on and cut off when the pulse voltage is at a first and second voltage level. The storage unit receives a second supply voltage from the power source and stores energy when the switch unit is turned on, and releases energy to generate a third supply voltage when the switch unit is cut off. The delay unit delays the pulse voltage for a predetermined time period, wherein the third supply voltage is provided to the primary module.

Abstract: An electric component arrangement is described, comprising a semiconductor component (1) mounted on a varistor body (2). The varistor body is contact-connected to the semiconductor component for the protection thereof against electrostatic discharges and contains a composite material having as matrix a varistor ceramic and as filler a highly thermally conductive material being different from the varistor ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the prevention of serious faults in electrical mains supply networks by spectral analysis of the network voltage. The spectrum determined by a voltage A/D converter and a spectral analysis device is subjected to a classification by frequency intervals. The values for the frequency interval classes are correlated in the comparator with frequency interval class reference patterns for corresponding determined faults.

Abstract: An over-current protection device for multiple high-voltage motive devices is provided. The over-current protection device includes a comparison module and a logic operation module. The comparison module receives a plurality of voltages generated from a plurality of operating currents of a plurality of high-voltage motive devices and respectively compares the voltages with at least one reference voltage to generate a plurality of comparison results, wherein the high-voltage motive devices are solenoids, electronic clutches, or a combination of solenoids and electronic clutches. The logic operation module receives the comparison results and generates at least one control signal for a plurality of high-voltage motive device driving circuits according to the comparison results. The high-voltage motive device driving circuits respectively drive the high-voltage motive devices according to the control signal.

Abstract: A voltage tolerance measuring apparatus configured to measure voltage tolerance of a motherboard includes a first connector configured to connect with a power connector of a computer power supply, a second connector configured to connect with a power connector of the motherboard, and a measuring circuit having an adjustable direct current (DC) power supply and a switch circuit. The adjustable DC power supply is connected to power pins of the second connector via the switch circuit. The switch circuit is connected to a power-on pin of the second connector. When the switch circuit receives a power-on signal of the motherboard via the power-on pin of the second connector, the switch circuit controls the adjustable DC power supply to supply power to the power pins of the second connector.

Abstract: A control methodology for an engine-driven electric machine of a hybrid vehicle electrical system for enabling continued operation of the vehicle electrical system under failure mode conditions that require or result in disconnection of the battery pack from the electrical system. At the onset of a fault condition requiring battery disconnection, the electric machine is controlled to drive the battery pack current toward zero before disconnecting the battery pack. Once the battery pack is disconnected, whether by relay or fuse, the electric machine is controlled to maintain the bus voltage of the electrical system at a specified value. In both operating modes, the electric machine is controlled based on a synchronous vector current command that is determined directly as a function of the control objective (zero battery pack current or maintaining bus voltage) for improved response time compared to a traditional torque-based control.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement to detect and protect an electrical device against short-circuiting due to a presence of a conductive subject are provided. The arrangement may include a first and second probe, the first probe connecting to an electrical ground and the second probe connecting to a detecting device, the detecting device being configured to detect a short-circuit between the first and second probes, and output a signal to interrupt power supply from a power source to electrical components of the electrical device.

Abstract: An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery, an impact sensor, a processor and a memory. The impact sensor is capable of generating an impact signal in response to a detection of an impact on the battery pack. The processor is capable of generating impact information based on the impact signal, and processor continues to count a number of charging times to the battery after the generation of the impact information. The memory is capable of storing the impact information and the number of charging times. The processor can refer to the memory to deliver a control command to a battery charger so that the battery can only be charged up to an allowable charge capacity smaller than a full charge capacity after an occurrence of an impact when the battery pack is attached to the battery charger. The charging to the battery stops when the number of the counted charging times reaches a predetermined number of allowable charging times that is allowed after the generation of the impact information.

Abstract: A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.

Abstract: A light source is protected by selectively coupling a shunt path in parallel with the light source, such that current is diverted away from the light source and through the shunt path. A detection circuit detects the current flowing in the shunt path when the shunt path is connected in parallel with the light source. A comparator determines whether the current flowing in the shunt path exceeds a predetermined threshold and, if so, prevents or limits the flow of current when the shunt path is disconnected from being in parallel with the light source. In this way, a current detector is provided for monitoring the flow of current in a shunt path, the current detector being configured to disable or limit the flow of current through a light source when a predetermined threshold is reached.

