Abstract: A method of testing a control system including a valve which is operable by a solenoid is disclosed. The method comprises applying a current through a coil of the solenoid, the current being insufficient to cause the solenoid to operate the valve, and monitoring a response of the system to the current.

Abstract: An inductive fault current limiter (1) has a normally conducting primary coil assembly (2) with a multiplicity of turns (3) and a superconducting, short-circuited secondary coil assembly (4), wherein the primary coil assembly (2) and the secondary coil assembly (4) are at least substantially coaxial with respect to each other and at least partially interleaved in each other. The primary coil assembly (2) has a first coil section (2a) and a second coil section (2b), wherein the turns (3) of the first coil section (2a) of the primary coil assembly (2) are disposed radially inside the secondary coil assembly (4) and the turns (3) of the second coil section (2b) of the primary coil assembly (2) are disposed radially outside the secondary coil assembly (4). The fault current limiter has an increased inductance ratio.

Abstract: A circuit for storing electrical energy, in particular for installation within a motor vehicle, comprises at least one capacitor and a temperature-dependent resistor by means of which the at least one capacitor can be charged. The circuit may be included in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, a motor vehicle may be retrofit to include the circuit.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter including intrinsic output zeroing is disclosed herein. A transmitter for generating ultrasound signals includes a first transmitter output driver and a first transmitter input driver. The first transmitter output driver includes an N-type device serially coupled to a P-type device. The first transmitter input driver includes an N-type device serially coupled to a P-type device. An output of the first transmitter input driver is coupled to an input of the first transmitter output driver. The first transmitter output driver drives an output of the transmitter to a first voltage and the first transmitter input driver drives the output of the transmitter to a second voltage while the first transmitter output driver is disabled.

Abstract: An input protection circuit includes: a first transistor of a field-effect type coupled in series between an input terminal and an electronic circuit, the input terminal receiving an input voltage, the electronic circuit receiving an input voltage, the first transistor switching to an off-state in a case where the input voltage is higher than a positive power supply voltage of the electronic circuit; a second transistor of a field-effect type coupled in series between the first transistor and the electronic circuit, the second transistor switching to an off-state in a case where the input voltage is lower than the negative power supply voltage of the electronic circuit; and a voltage control circuit configured to maintain gate-source voltages of the first transistor and the second transistor as voltages within a power supply voltage range of the electronic circuit based on the input voltage.

Abstract: A DC grid (100) comprising a plurality of AC/DC converters (105) which are interconnected via DC lines (115) is provided, wherein, in order to limit the effects of a fault in the DC grid, the DC grid is divided into at least two zones (200) by means of at least one current limiter (205) in a manner so that a current limiter is connected in each of the DC line(s) (115z) by which two zones are interconnected. A method of limiting the effects of a fault in a DC grid by dividing the DC grid into at least two zones is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit configuration is disclosed for eliminating EMC interference, and a device includes such a circuit configuration, where a damping member is connected to at least one supply line leading to the consumer or consumers. In at least one embodiment optimal elimination of EMC interference of the electrical consumer or consumers is ensured, and overloading the power supply grid is avoided. To this end, in at least one embodiment the damping member is connected in series with a current-limiting element and can be connected to the consumer in parallel. It is thus possible to compensate for the effect of the current-limiting element and short-circuit said element for the operating state by way of a switch, whereby the element does not cause any loss of power outside of the power circuits and nevertheless has a current-limiting, that is, grid-friendly, effect during the power-up and charging process.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly to be connected to a first control circuit includes a first connector including a switch unit, a second control circuit, and a first contact unit, and a second connector including a detecting circuit and a second contact unit. When connecting the first and second connectors, the connector assembly is disposed sequentially in first and second states. In the second state, where contact pads of the first and second contact units are in respective electrical contacts such that a loop is formed for a trigger signal to be transmitted to the detecting circuit for the latter to generate a detecting signal to the second control circuit, when the first control circuit generates a control signal, the second control circuit controls the switch unit to switch to a conducting state to transmit an electrical power signal to the first control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a default current testing method of the high voltage direct current converter valve composited by impulse voltage. The technical scheme of the invention composites the symmetrical positive and negative voltage and the impulse into asymmetric positive and negative high voltage, it makes the test valve voltage accurately achieve required peak value at the set time. The test circuit is simple relatively; the high voltage source of the default current test circuit is instead by surge generators. The test method is flexible, safe, and suitable for different DC project converter valves.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a converter to convert AC power into DC power, an SMPS to convert the DC power into DC powers desired by loads, a capacitor to interconnect the converter and the SMPS, a PTC element connected to the converter, a first switch connected in parallel with the PTC element, and a second switch connected in series with the first switch. The method includes turning on the second switch to start charging of the capacitor, turning on the first switch to charge the capacitor to a target voltage level, and turning off both the first switch and second switch if a voltage across the capacitor rises over the target voltage level, to discharge the voltage across the capacitor so as to lower the voltage across the capacitor to the target voltage level or lower.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method is provided for determining a state of a receiver on a transmission line. The method may comprise, for example, evaluating a first voltage arising at a circuit point between an impedance and a transmission line coupled to the impedance, wherein the impedance is coupled between a transmitter and the receiver, and determining a state of the receiver based on the first voltage. According to further aspects, various apparatuses are provided for performing this and other methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inrush current suppressor circuit of a power supply circuit that supplies stand-by voltage from AC voltage. At a stand-by mode, only a diode and a resistor for suppressing inrush current are provided, and a capacitor provided in common between a stand-by power supply part and a start-up power supply part is charged, so that the inrush current is suppressed at both of sand-by and start-up modes and the number of devices of a circuit and power consumption are reduced.

