Abstract: An over-current protection device for use in a switched mode power supply prevents over-current conditions caused by short-circuits faults. The over-current protection device monitors a current in the switched mode power supply, and in particular, determines a peak current value associated with the monitored current. The monitored current is compared to a reference value to determine whether an over-current condition exists. If an over-current condition is detected, then the over-current protection device modifies the ‘off’ time of the switched mode power supply based on the determined peak current value.

Abstract: In a switch (mechanical switch) in a drive circuit, an electric potential according to the temperature of a driver IC is given to a gate electrode from a switch control circuit. During normal operation, a lever is in contact with terminals, and thus a terminal connected to an input terminal to which power is supplied from outside and a terminal connected to the drive circuit are connected to each other. On the other hand, when the electric potential given to the gate electrode is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the lever is deformed due to electrostatic forces between the lever and the gate electrode and separates from the terminal, and thus the connection between the terminals is disconnected. The driver IC including the switch and the above-mentioned circuit is constructed as MEMS.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism, a current sensor sensing current flowing through the contacts and outputting a sensed current, and a processor determining and storing peak values of the sensed current for plural half-cycles. The processor provides arc fault detection, determines whether a first predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession and correspond to non-unity power factor, and responsively inhibits the detection for a first predetermined time, and whether a second predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession, each with smaller peak amplitude than that of an immediately preceding half-cycle of like or differing polarity, and responsively inhibits the detection for a second predetermined time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a circuit breaker that includes a monitoring device in electronic communication with the circuit breaker and a receiving device located separately from the monitoring device. The monitoring device receives data from the circuit breaker and wirelessly transmits at least a portion of the data such as one or more phase currents measured from a network which the circuit breaker protects, an ambient temperature within the circuit breaker, and/or data relating to a trip condition of the circuit breaker. The receiving device receives the transmitted data and displays all or a portion thereof. The monitoring device also includes a display that displays all or a portion of the data.

Abstract: A leak current breaker is provided which includes a detector (10) to detect a leakage current from electric lines, a first removing unit (12) to convert the detected leakage current into a voltage and a voltage detector (14) to detect a voltage developed in electric lines A under testing, a second removing unit (16) to remove a harmonic component included in the voltage, a phase contrast detector (20) to detect a phase contrast from a signal waveform having the harmonic component removed, a frequency calculator (21) to calculate a frequency occurring on electric lines A on the basis of the signal waveform of the voltage having the harmonic component removed by the second removing unit (16), a phase angle calculator (22) to calculate a phase angle of the leakage current flowing through the electric lines A on the basis of the phase contrast and frequency, a root-mean-square value calculator (24) to calculate a root-mean-square value of the voltage having the harmonic component removed by the first removing uni

Abstract: The switching power supply apparatus includes detection means for detecting that leak current of an input smoothing capacitor becomes a predetermined value or more and first auxiliary switching means connected in series with respect to the input smoothing capacitor. The first auxiliary switching means becomes an on state during a normal operation, whereas the first auxiliary switching means goes into an off state in a case where the detection means detects that the leak current of the input smoothing capacitor becomes a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for protecting a plurality of circuits including a plurality of circuit protective devices wherein each circuit protective device includes a respective nominal current rating. According to one embodiment, the system includes current sensing circuitry configured to measure a current of each circuit protective device; and a controller configured to receive each of the measured currents. According to one embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine a ratio between a total current being carried by all of the circuit protective devices combined and a total nominal current rating of all of the circuit protective devices combined and employ the ratio to determine a modified nominal current rating of each circuit protective device, respectively.

