Abstract: An output stage with short-circuit protection includes a power transistor, a detecting module, a disable module, and a driving module. The power transistor is electrically connected between a voltage source and an output node. A gate end of the power transistor is configured to receive a driving signal. The detecting module is configured to detect an output voltage on the output node to determine whether a short-circuit condition occurs, and to provide a detecting signal according to the output voltage on the output node in the short-circuit condition. The disable module is configured to provide a disable signal according to the detecting signal in the short-circuit condition, and operatively stop the disable signal in each cycle period of a clock signal. The driving module is configured to determine whether to generate the driving signal according to the disable signal and the clock signal.

Abstract: A first overcurrent detection unit detects whether a drain-source voltage of an output transistor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and outputs a first detection signal. A second overcurrent detection unit detects whether an output current passing through the output transistor is greater than or equal to a second reference value and outputs a second detection signal. When receiving the first detection signal indicating that the drain-source voltage is greater than or equal to the first reference value, a latch circuit latches the second detection signal; when receiving the first detection signal indicating that the drain-source voltage is smaller than the first reference value, the latch circuit outputs the second detection signal without latching it. Based on the output of the latch circuit, the drive circuit controls the output transistor to either turn it off or turn it on and off alternately.

Abstract: A current sensing circuit comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal for introducing a subject current from a device coupled between the first and second input terminals; a first amplifier having a first input node coupled to the first input terminal via a protection resistor, a second input node coupled to the second input terminal, and a first output node coupled to the first input node via a capacitor, wherein the first amplifier has a current sensing path for sensing the subject current and converting the subject current into an output voltage that changes with the subject current; and a protection circuit coupled between the first and second input nodes of the first amplifier, wherein the protection circuit is configured to draw a protection current from the first input terminal through the protection resistor to at least partially offset the subject current.

Abstract: A circuit protection device for monitoring a current flowing from an electrical distribution line through a trip mechanism to a load includes an input conductor configured to receive a current signal from a sensor. At least one resistor is arranged to receive the current signal from the input conductor, and provides a voltage signal proportional to the current signal. The circuit protection device includes a control circuit coupled in parallel with the resistor and a power supply that receives the current signal from the resistor and supplies power to the control circuit based on the current signal. The control circuit is configured to receive the voltage signal and determine an amplitude of the current flowing through the trip mechanism based on the voltage signal. The control circuit is also configured to determine whether a predetermined current threshold is exceeded and to generate a control signal to activate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle high voltage system may include contactors/relays, wires, a traction battery, electrical components, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may open the contactors to interrupt current flow to the components if anyone of a plurality of amp?hour measurement associated with the traction battery exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A power distribution cabinet includes a housing having walls that define an interior space for housing electric components. A capacitive sensor is located on an interior surface of one or more of the walls. The capacitive sensor includes a first conductive layer located proximate to the interior surface of the wall, a second conductive layer located distal from the interior surface of the wall, and a dielectric layer located between the first and second conductive layers. First and second output terminals are connected to the first and second conductive layers of the capacitive sensor to provide an output representative of displacement current within the power distribution cabinet.

Abstract: An electronic fuse system includes plural current paths, each operable to be coupled between a power source and a load, and each including a switching element and a current sensing resistor in series with the path such that the path passes current when the switching element is turned on and does not pass current when the switching element is turned off. A controller has two sense inputs and a control output. The control output is coupled to the switching elements in each of the plural current paths and is operable to turn them all on or off simultaneously responsive at least in part to the sense inputs. A summing resistor is connected across the two sense inputs, and coupling circuitry is operable to couple voltages appearing across the current sensing resistors to the summing resistor.

Abstract: A fault current limiter circuit including a fast switch fault current limiter (FSFCL) and a voltage control reactor (VCR) operative to conduct load current during a steady state operation and limit load current when the load current exceeds fault current limits. The FSFCL may include a breaker having electrical contacts, a coil electrically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a plunger mechanically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a parallel voltage control (VCR), a transient overvoltage control circuit (TOCC), wherein when current greater than a threshold level flows through the coil, a magnetic field having strength to move the plunger is generated, the movement of the plunger operates to open the contacts in the breaker and transfer fault current to VCR and TOCC and limit the overall system fault current.

