Abstract: A protection device arranged on an electric current path between a load unit including a stabilized power supply unit and a DC power supply, includes: a switching unit including an FET having a source terminal and a drain terminal arranged on an electric current path between the DC power supply and the load unit; and an input end to which a voltage generated by the stabilized power supply circuit in the load unit as a control voltage, the control voltage being capable of turning on the FET in a case of forward connection in which a positive input terminal of the load unit is connected to an anode of the DC power supply and a negative input terminal of the load unit is connected to a cathode of the DC power supply, and turning off the FET in a case of reversed connection in which the positive input terminal of the load unit is connected to the cathode of the DC power supply and the negative input terminal of the load unit is connected to the anode of the DC power supply, wherein the control voltage is applied

Abstract: An input circuit for an integrated circuit includes an electrostatic discharge circuit. The input circuit incorporates an interconnect pad, an ESD protection resistor, and an interconnect line that are coupled to the active internal components of the integrated circuit. The interconnect pad is coupled to the interconnect line, and the interconnect line is coupled to the ESD protection resistor which is coupled to the active internal components of the integrated circuit. The ESD protection resistor is positioned physically proximate to the active internal components of the integrated circuit and adjusted in value to compensate for the intrinsic resistance or RC time constant of the interconnect line. The circuitry provides for a lower signal propagation delay through the external connection because of lower RC time constants to drive the capacitance of the interconnect.

Abstract: A method for performing a short-circuit and overload disconnection with a semiconductor component includes the steps of providing a semiconductor component having a drain, a source and a gate. The semiconductor component has a gate-source voltage applied thereto, a current flowing therethrough, and a voltage dropping between the source and the drain. The gate-source voltage at the semiconductor component is adjusted, in dependence of the current flowing through the semiconductor component, such that, after charge carriers in the semiconductor component are depleted, the voltage dropping between the source and the drain assumes a highest possible value still uncritical for the semiconductor component and for a circuit to be disconnected. An algorithm is used for the step of adjusting the voltage dropping between the source and the drain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current limiting circuit breaker having a plurality of current responsive devices for opening a pair of contacts upon short circuit conditions. One such device is a conventional magnetic tripping mechanism. The other device utilizes an insulating object driven by a magnetic force caused by the short circuit current. Upon opening of the contacts with the use of the insulating object, let-through current flows through a secondary contact, positioned on the insulating object, to a positive temperature coefficient resistivity element which limits the current and arcing in the contacts. In an alternative embodiment, at least one steel component is added to increase the magnetic force, thereby providing a greater force on the insulating object. An insulation component is also added to further suppress any arc generated between the contacts when going from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated electrical and/or electronic system having at least one functional module connected to a supply voltage and connected via a pin external to the functional module or the electrical system by an electrical terminal. The system may include an isolation device for electrically isolating the functional module, including a fuse whose first pole is connected to a pin of the functional module and the second pole that corresponds to the external electrical terminal, and a semiconductor dipole that can be energized by a priming voltage. A first pole of the semiconductor dipole is connected to the first pole of the fuse and the second pole is externally accessible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid state current distribution system for DC voltages comprising an electronic solid state switch (13) for current switching from an input circuit powered by a voltage source to an output circuit connected to a load. The switch is connected to a first copper support (11) soldered to the case of the electronic switch and connected to the input circuit. An electronic printed board (14) is provided for the control of the electronic solid state switch, and a second copper support (12) is connected to the output terminals and to the load.

Abstract: A current limiting device includes a substrate or carrier body at least partially formed of electrically insulating material. At least one printed conductor configuration formed of high Tc superconductive material is disposed on the substrate or carrier body and has end pieces for establishing contact. The printed conductor configuration has a number of partial conductors which are connected in parallel between their end pieces and have at least approximately the same conductor length. A method for producing the device includes forming the printed conductor configuration by structuring a corresponding layer.