Abstract: A system that detects electrical disconnection of one connector from another connector includes a detection circuitry and a protection circuitry. The detection circuitry detects that a plug connector has been electrically disconnected from a corresponding receptacle connector. In response to the detection, the detection circuitry sends a signal to the protection circuitry. In response to the signal, the protection circuitry lowers or terminates power being supplied to a host device via one of the contacts of the plug connector. This helps to prevent shocks/shorts that may be caused by accidental disconnection of the plug connector.

Abstract: A low-, medium-, or high-voltage voltage switchgear with a circuit breaker or circuit breakers is disclosed which can switch electrical equipment. To protect the switchgear, and the cirucuit breakers in the switchgear against so called spot welding under vacuum atmosphere, such as during a closing operation of a switchgear used, for example, for switching capacitive or inductive equipment or inductive or capacitive current network an inrush current limiter is placed electrically in line or in series with the current path of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide a transfer method for peeling off an MIM structure (comprising lower electrode/dielectric layer/upper electrodes) film formed on a supporting substrate and then transferring onto a transfer substrate with sufficiently uniform and low damage. Various aspects of the present invention also provide a thin film element provided with one or more thin film components which are transferred onto a substrate by using said method.

Abstract: This relates to a current limiter circuit that can be used in a power conversion system having a triac dimmer. In one example, the power conversion system may be used in an off-line LED driver. The current limiter circuit may be coupled to a power converter of the power conversion system and may operate to reduce the current that the power converter receives from an input line in the event of a power line surge. The current limiter circuit may also be coupled to the triac dimmer and may also operate as a damper for a portion of the half line cycle. The current limiter circuit may dampen the ringing in the triac current for a portion of the half line cycle and may cease dampening for the remaining portion of the half line cycle.

Abstract: High voltage direct current systems are provided including one or more outlets and an electronic current limiter circuit associated with the one or more outlets. The electronic current limiter circuit is configured to limit current inrush when a connector is plugged into and/or unplugged from the one or more outlets when a direct current bus associated with the one or more outlets is energized so as not to damage the connector; and/or isolate direct current faults and/or excess current draw in a load connected to the one or more outlets so as to protect the system from shutdown.

Abstract: In an example signal clustering apparatus, a feature of a signal is divided into segments. A first feature vector of each segment is calculated, the first feature vector having has a plurality of elements corresponding to each reference model. A value of an element attenuates when a feature of the segment shifts from a center of a distribution of the reference model corresponding to the element. A similarity between two reference models is calculated. A second feature vector of each segment is calculated, the second feature vector having a plurality of elements corresponding to each reference model. A value of an element is a weighted sum and segments of second feature vectors of which the plurality of elements are similar values are clustered to one class.

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: Transient blocking unit reset capability is improved by adding one or more transistors in parallel to one of the main blocking transistors of the circuit. These additional transistors switch off at higher voltages than their corresponding main blocking transistor, and have higher on-resistances than their corresponding main blocking transistor. The resulting transient blocking unit characteristic has two or more different slopes in the negative differential resistance part of the circuit I-V characteristic. This piecewise linear behavior can be exploited to ensure that the circuit I-V characteristic only has a single intersection with a normal load characteristic. By satisfying this condition, automatic reset is ensured, because the combination of the transient blocking unit with any load that is consistent with the normal load characteristic will have only one stable operating point.

