Abstract: The invention describes combination I/O modules for automation. Various combinations of inputs and output with different electrical interfaces are offered providing greater flexibility in controller hardware selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote operable over-current protection apparatus. The apparatus includes control circuitry integrally arranged on a current path and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path. The apparatus further includes a communication connection in signal connection with the control circuitry such that the control circuitry is responsive to a control signal on the communication connection to control a state of the MEMS switch.

Abstract: Embodiments of bus interface circuitry and methods for short circuit detection are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the bus interface circuitry comprises logic circuitry to compare a driver stage output signal at a bond pad to internal reference voltages to generate control signals indicative of whether a short-circuit condition exists on a bus. The driver stage of the bus interface may be temporarily disabled when a short-circuit condition is indicated by the control signals.

Abstract: A first and second node configured to couple to a load. A current source is adapted to drive a first current to the load through at least one of the first and second nodes. A first switch is coupled to the at least one of the first and second nodes. The first switch is adapted to interrupt the first current. A sense circuit is configured to monitor whether a second current is provided by the load after the first current is interrupted. The sense circuit provides an output that corresponds to a value of the second current and that indicates a type of the load.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a circuit for monitoring, detecting and recovering from an overcurrent condition is described. The circuit may include a switch, current sensor, latch circuitry and microprocessor. The microprocessor may allow the circuit to recover from the overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition at a power metering device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining if a disconnect switch is in the open position, and measuring a first voltage at a first load contact. The method measures a second voltage at a second load contact and determines if the first voltage is greater than a first voltage threshold or less than a second voltage threshold. The method further determines if the second voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or less than the second voltage threshold. The method indicates that an unsafe condition exists if either the first voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold, or first voltage is less than the second voltage threshold or the second voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or the second voltage is less than the second voltage threshold, when the disconnect switch is in the open position.

Abstract: A power distribution expert system is provided to determine an optimal power distribution configuration, and also to determine an optimal transition path to reach said optimal configuration. An exemplary first set of rules is provided to determine an optimal power distribution configuration. An exemplary second set of rules is provided to determine an optimum transition path to achieve the optimal power distribution configuration.

Abstract: A smart overcurrent protection circuit is introduced. In case of successive current due to certain malfunctions flows in power transistor of a switching circuit a control signal is activated to stop power transistor switching. When overcurrent condition is no longer satisfied, the switching circuit is still able to return to normal operation.

Abstract: Disclosed in an adaptive reclosing method using a variable dead time control algorithm in a power transmission line. The method is used to remove faults induced by a circuit breaker being operated by a protective relay and to reclose the circuit breaker after a dead time following faults occurring, thereby automatically and promptly re-establishing power transmission in the network and reliably maintaining the power supply by the transmission system.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a protection circuit comprising a monitoring circuit for sensing the toggled mode of a switch thereof and thus, when a user unexpectedly switches on or off the protection circuit, the monitoring circuit immediately senses a closed or opened signal indicating that the switch has been tripped ON or OFF and then forwards the signal to a control circuit to first terminate the connection between at least one electronic device and an external power supply, and then activate the control circuit to provide electrical power of a battery to the said electronic device and re-connect the external power supply to the electronic device after the electronic device is turned on or off, which achieves the objective of preventing current surges due to sudden switching the protection circuit that can directly damage the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for ground potential monitoring of a rectifier drive, having a capacitor which is connected with a voltage source via a switching device. The method including applying a test voltage between a connector of a capacitor of a rectifier drive and a mass or ground potential prior to connecting the rectifier drive with a voltage source that is connected with the capacitor via a switching device. The method also includes releasing the switching device if a potential of the connector changes by a predetermined amount after the applying the test voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptive reclosing method by using a dead time control in a power transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for protecting electronic devices (switching and non-switching) such as micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices and solid state relays due to lightning exposure or electrical power surges. An over voltage protector and an over current protector are used to limit the exposure of high voltages and currents to the MEMS devices and solid-state relays. A relay or equivalent device is energized when a high current is sensed in the loop, which relay is used to protect the MEMS devices and solid state relays from damage. The relay can be controlled via software/hardware and works in conjunction with other components/devices in the overall systems. In this manner, any number of MEMS devices or solid state relays can be protected.

Abstract: A lightning protection system including a monitoring system (10) for detecting dangerous atmospheric conditions within specific geographic zones, a transmission system (12) for sending control codes, and multiple circuit connection/disconnection devices (16) for electrically connecting to electronic equipment to be protected. The lightning protection system (10) protects electrical and electronic equipment (18) by detecting and locating dangerous atmospheric conditions in a particular geographic area and transmitting broadcast control commands to electrical circuit connection/disconnection devices (16) in the geographic area, which have a receiver for receiving the broadcast control commands and an interruption mechanism (16) for disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical equipment from external conductors in response to the control commands. The monitoring system (10) may consist of multiple detectors located in different geographic areas.