Abstract: A motor-driven curtain assembly includes a drive shaft mounted rotatably in a top rail, a motor for driving rotatably the drive shaft, and a curtain unit coupled to the drive shaft for movement between closed and open positions. A motor-control device includes a driving circuit for enabling rotation of the motor in one of positive and negative directions under the control of a control unit, a current limiting circuit for limiting current flow from an external power source to the driving circuit when the motor is subjected to an increase in load resistance, and an over load detector for generating a control signal that is indicative of the amount of current flowing from the current limiting circuit to the driving circuit and that is provided to the control unit, thereby enabling the control unit to deactivate the driving circuit for stopping operation of the motor when overloading of the motor occurs.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with diagnostic function allowing a user to know whether the circuit breaker is operated normally. The circuit breaker includes a breaker unit 10 for breaking a current flowing from a battery VB to a load 17, a switching element 42 for driving the breaker unit 10 in response to a collision signal, a self-diagnostic part 41 for responding diagnostic signals to diagnose the normality of a line from the battery VB to the unit 10 via the switching element 42, a transistor Tr, a light-emitting diode LED and a resistance R. With the structure of the circuit breaker, by supplying the circuit breaker with the diagnostic signals at appropriate intervals, the user can detect whether peripheral circuits of the breaker unit have any trouble in operation.

Abstract: A polarity reversal protective circuit for an electronic power output stage that can be driven via a drive circuit is described. In the case of an incorrect polarization of a supply voltage, power FETs are used in at least one supply terminal to interrupt a connection of the wrongly applied supply voltage to the drive circuit and the power output stage. A definite polarity reversal protection is obtained using a circuit that is improved with respect to cost and space requirement. A single N-channel power FET is looped, with its source-drain path, into the positive supply terminal of the supply voltage. The source terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected with the positive supply terminal. The gate terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected to a collector of a PNP transistor, which is additionally connected to an output of the drive circuit via a current-limiting resistor.

Abstract: A thermal protection circuit arranged in an integrated circuit for protecting a power delivery is disclosed. The thermal protection circuit for protecting a power delivery circuit includes a first thermal sensing circuit exhibiting a negative temperature coefficient characteristic for sensing a temperature of the power delivery circuit and providing a first voltage, a second thermal sensing circuit exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient characteristic for transforming the temperature of the power delivery circuit to a second voltage, an amplifier electrically connected to the first voltage and the second voltage for providing a control signal, wherein the amplifier is a function of a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and a switch electrically connected to an output of the amplifier for limiting a maximum current passing there through in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A weatherproof protector module for telecommunication circuits has wire insertion points that are arranged in lateral, forward and rearward symmetry about a single stuffer screw. The module contains J-shaped insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) with slits for engaging the wires. The symmetry of the module allows the screw to exert balanced forces in every direction as the wires engage the IDCs. The module also contains an insulative gel that is extruded around the wire contact locations when the wires are engaged. A wiper seal located each wire insertion point and a thixotropic gel prevent the expulsion of the insulative gel from the module after extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a short circuit power limiter circuit having a current sensor and a power limiter. The short circuit sensor sends a short circuit flag signal to the power limiter when the short circuit sensor detects a short circuit condition in a target circuit. The power limiter then reduces the power consumption of the target circuit. In a specific example, the power limiter toggles a particular portion of the target circuit on and off to reduce the circuit's average short circuit power consumption. This cycle is repeated as long as a short circuit condition exists.

Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent input/output protective device which has a withstand voltage of 200 V or more in device simulation tests according to the EOS/ESD standard. There is presented an input/output device having a protective element that prevents external noise from degrading the internal circuit therein by inducing an electric discharge between diffusion layers of the second conductive type thereof which are disposed on a semiconductor substrate of the first conductive type and facing each other; wherein there are equipped with a plurality of contacts each of which connects a metal wiring layer with a diffusion layer; and a contact at the end section of the protective element on the side of the input section, at least, is provided with a means to increase the resistance thereof so as to make that larger than the resistance of the other contacts.

Abstract: A current limiter circuit for limiting current in an electrical circuit element such as the magneto-resistive portion of a read head forming a portion of a hard disk drive and including: a first circuit connected to one end of the circuit element for applying a bias current of a desired value to the circuit element in response to the value to an input signal; a second circuit connected to the other end of the circuit element for setting the amplitude of the voltage signal generated across the circuit element in response to the bias current; and a third electrical circuit connected to both the first and second circuits for limiting the value of bias current to a predetermined level for an abnormal event such as a current surge, a short circuit, or any other type of undesired current operating condition.