Abstract: A system includes a refrigerant compressor including an electric motor, a current sensor that measures current flow to the electric motor, a switching device configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the electric motor, respectively, a maximum continuous current (MCC) device that includes a resistance corresponding to a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and a motor protection module. The motor protection module communicates with the MCC device, the current sensor, and the switching device and determines a first MCC value for the electric motor as a function of the resistance of the MCC device. The motor protection module also selectively sets a predetermined MCC to the first MCC and controls the switching device based on a comparison of the current flow to the electric motor and the predetermined MCC.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for protection of a solid-state relay includes a switch element connected between an input signal source and an input terminal of the solid-state relay. The solid-state relay includes an output terminal for connection to a load. A sensing element is associated with the solid-state relay to sense an operating parameter associated with the solid-state relay. A feedback element controls the switch element to switch an operating state in response to the operating parameter exceeding a reference parameter. The solid-state relay changes state in response to the switch element to control an output current of the solid-state relay between an energized or de-energized state.

Abstract: An overcurrent fault protection method includes detecting an overcurrent fault in a variable frequency electric power generation system having a first main generator connected to a first alternating current bus through a first generator line contactor, a second main generator connected to a second alternating current bus through a second generator line contactor and an auxiliary power generator connected to a plurality of bus tie contactors, through a third generator line contactor, and connected to at least one of the first and second alternating current buses through the plurality of bus tie contactors, in response to detecting the overcurrent fault, locking out one or more of the plurality of bus tie contactors and in response to a continued detection of the overcurrent fault, opening at least one of the first second and third generator line contactors.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor portion with a main FET and a control circuit. The main FET includes a gate electrode to control a current flow through a body zone between a source zone and a drift zone. The control circuit receives a local drift zone potential of the main FET cell and outputs an output signal indicating when the local drift zone potential exceeds a preset threshold. The control circuit may turn down or switch off the main FET and/or may output an overcurrent indication signal when the local drift zone potential exceeds the preset threshold.

Abstract: A low current protection circuit is configured to detect a lowering of a load current flowing a load to perform a low current protection operation and includes: a load current detection configured to detect a load current; a low current detection configured to detect a lowering of the load current by comparing the load current detected by the load current detection unit and a preset reference value; a protection unit configured to perform the low current protection operation when the lowering of the load current is detected by the low current detection unit; and a masking unit configured to mask the low current protection operation of the protection unit from when the lowering of the load current is detected by the low current detection unit to when a masking time period depending on a duty ratio of the external pulse signal elapses.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.

Abstract: A power battery assembly may include a battery circuit and a circuit protecting unit. The circuit protecting unit may be connected in series with the battery circuit. The circuit protecting unit may include a relay and a current sensing unit connected in series with the battery circuit. A switching unit is connected with the relay for controlling the switching of the relay, and a controller is connected with the switching unit and to the current sensing unit to control switching on or switching off the switching unit based on comparison of the current value detected by the current sensing unit, and sent to the controller with a first predetermined current value.

Abstract: An electronic fuse circuit for interrupting a current flowing through a power circuit includes: a trip switch structured to open and close to interrupt and permit, respectively, the current flowing through the power circuit; a current sensing circuit structured to sense when a magnitude of the current flowing through the power circuit is greater than a predetermined magnitude; a trip circuit structured to control the trip switch to open and close based on the sensed magnitude of the current flowing through the power circuit; and a processor having a routine structured to monitor a characteristic of the trip circuit and, when the monitored characteristic meets a predetermined criteria, to enter an override mode and control the trip circuit to control the trip switch to open regardless of the magnitude of the current flowing through the power circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gate driving circuit and an array substrate relating to the field of display technique and capable of ensuring that, when there is a malfunction such as a short-circuit and the like among input paths of clock signals for a certain gate driving unit, other gate driving units can operate properly. The gate driving circuit includes a plurality of sets of gate driving units, each set of gate driving units includes m gate driving units, and m is an integer greater than 1; each set of gate driving units outputs a gate driving signal to a gate line; when one gate driving unit in a set of gate driving units malfunctions, said gate driving unit in malfunction is terminated in operation and other gate driving units in the set of gate driving units maintain an operation of the set of gate driving units.

