Overvoltage Patents (Class 361/91.1)
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Patent number: 11664654Abstract: A power supply includes a power converter, a protection circuit, and a control circuit. The protection circuit includes an input for receiving an input voltage, an output for providing an output voltage to the power converter, a first switching device coupled in a current path between the input and the output, and a second switching device coupled across the first switching device. The control circuit is configured to sense the input voltage and the output voltage, in response to the output voltage exceeding a first defined threshold, turn off the first switching device and turn on the second switching device to supply power to the power converter, and in response to the input voltage exceeding a second defined threshold, turn off the second switching device to disconnect the power source from the power converter. Other example power supplies and protection circuits are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Astee International LimitedInventors: Ruel Joyosa Tolentino, Jahres Rederi Masangkay Satur, Khanderao Madhav Gaikwad
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Patent number: 11646571Abstract: A modular load management system comprises one or more compact modules designed to fit in the wiring troughs of a standard AC distribution panel of a building. The modules include one or more input terminals to receive electrical power from one or more circuit breakers in the panel and deliver power to load circuits of the building via one or more output terminals. The modules contain at least one disconnect switch for disconnecting circuits from breakers in response to a remote or locally-generated control signal. The modules may also include current sensors on some or all terminals, such that power and energy flow may be monitored on a per-circuit basis.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Hallam, Jonathan Li, Ching Kun Meng
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Patent number: 11637424Abstract: An electrical stress protection circuit includes a detection circuit including a first transistor connected to a driving voltage rail and turned on when electrical stress is provided, and a bypass transistor turned on in response to a signal output when the first transistor is turned on and configured to provide electrical stress to a reference voltage rail. An electronic device configured to perform a predetermined function, includes a detection circuit including a first transistor connected to a driving voltage rail and turned on when electrical stress is provided, and an electrical stress protection circuit including a bypass transistor turned on in response to a signal output when the first transistor is turned on and configured to provide electrical stress to a reference voltage rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Anapass Inc.Inventor: Byung Il Hong
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Patent number: 11594909Abstract: A control device of a power supply circuit includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry includes a state-of-charge calculator and a target calculator. The state-of-charge calculator calculate a state of charge of the first battery. The target calculator calculates a target voltage range. When an output voltage of the first battery detected by a voltage sensor cannot be acquired and an acquisition failure occurs, after the occurrence of the acquisition failure, the state-of-charge calculator is configured to obtain the state of charge of the first battery, as a held state-of-charge, that was calculated before the occurrence of the acquisition failure. When a pre-charge process is performed in a state in which the acquisition failure is occurring, the target calculator is configured to calculate an estimated output voltage of the first battery from the held state-of-charge and calculate the target voltage range based on the estimated output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Hatano
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Patent number: 11585866Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a neutral voltage connection, involve determining when a value of a neutral current is equal to zero, wherein the neutral current comprises a difference between a current flowing through two legs of an electrical meter to an end customer, wherein each of the two legs comprises a first voltage with respect to a ground and a second voltage with respect to one another; and verifying that the neutral current has been detected to zero, in response to determining that the value of the neutral current is equal to zero.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Juan Valdivia Avila, Scott Holdsclaw
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Patent number: 11569654Abstract: A power control device includes: an output voltage controller configured to control an output voltage based on a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage; and an overvoltage protector configured to continue or stop the operation of the output voltage controller based on a first detection result of whether the output voltage has exceeded an output voltage threshold value and a second detection result of whether the feedback voltage has fallen to or below a feedback voltage threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Okajima
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Patent number: 11532606Abstract: Overvoltage protection circuits are provided. In some embodiments, an overvoltage protection circuit includes a first diode made of a first semiconductor material having a bandgap width greater than that of silicon. A second diode is included and is electrically cross-coupled with the first diode. The second diode is made of a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS, STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Jean-Michel Simonnet, Sophie Ngo, Simone RascunĂ