Abstract: A power control system and method controls power supplied from a power source to a resistive load, such as a LED illumination array, to prevent the load from exceeding a high temperature limit. The power control system and method generates a pulse train that represents heating in the load and uses digital logic to model the load temperature and calculate a temperature out value. When the temperature out value increases to reach a high temperature limit value, the power source is disconnected from the load. When the temperature out value decreases to reach a base temperature value, the power source is re-connected to the load.

Abstract: A circuit that provides the root-mean-square (RMS) value of an input signal and that detects and independently recovers from an output fault condition is provided. The circuit includes reconfigurable circuitry that changes from normal operating mode to fault recovery mode when an output fault is detected. During fault recovery mode, the circuit provides a modified output signal that allows independent recovery from an output fault condition. Once recovery is complete, the circuit returns to normal operating mode and provides a DC output signal proportional to the RMS value of an AC input signal.

Abstract: In a method and a detector (7) for time-optimum reception of protection commands in a remote tripping device, at least two detector elements (1, 2) are operated, which are all designed for a signal at the same frequency but for different transmission times. Where at least one of these detector elements (1, 2) detects the presence of the signal, the signal is regarded as having been detected.

Abstract: A distribution control system includes in each of feeder terminal units a controller that updates a value in a latest current value storage area of a memory, every time a current value is detected at a sampling interval. If a distribution line fault takes place, that is, if the detected current value exceeds a reference value, each controller stores the current value in a fault current value storage area of the memory as a fault current value. The feeder terminal units each supply the information about the fault current to a control center through a substation remote terminal unit so that the control center identifies a fault section from the information for detecting the fault section.

Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in electrical circuits. The assembly powers-up quickly without dissipating excessive heat while power is being supplied to the assembly. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, a controller, and a dual-mode power supply. The sensor detects a current flowing in an electrical circuit and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The dual-mode power supply supplies power to the sensor, broadband noise circuit and controller using a first mode and later switching to a second mode. The first mode reaches steady state faster than the second mode.

Abstract: To shorten the recovery time of a line driver (1) after an overvoltage on its output terminal (3), a current generating device (5) senses a voltage difference between the output voltage of the line driver (1) and its supply voltage (UB) plus a threshold voltage (UT′), and supplies a current (I) that is proportional to the sensed voltage difference up to a maximum current to the output (3) of the line driver (1) to raise its potential to thereby shorten its recovery time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ESD structure that can tolerate voltages at the I/O pin, or pad, higher than the voltage allowed for such technology. More particularly, the present invention provides an electrostatic discharge integrated circuit having a first and second NMOS transistor, a first and second voltage divider, a first and second steady state biasing circuit. The first NMOS transistor sinks electrostatic discharge current from an input/output pad to a ground source, the first NMOS transistor having a drain coupled to the input/output pad, and a gate. The first voltage divider has a node connected to the gate of the first NMOS transistor. The first steady state biasing circuit connects to the gate of the first NMOS transistor. The second NMOS transistor sinks electrostatic discharge current from the input/output pad to the ground source, the second NMOS transistor having a drain coupled to a source of the first NMOS transistor, and a source coupled to the ground source.

Abstract: A starter circuit for a motor vehicle includes a circuit breaker responsive to a crash senor for disconnecting the starter circuit. A bypass switch is provided, which responds to a control circuit to provide power to the starter circuit following activation of the breaker, if the starter circuit is free of short circuits.

Abstract: A recloser is adaptively controlled so that it will operate in a manner responsive to prevailing conditions such as time of day, day of week, and/or load current. A protection setting group is stored in a memory accessible by the recloser controller, and contains a set of instructions for controlling the recloser based on the prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions are continuously monitored, and the control of the recloser is based on the prevailing conditions and the protection setting group.

Abstract: A system and methods that enable a restoration scheme for power distribution systems that is independent of power distribution system component configuration, the number of power distribution system components, and component settings are provided. In a power distribution system, a number of intelligent reclosers having restoration control modules are deployed that execute a restoration scheme. The intelligent reclosers constantly poll cooperating power distribution lines to determine changes in current or voltage provided by the power distribution lines. In the event of a power distribution system fault, the reclosers act in accordance to a predefined restoration scheme to reanimate the unaffected portions of the failing power distribution system.

