Abstract: An electronic system and a cell module thereof are provided. The electronic system includes an electronic device and a cell module. The cell module includes a cell, a discharge switching circuit, and a surge current suppressed and controlled circuit. The discharge switching circuit is coupled to the cell. The surge current suppressed and controlled circuit is used for controlling the discharge switching circuit, so that the current flowing from the cell into the electronic device gradually increases by the discharge switching circuit when the electronic device is coupled to the discharge switching circuit.

Abstract: A transient blocking unit (TBU) is a circuit having series-connected transistors that normally conduct current, but automatically switch to a high-impedance current blocking state in response to an over-current condition. Here enhancement mode devices are used in the primary TBU current path, as opposed to the conventional use of depletion mode devices in this context. This approach provides two main advantages. The first advantage is that the dependence of TBU parameters on poorly controlled depletion mode device parameters can be reduced or eliminated. The second advantage is that such TBUs can provide over-voltage protection in addition to over-current protection.

Abstract: An alternating current system 10 has a primary circuit 11 which forms a primary winding 18 on a core 16. A secondary winding 24 is connected with a current source 26 or, alternatively, with an impedance 60. The core 16 is threaded by a superconducting coil 20 having a current source 22. In normal use, current in the coil 20 provides a DC bias level of flux in the core 16, and the source 26 is varied to maintain substantially constant flux, thereby minimising losses in the primary circuit 11. In fault conditions, current in the coil 20 is reduced or removed to increase voltage losses across the coil 18, thereby limiting fault current. The impedance 60 can also be switched into circuit, creating further current limiting by virtue of the transformer effect of the windings 18, 24.

Abstract: A control device for an electronic domestic appliance has a control panel of an electrically conducting material and an electronic control system with a mains-connected circuit and a circuit that is galvanically separated from the mains. To protect the electronic control system from electrostatic discharges the control panel is grounded by way of an electrical connection between the control panel and the circuit that is galvanically separated from the mains and also an electrical connection between the galvanically separated circuit and the mains-connected circuit. The latter electrical connection between the galvanically separated circuit and the mains-connected circuit has at least one protection impedance.

Abstract: In all electronic products, the voltage supply circuit is an essential component for providing a stable supply voltage into the application device. The present invention provides a multi-level voltage supply circuit for solving some problems existing in the application device, in which the multi-level voltage supply circuit includes a first voltage drop component, a second voltage drop component, and a control module. When the first voltage drop component is controlled by the control module in the conducting state, the output voltage is substantially equal to the input voltage minus the first voltage drop. When the first voltage drop component is controlled by the control module in the non-conducting state, the output voltage is substantially equal to the input voltage minus the second voltage drop.

Abstract: An alternating current system 10 has a primary circuit 11 which forms a primary winding 18 on a core 16. A secondary winding 24 is connected with a current source 26 or, alternatively, with an impedance 60. The core 16 is threaded by a superconducting coil 20 having a current source 22. In normal use, current in the coil 20 provides a DC bias level of flux in the core 16, and the source 26 is varied to maintain substantially constant flux, thereby minimizing losses in the primary circuit 11. In fault conditions, current in the coil 20 is reduced or removed to increase voltage losses across the coil 18, thereby limiting fault current. The impedance 60 can also be switched into circuit, creating further current limiting by virtue of the transformer effect of the windings 18, 24.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for suppressing high frequency current or/and voltage components, applicable in protecting electrical equipment, especially against the effects of overvoltage in electrical power networks and stations. The inventive device is characterised in that it contains a series impedance element which is at least one magnetic core reactor (1, 2) whose magnetic circuit comprises at least two active parts on which the reactor windings (3, 4) are wound, which are connected with each other in series and anti-parallel.