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Patent number: 11522361Abstract: Embodiments of a single event latch-up (SEL) protection circuit are provided, including: a first circuitry block coupled to a source of an input voltage a load, and digitally controlling a first switch; the first switch generates a load and senses an instantaneous load current iLoad. A second circuitry block is configured to generate an average iLoad and generate single event latch-up triggers (i.e., SEL fault detection) as a function of at least a comparison of the inst_iLoad and average iLoad; wherein this first circuitry block contains the analog based SET filtering needed to reduce false SEL triggers. A supervisor module generates on/off commands for the first switch, responsive to receiving the SEL detection in excess of a pre-programmed delay to provide the final SET filtering to prevent false SEL triggers. The first circuitry block removes the load voltage at N1 upon receiving an off command from the supervisor module.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Paul W. Schwerman, George M. Brown, Jr., Richard L. Marshall
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Patent number: 11522441Abstract: A switching converter controller includes a detection circuit, an input load circuit, and a timer circuit. The detection circuit is configured to compare voltage at a power stage voltage input to a line undervoltage threshold voltage to initiate a soft stop operation. The input load circuit is coupled to the power stage voltage input. The input load circuit is configured to, responsive to the soft stop operation, switchably reduce a resistance from the power stage voltage input to a ground terminal. The timer circuit is configured to set a duration of reduced resistance from the power stage voltage input to the ground terminal.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Jean Picard
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Patent number: 11502508Abstract: A battery secondary protection circuit and a mode switching method thereof are disclosed. The battery secondary protection circuit is coupled in series with a battery primary protection circuit and has a power pin and a sensing pin. The switching method includes steps of: (S1) determining whether a voltage difference between the power pin and the sensing pin is greater than a default value; and (S2) selectively switching the battery secondary protection circuit to a first mode or a second mode according to a determination result of the step (S1). The battery secondary protection circuit delays a first delay time and a second delay time in the first mode and the second mode respectively and then performs a circuit protection operation. The first delay time is longer than the second delay time.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: UPI SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.Inventors: Chun-Kuei Chiu, Chih-Liang Wu, Shih-Kun Liang
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Patent number: 11496131Abstract: A switching element drive device that reduces a switching loss while suppressing noise with an inexpensive configuration, is provided. The switching element drive device includes a current sensor configured to measure a load current flowing through a load, a voltage sensor configured to measure an input voltage inputted from a power supply, and a control part configured to output a command value of a gate drive voltage to a gate drive voltage supply part, the gate drive voltage supply part being configured to supply the gate drive voltage for driving a switching element disposed between the power supply and the load, wherein the control part is further configured to determine the command value of the gate drive voltage based on the load current and the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Shota Yoshimitsu
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Patent number: 11479122Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for wireless power transfer from a charging station to an energy storage element of an AGV, or on an AGV. Furthermore, it provides a charging station, as well as a wireless energy receiving system for receiving energy from a charging station and providing said received energy to an energy storage element of an AGV, or on an AGV, and furthermore a system for wireless power transfer incorporating one or more charging stations and a plurality of said wireless energy receiving systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: IN2POWER NVInventors: Peter Besard, John De Clercq
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Patent number: 11456593Abstract: A battery protection circuit has two input nodes and two output nodes. The input nodes are connected to a positive supply line and a negative or ground line respectively, and the two output nodes are connected to a positive side of a load and a negative or ground return side of the load. The circuit includes a solid state switch which is oriented such that when the switch is open current cannot flow from the battery through the load. At least one capacitor is connected in series with a diode between the two input nodes of the circuit to smooth out any negative transient voltages present at the positive input node of the circuit. The capacitor includes a polarized capacitor and the diode is oriented to protect the capacitor during normal use when a positive voltage is present at the input node that is connected to the positive supply line.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: ZF AUTOMOTIVE UK LIMITEDInventors: Leonardo Ferrari, Naiwu Yuan, Mansoor Shah