Abstract: An over-current regulating system includes a protecting resistor, an amplifying circuit, and a comparing circuit. The protecting resistor is configured to be electrically coupled to a power supply unit. The amplifying circuit is electrically coupled to the protecting resistor and the comparing circuit and configured to amplify a voltage of the protecting resistor, and output the amplified voltage value to the comparing circuit. The comparing circuit is configured to determine whether the amplified voltage is greater than a first predetermined value when the comparing circuit is coupled to the power supply unit. When the voltage is greater than the first predetermined value, the comparing circuit outputs a controlling signal to reduce a work frequency of a load.

Abstract: A low fault current isolation arrangement senses a loss of voltage and automatically isolates and de-energizes a down live primary wire if overcurrent protection devices have not cleared the high impedance fault in an electric power distribution network. Incorporating an operator selectable time delay response, the low fault current isolation arrangement permits overcurrent protection devices to attempt to detect and shut down the affected conductor, and then isolates and shuts down the low current fault if the overcurrent devices are not successful. The isolation arrangement continuously monitors AC voltage as remotely provided by smart meters even after a fault location is de-energized, and serves as a back up, and not as a replacement, for existing overcurrent protection schemes. A host computer operates in conjunction with plural smart meters each coupled to an associated customer distribution transformer in conjunction with the fault isolator to detect and shut down high impedance faults.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining at least one measured quantity with a sensor device and a transmitter device that has a control device, a switch device and a signal output setting device. The control device is connected to the signal output setting device in the case in which the switch device is in the first state. The signal output setting device generates a fault signal as an output signal when the switch device is in the second state and/or that the signal output setting device is free of a connection to the control device. The sensor device keeps the switch device in the first state when the sensor device is supplied with energy above a definable minimum value. The control device reduces the power supply of the sensor device to a definable boundary value when it recognizes the presence of a fault state.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit that protects a load from an overcurrent includes: a load current cutoff condition defining unit configured to set two or more load current cutoff conditions in each of which passage of a load current larger than or equal to a specified current for a specified time or longer is set as a condition for cutting off the load current; a detection unit configured to detect passage of the load current larger than or equal to the specified current for the specified time or longer in at least one of the two or more load current cutoff conditions; and a load current cutoff unit configured to cut off the load current when the detection unit detects that at least one of the load current cutoff conditions is satisfied.

Abstract: A circuit breaker arrangement in supply of electric power has advantageous applications especially in power distribution units which supply DC power to electrical devices. Electromechanical circuit breakers are commonly used for circuit protection. They have a disadvantage of fixed tripping conditions, which can only be changed by changing the circuit breaker component. This is solved by providing a circuit breaker arrangement which has an electromechanical circuit breaker with a first, fixed tripping condition, and an additional circuit, which monitors the output current and mechanically trips the circuit breaker if the current exceeds a second tripping condition. This way, it is possible to use the first tripping condition of the electromechanical circuit breaker and/or a second, controllable tripping condition.

Abstract: An interface circuit configurable in input and output modes comprises a current source; an input/output node; a diode to prevent current from flowing from the input/output node to the current source; a first switch to short-circuit the diode when closed; and a second switch to form a ground path from the input/output node when closed. In input mode, the first switch is closed and the state of a connected sensor circuit may be measured. In the output mode, the first switch is open, and the second switch may be closed to activate an output circuit. In the output mode, power dissipation may be monitored, and the diode may protect the current source and measurement node from current flowing through the output circuit. In the input mode, closing the first switch may prevent the diode from introducing measurement errors due to non-linear attenuation of perturbative AC signals.

Abstract: A disclosed heat generation amount estimation unit is used for a battery for an electric power tool, and estimates a heat generation amount of the battery that is a power source of the electric power tool. The heat generation amount estimation unit includes a computation device, and is provided in an apparatus for electric power tool. The computation device periodically reads, either during a discharge from the battery or during a charge to the battery, a detected current from a current detection device, which detects a current corresponding to this point in time from among a discharge current and a charge current flowing through the battery, and adds/subtracts a heat generation amount equivalent value in accordance with a value of the read detected current. The computation device outputs the added/subtracted heat generation amount equivalent value as an estimated value representing the heat generation amount of the battery.