Abstract: A surface mountable over-current protection device having upper and lower surfaces comprises a PTC device, first and second electrodes, and first and second circuits. The PTC device comprises a PTC material layer and first and second conductive layers. The PTC material layer is disposed between the conductive layers and comprises crystalline polymer and conductive filler dispersed therein. The first electrode comprises a pair of first metal foils, whereas the second electrode comprises a pair of second metal foils. The first circuit connects the first electrode and conductive layer, and has a first planar line extending horizontally. The second circuit connects the second electrode and conductive layer, and has a second planar line extending horizontally. At least one of the planar lines has a thermal resistance sufficient to mitigate heat dissipation by which the over-current protection device undergoes a test at 25° C. and 8 amperes can trip within 60 seconds.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a power converter capable of suppressing voltage dropping of the smoothing capacitor and suppressing a rush current at the time of power recovery, [Means for Resolution] When it is determined that a bus voltage Vdc detected by a DC voltage detecting unit 24 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference voltage, a control device 20 allows a DC load control unit 23 to stop an operation of a DC load 30.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.

Abstract: Active current surge limiters and methods of use are disclosed. One exemplary system, among others, comprises a current limiter, including an interface configured to be connected between a power supply and a load; a disturbance sensor, configured to monitor the power supply for a disturbance during operation of the load; and an activator, configured to receive a control signal from the disturbance sensor and to activate the current limiter based on the control signal.

Abstract: Active inrush current control includes activating a load, the activating causing inrush current to flow, switching a semiconductor switching device to a current limiting state in response to the inrush current flow, the current limiting state being one of at least three states of the semiconductor switching device and the current limiting state dissipating the inrush current, and switching the semiconductor device to a full current flow state in response to the dissipating, the full current flow state not inhibiting current flow.

Abstract: In an input protection circuit, one end of a resistive element of a protection circuit is connected to an intermediate impedance point of a terminating device, which is connected between a pair of external terminals of a low amplitude differential interface circuit. The other end of the resistive element is connected to an anode terminal of a diode element. A cathode terminal of the diode element is connected to a reference potential terminal. As a result, even when one of external terminals of a low-breakdown voltage circuit is erroneously in contact with a signal terminal (i.e., a bus terminal which is always pulled up via a high resistance resistor) of the socket to be pulled up to a high voltage, the elements forming the circuit are greatly protected from deterioration and damages at low costs, while maintaining the quality of transmission signals.

Abstract: A conductor arrangement for a resistive switching element, has at least first and second conductor connections disposed in a mutual plane adjacent to each other and insulated against each other. The composite conductors each have two conductor parts extending parallel, and forming a bifilar construction. The conductor parts are constructed from at least one superconducting conductor band. The composite conductors are formed into a coil winding, wherein the windings thereof substantially extend in the manner of a spiral, and are insulated against each other by a spacer.

Abstract: Active current surge limiters and methods of use are disclosed. One exemplary system, among others, comprises a current limiter, including an interface configured to be connected between a power supply and a load; a disturbance sensor, configured to monitor the power supply for a disturbance during operation of the load; and an activator, configured to receive a control signal from the disturbance sensor and to activate the current limiter based on the control signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a degrade-resistant surge suppressor that detects and suppresses surge events. The surge suppressor includes a high impedance high pass filter, one or more series inductors, and one or more capacitor banks. The capacitor bank may include a bridge rectifier circuit having two diodes and two SCRs (Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers), or a diode bridge rectifier fed by a TRIAC (Node for Alternating Current). The surge suppressor may further include a secondary trigger device to ensure proper attenuation of surge events.

Abstract: Active current surge limiters and methods of use are disclosed. One exemplary system, among others, comprises a current limiter, including an interface configured to be connected between a power supply and a load; a disturbance sensor, configured to monitor the power supply for a disturbance during operation of the load; and an activator, configured to receive a control signal from the disturbance sensor and to activate the current limiter based on the control signal.