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Patent number: 11451254Abstract: A communication device according to an embodiment includes an oscillator, a first signal generation circuit, a first insulation element, a first receiving circuit, and a first output circuit. The oscillator is configured to output a first carrier signal when at least one of a plurality of input signals that are externally input is at a first logic level. The first carrier signal and a first input signal among the input signals are input to the first signal generation circuit. The first signal generation circuit is configured to generate a first signal when the first input signal changes from a second logic level to the first logic level, output a first modulated signal based on the first signal, and thereafter output a second modulated signal based on the first carrier signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATIONInventor: Toyoaki Uo
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Patent number: 11437830Abstract: A circuit is disclosed to provide synchronization between parallel-connected battery cells. The circuit includes at least a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel to an output voltage rail of the battery pack. The circuit may further include a first indicator resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, where the first terminal is connected to the output voltage rail. The circuit may further include a plurality of charge protection circuits corresponding to the plurality of battery cells and include at least a first charge protection circuit configured to detect that a first battery cell corresponding to the first charge protection circuit has triggered one or more undesirable charge protection states to enter a charge protection mode and shut off a first charge transistor for the first battery cell to prevent charging of the first battery cell in response to the first battery cell entering the charge protection mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Hoyt
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Patent number: 11424671Abstract: Disclosed is an overvoltage protection circuit and method thereof. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a charge/discharge circuit configured to be charged or discharged based on a source voltage of a first transistor included in a non-isolated converter and a comparison circuit, based on a voltage charged in the charge/discharge circuit exceeding a threshold voltage, turn off a power supply circuit supplying power to the non-isolated converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Moonyoung Kim, Jeongil Kang
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Patent number: 11411396Abstract: An ESD protection circuit is provided, including a negative ESD protection module and a positive ESD protection module, where the negative ESD protection module includes a first resistor, a charging capacitor, a first field effect transistor, and a second field effect transistor, and the positive ESD protection module includes a fourth field effect transistor. When a negative ESD event occurs, there is a comparatively large transient voltage at a gate of a P-type enhanced GaN power device relative to a source of the P-type enhanced GaN power device. Therefore, a displacement current from the source to the gate of the P-type enhanced GaN power device is generated on the charging capacitor. A voltage drop generated by the displacement current on the first resistor may enable the first field effect transistor and the second field effect transistor to form a path when the first field effect transistor is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qimeng Jiang, Yushan Li, Hanxing Wang
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Patent number: 11394225Abstract: An electronic device includes a connector including a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting to a power supply device supplying a power to the electronic device and a control circuit. The control circuit senses a moisture entering the connector, changes an impedance of at least one specified data terminal among the terminals in response to the sensing of the moisture such that the power supply device identifies the impedance of the at least one specified data terminal and changes a level of a voltage depending on the impedance, and receives the voltage whose level is changed from the power supply device. Other various embodiments identified in the specification are also possible.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hang Seok Choi, Ku Chui Jung
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Patent number: 11349482Abstract: The integrated circuit (IC) described herein lowers the start-up voltage to, for example, 50 mV, compatible for starting a DC-DC converter from a thermoelectric generator (TEG), even with a small temperature gradient. The IC further improves end-to-end efficiency of the energy harvester by improving power efficiency of the DC-DC converter while ensuring maximum power transfer from the TEG at low voltages. The IC uses a low voltage integrated charge pump that can boost sub-100 mV input voltage. A startup clock is generated by a ring-oscillator that begins operation with low supply (e.g., 50 mV or less), and which allows for one inductor to be used for DC-DC converter and for startup of the converter. The IC can be configured between the TEG and any downstream sensor or communication circuits to provide an acceptable (e.g., greater than 1 V) voltage for powering the downstream circuits from a low-voltage (e.g., less than 200 mV) TEG energy source.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Oregon State UniversityInventors: Soumya Bose, Matthew Johnston, Tejasvi Anand
