Current Responsive Patents (Class 361/57)
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Patent number: 12092702Abstract: A method for detection of a fuse failure of a protective fuse used to protect an associated load against overcurrent and/or against overload includes the steps of: measuring electrical current flowing through the protective fuse in a current path to the load by means of a current sensor element; determining one or more failure indicators adapted to indicate a possible failure of the protected fuse on the basis of the measured electrical current; and detecting automatically a failure of the protective fuse if the determined at least one failure indicator indicates a possible failure of the protective fuse and if the electrical current stopped to flow through the protective fuse or is below a predefined current threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Future Systems Besitz GmbHInventors: Hubert Lenker, Joram Masel, Bernhard Först
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Patent number: 12068597Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power clamp device. The power clamp device includes a delay element, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a gate control circuit. The delay element has an input terminal and an output terminal. The first transistor has a gate electrically connected to the output terminal of the delay element. The second transistor has a source electrically connected to a drain of the first transistor. The gate control circuit has a first terminal electrically connected to the input terminal of the delay element, a second terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the delay element, and a third terminal electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Pin-Hsin Chang, Hsin-Yu Chen, Tzu-Heng Chang
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Patent number: 12068741Abstract: A switching device 1 includes a SiC semiconductor chip 11 which has a gate pad 14, a source pad 13 and a drain pad 12 and in which on-off control is performed between the source and the drain by applying a drive voltage between the gate and the source in a state where a potential difference is applied between the source and the drain, a sense source terminal 4 electrically connected to the source pad 13 for applying the drive voltage, and an external resistance (source wire 16) that is interposed in a current path between the sense source terminal 4 and the source pad 13, is separated from sense source terminal 4, and has a predetermined size.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hayashiguchi, Kazuhide Ino
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Patent number: 12062908Abstract: This electrical protection system for a DC-current medium-voltage electrical circuit, comprising a disconnection module, for generating a counter-voltage greater than the voltage of the source for a current flowing therethrough that is equal to at most a few percent of the nominal current of the device, a resistive limitation module connected between a first terminal and a second terminal and configured so as to reduce the intensity of the output current of the protection system in order to limit the current between a value and upon a low impedance fault downstream of the device, and a primary switching module coupled in parallel across the disconnection module and the resistive module. The primary switching module is configured so as to switch between a first state in which the primary switching module is conductive and a second state in which the primary switching module forms a short circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Nicolas Lapassat
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Patent number: 12021446Abstract: An overcurrent protection device of a power supply is provided. The overcurrent protection device includes an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a feedback controller, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, and an overcurrent protection controller. The inductor may be connected to an input terminal of the power supply to which a current is inputted from a power source. The first switch may be connected between an output terminal of the inductor and a ground. The second switch may be connected between the output terminal of the inductor and an output terminal of the power supply. The feedback controller may compare an output voltage of the power supply with an output voltage target value, and generate a control voltage based on a result of comparing the output voltage and the output voltage target value. The PWM controller may control switch-on and switch-off of the first and second switches, and control a peak current of the first switch based on the control voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hangseok Choi, Sangwoo Kang, Chuleun Yun
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Patent number: 12019100Abstract: An object is to provide a shunt resistor module that is reduced in size, can handle a large current, and can accurately detect current. A shunt resistor module of the present invention includes: a shunt resistor that includes a plurality of resistor bodies having a columnar shape, and electrodes that are located at both ends of each of the plurality of resistor bodies; and a circuit board that includes a plurality of through-holes that can house the plurality of resistor bodies, and a plurality of voltage detection terminals that detects a voltage between the electrodes of the shunt resistor that has been inserted into the plurality of through-holes, and each of the plurality of voltage detection terminals is collected near a center of gravity of the shunt resistor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: KOA CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Hara, Tamotsu Endo
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Patent number: 11994890Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device for determining information regarding a connection of a circuit component that is connected to an output of a regulator in order to reduce fluctuations of an output signal at the output of the regulator. The device includes a processing unit that is configured to generate a statistical value that is a measure of fluctuations of the measurement signals, and thus of the output signal at the output of the regulator, based on a plurality of measurement signals, each of which has information regarding the output signal of the regulator and is recorded while a load component generates an electrical load at the output of the regulator. The processing unit is configured to compare the statistical value with a limit value and to determine the information regarding the connection of the circuit component based on the result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Ronny Andreas Schomacker, Markus Huemer, Christoph Schertz