Abstract: An inrush current restraining circuit (100) includes a power source (Vcc), a charging/discharging circuit (11), a switching circuit (13), a first impedance component (Z1), a second impedance component (Z2), and a controller (10). The charging/discharging circuit is connected to the power source. An input of the switching circuit is connected to the charging/discharging circuit, and an output of the switching circuit is defined as an output of the inrush current restraining circuit. One end of the first impedance component is connected to the power source. The second impedance component is connected between the other end of the first impedance and the switching circuit. The controller is connected a joint of the first impedance component and the second impedance component, for providing a control signal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a controlling apparatus for a signal outputting circuit in an electronic system. The controlling apparatus includes a detecting circuit, a switch, and a controlling circuit. The detecting circuit is used for detecting whether the electronic system has an abnormal condition. The switch is electrically connected between a signal receiving terminal and the signal outputting circuit. The controlling circuit is electrically connected between the detecting circuit and the switch. Once the detecting circuit detects that the electronic system has the abnormal condition, the controlling circuit sets the switch into a high-impedance state.

Abstract: A superconducting coil system includes a superconducting coil and a protective link of superconducting material coupled to the superconducting coil. A rotating machine includes first and second coils and a protective link of superconducting material. The second coil is operable to rotate with respect to the first coil. One of the first and second coils is a superconducting coil. The protective link is coupled to the superconducting coil.

Abstract: Active current surge limiters (100) and methods of use are disclosed. One exemplary system, among others, comprises a current limiter (140), including an interface configured to be connected between a power supply (110) and a load (120); a disturbance sensor (150), configured to monitor the power supply for a disturbance during operation of the load; and an activator (160), configured to receive a control signal (215) from the disturbance sensor (150) and to activate the current limiter (140) based on the control signal.

Abstract: A transient blocking unit (TBU) includes at least two depletion mode transistors connected to each other such that they can rapidly switch from a normal low-impedance state to a high-impedance current blocking state in response to an over-voltage or over-current condition. This behavior makes TBUs useful for protecting electrical devices and circuit from harmful electrical transients. Some kinds of transistors can exhibit a phenomenon known as current collapse, where channel conductance is temporarily reduced after exposure to high voltage. Although current collapse is undesirable, transistors exhibiting current collapse can have otherwise favorable properties for TBU applications. According to the present invention, a TBU is provided where a diode is placed in parallel with a TBU transistor that can exhibit current collapse. The diode prevents high power dissipation in a current collapsed transistor, thereby reducing the vulnerability of the TBU to permanent damage or destruction in service.

Abstract: In order to provide a power semiconductor module for power distribution and transmission, having a power semiconductor circuit which is connected via connecting lines to an energy storage device, which limits the current amplitudes that occur in the electrical fault and effectively protects the power electronics, it is proposed that the connecting lines have a weak point which breaks when the current load is above a threshold value, with the connecting lines furthermore having a resistance which is connected in parallel with the weak point.

Abstract: A transient voltage suppression device includes a dielectric layer defining a receptacle for a variable impedance material proximate a gapped electrode. Methods for manufacturing the device and for formulating a variable voltage material at lower cost and with higher manufacturing yields is also provided.

Abstract: Circuit modules, systems and devices for controlling voltages across capacitors.

Abstract: An electronic device with electricity leakage protection includes a ground wire, a system ground unit, and a protective element connected electrically at one end to the ground wire and at another end to the system ground unit. The protective element limits flow of electrical current through the ground wire into the system ground unit.

Abstract: A method for accessing an electronic circuit in an enclosure using near field induction is disclosed. The method involves attaching at least one local access port connector with an external transformer core partition to a near field induction port on an external non-conductive surface of a panel of the enclosure and generating at least one inductive field between the external transformer core partition and an internal transformer core partition. Without a direct electrical connection, the method provides for communicating with the electronic circuit through the at least one local access port connector of the panel using the at least one inductive field.

Abstract: A fault current limiter comprises a pancake type current limiting module, comprising at least two pancake type bifilar winding modules stacked and connected to each other in series, each of the bifilar winding modules having a bobbin, a first superconducting wire wound around the bobbin in a bifilar manner, and at least one pair of first metal blocks installed and fixed to the bobbin and attached to the first superconducting wire; and a superconducting bypass reactor that has the current limiting module disposed therein, and is connected in parallel with the current limiting module.