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Patent number: 11348914Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first domain including a first high power source line, a first low power source line, and a first power clamp circuit; a second domain including a second high power source line, a second low power source line, and a second power clamp circuit; a third power clamp circuit provided between the second high power source line and the first low power source line; a first relay circuit that receives a signal from the first domain and outputs the signal to the second domain; and a second relay circuit that receives a signal from the second domain and outputs the signal to the first domain, wherein the first relay circuit and the second relay circuit have a circuit portion that is connected to the second high power source line and the first low power source line.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: SOCIONEXT INC.Inventor: Teruo Suzuki
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Patent number: 11289899Abstract: A direct-current breaking device includes a main circuit breaker inserted on a DC line, a resonant circuit connected in parallel with the main circuit breaker, and a MOSA connected in parallel with the main circuit breaker via the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit includes first, second, third, and fourth switching elements, a capacitor, and a reactor. A first circuit unit including the first switching element and the second switching element connected in series with each other, and a second circuit unit including the third switching element and the fourth switching element connected in series with each other are connected in parallel. The capacitor is connected between a connection point of the first switching element and the second switching element and a connection point of the third switching element and the fourth switching element to constitute a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit and the reactor are in series with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Sho Tokoyoda, Takashi Inagaki, Kenji Kamei
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Patent number: 11289895Abstract: A protective device includes a first fuse circuit, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a second fuse circuit. The first fuse circuit interrupts a flow of a line current from a voltage terminal to the electrical load when an intensity of the line current reaches a first current intensity limit value. The overvoltage protection circuit electrically connects poles of the voltage terminal when a first voltage limit value of a voltage is reached on the first fuse circuit to force the line current to reach the first current intensity limit value. The second fuse circuit activates the overvoltage protection circuit when a second voltage limit value of a voltage on the second fuse circuit is reached to electrically connect the poles of the voltage terminal. The second voltage limit value is based at least in part on a nominal voltage of the electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jörg Blanke
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Patent number: 11289903Abstract: An apparatus includes a transistor coupled between an input pin and an output pin and an overvoltage detection circuit configured to receive a serial interface signal from the input pin and generate an enable signal in response to a voltage of the serial interface signal exceeding a voltage threshold. The apparatus also includes a first circuit configured to apply a clamping voltage to a gate of the transistor based on the enable signal to regulate a voltage provided at the output pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Byungchul Jang, Roland Son
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Patent number: 11276999Abstract: A protective device includes a first fuse circuit, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a second fuse circuit. The first fuse circuit prevents a flow of a line current from a voltage terminal to the electrical load when the line current reaches a first nominal current. The overvoltage protection circuit is connected downstream of the first fuse circuit and upstream of the electrical load, and is adapted to electrically connect two poles of the voltage terminal when a voltage at the voltage terminal reaches a first voltage limit to force the line current to the first nominal current such that the first fuse circuit is triggered. The second fuse circuit is connected downstream of the overvoltage protection circuit and upstream of the electrical load, and prevents flow of the line current when the line current reaches a second nominal current, wherein the second nominal current is based on the electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Yves Hackl, Simon-Immanuel Gries
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Patent number: 11257442Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control circuit, a light source driving device and a display apparatus. The control circuit comprises a current source circuit configured to generate a current signal having a magnitude positively correlated with a temperature of a region where the control circuit is located; a conversion circuit coupled to the current source circuit and configured to convert the current signal generated by the current source circuit into a voltage signal; and a first comparison circuit coupled to the conversion circuit and configured to output a control signal for controlling brightness of a light source according to the voltage signal received from the conversion circuit, a magnitude of the control signal being negatively correlated with the temperature of the region where the control circuit is located, and the brightness of the light source being positively correlated with the magnitude of the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignees: FUZHOU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Ye Hu, Xiaoying Lu