Abstract: A protection and attenuation circuit for sensitive AC loads is described. The circuit provides AC power protection and attenuation utilizing high-efficiency switch-mode techniques to attenuate an AC power signal by incorporating a bidirectional, transistorized switch driven from a pulse width modulation signal, PWM. The circuit monitors characteristics of the AC power signal driving a known load and characteristics of the load or other elements and determines the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal, PWM, based upon the duration and amplitude of the over-voltage, over-current, over-limit or other event.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a phase current sensor fault in a multi-phase electrical motor. The method comprises, receiving an input torque command T* and measuring a set of feedback signals of the motor including a phase current Ix for each of the phases of the motor, generating direct and quadrature command phase currents Id*, Iq* for the motor corresponding to a value of the input torque command T*, determining a total command current Is=[(Iq*)2+(Id*)2]½, generating a negative sequence current Ineg, where for three phases Ineg=(?)[Ia+(?2)Ib+(?)Ic], where ?=ej2?/3, combining Ineg and Is to provide a normalized negative sequence current Inn=Ineg/Is, comparing the normalized negative sequence current Inn to a predetermined threshold value INN* to determine the presence of a phase current sensor fault, and executing a control action when Inn>INN*.

Abstract: In a driver having a reference point with a reference potential for driving a target switching element having an on-off control terminal, a charging path electrically connects the on-off control terminal of the target switching element and a driving power source for charging the on-off control terminal of the target switching element. A bypass path electrically connects the on-off control terminal of the target switching element and the driving power source. A storage has a first conductive end electrically connected to the bypass path and a second conductive end electrically connected to the reference point of the target switching element, and is configured for storing therein charge sent through the bypass path.

Abstract: It is presented a gate control circuit comprising: a main gate unit arranged to supply, via a plurality of main gate unit outputs, a gate signal to respective gates of a plurality of power switches, for controlling a main current; and an auxiliary gate unit comprising an optical power converter for converting incoming optical power to an auxiliary electrical gate signal. The auxiliary gate unit is arranged to, when a failure occurs in one of the plurality of power switches, provide the auxiliary electrical gate signal to respective gates of any of the plurality of power switches still being in operation. A corresponding power module and method are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) protects a device (80) which has a ferrous electromechanical component which saturates in a high magnetic field (40) and draws a dangerously high electric current. A current sensor (110) senses current in excess of safe operating conditions of the protected device (80) in or near the magnetic field (40). A current switch (120) is controlled by the current sensor (110) and interposed between a power supply (90) and the device (80) to interrupt the current flow to the protected device (80) when the current sensor (110) senses current flow above a threshold due to the saturation.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electric power circuit switch includes: a sampling/hold circuit section configured to sample a period of a detection signal of a current of an electric power system and provide a sampled signal; a discrete Fourier transforming (abbreviated as DFT) circuit section perform DFT on the one-period sampled signal to provide a magnitude and a phase of a frequency component of the current of the electric power system; a differentiator configured to differentiate the detection signal to provide a rate of change of the current over time; and a controller to determine whether to perform trip controlling according to the magnitude of the frequency component of the current from the DFT circuit section or the rate of change from the differentiator on the basis of the rate of change of the current and the reference rate of change.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selective protection of an electrical load from disturbances on an input power line. A power protection circuit includes a selectively variable inrush current limiting circuit and a switch for disconnecting the input power line from the load. A control circuit determines that the electrical load is in a first operational state, such as a standby mode or normal operation, or a second operational state, such as full operation at rated current. The power protection circuit provides variable inrush current limiting to the electrical load in response to a first category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the first operational state. The power protection circuit inhibits disconnecting the electrical load in response to a second category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the second operational state. Species of selectively variable current limiting circuits are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting an over-current protection threshold (514) are disclosed. A dynamic over-current protection circuit (104) receives a first trigger to switch to a high discharge current mode. The dynamic over-current protection circuit (104) starts a high-current timer (210) and increases the over-current protection threshold (514) in response to receiving the trigger. The dynamic over-current protection circuit (104) decreases the over-current protection threshold (514) and starts a hold-off timer (212) in response to an expiration of the high current timer (210). The hold-off timer (212) prevents a second trigger from causing a switch to the high discharge current mode until the hold-off timer expires.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.