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Patent number: 11989141Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including memory devices and systems. Example memory devices, systems and methods include a stack of memory dies, a controller die, and a buffer. Example memory devices, systems and methods include one or more neuromorphic layers logically coupled between one or more dies in the stack of memory dies and a host interface of the controller die.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brent Keeth, Frank F Ross, Richard C Murphy
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Patent number: 11967858Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system and, more specifically, to a static transfer switch (STS) that can be applied to a UPS module, the static transfer switch comprising: one semiconductor rectifying element connected to either the anode terminal or the cathode terminal of a direct current power source; a bypass circuit for connecting the input terminal and the output terminal of the semiconductor rectifying element so as to bypass the semiconductor rectifying element; a breaker for opening or closing the bypass circuit; and a switch including a control unit, which controls the semiconductor rectifying element so as to conduct current when a preset conduction signal is received, controls the breaker so as to close the bypass circuit, and, when the bypass circuit is closed by the breaker, controls the semiconductor rectifying element so as to stop the conduction of current.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: LS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Jiheon Lee, Dongjin Yun, Dohyun Kim, Jihong Kim, Minjun Park, Wonseok Do
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Patent number: 11936369Abstract: A switching device 1 includes a SiC semiconductor chip 11 which has a gate pad 14, a source pad 13 and a drain pad 12 and in which on-off control is performed between the source and the drain by applying a drive voltage between the gate and the source in a state where a potential difference is applied between the source and the drain, a sense source terminal 4 electrically connected to the source pad 13 for applying the drive voltage, and an external resistance (source wire 16) that is interposed in a current path between the sense source terminal 4 and the source pad 13, is separated from sense source terminal 4, and has a predetermined size.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2023Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hayashiguchi, Kazuhide Ino
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Patent number: 11885314Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a converter on a three-phase electrical power supply grid, comprising the following steps: operating the converter in a first operating mode by means of a control unit for generating an output current, wherein the converter in the first operating mode operates in such a way as to apply a voltage to the electrical power supply grid; detecting a grid fault on the electrical power supply grid by means of a detection means during the first operating mode; limiting the output current of the converter by means of current limitation when a grid fault on the electrical power supply grid has been detected during the first operating mode, in particular in such a way that the output current of the converter falls below a predetermined maximum current or substantially corresponds thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Johannes Brombach, Ingo MacKensen, Menko Bakker
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Patent number: 11862999Abstract: An online reconfigurable battery system with current surge protection modules (SPM), including: a plurality of battery module strings connected in parallel. The battery module string further includes: an SPM and a plurality of enable/bypass battery modules (EBM) connected in series; where the EBM further includes: a battery, a first switch, and a second switch; the first switch and the battery are connected in series, and then connected to the second switch in parallel to form an EBM that can be enabled or bypassed; the SPM further includes: a variable resistor, a third switch, and a fourth switch; the third switch and the variable resistors are connected in series, and then connected in parallel with the fourth switch to buffer the surge current.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: FORTUNE ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Shou-Hung Welkin Ling, Jui-Yang Tsai, Jason S. Lin, I-Sheng Hsu
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Patent number: 11824345Abstract: An example integrated circuit includes: a substrate and a first metal fuse layer on the substrate, the first metal fuse layer having first and second electrical contacts, the first electrical contact adapted to be coupled to an input terminal, the second electrical contact adapted to be coupled to a diode. The example integrated circuit further includes a second metal fuse layer on the substrate, the second metal fuse layer having third and fourth electrical contacts, the third electrical contact coupled to the second electrical contact and adapted to be coupled to the diode, the fourth electrical contact coupled to a shunt circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Yogesh Kumar Ramadass, Ujwal Radhakrishna, Jeffrey Morroni
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Patent number: 11784584Abstract: An automotive power converter may be controlled by detecting a magnitude of current output by a phase leg of the automotive power converter, selecting a mutual off time for switches of the phase leg according to the magnitude, and generating pulse width modulation signals for the switches having the mutual off time to operate the switches to transfer power between a traction battery and electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Boris Curuvija, Baoming Ge, Fan Xu