Abstract: A discharge prevention circuit and electronic equipment with the discharge prevention circuit are provided. The discharging prevention circuit includes a first power line, a second power line, a capacitor, a current detector and a switch. The first and second power lines directly or indirectly connect a power feed line to a load. The capacitor and the current detector are directly or indirectly connected in series between the first and second power lines. The switch is disposed in the first or second power line. The current detector detects at least charging current to the capacitor and discharging current from the capacitor. And if the current detector detects discharging current from the capacitor, the switch acts to stop current flow between the capacitor and the power feed line through the switch.

Abstract: The voltage surge protection device comprises at least one input designed to be connected to an electric power supply system, at least one output designed to be connected to an electric circuit to be protected, and voltage surge limiting means connected between the inputs and outputs to protect said electric circuit against voltage surges able to be applied on the inputs. The voltage surge limiting means comprise bidirectional series electronic limiting means comprising at least two inputs/outputs connected in series with at least one of said inputs, and which are turned on when a low voltage drop occurs when a circulating current is lower than a current limiting value, and limiting said circulating current by increasing a voltage drop between said inputs/outputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transient blocking relying on a transient blocking device and a sampling circuit. The transient blocking device has at least one depletion mode n-channel device interconnected with at least one depletion mode p-channel device such that a transient alters a bias voltage Vp of the depletion mode p-channel device and a bias voltage Vn of the depletion mode n-channel device in such a manner that the depletion mode devices mutually switch off to block the transient. The sampling circuit is interconnected with the depletion mode p-channel device and the depletion mode n-channel device to determine whether the transient persists. In the event of a persistent transient, the sampling circuit uses a disconnect element for permanently blocking the transient blocking device.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ESD circuit is coupled to at least one signal transmission line and a positive and negative supply voltage of an integrated circuit, and includes at least one ESD-element connected between the signal transmission line and either one of the positive or negative supply voltages. At least one high-frequency transmission line is connected in series to the ESD-element and dimensioned in such a way that, at a predetermined high-frequency of a signal, an impedance of the current-path via the ESD-element is transformed, compared with the system impedance, from a low impedance to a very high impedance.

Abstract: A wiring fault correction circuit for determining wiring conditions of an AC supply system includes: input line and neutral conductors connectable to the AC supply system; output line and neutral conductors connectable to a load; first, second, third, and fourth single pole, single throw relays; a first driver circuit for controlling the first and second single pole, single throw relays to respectively connect the input line conductor to the output line conductor and the input neutral conductor to the output neutral conductor in response to a correctly wired AC supply system; and a second driver circuit for controlling the third and fourth single pole, single throw relays to respectively connect the input line conductor to the output neutral conductor and the input neutral conductor to the output line conductor in response to an incorrectly wired AC supply system in which line and neutral conductors are reversed.

Abstract: A disclosed semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a digital circuit and an analog circuit formed on one semiconductor substrate; a guard band configured to prevent noise generated in the digital circuit from being transmitted to the analog circuit; a first power supply terminal configured to supply a power-supply voltage to the analog circuit; a first ground terminal configured to supply a ground potential to the analog circuit; a second power supply terminal configured to supply the power-supply voltage to the digital circuit; a second ground terminal configured to supply the ground potential to the digital circuit; and a filter circuit positioned between the second power supply terminal, the second ground terminal, and the digital circuit and configured to remove the noise transmitted from the digital circuit.

Abstract: In a direct-current stabilized power supply device provided with an output transistor that receives an input voltage from the outside and a control circuit that controls the output transistor so that an output voltage of the direct-current stabilized power supply device is stabilized, there is provided a voltage supply circuit that steps down the input voltage and outputs the voltage thus obtained as a voltage for driving the control circuit. The voltage supply circuit is built as a charge pump circuit that steps down the input voltage and then outputs the voltage thus obtained.

