Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric distribution line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including high sensitivity. The HS relays on each line are programmed to include: preset acceptable operating parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, namely, high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity negative sequence overcurrent; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaking device on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit. A third parameter monitoring: rate of change in current is preferred.

Abstract: A surge protection device has at least one disconnecting device (34), at least one actuating device (36), an indicating device (40), and a shaft (38) mounted for rotation between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one actuating device (36) being variable between a first position and a second position. The shaft (38), the indicating device (40) and the actuating device (36) are formed in such a way and the actuating device (36), when in the first position, is fastened to the at least one disconnecting device (34) so as to be preloaded such that when the disconnecting device (34) is triggered, the actuating device (36) is released and triggers the indicating device (40) by means of the shaft (38). Further, a modular surge protection system is described.

Abstract: A glitch detection circuit includes a first P-type field-effect transistor and a second P-type field-effect transistor which are biased by the same current, and a channel width-to-length ratio of the first P-type field-effect transistor is higher than that of the second P-type field-effect transistor. A capacitor having a terminal grounded and another terminal connected to the gates of the first and second P-type field-effect transistors and a power supply terminal. A determination circuit configured to determine that a negative glitch occurs when a voltage decreasing amount of the drain of the first P-type field-effect transistor is greater than that of the second P-type field-effect transistor, and determine that a positive glitch occurs when an voltage increasing amount of the drain of the second P-type field-effect transistor is greater than that of the first P-type field-effect transistor.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. Two or more electrodes may be positioned adjacent to the distal end region of the elongate shaft. A control unit may supply power and control algorithms to the electrodes. The control algorithm may allow the electrodes to be operated simultaneously and individually.

Abstract: A power conversion device used in a DC power transmission system having a multipolar configuration includes: a self-excited AC/DC converter configured to convert electric power between an AC system and a main line; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive an input of a current value between a neutral point and a DC terminal of the AC/DC converter; control an operation of the AC/DC converter; and control a switch to be opened and closed, the switch being provided between the DC terminal and the neutral point. When the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the controller stops a plurality of cells and subsequently closes a bypass switch. When the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the controller opens the switch.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a protective device related to the field of battery technology. The protective device includes an electronic switch, a mechanical switch and a time logic circuit. A first output terminal of the time logic circuit is connected to the electronic switch; a second output terminal of the time logic circuit is connected to the mechanical switch; an input terminal of the time logic circuit is connected to an output terminal of a power supply; and the electronic switch is connected in series with the mechanical switch into a circuit under control. The protective device provided in the present disclosure can effectively reduce the damage of the mechanical switch and extend the service life of the mechanical switch.

Abstract: A power conditioning circuit includes at least one power storage device having electrodes coupled for receiving power from a DC power source. At least one active current limit (ACL) circuit coupled to the electrodes of the power storage device is for limiting a maximum power output from the power storage device under fault conditions. A DC-to-DC converter has its inputs coupled to the ACL circuit. At least one crowbar circuit has a first terminal and a second terminal and a shorting device coupled to an output of the DC-to-DC converter for providing output terminals for the power conditioning circuit.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement (10) is disclosed that comprises a plurality of solid state lighting elements (22) mounted on a grid of conductive wires (12), said grid comprising a plurality of grid segments (20) each defined by respective portions of adjacent conductive wires, each grid segment comprising a pair of reinforcement members (24, 26) affixed to said portions; and at least one said solid state lighting element mounted on said portions in between the reinforcement members of at least some of the grid segments. An apparatus and method for deforming such a lighting arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatuses and methods are provided which provide a safety system that automatically controls charge and discharge of high voltage (HV) capacitors upon application or removal of HV power to a HV system (e.g., a surveillance radar) that includes different timing and sequencing for turn-on/turn operations. In one embodiment, an apparatus and method automatically discharges high voltage (HV) capacitors when HV power is deactivated. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention automatically deactivates a HV capacitor shunt when the HV system's main HV power is applied or activated. Additionally, an exemplary apparatus requires no human interaction when shunting the HV capacitors, increasing electrical system safety.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) display apparatus, including: a plurality of LED lines including a plurality of LEDs; a plurality of switches connected to respective LED lines among the plurality of LED lines; a controller configured to sequentially supply power to the plurality of LED lines by sequentially turning on and off the plurality of switches; and an LED driver configured to detect an error state of an LED from the plurality of LEDs by estimating current flowing through the plurality of LED lines, and to provide the controller with a result of the detection.