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Patent number: 11437987Abstract: An electronic switch has a first, a second and a third connection and is configured to disconnect a current flow between the first and the second connection. An energy source is connected between the first and the third connection, and a regenerative load is connected between the second and the third connection. The electronic switch includes a semiconductor switch capable of switching currents of different polarity. A fuse is connected between the first connection and the semiconductor switch. A first short-circuiter is connected between the input of the semiconductor switch and the third connection, and a second short-circuiter is connected between the output of the semiconductor switch and the third connection. The fuse has a current trigger threshold between a permanently permitted current and a maximally permitted current of the semiconductor switch. An electrical network having such electronic switch and a method for operating an electronic switch are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Peter Köllensperger
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Patent number: 11397635Abstract: For a non-volatile memory die formed of multiple blocks of memory cells, the memory die has a multi-bit bad block flag for each block stored on the memory die, such as in a fuse ROM. For each block, the multi-bit flag indicates if the block has few defects and is of the highest reliability category, is too defective to be used, or is in of one of multiple recoverability categories. The multi-bit bad blocks values can be determined as part a test process on fresh devices, where the test of a block can be fail stop for critical category errors, but, for recoverable categories, the test continues and tracks the test results to determine a recoverability category for the block and write this onto the die as a bad block flag for each block. These recoverability categories can be incorporated into wear leveling operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLCInventors: Shih-Chung Lee, Takashi Murai, Ken Oowada
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Patent number: 11362512Abstract: An electronic switch for a DC voltage system includes at least two turn-off semiconductor switches, a varistor and a capacitor, and at least two diodes connected in series with opposite polarity. The turn-off semiconductor switches are connected at a connection point in series with opposite polarity between a first connection of the electronic switch and a second connection of the electronic switch. In order to provide improved overvoltage protection, the varistor and the capacitor form a series connection, with one end of the series connection connected to the connection point. A DC voltage system employing the electronic switch and a method for limiting overvoltages in the electronic switch or in a corresponding DC voltage system are also disclosed. Inductive energy of an element connected to the electronic switch is transferred to the capacitor when a limit, defined by the varistor, has been exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Hubert Schierling, Benno Weis
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Patent number: 11270819Abstract: The present invention provides for an electronic isolator, or barrier, device arranged for receiving field wiring from a field element and further including connection means arranged to receive a surge element for providing surge functionality to the device, and to provide surge protection to the connectivity by way of the field wiring, the device arranged such that the surge element connects to the device and to the said field wiring by way of the said connection means so that operational connection/disconnection of the surge element to the device does not require disconnection of the field wiring from the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Frederic Vladimir Esposito
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Patent number: 11249125Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting electrical discharges that precede electrical fires in electrical wiring. One or more sensor devices coupled to a circuit detect one or more signal waveforms generated by electrical activity on the circuit. The sensor devices identify one or more transient signals within the one or more signal waveforms, and generate one or more transient characteristics based upon the identified transient signals. A server communicably coupled to the sensor devices receives the one or more transient characteristics. The server analyzes the one or more transient characteristics to identify one or more electrical discharge indications. The server generates one or more alert signals when one or more electrical discharge indications are identified.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Whisker Labs, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Marshall, Christopher Dale Sloop, Stan Heckman, Donnie Bixler, Eric Hoppmann
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Patent number: 11189891Abstract: An energy storage apparatus includes: an external terminal connected to an energy storage device; a current cut-off device disposed on a current path connecting the energy storage device and the external terminal to each other; a voltage applying circuit that applies a voltage to the external terminal using the energy storage device or another circuit as a power source; and a control device. The control device is configured to perform: current cut-off processing for cutting off flowing of a current into the energy storage device by bringing the current cut-off device into an OPEN state; detecting processing for detecting a voltage of the external terminal to which a voltage is applied by the voltage applying circuit during a period in which the flowing of the current is cut off by the current cut-off processing; and determining processing for determining a presence or a non-presence of a short-circuiting object.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: GS YUASA INTERATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Fukushima, Yuki Imanaka
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Patent number: 11114730Abstract: A battery pack wherein each battery is mechanically and electrically connected by a magnetic device to a busbar. In case of failure of any accumulator, it is disconnected completely passively because its failure generates an inactivation of the magnetic device. The disconnection causes the gravity drop of the accumulator and the possibly completely passive implementation of an accumulator shunt.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Johann Lejosne, Pierre Jost, Pierre Perichon