Abstract: A battery pack including at least a battery cell and a protection circuit for shutting off a overcurrent discharge, comprising a discharge control switch connected between a negative terminal of the battery cell and a external minus terminal configured to close after the detection of an abnormal discharge shut-off condition. A shut-off holding unit is configured to maintain a discharge shut-off condition after the detection of an abnormal discharge shut-off condition due to the shorting or connection of a low resistance between a external plus terminal and a external minus terminal of the battery pack, and a releasing unit configured to release the discharge shut-off condition maintained by the shut-off holding unit by applying a predetermined voltage between the external plus terminal and the external minus terminal of the battery pack. Additionally, the discharge control switch is one of a mechanical switch, a transistor, and a field effect transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic battery safety switch which facilitates a reliable and reversible disconnection of the motor vehicle on-board network from the battery. For this purpose an electronic solid-state switch is used which facilitates an unlimited number of switching cycles. The solid-state switch electrically disconnects the motor vehicle on-board network and the battery with the application of a crash signal or an overcurrent signal or when the ignition is switched off. With a parked vehicle an impermissibly high idle current and a discharge of the battery can be reliably prevented in an effective and simple manner. If the current flows from the on-board network in the direction of the battery, then the solid-state switch is switched actively conducting. Thus, damage to the switch in the inverse mode can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an AC load from half-wave rectified power detects a half-wave rectified voltage or current, sets a status indication indicating the type of asymmetric fault causing the half-wave rectified power, and selectively turns the SSPC ON or OFF depending on the type of fault. There are two example circumstances that can cause an asymmetric fault: when the SSPC is OFF and a switch is shorted (“SSPC Failed Shorted”), or when the SSPC is commanded ON and a switch remains open (“SSPC Failed Open”). If the SSPC is OFF when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Shorted” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned ON to clear the fault. If the SSPC is commanded ON when the half-wave rectified AC voltage or current is detected, an “SSPC Failed Open” status indication is set, and the SSPC is turned OFF to clear the fault.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement in which the temperature dependency of the short-circuit current and/or the influence of the output signal by the load current are at least partially avoided has first and second input connections, first and second output connections, a supply voltage connection as well as with a voltage-controlled voltage source, an output stage and a short-circuit protective circuit, whereby the output signal from an input voltage applied to input connections is generated via voltage-controlled voltage source and output stage. The circuit arrangement is characterized in that a voltage sequencing circuit and a shunting resistor connected in parallel to voltage sequencing circuit are part of the short-circuit protective circuit and in that a parallel circuit formed of the voltage sequencing circuit and a shunting resistor is connected to the second output connection and second input connection.

Abstract: A switching system is provided. The switching system includes electromechanical switching circuitry, such as a micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, short-circuit protection. The technology involves sensing a current that is based on an output current and generating a current sense signal in response. The technology further involves buffering the current sense signal. The technology further involves limiting the output current when it exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock-proof electrical output device, which comprises a power outlet having a positive and a negative terminal, a voltage converter with a high voltage input and a low voltage output, a current monitoring relay device, a latching relay device, and a changeover relay device.

Abstract: In the case of a protective device in a controller which contains at least one processor and is connected to a sensor via a sensor ground line and at least one further line, the invention provides that a ground in the controller is connected to the sensor ground line via a semiconductor switch which disconnects or connects the ground and the sensor ground line as a function of whether the current through the sensor ground line and/or the voltage between ground and the sensor ground line are/is in each case greater or less than a predetermined value, and that the voltage which is applied to ground or is applied to the sensor ground line can be applied to an internal ground, which is used for measurement purposes, controlled by the processor with the aid of two further semiconductor switches.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for fault detection and interruption in power lines are provided. Circuitry is implemented via software and hardware that is configured to sense an operational aspect of a power line, such as current levels in a three-phase power line, and apply signal processing to the sensed operational aspect to detect faults including different types of faults such as transient and steady state faults and can also be configured to identify the type of fault. Information on the fault and the identification of the type of fault can be displayed, stored, or some other output operation can be implemented. Circuitry can be implemented to provide digital signal processing and analog signal processing to, for example, independently and in parallel (e.g., redundant operation) detect faults and respond to faults as they occur (i.e., in real time).