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Patent number: 11251695Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing power in a power-to-the-edge system architecture are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises an intelligent power switch configured to couple to a power supply, wherein the intelligent power switch outputs a first differential voltage output; and a plurality of intelligent remote nodes each comprising a management microcontroller (MCU) and a DC-to-DC converter. The intelligent remote nodes each receive the differential voltage output, and are communicatively coupled to a data network. The intelligent power switch comprises a processor executing an intelligent start-up control and switching function and an electrical fault detection function. The intelligent power switch outputs the differential voltage at a first voltage level while the electrical fault detection function monitors the differential voltage output.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: David Thomas Lambert, Lee Holloway, Andrew Williams, David Thomas
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Patent number: 11211376Abstract: An integrated circuit includes two or more substrates stacked one over another and a first set of electrical components on one or more of the two or more substrates. The two or more substrates include a first substrate having a first predetermined doping type and a second substrate having the first predetermined doping type. The first set of electrical components is configured to form a first circuit. The integrated circuit further includes a first ground reference rail electrically connected to the first circuit, a first common ground reference rail, and a first ESD conduction element electrically connected between the first ground reference rail and the first common ground reference rail. The first ESD conduction element includes a first diode on the first substrate and a second diode on the second substrate. The first diode and the second diode are electrically connected in parallel and have opposite polarities.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Wei Yu Ma, Chia-Hui Chen, Kuo-Ji Chen
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Patent number: 11171482Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device with monitoring and communication functions, in particular for the information and process industries, having at least one surge arrester with a self-diagnostics unit and a wireless and/or wired standard interface for data transmission. According to the invention, an additional module is provided to detect the behaviour and/or the properties of a connected electrical energy source, wherein a bidirectional exchange of data and commands to and between a higher-level control system and among multiple overvoltage protection devices takes place and parametrisation of lower-level terminals to be protected can be realised via the standard interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: DEHN SE + CO KGInventors: Ralph Brocke, Peter Zahlmann
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Patent number: 11164953Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer including first and second electrode forming surfaces and side surface, an anode electrode formed on the first electrode forming surface, a cathode electrode formed on the second electrode forming surface; an insulating film continuously formed from the first electrode forming surface to the side surface so as to cover the first edge. The side surface of the semiconductor layer is covered with the insulating film, so that a leak current flowing along the side surface is reduced. Further, the side surface is protected by the insulating film, making cracking, chipping, cleavage, and the like less likely to occur.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Hirabayashi, Minoru Fujita, Yoshiaki Fukumitsu
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Patent number: 11128121Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a protection circuitry coupled between: a node and a first circuitry that is to selectively output a first voltage, the node coupled to a second circuitry that is to selectively output a second voltage, the protection circuitry comprising: a pair of complementary parallel transistors coupled between the node and the first circuitry, the pair comprising first and second transistors, wherein a gate of the first transistor is to receive a control signal at the first voltage, and a third transistor to selectively couple a gate of the second transistor to the node, a gate of the third transistor to receive the control signal at the first voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Kim Sim Gan
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Patent number: 11114888Abstract: A power supply device includes a main power supply, a sub-power supply, a main power supply path, a sub-power supply path, a power supply selector switch, and a load selector switch group. The main power supply path is connected to the main power supply. The sub-power supply path is different from the main power supply path and is connected to the sub-power supply. The load selector switch group is disposed between the main power supply path and the sub-power supply path, and the load unit, and performs switching so as to connect one of the main power supply path and the sub-power supply path to the load unit and to disconnect the other from the load unit, according to switching of the power supply selector switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Shuuji Satake, Yoshihito Aoki, Hiroo Yabe, Tsutomu Saigo
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Patent number: 11101755Abstract: An arrangement contains an asynchronous machine, which, in generator operation, is configured to feed electric power into an AC network. Accordingly, the asynchronous machine can be dual-fed by a modular multi-stage converter in a matrix configuration. The asynchronous machine has a rotor and the modular multi-stage converter is connected to the rotor of the asynchronous machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Friedemann Augsburger, Rainer Gruber, German Kuhn, Alexander Rentschler, Kunal Sharma