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Patent number: 10763642Abstract: A driver circuit includes: a variable power supply configured to apply a power supply voltage to a light emitting device and to vary a voltage value of the power supply voltage; a current-control switching device electrically connected to the light emitting device and configured to control a current flowing in the light emitting device; a detection part configured to detect a current value and a voltage value related to the current flowing in the light emitting device; and a control part configured to determine a minimum voltage of the power supply voltage based on a detection result of the detection part.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATIONInventor: Hideki Kondo
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Patent number: 10389262Abstract: A device (2) for the on-demand commutation of an electrical current from a first line branch (14, 3; 36) to another, second line branch (4; 41; 71) is created, which has a number of power semiconductor switching elements (7; 47; 53), which are arranged in series and/or parallel to one another in the second line branch (4; 41; 71), and a control unit (18; 51) for controlling the number of power semiconductor switching elements (7; 47; 53). The control unit (18; 51) is adapted to apply to each of the number of power semiconductor switching elements (7; 47; 53) an increased control voltage (VGE) whose level is above the maximum permissible control voltage specified for continuous operation, in order to switch on or maintain the conduction of the number of power semiconductor switching elements and to cause an increased current flow through it, whose current rating is at least double the nominal operating current.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Roland Jakob, Martin Geske, Kowalsky Jens, Josef Lutz
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Patent number: 10050556Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hard switching of Alternate-Arm-Converter voltage source converters. Such voltage source converters have a phase limb with a high and low side converter arm connecting an AC terminal to a high and low side DC terminal, respectively, including a chain-link circuit in series with a director switch. Each chain-link circuit includes series connected cells that can be switched to generate a controlled voltage across the chain-link circuit. In embodiments, a controller turns-off the director switch of a converter arm that is conducting current in response to a hard-switching request for a first phase limb. In response to a hard-switching request, the controller controls the chain-link circuits of the first phase limb at any point in a phase cycle to control: a DC voltage across the director switch and/or the current flowing through the director switch to a predetermined level before turning the director switch off.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Francisco Javier Chivite Zabalza, Francisco Moreno Munoz, David Reginald Trainer
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Patent number: 9866011Abstract: A device and a method are provided for interrupting battery current using a latch relay for substantially high current interruption, which enable the latch relay to return to an ON position after operating to an OFF position. Accordingly, the latch relay for substantially high current interruption is operated to return to an ON (closed) position in only a normal state other than a short-circuit state by self-diagnosing the presence of occurrence of a short circuit before the latch relay attempts to return to the ON (closed) position after operating to an OFF (open) position. Therefore the latch relay may not become fixed and damaged due to the returning of the latch relay to the ON (closed) position during a short-circuit state, thereby guaranteeing the reuse of the latch relay.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Young Jong Lee
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Patent number: 9755586Abstract: This radiofrequency power limiter includes at least one transistor, a drain of the transistor being directly connected to a mesh connecting an input to an output of the limiter, a source of the transistor being connected to a common reference potential, and a gate of the transistor being connected to a common control potential. The transistor is not biased between its drain and its source during operation of the limiter.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: THALESInventors: Jean-Philippe Plaze, Vincent Petit, Benoît Mallet-Guy
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Patent number: 9654023Abstract: The direct current (DC) side fault isolator for high voltage direct current (HVDC) converters (10) includes a first set of double thyristor switches (12) connected across the line-to-line voltage terminals between first and second phases of alternating current (AC) terminals of a HVDC converter (14), and a second set of double thyristor switches (12) connected across the line-to-line voltage between the second phase and a third phase of the AC terminals of the HVDC converter (14). In use, the first and second sets of double thyristor switches (12) separate the HVDC converter (10) from an external power grid (18) during direct current (DC) side faults by turning on these thyristors (12).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: QATAR FOUNDATIONFOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND COMMUNICTY DEVELOPMENTInventors: Ahmed Elserougi, Ayman Abdel-Khalik, Ahmed Massoud, Shehab Ahmed
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Patent number: 9438222Abstract: A method for switching a cycle in a power transistor circuit is created, especially in a parallel circuit of power transistors. The method includes the step of specifying a switching time difference and the switching of the power transistors of two switching times which are separate from one another by use of the switching time difference.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Martin Goetzenberger