Abstract: A power control system, which serves to protect a dissipative/resistive load from exceeding a predetermined temperature limit. The power control system accurately models the temperature of the load and enforces a cooling period to reduce the temperature of the load being protected to a base temperature level if the predetermined temperature limit is reached. Also provided is a method of selectively connecting and disconnecting a resistive load to and from a power source to prevent the resistive load from exceeding a predetermined high temperature limit. The method includes sensing a voltage proportional to the instantaneous power passing through the resistive load by wiring a current sensing resistor in series with the resistive load. Then, a load temperature is modeled using a load temperature modeling circuit to produce an output voltage proportional to a present temperature of the resistive load.

Abstract: An improved reverse voltage protection circuit that protects sensitive electronic devices from damage due to both reversed battery connections and source voltage interruptions. An N-channel protection FET is inversely connected between the negative terminal of the protected device and ground, and the conduction of the protection FET is extended during a reverse transient protection period following interruption of the source voltage. A capacitor connected across the gate-to-source circuit of the protection FET is charged from the source voltage through a low impedance charging circuit including a diode to prevent the capacitor from discharging, and is discharged during an interruption of the source voltage through a high impedance discharging circuit connected in parallel with the charging circuit.

Abstract: A phase monitor for a short-circuited asynchronous three-phase motor comprises a first and a second sensing unit, both of which are connected to a supply voltage line to the motor in order to sense the voltage conditions on the line, and a control switch which is controlled by the two sensing units and connected in a control circuit for a supply voltage switch for the motor, connected in the supply voltage line. When the supply voltage line is connected to a supply voltage source, the first sensing unit causes an immediate switching-on operation of the control circuit if the voltage conditions on the supply voltage line sensed by the first sensing unit at that moment are acceptable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital automatic power interruption and re-supply relay for performing detection and comparing operation to inform a state of an accident with voice and numerals and automatically operating a connected relay to interrupt power when there occur abnormal changes such as interruption of electric power, open-phase, anomalous voltage, unbalanced voltage, negative-phase, overcurrent, and electric leakage in a power transmit and supply line of high and low voltage or special high voltage and high (low) voltage and, after compensating for the accident, for automatically re-supplying the power.

Abstract: Short-circuits are liable to occur between the two conductors in a system in which data and/or energy is transmitted to a plurality of receivers/users via two conductors. Transmission is then interrupted and the supply source is inadmissibly over-loaded. The invention provides disconnecting units which recognize occurrence of short-circuits between the conductors and, in response thereto, isolate the part of the system in which the short-circuit has occurred from the supply of data and/or energy, so that the remainder of the system remains operational. After removal of the short-circuit, the isolated part is automatically re-connected to the system. The potential on the conductors ahead of and following a disconnecting unit is monitored via current limiting circuit elements which bridge a switch in the disconnecting unit.

Abstract: A vehicular use power feed apparatus comprising a battery and a plurality of power distribution units connected in a loop via power feed lines. Each power distribution unit has a current monitoring circuit, a current amount determination circuit, and a current direction determination circuit, detects the direction of current and magnitude of current flowing through the power feed line, and thereby detects an occurrence of a short-circuit. A control unit exchanges information regarding occurrence of short-circuits with adjoining power distribution units via a multiplex signal transmission unit so as to pinpoint the trouble point. The control unit operates the relay switch circuits on the two sides to break the connection so as to isolate the trouble point in cooperation with the control unit of the adjoining power distribution unit. The other relay switch circuit is operated to establish a connection so as to establish a new power feed line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting electromagnetic noise generated by an arc and controlling a power supply that powers the arcs. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes an arc detection circuit and a power supply control circuit. The arc detection circuit includes an antenna and a single shot timer. Electromagnetic noise generated by an arc is received by the antenna and activates the single shot timer, which causes the power supply control circuit to interrupt the power supply powering the arc for a predetermined length of time. A microprocessor can be used together with, or instead of, the single shot timer.

Abstract: During a first test phase, the device, after detecting the presence of a load, enables the nature of the load to be identified. For this, a control circuit connects the load to an AC main power system, while limiting the current in the load. The device measures several tens of samples of instantaneous values of the load voltage and current during a limited number of half-waves of an AC sine signal and determines the load impedance and the current/voltage phase shift. These characteristics, possibly with complementary parameters derived from the voltage and current measurements, enable the nature of the load to be identified. During a second test phase, the control circuit applies pulses limited in voltage to the load and detects possible short-circuit, differential or overload faults.