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Patent number: 11095120Abstract: A surge protection device includes a surge protection circuit, a controller, and a wireless module. The surge protection circuit has a plurality of surge protection elements, receives a power source and correspondingly generates a sampling signal according to the power source. The controller compares a representative voltage value of the power source corresponding to the sampling signal with a first reference value to determine a using state of the surge protection circuit. The wireless module correspondingly transmits the using state to a remote server.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Po-Yi Ku, Chien-Lung Wang
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Patent number: 10998761Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes groups of solar cells that can be switched in and out of the photovoltaic system. In response to detecting initiation of rapid shutdown, a control circuit controls a switch device to switch out a group of solar cells to lower the output voltage of the photovoltaic system below a safety level. In response to detecting a release trigger that indicates resumption of normal operation, the control circuit controls the switch device to switch back the group of solar cells to restore the output voltage of the photovoltaic system to a normal operating level. Solar cells may be switched out by disconnecting them from the photovoltaic system and switched back by reconnecting them into the photovoltaic system. Solar cells may also be switched out by shorting them out of the photovoltaic system and switched back in by removing the short.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Zachary S. Judkins, Jonathan L. Ehlmann
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Patent number: 10958155Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment is a semiconductor device including: a first diode having a first anode and a first cathode, the first anode for electrically connecting to one of a first electrode and a second electrode of a semiconductor element including the first electrode, the second electrode, and a gate electrode; a first capacitor having a first end electrically connected to the first cathode, and a first other end; a bias element having a first bias element end electrically connected to the first cathode and the first end, and a second bias element end for electrically connecting to a positive electrode of a direct-current power supply including the positive electrode and a negative electrode; a second diode having a second anode and a second cathode, the second anode electrically connected to the first other end; a second capacitor having a second end and a second other end, the second end electrically connected to the second cathode; a switch electrically connected in parallel to tType: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kentaro Ikeda
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Patent number: 10944391Abstract: Universal Serial Bus (USB) protection circuits are provided. A circuit includes a plurality of first transistors connected in series between a pad and ground. The circuit also includes a plurality of second transistors connected in series between the pad and a supply voltage. The circuit further includes a control circuit that applies respective bias voltages to each one of the plurality of first transistors and to each one of the plurality of second transistors. The bias voltages are configured to: turn off the plurality of first transistors and turn off the plurality of second transistors when a pad voltage of the pad is within a nominal voltage range; sequentially turn on the plurality of first transistors when the pad voltage increases above the nominal voltage range; and sequentially turn on the plurality of second transistors when the pad voltage decreases below the nominal voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Daniel M. Dreps
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Patent number: 10910818Abstract: An anti-short-circuit detection apparatus includes a probe, a detection resistor, a switching circuit, and a detection circuit. The probe is disposed between a power port and a ground port. A first terminal of the detection resistor is electrically coupled to a power circuit of the user terminal, and a second terminal of the detection resistor is electrically coupled to the probe. The switching circuit is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the detection resistor and a processor of the user terminal and is configured to perform switching to be grounded or ungrounded under the control of the processor. The detection circuit is electrically coupled to two terminals of the detection resistor and the processor, and is configured to trigger the processor to control the user terminal to issue a short-circuit warning or turn off the power circuit when the short-circuit current is not zero.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Deliang Li, Zexu Qian
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Patent number: 10895391Abstract: An overvoltage recovery circuit (ORC), a controller for an HVAC system and an HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the ORC includes: (1) a first supply voltage terminal connected to a first voltage supply, (2) a second supply voltage terminal connected to a second voltage supply, (3) interruption circuitry including a switch and a trip terminal connected to the second supply voltage terminal and (4) detection circuitry connected to the first supply voltage terminal and the switch of the interruption circuitry, the detection circuitry configured to operate the switch in response to an overvoltage condition at the first supply voltage terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventor: Jimmie Curry