Abstract: A system for clearing power transmission line faults includes a sensor network configured to communicate with a transmission line and configured to detect one or more faults on the transmission line, a crowbar configured to coordinately switch first and second ends of a section of the transmission line to respective termination points, wherein the crowbar includes first and second grounding switches disposed respectively at about the first and second ends of the section of the transmission line, and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor network and configured to control the switching of the crowbar in response to the information.

Abstract: A system for clearing power transmission line faults includes a sensor network configured to communicate with a transmission line and configured to detect one or more faults on the transmission line, a crowbar configured to coordinately switch first and second ends of a section of the transmission line to respective termination points, wherein the crowbar includes first and second grounding switches disposed respectively at about the first and second ends of the section of the transmission line, and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor network and configured to control the switching of the crowbar in response to the information.

Abstract: A system comprises a battery including one or more cells, an energy source, a load, and a battery protection circuit coupled to the battery, the energy source and the load. The circuit determines if the charge of each cell is at/above a predetermined, band gap supplied threshold voltage, which results in disconnecting of the battery from the energy source. The circuit also may determine if the charge of any cell is at/below a second predetermined level, which may result in disconnecting of the battery from the load. The circuit may be radiation-hardened (e.g., via redundancy), through the use of two sets of field effect transistors, two logic gates, two groups of comparator circuits, and two relays. The circuit provides multiply redundant protection comprising: redundantly assessing the overvoltage determination; redundantly triggering battery isolation; and preventing inadvertent isolation and non-charging, occurring absent overvoltage, through redundant first and second relays.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a vehicle voltage supply having a vehicle battery, a load with two voltage supply connections, a fuse in a path between the vehicle battery and one of the voltage supply connections of the load, and a clamping circuit transistor. The clamping circuit transistor can be switched in such a manner that the clamping circuit transistor produces a short circuit between voltage supply connections of the load in order to activate the fuse. An energy store is set up to store the energy needed to drive the clamping circuit transistor when producing the short circuit, and a charging circuit is set up to charge the energy store at least during the time in which the clamping circuit transistor does not produce a short circuit.

Abstract: A three-dimension (3D) integrated circuit (IC) package is disclosed. The 3D IC package has a package substrate having a surface. At least one integrated circuit (IC) chip with or without suppressing a transient voltage and at least one transient voltage suppressor (TVS) chip are arranged on the surface of the substrate and electrically connected with each other. The IC chip is independent from the TVS chip. The IC chip and the TVS chip stacked on each other are arranged on the package substrate. Alternatively, the IC chip and the TVS chip are together arranged on an interposer formed on the package substrate.

Abstract: A system for clearing power transmission line faults includes a sensor network configured to communicate with a transmission line and configured to detect one or more faults on the transmission line, a crowbar configured to coordinately switch first and second ends of a section of the transmission line to respective termination points, wherein the crowbar includes first and second grounding switches disposed respectively at about the first and second ends of the section of the transmission line, and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor network and configured to control the switching of the crowbar in response to the information.

Abstract: An electrical wiring system/method implementing transient voltage suppression is disclosed. The system/method incorporates HOT, NEUTRAL, GROUND wiring in conjunction with a series drop resistor (SDR) on the HOT conductor that supplies current to the load device. Parallel shunting metal oxide varistors (MOVs) are used in conjunction with corresponding shunt diode rectifiers (SDRs) to suppress transients on the HOT conductor to either the GROUND conductor and/or NEUTRAL conductor. The parallel shunting MOV/SDR pairs may be integrated into a singular structure that is encapsulated in an insulating material to permit implementation of the transient protection wiring system/method into electrical loads and common power distribution equipment such as electrical outlets and power strips.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a thermal overload protection device (22) for protecting an electric component (10), in particular an electronic component, wherein the overload protection device (22) has a short-circuit unit (24) for short-circuiting connections (12, 14) of the component (10), and an actuating member (26) actuating the short-circuit unit (24) in a temperature sensitive manner. According to the invention it is provided that the short-circuit unit (24) is attached to a circuit path support (16) in at least one area (28), and is supported in at least another area (30) on the component (10) disposed on the circuit path support (16) via the actuating unit (26), and/or at least one of the circuit paths (18, 20) contacting one of the connections (12, 14) to be short-circuited. The invention further relates to a respective arrangement (36) having a circuit path support (16), at least one component (10) disposed thereupon, and at least one assigned overload protection device (22).