Abstract: A series surge suppression structure mainly comprises: a circuit board, a ground line and a plurality of galvanization circuits being disposed thereon, a multilayer surge absorption unit being disposed in series on the ground line and the plurality of galvanization circuits; wherein each surge absorption unit is constituted by a pair of chokes with a layered surge absorption element connected in parallel between one end of either choke and the ground line; a power connection terminal, positioned on one side of the circuit board and electrically connected to a final end of the multilayer surge absorption unit; and a protection terminal, positioned on another side of the circuit board and electrically connected to a final end at another side of the multilayer surge absorption unit; whereby, the protection terminal can be used to connect with a communication circuit or an electric facility and the power connection terminal is used for connecting with an external wire so as to form a multilayer surge absorption p

Abstract: A circuit for protecting a motherboard of a computer includes a first transistor (Q1) and a second transistor (Q2). A CPU with a CPU voltage terminal (10) configured for electrically connecting to a power supply is mounted on the motherboard. A gate of the first transistor is connected to the CPU voltage terminal. A source of the first transistor is connected to ground. A gate of the second transistor is connected to a drain of the first transistor through a node (11). The node is at low level when the computer is off. A drain of the second transistor is connected to a control signal terminal (PWRBTN#) from the computer. When the computer is turned on and the CPU voltage terminal is not connected to the power supply and is at low level, the control signal terminal turns to low level from high level to turn off the computer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-rush limiter is configured to control an output voltage to increase at a rate that is independent of the load that is powered by the in-rush limiter.

Abstract: A closing resistor arrangement for a high-voltage circuit breaker has a large number of resistor elements and a large number of cooling elements, the cooling elements being arranged in series with one another and being connected electrically in series with one another. The resistor elements, which electrically connect the electrical cooling elements to one another, are arranged between in each case two cooling elements which are arranged in series.

Abstract: A driver circuit for an electronic switch, the driver circuit having a first input for receiving a first control signal, and a second input for receiving a signal from a current sensor, the driver circuit further including a shut-off circuit for operating the electronic switch to cause an interruption to current flow in the event of a fault condition arising, such as current through the electronic switch exceeding a predetermined threshold, wherein operation of the shut-off circuit can be invoked by a predetermined event at the first input.

Abstract: A ground detector includes a pair of lines, a first series circuit, a reference portion, a second series circuit, and a detection point. The first series circuit connects the lines to each other. The first series circuit includes first capacitors that are connected in series. The reference portion is connected to a portion of the first series circuit between two of the first capacitors for DC insulating the lines from the reference portion. The second series circuit connects the lines to each other. The second series circuit includes second capacitors that are connected in series. The detecting point is provided in the second series circuit. Each of the lines is connected to the detecting point through at least corresponding one of the second capacitors. The ground detector detects a change of impedance between the lines and the reference portion based on a change of potential of the detecting point with respect to potential of the reference portion.

Abstract: A current limiting device (30, 40, 50, 60) comprising for each phase of an AC supply a closed magnetic core (31) of reduced volume and mass having first and second pairs of opposing limbs (32a, 32b; 33a, 33b), and at least one AC coil (35a, 35b) enclosing opposing limbs (33a, 33b) of the magnetic core (31) and adapted for series connection with a load. A superconducting DC bias coil (34) encloses a limb) (32a, 32b) of the magnetic core (31) for saturating each of the opposing limbs (33a, 33b) in opposite directions by the bias coil (34). Under fault conditions, the AC flux in at least one limb counteracts the DC bias flux, bringing the limb out of saturation. Preferably, current is reduced in the DC bias coils thus bringing both opposing limbs of the core out of saturation.

Abstract: Provided is a switching element including: first switching element primarily used for formation of a two-way current path; a second switching element that forms, at the time when the first switching element is turned off, a current path by switching a parasitic diode from another; and a third switching element. The second and third switching elements may be of smaller chip size because they allow a current to flow through them only while the current path of the first switching element is being switched. This contributes miniaturization of the switching element as well as reduction in the ON resistance. Moreover, adoption of the switching element to a protection circuit realizes miniaturization of the protection circuit.

Abstract: A power supply for a device which has a load, comprising a first resonant generator and a second resonant generator, coupled in parallel, each generator having a phase output. The power supply further comprises a control circuit coupled to the first and second generators controlling the first and second phase outputs, wherein the first phase output and the second phase output are summed to provide a variable power supply to the load.

Abstract: A driver package includes an integrated circuit (IC) comprising pull up circuitry capable of turning ON an associated switch and pull down circuitry capable of turning OFF the associated switch. The pull up circuitry may be coupled to a first bonding pad of the IC, and the pull down circuitry may be coupled to a second bonding pad of the IC. The driver package may further comprise a first conductive path coupled between the first bonding pad and a package pin of the driver package, where the package pin is coupled to the associated switch, and a second conductive path coupled between the second bonding pad and the package pin. The first conductive path may further provide a sensed signal representative of state of the associated switch to break before make control circuitry to assist in minimizing a break before make delay time interval.