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Patent number: 10883469Abstract: A system for interrupting ignition is disclosed. Specific implementations of ignition interrupters may include a first conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug; a second conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug wire; a first tab holder coupled with the first conductive tab; a second tab holder coupled with the second conductive tab, where the second conductive tab overlaps with the first conductive tab; a sled positioned perpendicularly to a plane of the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, the sled coupled between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab; a first spring coupled to the sled; and a second spring coupled to the sled; where the sled may be configured to move to an open position in the gap between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, decompressing the first spring and the second spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Zombiebox International LLCInventors: Timothy David Leedy, Jay Patel
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Patent number: 10886731Abstract: The present application proposes an over-voltage protection circuit for a USB Type-C connector. The USB Type-C connector has at least one input signal pin. The over-voltage protection circuit includes a control circuit, a voltage level shift circuit, and a system clamping circuit. The control circuit generates a control signal according to a bias voltage. The voltage level shift circuit is electrically connected to the at least one input signal pin and the control circuit, and arranged to receive the control signal and at least one input signal and the control signal from the at least one input signal pin, and regulate a voltage level of the at least one input signal according to the control signal. The system clamping circuit is electrically connected to the level shift circuit, and clamps the voltage level of the regulated input signal down to below a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignees: VOLTRON MICROELECTRONICS CORP., UPI SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.Inventor: Chun-Yi Cheng
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Patent number: 10826285Abstract: A circuit to protect a USB connector from corrosion on its CC pins includes a first node coupled to a first power source or a first pull-down resistor, a second node coupled to the CC pins and a second power source, and a second pull-down resister coupled to the second node. A detection circuit compares the voltage at the first node with a first reference voltage. The detection circuit also compares the voltage at the second node with second and third reference voltages. A control logic circuit generates a corrosion detection signal in response to the voltage at the second node being less than the third reference voltage and greater than the second reference voltage when the voltage at the first node is greater than the first reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Yijie Zhu, Sung Hoon Bae, Sungil Ha
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Patent number: 10764991Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board including an overvoltage controlling element and an electronic device including the same. The printed circuit board includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, at least one inner layer stacked between the first and second outer layers, an overvoltage controlling element comprising overvoltage controlling circuitry mounted on the first outer layer and including a plurality of terminals of which a first terminal is connected to a ground, and a conductive area configured to transfer at least a part of a first voltage applied from an external power source to an external IC and to transfer a remaining part of the first voltage to the overvoltage controlling element.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyunjun Park, Hongkook Lee, Dongkyoon Han
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Patent number: 10756123Abstract: An electrostatic discharge circuit and a manufacturing method therefor, and a display apparatus. The electrostatic discharge circuit includes: a base substrate; at least one first signal line located on the base substrate, at least one second signal line and a first isolation layer, wherein the at least one first signal line and the at least one second signal line are insulated from each other by the first isolation layer; and a second isolation layer covering the at least one second signal line, wherein a via hole is provided on the at least one first signal line, the via hole penetrates through the first isolation layer and the second isolation layer so that the at least one first signal line is located at the bottom of the via hole, and a part of the via hole is enclosed by the at least one second signal line.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignees: BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Yang Li, Shuo Tang, Ying Meng, Bin Feng, Peng Sun
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Patent number: 10691189Abstract: A power controller makes use of a line-voltage detection method to perform brown-out protection and brown-in mechanism. The power controller has a high-voltage node connected via a current-limiting resistor to a line voltage, and a high-voltage startup transistor connected to the high-voltage node. The input voltage at the high-voltage node is divided to provide a fraction result. An offset current flowing through the high-voltage startup transistor and the current-limiting resistor is provided in response to the fraction result. The offset current is stopped in response to the fraction result when the offset current flows through the high-voltage startup transistor and the current-limiting resistor.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: LEADTREND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Wei Chuan Su, Meng Jen Tsai