Abstract: Equipment protection systems, arc containment devices, and methods of assembling arc containment devices are disclosed. In one example, an electrical isolation structure includes a conductor base, a cover coupled to the conductor base and defining an isolation chamber, a containment shield disposed on the conductor base within the isolation chamber, and a biasing assembly positioned between the cover and the containment shield. The containment shield defines a containment chamber configured to enclose the plurality of electrode assemblies. The containment shield is configured to at least partially contain the arc products within the containment chamber. The biasing assembly is configured to permit the containment shield to move away from the conductor base to thereby define a gap between the conductor base and the containment shield to enable at least some of the arc gases to vent from the containment chamber.

Abstract: An alarm system for alarming whenever there is a power leakage from an electronic device, includes a voltage decreasing circuit, a switch circuit and an alarm circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a first voltage from a live wire output terminal and outputs a second voltage. The switch circuit outputs a control signal when the power leakage is detected. The switch circuit is electrically connected to a connection port. The connection port is electrically connected to the live wire output terminal and a neutral wire output terminal. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and alarms. If there is power leakage from the electronic device, the first voltage from the live wire input terminal flows into the ground wire input terminal via the electronic device; the switch circuit turns on and the alarm circuit is closed to alarm.

Abstract: A circuit protection device is provided for use with a circuit that includes at least one pair of conductors. The protection device is configured to generate an arc. The protection device includes at least a pair of electrode assemblies electrically coupled to the at least one pair of conductors and a conductor base to support the pair of electrode assemblies. The protection device includes a cover coupled to the conductor base and defining at least one isolation chamber, wherein the electrode assemblies are disposed within the isolation chamber. The protection device includes a containment shield moveably coupled to the cover. The containment shield defines a containment chamber configured to contain charged particles produced by the arc. The containment shield is operative to move relative to the cover in response to a change in pressure produced by the arc within the containment chamber.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting a crowbar circuit in a wind turbine are provided, wherein the wind turbine comprises a converter electrically connected to the crowbar circuit, and the method comprises: electrically coupling a detection module to the crowbar circuit; inputting a first control signal into the crowbar circuit, to turn on the crowbar circuit; providing a three-phase voltage signal to the crowbar circuit via the converter, wherein voltage signals in any two adjacent phases has a predetermined phase angle difference; reading the first detection signal outputted by the detection module, to determine whether the crowbar circuit is normally thrown into the wind turbine; inputting a second control signal to the crowbar circuit, to turn off the crowbar circuit; and reading again the second detection signal outputted by the detection module, to determine whether the crowbar circuit is normally cut out from the wind turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit for a motor vehicle. Said control unit comprises a voltage converter which has an inlet for a direct voltage network. Said voltage converter is designed to generate a direct voltage smaller than an input voltage on the inlet for the direct voltage network and the direct voltage is emitted on the outlet side. According to the invention, the voltage converter comprises an inverter and a transformer which is connected to said inverter. Said voltage converter also comprises an inlet for a discharge signal and is designed to discharge by means of the inverter an intermediate circuit capacitor which is connected to the inlet of the direct voltage network in accordance with the discharge signal, and to reduce a working frequency of the inverter, in particular, compared to the frequency with no discharge signal.

Abstract: A system for clearing power transmission line faults includes a sensor network configured to communicate with a transmission line and configured to detect one or more faults on the transmission line, a crowbar configured to coordinately switch first and second ends of a section of the transmission line to respective termination points, wherein the crowbar includes first and second grounding switches disposed respectively at about the first and second ends of the section of the transmission line, and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor network and configured to control the switching of the crowbar in response to the information.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the electric power transmission in a high voltage direct current, HVDC, power transmission system includes at least one HVDC transmission or distribution line for carrying direct current, DC, and the arrangement includes an apparatus connectable to the HVDC transmission or distribution line, the apparatus being arranged to control the direct current of the HVDC transmission or distribution line by introducing a DC voltage in series with the HVDC transmission or distribution line. The arrangement includes a protection device for protecting the apparatus against over-current or overvoltage occurrences. The protection device includes a bypass device connectable to the HVDC transmission or distribution line and connected in parallel with the apparatus. The bypass device is arranged to be in a non-conducting mode and arranged to be set to a conducting mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically clearing faults in a power transmission line involve automatically terminating ends of a section of the power line while preserving electrical and/or physical continuity of the power line. The terminating of the ends is reversed at about voltage zero-crossings in the power line to clear a fault.