Abstract: A limiter includes three current limiters. Each current limiter includes a first end disposed proximate a first housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal, a second end disposed proximate a second housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding second terminal, an elongated body disposed between the ends, and a plunger. Two plungers define a straight line and a third plunger is offset from the straight line. Three indicator members each include a first end, an indicator disposed therefrom, and an opposite second end, which is engaged by a corresponding plunger. The indicator is disposable through a corresponding housing opening. Three springs bias corresponding indicator members away from the second housing surface. The housing carries two indicator members in a first orientation and a third indicator member in a different second orientation. The indicators are positioned in a straight line and are disposable through corresponding housing openings.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for minimizing an inrush current to a load after a voltage sag in a power voltage. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of applying a power voltage (100) to a load (246), and detecting a sag in the power voltage (106) during steady-state operation of the load. The method includes the steps of adding an impedance (RT) to the load upon detection of the sag in the power voltage, and removing the impedance when the power voltage has reached a predetermined poin in the power voltage cycle after the voltage has returned to normal.

Abstract: A constant current generator connected between first and second terminals includes a gate turn-off thyristor in series with a resistor; a current limiting component connected between the anode gate and the cathode gate of the thyristor; and a voltage reference connected between the cathode and the cathode gate of the thyristor.

Abstract: Electric fault current limiter has superconducting elements inside a cryogenic vessel and bushings for connecting an external circuit. The electric fault current limiter (1) includes a cryogenic vessel (2) and superconducting assemblies (5) including high temperature type superconducting elements (HTSC) immersed in a liquid coolant (6) such as liquefied nitrogen. Bushings (25, 28) with conductors (17, 18) are associated with a main body (3) of the vessel (2) such that the conductors (17, 18) extend horizontally from a surrounding space into an ullage space (8) situated between a level (7) of the liquid coolant (6) inside the vessel (2) and a cover (4). The arrangement of the bushings (25, 28) according to the invention allows for removing the cover (4) without dismantling electrical connections between the current limiter (1) and a circuit to be protected as is necessary with prior art limiters.

Abstract: The system of an energy conditioner comprising: a conductive shield structure comprising a first conductive shield layer, a second conductive shield layer, and a third conductive shield layer; wherein said first conductive shield layer is above said second conductive shield layer, and said second conductive shield layer is above said third conductive shield layer; wherein said first conductive shield layer, said second conductive shield layer, and said third conductive shield layer are conductively connected to one another; a first pair of conductive non-shield layers comprising a first pair first layer and a first pair second layer; and a second pair of conductive non-shield layers comprising a second pair first layer and a second pair second layer.

Abstract: An arc suppression arrangement suppresses arcs in a gas discharge device that is operated with an alternating voltage from a power supply. The arc suppression arrangement includes an arc suppression device and an arc identification device that controls the arc suppression device. The arc suppression device includes at least one controllable resistor that is connected in series in an electrical line that extends from an alternating voltage source to an electrode of the gas discharge device. An arc can thereby be prevented from being provided with energy.

Abstract: Provided is a switching element including: a first switching element primarily used for formation of a two-way current path; and a second switching element that interrupts a parasitic diode at the time when the first switching element is turned off. The second switching element may be of smaller chip size because it assists the operation of the first switching element, thereby contributing miniaturization of the switching element and reduction in an ON resistance. Furthermore, adoption of the switching element to a protection circuit realizes reduction in the size of the protection circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interposer substrate for interconnecting between active electronic componentry such as but not limited to a single or multiple integrated circuit chips in either a single or a combination and elements that could comprise of a mounting substrate, substrate module, a printed circuit board, integrated circuit chips or other substrates containing conductive energy pathways that service an energy utilizing load and leading to and from an energy source. The interposer will also possess a multi-layer, universal multi-functional, common conductive shield structure with conductive pathways for energy and EMI conditioning and protection that also comprise a commonly shared and centrally positioned conductive pathway or electrode of the structure that can simultaneously shield and allow smooth energy interaction between grouped and energized conductive pathway electrodes containing a circuit architecture for energy conditioning as it relates to integrated circuit device packaging.