Abstract: A motor overcurrent protection device connectable to a motor. The motor has a rotary shaft and a controlling port. The motor overcurrent protection device includes a sensing unit, a driving unit and a controlling unit. The sensing unit includes a magnetic block arranged on a circumference of the rotary shaft and a Hall device positioned beside the rotary shaft. The magnetic block is rotatable along with the rotary shaft to be instantaneously aligned with the Hall device. The driving unit is electrically connected with the controlling port of the motor. The controlling unit is electrically connected with the sensing unit and the driving unit. When the motor operates, each time the magnetic block is aligned with the Hall device, the Hall device outputs a pulse signal which is stored in the controller of the controlling unit. All the pulse signals are summed up in a preset sensing time of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected.

Abstract: A motor circuit protector that trips in accordance with an instantaneous trip curve that is split into three protection regions, a self-protection region, an in-rush avoidance region, and a locked-rotor avoidance region. Software modules for detecting whether primary current exceeds each region are run in parallel or simultaneously, providing redundant instantaneous trip detection, and these redundant protection regions remain active throughout the startup and steady-state modes of operation of the motor circuit protector. This redundancy provides improved time current trip performance for a wide variety of short circuit conditions and improved system safety properties are realized. The current threshold for the self-protection region can be adjusted toward the in-rush avoidance region once steady-state operation is achieved. In startup mode, only the self-protection region may be detected, but can remain active during steady-state mode.

Abstract: A method and system to detect currents in the saturation region of a current transformer for a circuit breaker is disclosed. An example method is sensing a fault condition with a current transformer in a circuit breaker. The characteristic curve of the current transformer in a saturation mode is determined based on peak current. A current is received on the transformer. A secondary current is output from the transformer. It is determined whether the secondary current is indicative of a fault current in the saturation mode of the transformer. The breaker is tripped if the secondary current is indicative of a fault current.

Abstract: A redundant trip activation scheme whereby at least one pre-trip condition must be satisfied before a trip signal is sent to a trip solenoid of a motor circuit protector. To provide a layer of protection against spurious or nuisance tripping caused by software errors or external events such as EMF effects, a trip module sets a trip variable upon detection of a trip signal. Instead of tripping the MCP, the trip module requires at least an additional trip signal to be detected. The next time a trip signal is detected, the trip module checks whether the trip variable has been set, and, if so, sends a trip signal to a trip circuit, causing the solenoid to be activated. To ensure that a trip actually occurs, the solenoid can be tripped from the microcontroller via the trip circuit or from an over-voltage protection circuit in the event of a system failure, which operates independently of the trip circuit.

Abstract: A current control apparatus for an electric load can prevent burnout at a short-circuit accident with high control precision. A switching element is interrupted by an overcurrent detection circuit upon occurrence of a load short circuit, but is transitionally limited in current by a current detection resistor. A differential amplifier amplifies a difference voltage between voltages at opposite ends of the current detection resistor to generate a monitored voltage Ef corresponding to a load current. A microprocessor controls the energization rate of the switching element so as to make an estimated load current Ime calculated from the monitored voltage Ef coincide with a target load current Is, and it calculates, upon calibration operation, calibration constants and estimates, during actual operation, a load current Ime from the monitored voltage Ef using the calibration constants.

Abstract: A short detect and safeguard mechanism is incorporated into a processor and/or a motherboard. A processor includes a first power path to receive a VCC voltage and a second power path to receive a VSS voltage. A processor core executes instructions and is coupled to the first and second power paths to receive the VCC and VSS voltages. A short detect circuit is coupled to detect a short between the first and second power paths. If the short detect circuit detects a short, then it generates a short signal. The short signal is received by a voltage identification (“VID”) module provided to select the VCC voltage. In response to the short signal, the VID module generates a disable VCC code.

Abstract: A cellular telephone 1 measures a current value after being turned on, and performs addition and subtraction of a predetermined margin to and from the measured value, and thereby sets up determination thresholds for an overcurrent and an undercurrent, namely, a minimum current value and a maximum current value, respectively. Here, the predetermined margin includes minimum allowance required (B) as a standard, a variation (E) in voltage of a power source of the cellular telephone 1, and a variation (D) in an operating temperature of the cellular telephone 1.