Abstract: A control circuit for the regulation of fan speed control in a computer power supply with software controlled shutdown and automatic restart for over-temperature protection. The control circuit overrides the control inputs when the temperature inputs indicate a temperature above a specific level.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe power supply unit is provided for conditioning power supplied by a power source. An input power converter connected to the power source receives current from the power source. A direct output crowbar and discrete impedance elements dissipate and limit the energy in the power supply unit that would otherwise be delivered to an external fault. In addition, the direct output crowbar extracts energy from any external storage elements. An adaptive shut down circuit distinguishes nominal load conditions including load changes from an external fault. A multistage LC power filter is used to minimize the stored energy that would be deliverable to an external fault or dissipated by the direct output crowbar and discrete impedance elements. The combination of the direct output crowbar, discrete impedance elements, adaptive shut down detection circuitry and multistage LC power filter significantly improves the level and quality of intrinsically safe power delivered by the power supply unit.

Abstract: An active overload detection and protection circuit for protecting a host device (e.g., an implantable cardiac therapy device) from potential damage due to high voltage transients applied to an I/O node thereof. The protection circuit includes an I/O circuit coupled to the I/O node, the I/O circuit having low-impedance and high-impedance modes, a current overload detection circuit coupled to the I/O circuit which detects a current overload condition induced by a high voltage transient, and which generates an overload detect signal in response, and, a mode changing circuit which changes the mode of the I/O circuit from the low-impedance mode to the high-impedance mode in response to the overload detect signal. The protection circuit further includes a reset circuit which generates a reset signal a prescribed time after the overload detect signal is generated, wherein the mode changing circuit is responsive to the reset signal to change the mode of the I/O circuit.

Abstract: In a power distribution system, a reliable, accurate, and energy efficient fault circuit indicator is provided through a microcomputer-based fault current indicator design. First, reliability is improved inherently because the microcomputer, and the software embedded therein, replace the functionality of numerous discrete, less reliable electronic components found in prior designs. Second, the embedded software is capable of placing the fault current indicator in one of a number of energy conservation states, without compromising the fault current indicator's ability to provide information relating to the occurrence of a fault. Finally, greater fault current indication accuracy is achieved by detecting excessive line current, followed by a significant drop in line voltage.

Abstract: The positive sequence voltage on the power line is measured at a given time, i.e. the present time, and also for one cycle earlier, and the ratio thereof is then compared against a threshold value of 0.9. There are four other supervisory tests which also must be true for a loss of potential condition to be indicated. These include determination of change in positive sequence current and angle and zero sequence current and angle. If the change in those values is smaller than selected thresholds, then a loss of potential condition is indicated.

Abstract: A electronic fuse box is provided with an input device such as a keypad with alphanumeric and data entry keys, a central processing unit made from one or more integrated circuits that is communicatively coupled to said keypad as well as a power switch assembly and a metering assembly. Application is achieved by connecting a power source to the electronic fuse box at the power switch assembly. Also, a plurality of external circuits are electrically connected to the electronic fuse box at the metering assembly.

Abstract: A reclosing relay in accordance with the disclosed invention comprises a reclose initiate (RI) input and a drive to last reclosure (DTLR) input, and an output at which a close signal is provided to effect the reclosure of a circuit breaker associated with the reclosing relay. The reclosing relay is operative when it receives a first RI signal at its RI input to provide the close signal to the associated circuit breaker substantially immediately or with time delay as programmed by settings. The reclosing relay is operative when it receives a signal from a second RI contact at its DTLR input to provide the close signal to the circuit breaker only after synchronism is identified between the line voltages on either side of the associated circuit breaker.

Abstract: A safety device includes a comparator circuit includes three resistors arranged in series. An IC has a positive pole coupled to the resistors and has a negative coupled to the positive pole of another IC which has a negative pole coupled to the resistors. A signal output circuit includes a transistor having a base connected to the ICs and having a collector coupled to a relay. The relay includes two common contacts for selectively contacting with two normally closed contacts and two normally open contacts so as to supply electric power to the common contacts when an electric appliance is coupled between the common contacts.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation circuit includes a transistor pass element alternately switched on and off by an oscillator and connecting a power source to a load. Current through the transistor pass element is compared to a reference signal by a comparator. If the current through the transistor pass element exceeds the reference signal, the comparator generates a fault signal, and the transistor pass element is switched off for the remainder of the cycle. After a predetermined number of faults, the transistor pass element is switched off for a plurality of cycles. The pulse width modulation circuit prevents damage to the transistor pass element caused by the low initial resistance of the load and supplies sufficient current to slowly heat the load to steady state operation. This also allows for downsizing of the pass element for steady state conditions thereby saving product cost.