Abstract: A method and circuit for protecting against an over current condition. A conduction time of one or more transistors is reduced during the over current condition. The conduction time is reduced in an amount that is an increasing function of the amount of the over current. The conduction time may be reduced proportionally to the excess current.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for protecting and monitoring a circuit for distributing direct current power, including at least one control cut-off element (3, 4) and at least one current sensor (7) inserted, in series, onto at least one conductor of the circuit (2) for distributing power, each control switch circuit (3) be operable by at least one control unit. The protection and monitoring system includes a protection device (1) linked at the input to current sensors (7) and at the output to the control unit (4), wherein the protection device (1) includes a control medium capable of tripping the opening of at least one control switch (3) in accordance with a measurement of the current received from a current sensor (7) inserted in a series in the control switch circuit (3).

Abstract: An overload prevention system and method for an electric circuit having a plurality of components is disclosed, where each component has a set of pre-computed parameters. For each component, monitored parameters are observed; a limited value is computed using the pre-computed and monitored parameters; and it is determined if the limited value reached a limit. If the limited value reaches the limit; the system limits one of the monitored parameters. Pre-computed parameters can include time constant and rated current; monitored parameters can include current; and limited value can be component temperature. A time constant, rated current and rated temperature can be pre-computed such that the temperature stays at or below the rated temperature when the current is substantially equal to the rated current. Per unit values can also be used such that per unit temperature stays at or below unity when per unit current is substantially equal to unity.

Abstract: A bidirectional hybrid breaker comprises a main current circuit, a transfer current circuit, an over-voltage limiting circuit and a control system, wherein the main current circuit, the transfer current circuit and the over-voltage limiting circuit are connected in parallel. The transfer current circuit consists of circuits 1-4, wherein the circuit 1 and the circuit 4 are connected in series at first and then connected with the main current circuit in parallel; a pre-charged capacitor is connected with the circuit 4 in parallel after being connected with the circuit 3 in series; and, one end of the circuit 2 is connected with the left end of the main current circuit while the other end thereof is connected with a connection point of the pre-charged capacitor and the circuit 3.

Abstract: In a protection apparatus capable of protecting a equipment from an electromagnetic pulse and a control method thereof, the apparatus includes a switching unit configured to electrically connect or disconnect a power line to or from the equipment, a sensing unit configured to detect a current flowing on the power line at a reference time interval, and a controller configured to control the switching unit according to a pulse width of the detected current.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a platform power protection circuit to monitor an electric current over a platform input line, the electric current received on the platform input line from a current source, and output an alert signal from a comparator when current output is determined to exceed a current threshold. The apparatus may further include logic to assert a control signal to reduce power consumption in one or more platform components coupled to the platform input line when the alert signal is received. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a rechargeable battery pack configured to provide power to a device that also accepts at least one standard non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery pack comprises a housing for housing at least one battery cell and recharging circuitry. The at least one battery cell and the recharging circuitry is be housed substantially within the housing. The recharging circuitry is coupled with the at least one battery cell. The recharging circuitry is configured to charge the at least one battery cell when the battery pack is inserted into the device that also accepts at least one non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery back further comprises a protection circuit coupled with the recharging circuitry.