Abstract: An ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection circuit is provided, which features a low triggering voltage and a low leakage current and is suitable for use with a multi-voltage power supply circuit to protect the internal circuitry of the multi-voltage power supply circuit against ESD stress. This ESD protection circuit represents a solution to the problem of a thinning oxide structure in a downsized IC device that would be no longer able to withstand large ESD-induced transient current. This ESD protection circuit is not only suitable for use with 0.18 &mgr;m technology, but also suitable for use with 0.15 &mgr;m or 0.13 &mgr;m technology, and nevertheless can provide a robust ESD protection capability to the multi-voltage power supply circuit.

Abstract: In a current limiting arrangement based on a superconducting transformer (30), a load (21) can be supplied with power without any interruption by providing an auxiliary winding (14) in parallel with the superconducting primary winding (12) of the transformer (30). This auxiliary winding (14) carries the excess current in the event of a short circuit and allows the superconducting primary winding (12), which has been heated due to the current limiting, to cool down. Once the short circuit has been cleared, the latter winding can once again carry the rated current, without any losses, immediately. The auxiliary winding (14) is composed of a normally conductive material and has an additional stray impedance.

Abstract: An on-board current control device comprising: a processing unit 1 operating a current command value from engine control information and driving control information, outputting a current basic pulse width modulating signal, and outputting a current adjusting pulse width modulating signal from current adjusting information; a current regulator 60 modulating the current basic pulse width modulating signal by the current adjusting pulse width modulating signal and generating a current command pulse width modulating signal; a smoothing filter 14 converting the current command pulse width modulating signal to a current command signal like a direct current; a comparator comparing the current command signal like the direct current with a current feed-back signal and outputting a signal corresponding to thus obtained deviation; an output transistor controlling a current value to a load by an output from the comparator; and a current detecting means 46 detecting the load current and generating the current feed-back si

Abstract: A surge protector is for electrical connection between one or more power lines and one or more loads. The surge protector includes an input for electrical connection to the power line and an output for electrical connection to the load. A circuit electrically interconnects the output with the input for passing power therebetween. A metal oxide varistor protects the load from surges or transients on the power line. A voltage monitoring circuit detects an occurrence of an overvoltage event on the power line. A charged capacitor is shorted by the series combination of a fuse and a MOSFET switch to open the fuse and, thereby, permanently record the occurrence of the overvoltage event.

Abstract: A circuit architecture provides overvoltage protection for a bidirectional transmission gate of complementary polarity field effect transistors. In a first embodiment, a single auxiliary clamping MOS device is coupled in circuit with the input path, as long as there is a defined output and only the input is subject to the possibility of an overvoltage condition. When the voltage applied to the input port exceeds the supply voltage by the MOS gate threshold, the auxiliary clamping MOS transistor is turned on, pulling the voltage applied to the gate of the transmission gate FET very close to the applied overvoltage level by a voltage differential that is less than a diode drop. This reduction in Vgs of the transmission gate MOSFET reduces its source-to-drain current, as the MOS device operates deeper in a sub-threshold region, increasing the overvoltage rating for the same leakage current specification.

Abstract: A safety circuit system for a DC driven device for use with a fluid delivery system includes a first voltage potential DC power line, a second voltage potential DC power line, a controller and a safety circuit. The first voltage potential DC power line is coupled to provide a first voltage potential to the DC driven device, and the second voltage potential DC power line is coupled to provide a second voltage potential to the DC driven device such that the second voltage potential is different relative to the first potential. The controller controls at least the first voltage potential on the first voltage potential DC power line. The safety circuit has an enable state and a disable state, in which the default state is the disable state. The safety circuit is coupled to the controller, and the controller controls the safety circuit to place the safety circuit in the enable state independently of controlling the first voltage potential on the first voltage potential DC power line.

Abstract: A power distribution module is especially suited to vehicular applications. An input/output module port is adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path, with transceiver circuitry being operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form. The module is flexible enough to support a standard or user-defined commination protocol. An input is adapted for connection to a source of power. A plurality of controllable power switches are used to selectively route power from the source to a plurality of power output ports each port being associated with one of the switches. Control circuitry, operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, facilitates the sending and receiving of messages over the communication path and provides control signals to the switches in accordance with a message received.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing damage to a system due to runaway current and provides for the reactivation of the system. The shutdown and reactivation method and apparatus includes a driving circuit which supplies an output current to a load. If a runaway current condition occurs in the system the shutdown and reactivation apparatus is activated by triggering a shutdown signal which deactivates the driving circuit such that the output current is no longer supplied to the load. The shutdown signal activates a charging circuit, which supplies a charging current to the load. A first monitoring circuit is coupled with the load, and configured to monitor an output voltage across the load when the shutdown and reactivation apparatus is in the active state.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit to limit current including an input circuit to input an input voltage, a connecting circuit to connect the input voltage to a current, and a current limiting circuit controlled by a constant voltage to limit said current.