Abstract: A high frequency integrated circuit (IC) pad configuration includes a first IC pad, an inductor, and a second IC pad. The first IC pad is directly coupled to input or output a high frequency signal, wherein no electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry is directly coupled to the first IC pad. The inductor includes a first node and a second node, wherein the first node of the inductor is directly coupled to the first IC pad, and wherein the inductor has a high impedance with respect to a desired input or desired output impedance of the first IC pad at frequencies of the high frequency signal. The second IC pad is directly coupled to a power connection, to the second node of the inductor, and to an ESD protection circuit, wherein the inductor and the ESD protection circuit of the second IC pad substantially provides ESD protection for the first IC pad.

Abstract: An electronic shunt resistor assembly comprises a planar shunt resistor and an electronic monitoring unit. The planar shunt resistor has a resistance element and first and second terminal bars at opposite ends of the resistance element. The electronic measuring unit has a circuit board that is supported on the planar shunt resistor and that includes input contacts for electronic components carried by the circuit board arranged along one edge of the circuit board and input/output contacts for the electronic components arranged along a opposite edge of the circuit board. A first plurality of electrical connectors connect the first terminal bar to the input contacts and a second plurality of electrical connectors connect the second terminal bar to the output contacts of the circuit board. The electrical connectors are attached to the terminal bars and the contacts solderlessly.

Abstract: An inrush current restraining circuit (100) includes a power source (Vcc), a charging/discharging circuit (11), a switching circuit (13), a first impedance component (Z1), a second impedance component (Z2), and a controller (10). The charging/discharging circuit is connected to the power source. An input of the switching circuit is connected to the charging/discharging circuit, and an output of the switching circuit is defined as an output of the inrush current restraining circuit. One end of the first impedance component is connected to the power source. The second impedance component is connected between the other end of the first impedance and the switching circuit. The controller is connected a joint of the first impedance component and the second impedance component, for providing a control signal.

Abstract: A circuit is described that protects an integrated circuit from electrostatic discharges or electrical over-stress. The circuit arrangement has first and second protective elements connected in series between a connection of the integrated circuit and a supply voltage. When electrostatic discharges or electrical over-stress occurs, current flows through the conductive path formed through the first and second protective elements. A current path that contains a circuit element limits current through the first protective element is connected in parallel with the first protective element. The first protective element has blocking behavior when no electrostatic discharges or electrical over-stress occurs, a limited current flows through the current path and the second protective element.

Abstract: A modular and scalable Matrix-type Fault Current Limiter (MFCL) that functions as a “variable impedance” device in an electric power network, using components made of superconducting and non-superconducting electrically conductive materials. An inductor is connected in series with the trigger superconductor in the trigger matrix and physically surrounds the superconductor. The current surge during a fault will generate a trigger magnetic field in the series inductor to cause fast and uniform quenching of the trigger superconductor to significantly reduce burnout risk due to superconductor material non-uniformity.

Abstract: A capacitor circuit with surge protection that is selectively connected between a voltage source and a device includes a first capacitance element has one end that communicates with a first terminal of the voltage source. A first transistor has a first terminal that communicates with an opposite end of the first capacitance element and a second terminal that communicates with a second terminal of the voltage source. A control terminal of the first transistor communicates with a capacitor enable signal that provides a controlled turn-on to limit current surge and turns off the first transistor when voltage surge is detected.

Abstract: A method for driving a semiconductor switch with load current limiting and thermal protection whose maximum load current is limited and which switches off when a predetermined upper temperature is exceeded and switches on again when a predetermined lower temperature is crossed. The semiconductor switch is operated in a normal mode and a fault mode. The semiconductor switch is driven in the fault mode once the predetermined temperature is exceeded; and the load current is limited to a first maximum value in a normal mode and a second maximum value, which is lower than the first maximum value, in a fault mode. Such a circuit configuration with a semiconductor switch has a protection circuit and a sensor circuit.