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Patent number: 9419428Abstract: A protection device includes a diode having its forward direction in a normal power flow of a region of a DC collection system, a first switch in parallel with the diode, a second switch in series with the diode and a control unit for controlling the switches. The first switch can be opened so that current can flow through the diode in the forward direction without the first switch bypassing the diode, and closed if no current is flowing through the diode in the forward direction and power is needed upstream of the diode. The second switch can be closed so that current can flow through the diode in the forward direction to an AC grid interface of the DC collection system, and opened if no current is flowing through the diode in the forward direction due to a fault in a DC feeder to which the device is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Li Qi, Jiaqi Liang, Jiuping Pan
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Publication number: 20150146332Abstract: An intrinsically safe voltage clamping device includes a regulated rail, a ground rail, and a shunt regulator assembly. The shunt regulator assembly is coupled to both the regulated rail and the ground rail and includes one or more regulating components. The shunt regulator assembly is configured to clamp a voltage applied across the regulated rail and the ground rail to a safety clamp voltage value. The intrinsically safe voltage clamping device also includes a power-sensing component configured to cause one or more limiting components to reduce a power dissipated in the respective regulating components without raising the clamp voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: Stephen G. Seberger
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Patent number: 9022010Abstract: An ignition system is provided, which can restrict decreasing of constant-voltage duration of a spark plug and effectively prevents the occurrence of an accidental fire in an engine. A typical ignition system includes a secondary coil having one end connected to a positive side of a battery via a low-voltage side path and the other end connected to a center electrode via a connecting path which connects the secondary coil and the spark plug. A constant-voltage path having a grounded end is connected to the connecting path. A block diode is arranged between the secondary coil and a point where the constant-voltage path is connected with the connecting path. A Zener diode is disposed within the constant-voltage path. Each anode of the block diode and the Zener diode is mutually connected.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masamichi Shibata, Yuji Kajita, Atsuya Mizutani, Koichi Hattori, Yasuomi Imanaka
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Publication number: 20150085410Abstract: A load driving device includes a driving switching element, an interrupting part, a short-circuiting switching element, and a protecting element. The driving switching element drives a load by controlling energization to the load. The interrupting part is disposed on an energizing path to the load. The interrupting part is not melted by a driving current to the load and is melted by an interrupting current larger than the driving current so as to interrupt energization to the load. The short-circuiting switching element is connected in parallel with the load and applies the interrupting current to the interrupting part. The protecting element protects the short-circuiting switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Satoshi NISHIMOTO, Toru ITABASHI, Yuki MIKAMI, Ryoichi SHIRAISHI
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Publication number: 20150085411Abstract: A transceiver includes a control module and a transceiving module. The control module is configured to generate a control signal in response to a signal from a micro-control unit. The transceiving module is integrated with the control module. The transceiving module is configured to, in response to the control signal, broadcast a first electrical signal to a bus and receive a second electrical signal from the bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: TSEN-SHAU YANG, YUAN-CHIH CHUNG
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Publication number: 20150070806Abstract: Apparatus and methods for active detection, timing, and protection related to transient electrical events are disclosed. A detection circuit generates a detection signal in response to a transient electrical stress. First and second driver circuits of an integrated circuit, each driver having one or more bipolar junction transistors, activate based on the detection signal and generate activation signals. The one or more bipolar junction transistors of the first and second driver circuits are configured to conduct current substantially laterally across respective base regions. A discharge circuit, having an upper discharge element and a lower discharge element, receives the activation signals and activates to attenuate the transient electrical event.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Srivatsan Parthasarathy, Javier Alejandro Salcedo
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Publication number: 20150062764Abstract: The ESD protection circuit includes a detection controlling circuit that is connected between the power supply line and the grounding line, detects a current flowing through the power supply line and outputs a controlling signal responsive to a result of the detection. The ESD protection circuit includes a protecting nMOS transistor connected to the power supply line at a drain thereof and receives the controlling signal at a gate thereof. The ESD protection circuit includes one stage of PN-junction diode connected to a source of the protecting nMOS transistor at an anode thereof and to the grounding line at a cathode thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoki WAKITA, Mitsuhiro YANO, Ryuji NISHIMOTO, Katsuhiko MURATA
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Patent number: 8971000Abstract: A leak current absorption circuit for absorbing a leak current from an output transistor includes a switch connected to a grounding node on one end, a constant voltage circuit connected between the other end of the switch and an output node, a switch-operating circuit connected between the output node and the grounding node to operate the switch based on a voltage of the output node. When the voltage of the output node becomes equal to a predetermined threshold voltage or more, the switch-operating circuit turns on the switch to clamp the voltage of the output node by allowing at least a portion of the leak current from the output transistor flow to the grounding node.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Nagata