Abstract: The inverter according to the invention includes a control microcomputer including a protector circuit that stops the inverter when an anomaly is caused, a counter that counts the driving clock signals of the microcomputer from the instance at which the protector circuit starts working, and a conversion circuit that converts the clock signals counted by the counter to a numerical time expression in the time units and outputs the converted numerical time expression. The inverter according to the invention, manufacturable with low manufacturing costs and easy to operate, facilitates informing the installation manager of the period of time from the instance at which the inverter stopped due to an anomaly and such a cause, without impairing the time measurement precision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transmitting digital signals across safety transmission barrier. High data transfer rates are achieved for transfer from a safe certified device across the transmission barrier to a standard or non-rated device. A signal pair is generated including a first digital signal from the safe device and a second digital signal that is phase shifted from the first digital signal. Preferably, the second signal is phase shifted by 180 degrees, essentially being an inverted version of the first digital signal. The first and second digital signals are transmitted across the transmission barrier to a receiver in a safe area. An output signal is then reconstructed based on the falling edges of the first and second digital signals. The reconstructed signal closely approximates the first digital signal.

Abstract: In regenerative braking mode, an inverter converts, according to PWMC signal from a control unit, an AC voltage generated by a motor into a DC voltage to supply the converted DC voltage to an up-converter which down-converts the DC voltage to charge a DC power supply. The control unit receives voltage V2 from a voltage sensor to stop the up-converter if voltage V2 is higher than a predetermined value. The control unit further receives voltage Vf from a voltage sensor that is applied to a DC/DC converter and stops the up-converter if voltage Vf is higher than a predetermined value. Moreover, the control unit receives voltage V1 of the DC power supply from a voltage sensor to stop the up-converter if voltage V1 does not match voltage V2.

Abstract: In a power-supply unit for a microwave tube, voltage between a helix power supply terminal and a cathode power supply terminal is divided into voltage slightly lower than the voltage of a collector power supply terminal. Uni-directional conductive means is provided between a voltage dividing point and the collector power supply terminal, and when the voltage of the collector power supply terminal is about to be lower than voltage at the voltage dividing point while the voltage approximates the voltage of the cathode power supply terminal, the uni-directional conductive means conducts and clamps the voltage of the collector power supply terminal so that the voltage is substantially equal to the voltage at the voltage dividing point.

Abstract: An Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection circuit (9) includes a plurality of I/O and power supply pad cells (22, 40) that comprise external pads (31, 41) and circuitry requiring ESD protection. The protection circuit includes an array of shunting devices (36, 46) coupled in parallel between an ESD bus (14) and a VSS bus (18) and distributed among the plurality of pad cells. One or more trigger circuits (50) control the shunting devices. ESD events are coupled from any stressed pad onto two separate buses: the ESD bus which routes the high ESD currents to the positive current electrodes of the multiple shunting devices, and a Boost bus (12) which controls the trigger circuits. During an ESD event, the trigger circuits drive the control electrodes of the shunting devices to a voltage level greater than possible with prior art circuits, thereby reducing the on-resistance of the shunting devices.

Abstract: A ballast circuit includes an output isolation transformer having a primary winding and first and second secondary terminals coupled to opposing ballast lamp terminals for additively applying potentials on the primary winding and the first and second secondary winding potentials across the lamp and limiting ground fault voltages. The circuit can include a closed loop feedback path from a load to a feedback rectifier for promoting linear operation of an input rectifier.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for protecting from electrostatic destruction an Integrated Circuit (IC) formed from a CMOS material that is capable of handling high frequencies and can withstand low voltage. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit has NMOS transistors, which are diode-connected transistors oriented in opposite directions, connected in parallel between a ground line and a line connecting an input terminal of the IC and the gate of an NMOS transistor included in an amplifier. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit is highly resistive to a surge voltage without impairment by high-frequency characteristics including noise and signal loss. The size of the IC need not be significantly increased to incorporate the new electrostatic discharge protection circuit, which is also highly cost effective since it requires fewer manufacturing steps to produce.

Abstract: A microprocessor motherboard and system include a microprocessor having external input and external output connections. The microprocessor includes a conductive path formed between one of the external input connections and an external output connection for routing a supply voltage to the external output connection. The microprocessor, therefore, selects an appropriate bus voltage for communicating with peripheral circuitry. New generations of microprocessors can be implemented without changing the remaining motherboard configuration.

Abstract: The device is an ELECTRONIC BATTERY KILL SWITCH mounted within or associated with a vehicle energy source. Electronic circuitry shuts down chemical energy flow from the battery plates to the battery posts or terminals in a collision, or when optionally linked device(s) deploy, trip or activate.

Abstract: In machines having electro-hydraulic transmission controls, it is desirable to ensure that in the event of an electrical malfunction or power failure the transmission responds appropriately. In the subject invention, a system is provided in a transmission which in the event of an individual clutch solenoid fault (short-to-battery, short-to-ground, and open circuit fault) keeps the machine in gear and protects the transmission from damage. A short-to-battery fault will allow shifting to an available gear that utilizes the faulted clutch. If there is a short-to-ground or open circuit fault then the transmission will latch the current gear or shift to a predetermined gear that does not utilize a faulted clutch.