Abstract: The instant invention is a protection device for electrical equipment operating on a single or three phase alternating current power supplies. The device consists of an electrical circuit having at least one relay which is energized by at least one leg of an incoming power supply. The relay is energized by either a manual toggle or an automatic timer when the power supply is fully operational. Thus, upon placement of the device into an electrical line, power restoration after a power interruption is made possible only by manual initiation of the toggle or by an adjustable timer that counts down a preset period of time before initiation.

Abstract: A method for on-line dynamic contingency screening of electric power systems employs a sequence of contingency classifiers which are based on a method for finding the controlling unstable equilibrium point of the power system known as the boundary of stability region based controlling unstable equilibrium point method (BCU method). Dynamic security assessment of the power system is accomplished by evaluating the power system's response to a plurality of postulated disturbances known as contingencies. The BCU classifiers determine which of these contingencies are definitely stable, and require no further analysis. Other contingencies which are either classified as being unstable or undecided are then applied to a time-domain simulation program to determine if they are in fact unstable, and therefor warrant further action.

Abstract: A circuit substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor devices including electrodes, a wiring having a plurality of branched portions and mainly formed of a metal material, a terminal for applying a voltage to the wiring to anodize the branched portions, and an anodization controller for controlling degrees of anodization of the branched portions. The branched portions serve as the electrodes of the semiconductor devices. The terminal is connected to the wiring.

Abstract: A reset circuit for an overload relay includes a timing circuit coupled to a switching circuit for automatically resetting the relay a predetermined time after a trip. The timing circuit includes a capacitor and a resistor in parallel with a reset coil. The capacitor is charged during normal operation and begins to discharge through the resistor following a trip at a first rate determined by the size of the resistor. The switching circuit includes a pair of transistors, a pair of capacitors and a pair of resistors. When the capacitor in the timing circuit has discharged a predetermined amount following a trip, the switching circuit is triggered and couples the capacitor to ground through one of the transistors, causing a rush of current through the reset coil sufficient to reset the relay.

Abstract: A first series circuit of a current detector and a first switch is connected in series with a battery, and a second series circuit of a resistor and a second switch is connected in parallel with the first series circuit. A control device controls an on and off state of the first and second switches to provide over-current protection of the battery. In particular, the control device turns off the first switch to cut-off battery over-current and turns on the second switch when the battery current exceeds a specified level as detected by the current detector. Then, after the battery current, which flows through the second series current, drops below the specified level, the first switch is returned to an on state to again allow battery discharge.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a non-volatile memory and applications of the control apparatus to electronic computer peripheral equipments are disclosed. For example, a NOVRAM (non-volatile static random access memory) is used as the non-volatile memory so that data of the status of the apparatus are stored into the non-volatile memory while the apparatus is operating in order to perform recovery of the apparatus quickly after a trouble such as turning off of the power or service interruption occurs.

Abstract: A fast and reliable method for determining power system transient stability is presented for on-line power system dynamic security assessment. This method is based on the direct (Lyapunov theory) approach controlling the unstable equilibrium point (UEP). Lyapunov technique, however, cannot be used on-line, since calculating the controlling UEP is a computational intensive problem, even for a computer. The invention comprises determining the controlling UEP of a reduced system and relates the controlling UEP of the reduced system to the controlling UEP of the original system. The invention has a sound theoretical basis. The invention eliminates the difficulty of having to find the controlling UEP. The method of the invention determines the constant energy region that surrounds the controlling UEP of the original system. This region is used to approximate the stability region boundary intersection point that a particular fault trajectory will traverse.

Abstract: An E-field sensing apparatus detects the energization of high voltage utility transmission and distribution lines. An external housing substantially shields internal components of the apparatus from the detected E-field. A conductive wire extends from the housing where it is exposed to the E-field. A signal is induced onto the exposed wire and sensed by the apparatus. The length of exposed wire and the distance of the apparatus from the high voltage line attenuate the E-field so the induced signal is within operational parameters of internal sensing components. Adjustments to the wire length and apparatus distance enable detection of E-fields surrounding power lines carrying voltage levels of a predetermined voltage level (i.e. approximately 2000 volts and higher). In response to the E-field the apparatus generates an analog output signal and a line isolation control (one-bit digital) signal. The analog output signal drives a meter, LED or other indicating device serving to aid maintenance engineers.

Abstract: User lines connected to power supply lines can be disconnected therefrom by a connect/disconnect switch. At least one resistor bridge connects the user lines and forms a connection point at a constant potential during normal operation of the load connected to the user lines. An isolation amplifier circuit element connected across this point and ground has its output side connected to a threshold circuit which, in turn, is controlled by a processor and through that processor operates the switch. The processor restores the connection after a time.