Abstract: A system that detects electrical disconnection of one connector from another connector includes a detection circuitry and a protection circuitry. The detection circuitry detects that a plug connector has been electrically disconnected from a corresponding receptacle connector. In response to the detection, the detection circuitry sends a signal to the protection circuitry. In response to the signal, the protection circuitry lowers or terminates power being supplied to a host device via one of the contacts of the plug connector. This helps to prevent shocks/shorts that may be caused by accidental disconnection of the plug connector.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an output port that has a first lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device and an electrostatic discharge protection device that has a second LDMOS device and a bipolar transistor and that protects the output port from electrostatic discharge. A breakdown voltage of the second LDMOS device is equal to or lower than a breakdown voltage of the first LDMOS device.

Abstract: A method of controlling fault currents within a utility power grid is provided. The method may include coupling a superconducting electrical path between a first and a second node within the utility power grid and coupling a non-superconducting electrical path between the first and second nodes within the utility power grid. The superconducting electrical path and the non-superconducting electrical path may be electrically connected in parallel. The superconducting electrical path may have a lower series impedance, when operated below a critical current level, than the non-superconducting electrical path. The superconducting electrical path may have a higher series impedance, when operated at or above the critical current level, than the non-superconductor electrical path.

Abstract: A limiting current circuit that has output short circuit protection is connected to an external voltage source and comprises an output terminal, an input current unit, a driving transistor, a voltage control resistor, a voltage control transistor and a delay unit. The output terminal is connected to a load and has an output current. The driving transistor has an internal resistance, a drain current and a gate voltage. The voltage control resistor has a resistor voltage. The voltage control transistor has an internal resistance and a parasitic capacitance. The delay unit makes the resistor voltage charging the parasitic capacitance to extend the period of lower internal resistance of the voltage control transistor and the period of higher internal resistance of the driving transistor, makes the internal resistance of the voltage control transistor is less than the internal resistance of the driving transistor when the load is shorted.

Abstract: A voltage detector includes a zener diode having a cathode connected to a detect terminal of the voltage detector, a junction field effect transistor having an input terminal connected to an anode of the zener diode, and a resistor connected between an output terminal and a control terminal of the junction field effect transistor. When the voltage on the detect terminal is higher than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode, the junction field effect transistor produces a current flowing through the resistor, and thereby a detection signal can be obtained from the voltage across the resistor.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for protecting a sensor from a short to a power supply. According to one example consistent with these techniques, a circuit or device may include a sensor unit and a short protection unit. The sensor unit may generate at least one signal indicative of at least one measured property. The sensor unit may be configured to communicate the at least one generated signal via an output node coupled to the sensor unit. The short protection unit may determine whether the output node is electrically coupled to a power supply input. The short protection unit may, if the output node is electrically coupled to the power supply input, provide at least one auxiliary load between the sensor unit and the output node, and thereby protect the sensor unit to prevent the sensor unit from operating undesirably and/or to prevent the sensor unit from damage.

Abstract: Active current surge limiters and methods of use are disclosed. One exemplary system, among others, comprises a current limiter, including an interface configured to be connected between a power supply and a load; a disturbance sensor, configured to monitor the power supply for a disturbance during operation of the load; and an activator, configured to receive a control signal from the disturbance sensor and to activate the current limiter based on the control signal.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes first, second, third and four outputs configurable for first and second wiring configurations of notification appliance circuits. The arrangement also includes a configurable terminal arrangement having first and second configurations corresponding to the first and second wiring configurations, and an end-of-line resistor. The configurable terminal arrangement in the first configuration couples the end-of-line resistor between the third and fourth outputs. The configurable terminal arrangement in the second configuration decouples the end-of-line resistor from the third and fourth outputs.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes a source of negative voltage, a first resistor arrangement, and a circuit arrangement. The first resistor arrangement is coupled between the source of negative voltage and the signal output of the safety notification system. The circuit arrangement is configured to detect a first voltage at the signal output of the safety notification system, and to generate a trouble signal output if the first voltage at the signal output is above a first threshold or below a second threshold.

Abstract: A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.

Abstract: The method for adjusting a hearing device (11) to the hearing preferences of a user of the hearing device comprises a) adjusting at least one of N parameters (P1, P2), preferably with 2?N?4; b) obtaining a gain model (G), which is identical with the output of a fitting rationale (F) applied to a model audiogram (A), wherein the model audiogram depends on the N parameters and is independent of possibly existing audiogram values measured for the user; and c) using the gain model (G) or a gain model derived therefrom in said hearing device (11). Preferably, the model audiogram (A) is an approximation to an audiogram occurring in a pre-defined empirical sample of individual audiograms. The user preferably carries out the method by himself and without external equipment. A corresponding arrangement (1) is disclosed, too. A simple and efficient hearing device fitting can be achieved.