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ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PROTECTION CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT, ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT AND ESD PROTECTION METHOD
Publication number: 20150049406Abstract: An electrostatic discharge, ESD, protection circuit arrangement is connectable to a first pin and a second pin of an electronic circuit and arranged to at least partly absorb an ESD current entering the electronic circuit through at least one of the first pin or the second pin during an ESD stress event. The protection circuit arrangement comprises a first ESD protection circuit arranged to absorb a first portion of the ESD current during a first part of the ESD stress event during which first part a level of the ESD current exceeds a predetermined current threshold; and a second ESD protection circuit arranged to absorb a second portion of the ESD current, the second portion having a current level below the current threshold, at least during a second part of the ESD stress event. The second ESD protection circuit comprises a current limiting circuit arranged to limit a current through at least a portion of the second ESD protection circuit to the current threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Patrice Besse, Jerome Casters, Jean-Philippe Laine, Alain Salles -
Publication number: 20150049405Abstract: An arrester bypass device can include a switch having an normal state and an operated state. The arrester bypass device can also include a first electrode mechanically coupled to the switch, where the first electrode is held when the switch is in the normal state and released when the switch is in the operated state. The arrester bypass device can also include a second electrode positioned in line with the first electrode, wherein the first electrode contacts the second electrode when the switch is in the operated state. The arrester bypass device can further include a ground strap having a first end and a second end, where the first end is mechanically coupled to the plunger, and where the second end is mechanically coupled to an electrical ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Michael M. Ramarge, Jeremy L. Martin, Jonathan J. Woodworth, Timothy S. Smith
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Publication number: 20150036249Abstract: A protection circuit is coupled between a power supply unit and a device. The protection circuit includes a delay circuit, a power circuit, a switch circuit, and a determining circuit. The power supply unit supplies power to the device through the power circuit when the device works normally. The delay circuit receives a power good signal and outputs the power good signal after a preset period of time to the switch circuit. The switch circuit energizes the determining circuit when the switch circuit receives the power good signal. The determining circuit outputs a control signal to the power circuit to disconnect the power supply unit from the device when the device is short-circuited.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: BO TIAN, KANG WU
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Publication number: 20150029626Abstract: An electronic device comprises a control module, a transceiving module, a first isolator, and a second isolator. The control module is configured to generate a control signal in response to a signal from an MCU. The transceiving module comprises a transceiving unit, which further comprises a first switch and a second switch. The electronic device further comprises a first isolator and a second isolator. The first isolator is external to the transceiving unit and is coupled between the first switch and a bus. Moreover, the first isolator is configured to isolate a first spike current coming from the bus. The second isolator is external to the transceiving unit and is coupled between a terminal of the second switch and the bus. Moreover, the second isolator is configured to direct a second spike current coming from the bus to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: MYSON CENTURY, INC.Inventors: TSEN-SHAU YANG, YUAN-CHIH CHUNG, PO YUAN LIN
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Publication number: 20150022923Abstract: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein implement steady-state and fast transient electronic current limiting through power transistors, including power transistors used as pass elements associated with general purpose drivers. Embodiments herein prevent excessive steady-state current flow through one or more driver pass elements and/or through load elements in series with the pass element(s) via a current sensing and driver preamplifier feedback loop. A transient over-current protection circuit includes a fast transient switch and a transient over-current control circuit. The transient over-current control circuit rectifies one or more transient voltage spikes to create a momentary direct current (DC) voltage power supply (MVS) to power a fast transient driver circuit and to trip the fast transient switch. The fast transient switch discharges a transient pass element input voltage (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Matthieu Chevrier, Michael Weitz
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Patent number: 8937794Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe card, a plurality of sort probes coupled to the probe card and detector circuitry to detect a real time over current occurrence at the sort probes.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Norris, Pooya Tadayon, Mark W. Dryfuse
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Patent number: 8885305Abstract: A high performance ESD protection circuit is provided. Embodiments include a circuit having an RC clamp circuit including a first NMOS transistor having a first source, drain, and gate, a current mirror circuit including first and second PMOS transistors having a second and third source, drain, and gate, respectively, and an SCR circuit including a first P+ contact. The first source is coupled to a ground rail, the first drain is coupled to the second drain, second gate, and third gate, the second and third sources are coupled to a power rail, and the third drain is coupled to the first P+ contact, wherein during an ESD event the first NMOS and PMOS transistors turn on to discharge a first current to the ground rail, and the current mirror provides a second current to the first P+ contact for turning on the SCR.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Yi Shan, Manjunatha Prabhu