Abstract: An electrical power supply system including an engine driven permanent magnet generator (11) operable to produce a variable voltage and high frequency output which is converted by a series train AC/AC conversion circuit (14) into a fixed voltage and relatively low frequency AC output for supply through a trip switch (56-58) to an external load (53-55). A bypass circuit including a pair of normally-closed parallel connected oppositely biased thyristors (66-68) is connected between the generator output and the output of the AC/AC conversion circuit (14).

Abstract: A system provides overload protection in power-switching circuitry, whereby current through a switch is controlled by adaptive circuitry. The switch, configured to deliver a current and a voltage, is connected to two current-limiting feedback circuits. The first current-limiting feedback circuit is coupled to the switch and limits the current through the switch based on current measured through the switch. The second current-limiting feedback circuit is configured to shunt current around the first current-limiting feedback circuit as a function of the voltage delivered to the load, which changes the amount of current the switch can deliver to the load.

Abstract: A voltage regulator has an output circuit for producing from an input voltage a predetermined output voltage to be supplied to a load, an overcurrent protection circuit for preventing overcurrent in the output circuit, a memory for storing control information fed from outside, and an adjustment circuit for adjusting the level at which the overcurrent protection circuit detects overcurrent according to the control information read from the memory. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately detect overcurrent by canceling factors such as individual variations in the characteristics of the circuit components, the influence of stress occurring when the regulator IC is packaged, and fabrication-associated variations in the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protection against overcurrents in an electrical energy distribution cabinet which receives electrical energy supplied by at least one generator and which distributes this energy to at least two loads, which comprises: switching means (20), means (23; C) for calculating the absolute value of the difference between at least one current entering the said cabinet and at least one corresponding current leaving the said cabinet, for at least one harmonic of these currents, comparison means (24) which control the opening of the switching means (20) if this absolute value is greater than a predetermined threshold (S).

Abstract: Low threshold current switch comprising a sensing transformer, a voltage multiplier and a switch enables monitoring a very low electric current in a power cable.

Abstract: A signal driving system generates an output swinging between a first power supply (e.g., about 1.2 Volts), powering first and second drivers, and a second power supply (e.g., about 3.3 Volts), powering a first current mirror. The second power supply is generated external to the signal driving system and is used to allow for a desired common-mode differential output signal range. However, the second power supply produces voltage at a level above a rating of the devices in the signal driving system. Therefore, protection devices are used to protect the elements of the signal driving system from the second power supply. Accordingly, through use of the signal driving system of the present invention, a high voltage current mode driver can operate in a low voltage process without damaging the devices in the signal driving system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protection device for a chopping supply of the type comprising a voltage converter whose secondary is connected to a load such as a light source of the xenon lamp type, and whose primary is connected to an energy source and is controlled by a power switch possibly controlled by a control unit, characterised in that it comprises: at least one first means for producing an image of a current flowing in the power switch from a current flowing in an energy storage capacitor connected in the primary circuit of the voltage converter, connected to at least one second means for detecting a critical current level on the image of a current, connected to at least one third means of controlling the power switch in order to modify the state of conduction of the power switch when a critical current level is detected.

Abstract: An active sensing and switching device for use in controlling current to a load, comprising a controller means (U1) for disconnecting the load from a power source by providing a switch-open control signal based on a signal indicating a sensed value of electrical current to the load, characterized in that the controller means (U1) determines a nominal value for the electrical current to the load based on monitoring the signal indicating the sensed value of electrical current to the load. A load control system is also provided, including a single ASSD adapted to receive signals indicating sensed values of electrical current to a plurality of respective loads, and further comprising a plurality of load control modules adapted so as to be disposed in proximity to respective loads or a main power line, wherein the load control modules provide respective signals indicating sensed values of electrical currents to the respective loads.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for over-current detection in PWM power stages. Disclosed methods and apparatus provide over-current detection with adaptive filtering according to the pulse width of the PWM input signal. Methods and apparatus for their implementation are described for detecting the pulse width of a PWM signal in the PWM circuit. According to the detected pulse width, a digital delay less than the pulse width of the PWM signal is selected from among a plurality of available digital delays. Further, an over-current condition in the PWM power stage is detected. The detected over-current signal is filtered by means of the selected digital delay and an over-current detection result is output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flat panel display device including a modular system board structured to be separably mounted to the flat panel display device so that it is replaceable with a new one having a different function, thereby being capable of easily changing its function or application by a replacement of the modular system board with a new one corresponding to the changed function or application while achieving a reduction in the manufacturing costs and an effective shielding of electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A miniaturized cost-saving intermittent short circuit determining device located between a power source and an electric load in a vehicle electric circuit. The determining device includes detecting means for detecting current flowing through the electric circuit, determining means for determining whether the current detected by the detecting means is an intermittent short circuit, and disconnecting means for disconnecting the electric circuit when the determining means judges that there is an abnormality. The determining means is connected to an external switch circuit, which selectively supplies and stops current to the electric load of the electric circuit. The determining means determines whether the external switch circuit is switched on or off, and switches the disconnecting means on or off according to the determination.