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Patent number: 10680135Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic component (100) comprising a semiconductor layer sequence (1) having an active layer (10), wherein the active layer (10) is designed to produce or absorb electromagnetic radiation in intended operation. Furthermore, the component (100) comprises a first contact structure (11) and a second structure (12), by means of which the semiconductor layer sequence (1) can be electrically contacted in intended operation. In operation, a voltage is applied to the contact structures (11, 12), wherein an operation-related voltage difference ?Ubet between the contact structures (11, 12) arises. When the voltage difference is increased, a first arc-over occurs in or on the component (100) between the two contact structures (11, 12). A spark gap (3) between the contact structures (11, 12), which arises in the event of the first arc-over, passes predominantly through a surrounding medium in the form of gas or vacuum and/or through a potting.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: OSRAM OLED GMBHInventors: Berthold Hahn, Korbinian Perzlmaier, Christian Leirer, Anna Kasprzak-Zablocka
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Patent number: 10670293Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building includes a monitoring server. The monitoring server is configured to receive an aggregate control line current value from a monitoring device. The aggregate control line current value represents a total current flowing through control lines used by a thermostat to command the HVAC system. The monitoring server is configured to determine a commanded operating mode of the HVAC system in response to the aggregate control line current value. Operating modes of the HVAC system include at least one of an idle mode and an ON mode. The monitoring server is configured to analyze a system condition of the HVAC system based on the determined commanded operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventors: Priotomo Abiprojo, Jeffrey N. Arensmeier
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Patent number: 10667363Abstract: A method of driving an LED string is provided and includes steps of: (a) determining whether or not a detected voltage of a control terminal of a transistor is lower than a first reference voltage by a first comparator, if not, raising a voltage of the LED string by a power supply device and performing step (a), if yes, performing step (b); (b) determining whether or not the detected voltage is lower than a second reference voltage by a second comparator, if not, determining that a short circuit occurs, if yes, performing step (c); (c) increasing an output current of the LED string by an input current source; and (d) determining whether or not a current of the LED string reaches a maximum current that is adjustable by a light controller, if yes, determining that a short circuit occurs, if not, returning to step (c).Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: ANPEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Wen-Yen Chen, Ming-Hung Chang
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Patent number: 10622349Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first overvoltage detection unit including a first comparator arranged to output a first detection signal based on a first divided voltage after dividing an output voltage of a power supply circuit by first resistors disposed externally and a second overvoltage detection unit including second resistors and a second comparator arranged to output a second detection signal based on a second divided voltage after dividing the output voltage by the second resistors.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kei Nagao, Toru Takahashi
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Patent number: 10601340Abstract: An electrical configuration contains at least one submodule which has a first and a second outer electrical terminal. The configuration further has a bypass switching device, which is electrically connected between the first and second terminals and in the on-state causes an electrical short-circuit in at least one current flow direction between the two outer terminals. The bypass switching device has a thyristor with an anode terminal, a cathode terminal and a trigger terminal and is connected by its anode terminal to one of the two outer terminals and by its cathode terminal to the other of the two outer terminals. A triggering device is connected to the trigger terminal of the thyristor for triggering the thyristor, and a switch is provided which in the on-state connects the anode terminal of the thyristor to the trigger terminal of the thyristor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg Dorn, Daniel Schmitt, Frank Schremmer, Marcus Wahle, Felix Hacker
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Patent number: 10594130Abstract: A disconnect component coupled between a lighting load and a main power line. The disconnect component includes an input coupled to the main power line and a neutral line input to the disconnect component from the 277 volt circuit and an output coupled to the lighting load. The disconnect component includes a monitor that monitors a voltage on the main power line and a coupling component that couples the main power line to the output. The coupling component is configured to decouple the main power line from the output when the monitor senses a voltage on the main power line is higher than an upper limit voltage and re-couple the main power line to the output when the monitor senses that the voltage on the main power line is below the upper limit voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Appalachian Lighting Systems, Inc.Inventors: James J. Wassel, John R. Roney