Abstract: An active bypass diode circuit that mitigates the hazard of arc flash events in a Photovoltaic (PV) solar power array, and a PV solar power module that utilizes a plurality of said active bypass circuits are disclosed The active bypass circuit comprises a diode, a switch in parallel with the diode, a control circuit for opening and closing the switch, a circuit for detecting arc flash events, a power management circuit, a power supply circuit, and a capacitor. When an arc flash event is detected, all the switches are closed concurrently, reducing the voltage produced by the PV string to a level that is too low the sustain the arc, and thereby terminating the arc.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission system includes a cable fault ride-through system. The cable fault ride-through system is configured to ensure the HVDC power transmission system remains operational via an earth path between the power source end and the load end during a transmission cable fault, even in the absence of a neutral bus and/or dc circuit breakers.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising first and second JFETs, each comprising a gate, drain and source connection, the JFETs sources being operatively connected to each other to form a common-source connection and adapted to be connected to and operating to open an external circuit when the current flowing through the JFETs exceeds a predetermined threshold, the JFETs' gates, and common-source connection being operatively connected to a gate driver circuit which causes the JFETs to turn off when the predetermined threshold is exceeded; whereupon the current flows through the common-source connection into the second gate and into the gate driver circuit which causes the gate driver circuit to turn off the first and second JFETs and open the circuit breaker. Also claimed is a method of sensing an overloaded circuit comprising leading and trailing JFETs in a circuit that open the circuit and prevent current flow when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit, and method of manufacturing thereof, is provided. The integrated circuit contains an over-voltage protection element and an over-current protection element. The integrated circuit operates to provide enhanced and efficient ESD functionality. The over-current element of the instant disclosure includes a diffusion protection layer to enhance the lifetime of the over-current element and improve functionality.

Abstract: Provided is an ESD protection circuit for CDM capable of preventing a high current from flowing and preventing breakage when a battery is connected with reverse polarity. The ESD protection circuit employs a circuit configuration in which transistor elements are interposed in series to OFF transistors (11 and 13) included in the ESD protection circuit for CDM so that parasitic diodes of the transistor elements are connected to parasitic diodes of the OFF transistors in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An electrical overstress (EOS) protection circuit that at least partially neutralizes or compensates for undershoot and overshoot in first and second signals that are communicated using differential signaling, such as with USB communications. For an undershoot, the EOS protection circuit injects charge into pads that receive the first and second signals. For an overshoot, the EOS protection circuit drains charge from the pad that receives the second signal and injects charge into the pad that receives the first signal.

Abstract: An LED module for use in sign letter channel lights comprises a substrate, a reflector mounted on the substrate, an LED mounted within the reflector on the substrate and a Zener diode shunt element connected in parallel across the LED, a printed circuit board on the substrate, wherein the LED is mounted on the printed circuit board, and an insulating cover. The module may be entirely encapsulated. An LED driving protection circuit provides ground fault protection for a plurality of series connected LED modules.

Abstract: A lithium-based battery system for a vehicle includes a plurality of lithium battery cells arranged in series that provide energy to propel the vehicle. Each of the battery cells includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a plurality of lithium battery elements arranged in parallel, a plurality of disconnect switches, and a shunt switch. Each of the battery elements includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of each of the battery elements is connected to the first terminal of the battery cell. The second terminal of each of the battery elements is connected to the second terminal of the battery cell via a corresponding one of the disconnect switches. The shunt switch is connected between the first and second terminals of the battery cell. A control module selectively opens and closes the shunt switches and the disconnect switches.

Abstract: A digital protective relay includes at least one daughter PCB having an electronic circuit which generates electromagnetic interference noise or high frequency noise; and a backplane printed circuit board having, on an upper surface thereof, a plurality of first connectors for connection with the daughter PCB, connected to the daughter PCB through the first connectors, and providing a noise discharge path along which the electromagnetic interference noise or the high frequency noise from the daughter PCB flows to an external ground.