Abstract: The trip device comprises a system-powered power supply circuit comprising a capacitor for power supply of a trip coil. When the trip device is powered on, the capacitor charges and its voltage is regulated according to a first reference voltage sufficient to activate the trip coil if necessary. After a preset period, regulation of the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor is performed according to a second reference voltage, lower than the first voltage. The reference voltage reverts to the first value during the same preset period when the measured current reaches a preset threshold, which constitutes an indication of the presence of a fault that will lead to tripping being required. The capacitor is therefore generally charged at a lower voltage than that which is necessary for tripping, thus enabling its size to be reduced.

Abstract: An integrated power switch is disclosed. The power switch comprises a power transistor for providing an output current. The power transistor includes a grounded body. The power switch includes a sense transistor coupled to the power transistor. The sense transistor includes a floating body. The power switch further includes a resistor coupled to the floating body of the sense transistor. A value of the resistor is chosen such that the output current is regulated at a predetermined level. Accordingly, a power switch in accordance with the present invention includes a power transistor which is implemented with grounded body and its companion sense transistor is implemented with floating body. Higher operating voltages can be achieved by turning on the parasitic transistor inside the sense transistor with a resistor connected from its body to ground. The impact ionization current of the power and sense transistors are included in the current limit loop control.

Abstract: A drive transformer and associated circuitry for providing power and appropriate delays to primary switches and synchronous rectifiers in switch-mode power converters in a full-bridge topology. The invention takes advantage of the leakage inductances of the drive transformer windings as well as the input capacitance of the primary switches (MOSFETs) to provide the delays. No separate circuitry is needed to provide such delays, thereby providing reliability. Exemplary embodiments further disclose means to disable or enable the primary winding from a condition sensed on the secondary side even with a control and feedback circuit located on the secondary side. The invention further discloses means to use one drive transformer winding to control two switches completely out of phase.

Abstract: An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a reverse current detector for detecting a reverse current and a reverse current suppressor for increasing an input-output conversion ratio when a reverse current is detected. A choke coil increases the inductance in a current flowing region in which a very small reverse current flows and reduces the inductance in a current flowing region in which the current flowing is greater than or equal to that in a normal operation mode. In a reverse current flowing region in which the output current is negative, the DC-DC converter has unique regulation characteristics in which the amount of change in the output voltage relative to the amount of change in the output current is very large.

Abstract: The instantaneous overcurrent element, used in a microprocessor-based protective relay for a power system, includes a finite impulse response filter which generally is a cosine filter and is responsive to the current waveform from the current transformer for fault determination unless the distortion in the current reaches a preselected threshold, at which point a peak detector circuit is used to provide the current magnitude values for fault determination.

Abstract: A controlled rectifier bridge includes a plurality of segments each having an element responsive to a control signal, and an output having a voltage, a first current and a second current. Sensors provide sensed current values from first and second output currents from the bridge. A routine determines if the sensed current values are greater than a predetermined value. A regulator outputs the control signals to the segments in order to control current conduction within the segments. A routine determines if a circuit interrupter is open or if current is not flowing between bridge inputs and the corresponding alternating current phases. A routine disables the control signals to pairs of the segments when the sensed current values are greater than the predetermined value, and when the circuit interrupter is open or when current is not flowing between the inputs and the corresponding alternating current phases.