Abstract: A safe method and apparatus for interrupting electric utility ground and open neutral fault currents and isolating customer's grounding system from utility's neutral utilizing thermal-magnetic circuit breaker pole(s) (18) electrically connected between the neutral bus/lug(s) (38) and the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). In addition the grounding electrode conductor (26) is connected directly to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). The method of overcurrent protection for grounding electrode conductors is applicable to electrical installations where from one to six main circuit breakers are used. Circuit breaker enclosure(s) (10) are bonded to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). This method is applicable to load centers, panelboards, and switchboards rated 600 volts or less, single phase or three phase. Ampere ratings vary from 20 amperes to 4,000 amperes. Short circuit ratings vary from 10,000 to 200,000 RMS symmetrical amperes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer fuse apparatus that provides bypass fuse protection. A polymer bypass fuse is comprised of an electrical conductor wherein a portion of the conductor is surrounded by an internal electrode, which is then surrounded by a layer of polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, which is then surrounded by a conductive material similar to that of the internal electrode. Various hybrid combinations are also contemplated where in-line and/or bypass fuses are combined with other circuit components. One example is, a plurality of in-line and bypass fuses combined with a differential and common mode filter, which itself consists of a plurality of common ground conductive plates maintaining first and second electrode plates between the various conductive plates, all of which are surrounded by a material having predetermined electrical characteristics to provide fail safe filter and circuit protection.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for compensating the floating differential capacitance appearing between two recording microelectrodes is presented. It is shown how this floating capacitance can be neutralized so that current in any microelectrode can be injected without any significant cross-talk picked up by the other. It is a fully symmetrical compensation.

Abstract: A first Zener diode group, connected between drain and gate terminals of a power MOSFET, causes breakdown in response to a surge voltage applied to the drain terminal. A resistor, provided between the gate terminal of the power MOSFET and a gate control unit, prevents current from flowing from the drain terminal of the power MOSFET to the gate control unit in an event of the breakdown of the first Zener diode group. A second Zener diode group, connected between source and gate terminals of the power MOSFET, has a breakdown voltage lower than the gate withstand voltage of the power MOSFET. The second Zener diode group clamps the gate voltage against the breakdown of the first Zener diode group.

Abstract: A circuit for supplying power to an intrinsically safe circuit having a power supply and output terminals includes an integrated current source feedback and current limiting element. Voltage limiting circuitry between the power supply and the output terminals limits the voltage across a load. Current limiting circuitry includes barrier resistors which convert current to voltage for input to an operational amplifier comparing a reference voltage with the voltage level representing the load current and providing a control input signal to a transistor for limiting a current applied to the load.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of SOI structure with improved ESD resistance is provided. In an I/O protection circuit of a semiconductor device of SOI structure, each unit channel width resistance value of drain resistance of a plurality of NMOS transistors, each being provided in parallel to an external terminal by a reverse bias connection, is set to have an HBM surge resistance voltage equal to that in a forward bias connection.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electronic device protection circuit which can reliably inhibit a wide range of overvoltage from being applied to a secondary battery, a semiconductor device or any other electronic device, and can protect the protection circuit itself from being degraded or damaged. Further, the electronic device protection circuit of which circuit configuration is extremely simple is provided. The electronic device protection circuit which inhibits a voltage exceeding the rated voltage of the electronic device from being applied thereto, comprises a positive temperature characteristic device and a diode which are connected in series and arranged in close proximity to each other thereon. As a result, the electronic device protection circuit can protect the electronic devices such as a secondary battery protection IC from being damaged or degraded.

Abstract: A current limiter is provided to protect a fieldbus network from electrical shorts in the wiring of the spur cables and network devices attached to the spur cables. In the event of an electrical short, the impedance of the current limiter and the spur connection increases permitting the remainder of the network to continue to function. To facilitate repairs, the current limiter includes an indicator that signals excessive current in the spur.