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Publication number: 20140321012Abstract: A power switching circuit includes a power semiconductor element that includes a main switching element connected in parallel with a main body diode and a sense switching element connected in parallel with a sense body diode; a reverse overcurrent detection circuit that detects an overcurrent flowing in the reverse direction out of currents flowing through a parallel-connection body of the sense switching element and the sense body diode; and a control circuit that drives the gate of the power semiconductor element; wherein when the reverse overcurrent detection circuit detects a reverse overcurrent, the control circuit controls the main switching element and the sense switching element to turn on.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Yasushi Nakayama
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Publication number: 20140301003Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a junction box for a solar panel, having a protective circuit that defines an operating state and a protected state. The protective circuit includes a short-circuiting switch between the output-side connecting elements of the first and second external connecting lines and an isolating switch between the short-circuiting switch and one of the poles of the solar panel, in which in the protected state, the short-circuiting switch short-circuits the output-side connecting elements of the first and second connecting lines to each other and the isolating switch disconnects the short-circuiting switch from the solar panel on at least one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Martin Jankowski
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Publication number: 20140268453Abstract: A current limiter system includes a superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) operative to conduct load current during a normal operation state in which the SCFCL is in a superconducting state. The current limiter system also includes a shunt reactor connected in an electrically parallel fashion to the SCFCL and configured to conduct less current than the SCFL in the normal operation state, and a protection switch connected in electrical series with the SCFCL and shunt reactor and configured to disconnect the SCFCL for a predetermined time from a load current path during a fault condition after fault current exceeds a threshold current value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventor: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
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Publication number: 20140268443Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an input terminal, an output terminal and a ground terminal. The apparatus can also include an overcurrent protection device coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus can further include a thermal shunt device coupled between the output terminal and the ground terminal, the thermal shunt device being configured to, at a threshold temperature, operate in a thermally-induced low-impedance state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher Nassar, William Newberry, Adrian Mikolajczak, Jamie Bravo
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Patent number: 8809986Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device capable of reducing a temperature-dependent variation of a current sense ratio and accurately detecting current. In the semiconductor device, at least one of an impurity concentration and a thickness of each semiconductor layer is adjusted such that a value calculated by a following equation is less than a predetermined value: [ ? i = 1 n ? ( R Mi × k Mi ) - ? i = 1 n ? ( R Si × k Si ) ] / ? i = 1 n ? ( R Mi × k Mi ) where a temperature-dependent resistance changing rate of an i-th semiconductor layer (i=1 to n) of the main element domain is RMi; a resistance ratio of the i-th semiconductor layer of the main element domain relative to the entire main element domain is kMi; a temperature-dependent resistance changing rate of the i-th semiconductor layer of the sense element domain is RSi; and a resistance ratio of the i-th semiconductor layer of the sense element domain to the entire sense element domain is kSi.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidefumi Takaya, Kimimori Hamada, Yuji Nishibe
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Publication number: 20140168835Abstract: A method and apparatus for a smart junction box including: a first set of switches connected across input terminals adapted for connection to output terminals of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules, a plurality of diodes connected across input terminals of each respective switch in the first set of switches, at least one reverse current detection device on at least one output terminal of the smart junction box, a second set of switches to selectively disconnect and short circuit output terminals of the smart junction box when a reverse current is detected, and wherein at least one switch of the second set of switches is located across the output terminals, a controller for controlling the first and second set of switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Enphase Energy, Inc.Inventor: Martin Fornage
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Publication number: 20140111895Abstract: A surge protection circuit, related to the power electronics field. The surge protection circuit includes: an input configured to provide direct current power supply, an output configured to connect to a next circuit, and a cutoff circuit connected to the output; the surge protection circuit further includes: a discharge circuit connected between the input and the cutoff circuit; the discharge circuit includes: a diode and a field-effect transistor; the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive end of the input, and the anode of the diode is connected to the source of the field-effect transistor; the gate of the field-effect transistor is connected to the positive end of the input, the drain of the field-effect transistor is connected to the negative end of the input, and the direction of the parasitic diode of the field-effect transistor is opposite to the direction of the diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Xuewen PENG, Wenzong Cao