Abstract: A time triggered crowbar, which is so embodied that it monitors the on-time of at least one downstream electronic component and the period of clocking and therewith the power supply in such a manner that a predetermined maximum allowable surface temperature of the at least one downstream component is not exceeded in the explosion endangered area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for leveraging the inherent redundancy of electrical measurement inputs available to microprocessor-based intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Specifically, an IED may receive a plurality of electrical measurements associated with an electric power delivery system, such as measurements associated with a generator. A first protection module may be configured to detect a first type of electrical disturbance using a first subset of the plurality of electrical measurements. A second protection module may be configured to detect a second type of electrical disturbance using a second subset of the plurality of electrical measurements. A first redundant protection module may be configured to verify the detection of the first type of electrical disturbance using at least a portion of the second subset of the plurality of electrical measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically clearing faults in a power transmission line involve automatically terminating ends of a section of the power line while preserving electrical and/or physical continuity of the power line. The terminating of the ends is reversed at about voltage zero-crossings in the power line to clear a fault.

Abstract: An distributed electronic circuit (1), such as a transmission line or distributed amplifier, is disclosed comprising an input terminal (2), an output terminal (3), power supply lines (4,5), a sequence of sections (61, 62, 63, 64, 65), between the input terminal (2) and the output terminal (3), arranged to transfer an electrical signal from one section to another section; each section (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) comprising at least one Electro Static Discharge (ESD) protection component (9) configured to, upon occurrence of an ESD event, convey corresponding ESD currents to a power supply line (4, 5); and wherein the ESD components (9) of the respective sections (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) are selected such that, upon occurrence of an ESD event, at least one subsequent section (62, 63, 64, 65) is triggered before the first section (61).

Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop configured to carry data and to provide power. In one embodiment, RF circuitry in the field device is configured for radio frequency communication having variable power consumption. In another embodiment, the RF circuitry is coupled to the field device through a separate digital communication bus. A method of modulating the power of RF communication based upon a process communication signal is also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.

Abstract: A system for decoupling arcing RF signals in a plasma chamber including a top electrode, an electrostatic chuck for supporting a semiconductor wafer, and a capacitor coupled between the at least one of a plurality of clamping electrodes in the surface of the electrostatic chuck and a baseplate of the electrostatic chuck, the capacitor having a capacitance of greater than about 19 nanofarads, the capacitor disposed within an interior volume of the electrostatic chuck. A method of decoupling arcing RF signals in a plasma chamber is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.

Abstract: A control system comprises a solid-state switch, a mechanical current interrupting device, and a control module. The solid-state switch is connected in series with a power source and an intake air heater. The mechanical current interrupting device is connected in series with the power source and the solid-state switch. The control module selectively closes the solid-state switch to provide power to the intake air heater. The control module also causes the mechanical current interrupting device to mechanically interrupt current flow to the intake air heater when a voltage of the intake air heater is outside of a desired range.

Abstract: An electrical component having a core and a first and second coil positioned around the core is controlled in such a manner, that in response to the second coil being switched off, the first coil is short-circuited via a quenching circuit to quench the inductive load of the second coil.

Abstract: A device for limiting a short-circuit current in an alternating-current low-voltage installation includes one or more supply lines having power-supply points with power-supply aggregates protected by feeder switches. The supply lines are separated at an isolating point into two line sections in response to a short circuit fault. One or more polyphase high-speed short-circuiting devices are coupled to the isolating point, having a current carrying capacity sufficient for short-circuit current intensities occurring on the supply line. The high-speed short-circuiting device performs a short-circuit switching operation at the isolating point in response to a trip signal. Two power circuit breakers are each connected in series between each of the line sections and the high-speed short circuiting device. A current-sensing device is coupled to each line section. The current-sensing device detects the short circuit fault, and transmits the trip signal to the high-speed short circuiting device.

Abstract: A device for limiting short-circuit current in a consumer network having at least one supply line with a respective current feed point includes a disconnection point disposed in the at least one supply line so as to provide a first partial line and a second partial line in an event of a short-circuit fault. Each of the first and second partial lines has a respective associated current detector and at least one of the first and second partial lines has at least one current feed aggregate. The device includes a multiphase high-speed short circuiter having a current carrying capacity for short-circuit current intensities in the at least one supply line and a respective power circuit breaker connected in series with the high-speed short circuiter. The respective associated current detector is configured, upon detection of a short circuit in one of the first and second partial lines, to transmit a triggering signal so as to effect a short-circuit switching operation.

Abstract: A device (1) has a series circuit of submodules with a power semiconductor circuit and an energy accumulator connected in parallel with the power semiconductor circuit. Each submodule is associated with a short circuit device for shorting the submodule. The short circuit device is a vacuum switching tube. The device is cost-effective and at the same time enables safe bridging of a defective submodule.