Abstract: A method and a system for ESD protection are provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a circuit comprising at least one non-linear element, an application module configured to apply a set of current pulses to the circuit, a determination module configured to determine at least one frequency-dependent and amplitude-dependent transfer function of the circuit based on the set of applied current pulses, a modeling module configured to model at least one frequency-dependent and current-dependent impedance of the at least one non-linear element, and a simulation module to simulate a transmission to the circuit based on the model.

Abstract: A power supply system S comprising a power processor 1, having a power input 2 and an AC power output 3 with a nominal voltage VN and a nominal current IN, and a power supply safety circuit 6 connected in parallel to said power processor 1 between said power input 2 and said AC power output 3. The purpose of the power supply safety circuit 6 is to provide an additional current in case of a short circuit condition downstream of the AC power output 3, so as to trigger the opening of an individual circuit breaker 4 connected to the short circuited load 5.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes an alarm signal power source, a first semiconductor device, a current sensing unit, and a controller unit. The alarm signal power source is configured to generate bias power for activating a notification appliance circuit of a notification system. The first semiconductor device has a load path coupled between the alarm signal power source and the notification appliance circuit. The current sensing unit is operably coupled to generate a sensing signal that is dependent on the current in the load path. The controller circuit is operably connected to receive the current sensing signal and to control the first semiconductor device responsive to a current sensing signal that exceeds an in-rush current threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a volume of an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which a volume of an input signal can be controlled by using a non-linear gain curve and a target volume of the input signal. The present invention includes receiving an input signal and reference information controlling a volume of the input signal; and adjusting a volume of the input signal with the reference information, wherein the reference information comprises at least one of metadata indicating characteristics of the input signal, output environment information indicating characteristics of an environment in proximity to the apparatus and stored reference information being transmitted from memory. Therefore, the present invention is able to control a volume of an input signal adaptively by using reference information, for example metadata, outside environment information and stored reference information.

Abstract: An RC delay circuit for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is described. The circuit employs an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor to produce a large effective resistance using a relatively small circuit layout area.

Abstract: An alarm device includes a first detecting unit and a controlling unit. The first detecting unit has an isolating circuit, a first enabling circuit, a second enabling circuit and an output circuit. The isolating circuit generates an adjusting signal according to an input signal. The first enabling circuit generates a first enabling signal according to the adjusting signal. The second enabling circuit generates a second enabling signal according to the first enabling signal. The output circuit outputs a first detecting signal according to the second enabling signal. The controlling unit outputs a control signal according to the first detecting signal. The control signal controls an electronic device to operate under a standby mode when the first detecting signal refers to an abnormal status.

Abstract: The invention provides a low cost semiconductor device with which it is possible to easily select IGBT soft shutdown characteristics appropriate to a system. The drive IC (100) is configured of an output stage circuit (1), a shutdown circuit (2), a logic circuit (3), and an alarm signal processing circuit (4), the shutdown circuit (2) is configured of a resistor circuit (5) and an n-MOSFET (8), and the resistor circuit (5) is formed by an n-MOSFET (9), a resistor (10), and a switching conductor (11). By switching the switching conductor (11) of the resistor circuit (5) among A, B, and C conditions, it is possible to easily select shutdown characteristics of an IGBT (61) appropriate to a system.

Abstract: A current-limiting surge protection device is provided. The current-limiting surge protection device includes a pair of series connected normally on MOSFET's and a pair of voltage controlled normally off switches that are disposed to monitor a voltage across the normally on MOSFET pair. Here, the voltage controlled normally off switches close according to an excess threshold voltage across the MOSFET pair and reduces a gate drive potential of the normally on MOSFET pair to limit a current through the normally on MOSFET pair.

Abstract: An inrush current controller for a device has a connector for hot-plugging the device into a source of energization. An impedance has a current input coupled to a first contact of the connector and a current output coupled to the device. The impedance has an impedance control input. An impedance control circuit has a logic input coupling to a second contact of the connector. The impedance control circuit has an impedance control output connected to the impedance control input. The impedance control output forces the impedance OFF during a first time interval after hot-plugging. The logic input triggers a limited inrush at the current input after the first time interval.