Abstract: A power switching device in an electrical power distribution system on board a helicopter. There is a power switching device that switches on or off the power flow from a main distributor to the consumer. This switching device comprises an overhead panel with a switching means. This device improves the functional safety of electrical and electronic devices in the helicopter by reducing the electromagnetic influence without increasing the weight of the shielding technology and without requiring additional space in the helicopter airframe. With this device there is at least one fuse panel that is in electrical communication with a main distributor. The main distributor has an electrically protective switch which is connected to a power supply connection and a consumer connection. The electronic protective switch is controllable by a control unit which is connected to a control switch on the overhead panel via a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic hot-swap protection circuit for enabling hot swap connections and disconnections, the circuit includes a detector for detecting electrical current or voltage along a conductor which supplies power to a circuit to be protected during hot swap connections and disconnections, and a fast-disconnect, slow-reconnect switch connected in series with the detector and being operative in response to an output thereof, whereby the switch is relatively quickly opened when the absence of current is detected while the switch was closed and the switch is relatively slowly closed when voltage is detected following opening of the switch.

Abstract: A wiring device for use with a wire having a conductor disposed within insulation. The wiring device includes a housing of an electrical insulating material provided with a recess adapted to receive the wire. A cutting blade is carried by the insulated housing for severing the wire in the recess into first and second wire portions. A first electrical contact is carried by the housing for making electrical contact with the conductor of the first wire portion. A second electrical contact is carried by the housing and electrically connected to the first electrical contact for making electrical contact with the conductor of the second wire portion so that the conductors of the first and second wire portions can be electrically reconnected after being severed by the cutting blade.

Abstract: A multi-stage polydiode-based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is provided for use in an IC device to protect the internal circuit of the IC device against ESD. In use, the multi-stage polydiode-based ESD protection circuit of the invention is provided between a bonding pad and the internal circuit of the IC device for the purpose of protecting the internal circuit of the IC device against any ESD voltage applied to the bonding pad. The multi-stage polydiode-based ESD protection circuit of the invention comprises: a plurality of stages of polydiode circuits; a plurality of resistors, each being connected between two neighboring stages of the polydiode circuits; and a power protection circuit connected between a high system voltage line and a low system voltage line.

Abstract: The bridge of a fault current limiter of the bridge type used in an AC power transmission and/or distribution system, has a superconducting coil as a first path and a conventional conductor coil as a second path connected in parallel to the first path. The second path has a substantially higher resistance to DC than the first path, and the superconducting path has a substantially higher impedance to AC than the second path. A DC component of a fault current flows through the superconducting path and an AC component of the fault current flows through the second path. Thermal losses and cooling requirements are reduced.

Abstract: The protection of potentially incendive circuits is achieved by a power system which comprises a power supply connected by power distribution wiring to one or more modules, the or each module comprising an intrinsically safe circuit including a load, sensing means to detect the voltage supplied to the load, and a fast-acting switch arranged, in response to the detection of a decrease in the supplied voltage, to disconnect the load in such manner as to prevent any series break upstream from the switch from becoming incendive.

Abstract: A resistor is connected in series with a semiconductor laser device, while, on both sides of this resistor, a first capacitor and a second capacitor are connected in parallel with the semiconductor laser device so as to be arranged in &pgr;-type configuration, thereby achieving a high electrostatic breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A current-limiting device employing a bulk superconductive material wherein a non-superconductive phase is finely dispersed in a REBa2—Cu3—O7−x phase as a superconductive phase, where the current-limiting device has a mechanism that promotes or generates quenching beyond the conduction current.

Abstract: A protective device against excessive currents occurring in an electric circuit between a voltage source and a load mounted downstream of said device, comprising a first triggering component with high current sensitivity and adapted to be triggered, rapidly, but reversibly, in case of excessive current in the circuit, and a second triggering component, mounted in parallel with the first, capable of bearing a temporary voltage higher than the power supply voltage, when the first component is triggered, and of being triggered rapidly and reversibly thereafter. The triggering component are preferably conductive polymer components. Also, a triac switch comprising such a protective device mounted upstream of the triac and a third component is mounted on the triac trigger.