Abstract: A frequency regulator protection circuit for controlling acceleration of electric vehicle comprises a power unit, a display unit, a protection unit, a control unit, a sensor unit, a data processor unit, a trigger unit, a regulator unit, and an output unit. The control unit receives a rotation speed signal from a motor. The sensor unit detects whether there is a current overload and delivers a corresponding overload signal to the data processor unit that consequently outputs a frequency change signal to the trigger unit which, in turn, delivers a first regulation signal to the regulator unit. The output unit further delivers a second regulation signal to the regulator unit, corresponding to different situations of insufficiency of pedal control, brake control, over-speed control, or motor overload. The regulator unit consequently effectuates an adequate cutoff of power supply.

Abstract: A method for generating manipulated variables for the direct-axis and cross voltage, respectively, to represent the flux-forming current ID and torque-forming current IQ in field-oriented control of asynchronous machines, taking into account the stator voltage drop and steady-state internal voltage. The steady-state internal voltage is calculated on the basis of reference variables of the currents.

Abstract: A limiting circuit for controlling overshoot in a charge current in a battery recharging system includes a current amplifier receiving input indicative of charge current in a rechargeable battery circuit and generating a current error signal, a voltage amplifier receiving input indicative of charge voltage in the rechargeable battery circuit and generating a voltage error signal, and a power amplifier receiving a first signal indicative of power in a switching voltage regulator and a second power signal indicative of power in the rechargeable battery circuit, and generating a power error signal. The limiting circuit compares the voltage error signal, the current error signal, and the power error signal to determine the error signal having the greatest value, and generates an input signal to a pulse width modulation comparator.

Abstract: A protective control unit for controlling a highside-output transistor and a lowside-output transistor connected in series is provided. The highside-output transistor has a first main electrode region connected to a power supply, a second main electrode region and a first control electrode. The lowside-output transistor has a third main electrode region connected to the second main electrode region, a fourth electrode region connected to ground and a second control electrode. And an inductive load is connected to a connecting point between the second and the third electrode regions. The protective control unit of the present invention has a highside-drive circuit. The highside-drive circuit pulls out charges stored in the highside-output transistor, through the first control electrode, during the periods when the highside-output transistor is in the end of reverse conducting state and reverse recovery state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse bias protection structure which comprises a PMOS transistor structure having a drain portion, a gate portion, a source portion and a backgate portion, wherein the gate portion is coupled to a first voltage potential, the source portion is selectively coupleable to a power supply, and the drain portion is selectively coupleable to a circuit needing power to be supplied thereto from the power supply. The reverse bias protection structure further comprises a Schottky diode structure having an anode coupled to the source portion of the PMOS transistor structure, and a cathode coupled to the backgate portion of the PMOS structure. Under forward bias conditions, the PMOS transistor conducts and exhibits a small voltage drop thereacross. Under reverse bias conditions, the PMOS transistor is off and the Schottky structure is reverse biased, thus preventing current through the protection structure.

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 three phase trip of a power line is prevented in a power distribution network delivering electrical power through multiple current carrying conductors and a neutral/ground line. The three phase trip is prevented after a change in the current in the neutral/ground line caused by a partial trip of a recloser. A partial trip is detected in the power distribution network, and then a threshold current is automatically adjusted from a first level to a second level for the neutral/ground line.

Abstract: An assembly and method is provided for a tripping mechanism of an circuit breaker to limit the damage to a protected circuit breaker and other associated equipment such as enclosures, bus way, etc. from the high forces that result from high currents and prevent unwanted tripping of a circuit breaker due to rapidly decreasing currents. A trip system for a circuit breaker including a sensor to determine a rate of change in the current level. A positive detector is connected to the sensor to determine a positive current direction. A negative detector is connected to the sensor to determine a negative current direction. An electronic switch connected to the positive and negative sensors to activate the tripping mechanism of the circuit breaker. A power supply is connected to the tripping mechanism and electronic switch.