Abstract: A ground fault detection circuit is coupled to an AC circuit and to earth ground for detecting a flow of energy from the AC circuit to earth ground through a path external to the AC circuit. In one embodiment, the ground fault circuit includes a detection circuit coupled to a negative rail of an inverter, which forms part of the AC circuit, and a detection control circuit coupled to the inverter for disabling the AC circuit.

Abstract: An overvoltage protective arrangement to protect an electrical installation against overvoltages, which installation has an onboard power supply system fed by an electrical D.C. generator (9) and electrical devices connected thereto. The overvoltage protective arrangement is provided with a limiting device whose threshold value is above the rated generator voltage.

Abstract: An electronic circuit package having a wiring substrate, at least two semiconductor chips and a bus line. All the semiconductor chips to be connected by means of the bus line are bare chip packaged on a wiring substrate, and the semiconductor chips and the wiring substrate are connected by wiring bonding between wire bonding pads formed on the semiconductor chips and the wiring substrate. The wiring substrate may be a multilayer.Preferably, there is an insulating layer partially formed on the surface of the multilayer wiring substrate and a die bonding ground formed on the is surface of the insulating layer, in order to use a portion of the multilayer wing substrate under the die bonding ground as a wiring or a via hole region, and at least one of the semiconductor chips is formed on the die bonding ground.

Abstract: Laser range finder circuitry including an avalanche photodiode detector, a capacitor for storing a detector bias voltage, and a transimpedance amplifier for amplifying the detector signal. The capacitor is charged in response to a first control signal by a circuit employing first and second field effect transistors and is discharged in response to a second control signal by a circuit employing a third field effect transistor. An overload protection circuit including a single diode is provided to accommodate excessive charge created by backscatter upon initial laser firing. A temperature sensor is further provided to develop a temperature signal which may be monitored to adjust the detector bias voltage and other parameters so as to permit use of an associated laser range finder over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a bridge rectifier having a plurality of ac inputs coupled to a plurality of line voltages, and a dc output, comprises monitoring circuits coupled to the line voltages for monitoring the line voltages and generating sequential line-to-line voltage signals, conduction circuits coupled to the monitoring circuits for conducting that portion of each of the sequential line-to-line voltage signals having a given polarity, the conducting circuits generating sequential half wave voltage signals having a given polarity magnitude, and discriminating circuits coupled to the conducting circuits for discriminating a faulted rectifier by monitoring the given polarity magnitude of each of the sequential half wave voltage signals. The discriminating circuits generate a protection signal in response to one of the magnitudes of the sequential half wave voltages signals being less than a threshold.

Abstract: A generator controller and controlling method of a hybrid vehicle. A battery voltage is compared with a predetermined value and when the battery voltage is lower than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison, an state of charge of the battery is discriminated. In the case of an state of charge of at least 70%, a generator output is controlled on the basis of a motor output, and in the case of an state of charge of less than 70%, while the generator output is controlled to a relatively high value, the motor output is limited. When the state of charge is restored to more than 75%, the voltage is controlled depending on the motor output. In the case of at least the predetermined value of the battery voltage, an idle control of an engine is carried out. As a result, the state of charge of the battery can be ensured and overcharging of the battery can be prevented.

Abstract: A system of protection for an electric power distribution system which has at least two parallel power feeders for each electrical phase coupling a source of electrical energy through a contactor device to a load distribution bus comprises a controller, and a parallel feeder current sensor for each parallel power feeder which sense electrical current conducted therein. The parallel feeder current sensors produce output parallel current sense signals proportional to the magnitude of the parallel feeder current sensed, and are coupled to the controller by conductors which communicate the output parallel current sense signals thereto. The controller comprises circuitry which compares the magnitudes of the output parallel current sense signals for each electrical phase.

Abstract: An electrical safety barrier which is adapted to pass a current returning from a hazardous area to a safe area but which will transmit negligible energy from the safe area to the hazardous area under fault conditions has in its return channel a fuse, shunt diodes and additional diodes. These additional diodes are either conventional rectifier diodes positioned at the safe-area end of the return channel or are Schottky diodes or diodes with a low forward voltage drop positioned at the hazardous-area end of the return channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to device for detecting a threshold value of the frequency of an input signal. A gate signal is generated from the input signal, whose period has a relationship to the frequency of the input signal. A counter counts pulses from an oscillator having a predetermined rate. The gate signal enables the counter for a predetermined period of time and samples the count at the end of the period of time to determine whether the threshold value has been attained, the count stored in the counter being indicative of the frequency of the input signal.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 4, a wiring pattern of a semiconductor integrated circuit device of the present invention comprises a wiring portion extending from a connection hole and a connection portion located on the connection hole and having a matching allowance with respect to said connection hole on said wiring portion side being formed wider than a predetermined matching allowance by a predetermined width with which a required yield of successful matching can be assured.