Abstract: In a current-limiting device, a plurality of current-limiting elements are connected in series to one another, and are inserted between the system power source of an electric power system and the load thereof. In the device, transformers, the number of which is equal to that of the current-limiting element S1 through Sn, are arranged. The primary windings of the transformers are connected to the current-limiting elements in the same polarity, respectively, and all the secondary wings thereof are connected in parallel to one another.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit for a set-top box includes a diplexer at a preceding stage having a given output impedance, and a network interface having a given input impedance different from the output impedance of the diplexer. The impedance matching circuit is connected between the diplexer and the network interface, and matches the output impedance of the diplexer to the input impedance of the network interface. Further, the impedance matching circuit includes a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil connected to the network interface, a first resistor for connecting an output end of the diplexer to an end of the primary coil of the transformer, a second resistor for connecting another output end of the diplexer to another end of the primary coil of the transformer, and a third resistor connected in parallel with the primary coil of the transformer.

Abstract: Leg portions are provided at the four corners of a resistor that generates a large amount of heat and a partition panel is secured to the top of the leg portions through a heat-insulating spacer. A adiabatic layer is formed by an empty space between the resistor and the partition panel. Further, the transmission of heat from the resistor through the leg portions to the partition panel is suppressed by the heat-insulating spacer. A servo amplifier is connected to the mounting portions provided on the partition panel, at the side opposite the resistor main body. As the transmission of heat generated by the resistor to the servo amplifier main body is cut off by the partition panel and suppressed, components inside the servo amplifier are protected from heat.

Abstract: A hot swappable system includes a first system having an electrically conductive projection and a second system. The second system includes a voltage source having a first node having a first polarity, a resistive element, and a receptor system associated with the first node and configured to receive insertion of the conductive projection. The receptor system includes first and second conductive contacts electrically connected by the resistive element. The first conductive contact is disposed relative to the second conductive contact such that insertion of the conductive projection into the receptor system causes sequential electrical contact between the conductive projection and the first contact and then between the conductive projection and the second contact.

Abstract: A transient protection circuit (14) includes a resistor (22) having a first end adapted for connection to a first signal line (16) of a voltage supply (12) and a second opposite end connected to a voltage supply input (20) of an application circuit (18). In one embodiment, the resistor (22) defines an emitter (26) of a PNP transistor (24) having a floating base (28) and a collector (30) adapted for connection to a reference signal line (15) of the voltage supply (12). In an alternative embodiment (14′), the emitter (26) of the PNP transistor (24) is connected to the first end of the resistor (22). The transient protection circuit (14, 14′) is preferably formed on a monolithic integrated circuit including the application circuit (18) wherein a semiconductor layer (46) defining the first input to the resistor (22) also defines a bond pad (50).

Abstract: A semiconductor switching element driving circuit comprises an overcurrent limiting circuit which instantaneously drops a voltage of a gate terminal of an IGBT when a main IGBT current becomes larger than a predetermined level i1. An overcurrent protection circuit which first decreases the main IGBT current at a first inclination when the main IGBT current becomes larger than the other level i2 lower than the i1 and then reduces the main IGBT current at a steep second inclination when it becomes smaller than another level i3.

Abstract: In the power distributor using a semiconductor switching element, input terminals 10I and 10L, output terminals 12A-12J, connected to the element, and more preferably, the board terminals 30 and 32, are structured by a metallic plate, and arranged on the same plane perpendicular to the plate thickness. The metallic plate can be integrated by the resin mold, thereby the structure can be greatly simplified. The metallic plate can be produced by a greatly simple method by which, after the punching out of the metallic plate and the molding of the resin mold, a predetermined portion of the metallic plate is cut and the semiconductor switching element is mounted, and it can contribute to also the reduction of the cost.

Abstract: A current limiter is provided to protect a fieldbus network from electrical shorts in the wiring of the spur cables and network devices attached to the spur cables. In the event of an electrical short, the impedance of the current limiter and the spur connection increases permitting the remainder of the network to continue to function. To facilitate repairs, the current limiter includes an indicator that signals excessive current in the spur. A method of connecting a spur cable to the network is provided where the spur cable is connected to a separate current limiter module that is plugged into a connector block.

Abstract: An electric coupling device for connecting, disconnecting or limiting the current in an electric circuit. The electric coupling device includes a variable resistor. This resistance is variable between a very low value corresponding to a conducting state and a very high value corresponding to a substantially insulating state. Switching between the states takes place continually and in a very short time. The invention relates to an electric circuit provided with such an electric coupling device and a method performed in accordance with the function of the electric coupling device.