Abstract: A current differential relay comprises: an interface section; a quantization section; a communication section; and a difference calculation section. The quantization section quantizes current received by the interface section and converts it to first current data. The communication section, in the case where this relay is a representative current differential relay of a first group, transmits second current data from another current differential relay belonging to the first group and the first current data jointly to a representative current differential relay belonging to the second group, receives third current data from the representative current differential relay, and transmits the third current data to the other current differential relays. A difference calculation section executes a current difference calculation based on the first to third current data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system comprising a safety unit having an output and a safety input, a bus line and at least one safety related participant. The bus line and the safety related participant form a test signal path having a forward path and a return path. The safety related participant comprises an interconnection module with a test signal input and a test signal output and a protective device integrated in the test signal path by means of the interconnection module. The protective device comprises two switches which are respectively connected to the interconnection module via a forward line and a return line of the interconnection line for the formation of a first and a second electric switching path. The interconnection module comprises a test circuit for the two switching paths with a controlled current source, a controlled current sink and a current direction element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting a multi-phase autotransformer for an aircraft, including the steps of receiving (100) values of current output from (Ia, Ib) the first and second phases and a value of current input into (IB) the second phase; determining (101), from these received values of the second phase, a value of current representative of the operation (IFb) of the second phase; determining (102), as a function of this determined value and of the value of current output from (Ia) the first phase, a value representative of the homopolar current (Idet-a) flowing in the first phase; comparing (104) this value of homopolar current (Idet-a) with a first predetermined threshold value (S1) at least during a first predetermined period (D1); and controlling (106) the values of currents input into (IA, IB) and/or output from (Ia, Ib) the phases as a function of the said first comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed are a digital protection control system and a digital protection control apparatus, wherein the digital protection control apparatus can easily be made to have more terminals, even when the number of terminals of a power transmission line increases. The digital protection control system has, as terminal stations thereof, a reference station that is to become the reference point for the sampling time at which power grid current information is to be taken in, tail-end stations that take in power grid current information from the power grid system, and intermediate stations that are connected between the reference station and the tail-end stations via transmission paths. The intermediate station is provided with an uplink transmission unit that is connected to a transmission path at the reference station side thereof, and a plurality of downlink transmission units that are connected to transmission paths at the tail-end station side thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that protects against electrical shock hazards involving two circuit conductors. The device continuously evaluates the load characteristics of electrical equipment and automatically provides feedback on status and changes of such equipment. The device has a “learning mode” wherein it stores the load characteristics of loads connected to the device. The device also has an “protection mode” (or “normal mode”) wherein the devices compares connected load characteristics to stored load characteristics, and based on this comparison determines if an electrical fault is present. If the device determines that an electrical fault is present, the device then takes action to protect against electrical shock, such as by disconnecting the system from power.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method for protecting a multi-phase autotransformer for an aircraft including the steps of receiving values of current input into and output from the first and second phases; determining, as a function of these received values, values of current representative of the operation of the phases; determining, as a function of these determined values, a value representative of a homopolar current flowing in the first phase; comparing, in a first comparison, the value representative of the homopolar current flowing in the first phase with a first predetermined threshold value; and controlling the values of current input into the phases as a function of the first comparison.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining at least one measured quantity with a sensor device and a transmitter device that has a control device, a switch device and a signal output setting device. The control device is connected to the signal output setting device in the case in which the switch device is in the first state. The signal output setting device generates a fault signal as an output signal when the switch device is in the second state and/or that the signal output setting device is free of a connection to the control device. The sensor device keeps the switch device in the first state when the sensor device is supplied with energy above a definable minimum value. The control device reduces the power supply of the sensor device to a definable boundary value when it recognizes the presence of a fault state.

Abstract: There are provided a protection circuit and a gate driving circuit for a semiconductor switching device. The protection circuit for a semiconductor switching device includes an overcurrent determining unit operated according to a gate signal to determine whether a load current flowing through the semiconductor switching device controlling the load current is an overcurrent, a load open determining unit determining whether a load is open, on the basis of a detection value from a current detection unit detecting the load current, and an error detection unit generating a fault signal when it is determined that the overcurrent flows and the load is open, while the gate signal is in a turned on level of the semiconductor switching device.

Abstract: A method for enabling an ETU to function as a host controller is provided. The ETU includes a power bus port, a current sensor input, and a power distributor coupled to the power bus port and the current sensor input. The method includes determining that a peripheral device is connected to the power bus port. The method further includes determining that sufficient input power is available to the ETU to provide an output power to the peripheral device through the power bus port. Additionally, the method includes providing the output power to the peripheral device through the power bus port.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.