Digital Control Patents (Class 361/93.2)
-
Patent number: 11927932Abstract: A system includes a power profile engine, a power measurement engine, and a power throttling signal generator. The power profile engine receives a desired power profile, e.g., a first profile current average associated with a first time duration and a second profile current average associated with a second time duration. The power measurement engine measures current being drawn and generates a first running average for the measured currents for the first time duration and generates a second running average for the measured currents for the second time duration. The power throttling signal generator generates a first power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the first running average for the measured currents being greater than the first profile current average and generates a second power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the second running average for the measured currents being greater than the second profile current average.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Marvell Asia Pte LtdInventors: Avinash Sodani, Ramacharan Sundararaman, James Eldredge, Richard Taylor
-
Patent number: 11881701Abstract: A DC-overcurrent detector includes: at least one electric line passing the detector from a source terminal of the detector to a load terminal of the detector; at least one first sensor for monitoring an electric current in the at least one electric line and outputting a current measurement signal; at least one current flow direction sensor for distinguishing a current flow direction of the electric current in the at least one electric line between a first direction from the source terminal to the load terminal and a second direction from the load terminal to the source terminal, and outputting a current flow direction signal; a comparator unit for comparing an actual value of the current measurement signal with a threshold criterion, and outputting a trigger signal at a trigger output if a value of the current measurement signal reaches the threshold criterion; and a threshold criterion unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Wolfgang Hauer
-
Patent number: 11870235Abstract: Disclosed are a self-power relay and a method for preventing a malfunction thereof. The self-power relay comprises: a self-power generation unit for autonomously generating a driving power by performing conversion into a preconfigured driving power level by using, as a source power, a system power of a transmission/distribution line or power system; and a relay operation unit, for measuring the amount of a system power of a transmission/distribution line or power system, blocking a system power transmitted to a load when a failure occurs, and monitoring a change in a source power of the self-power generation unit in real time, so as to stop a relay operation of the self-power generation unit and a relay operation of the relay operation unit itself when abnormality occurs, wherein a malfunction can be prevented by checking an unstable state of a source current and voltage for generation of a self driving power.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: LS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Ji-Ung Kim
-
Patent number: 11808821Abstract: A method of detecting a serial arc fault in a DC-power circuit includes injecting an RF-signal with a narrow band-width into the DC-power circuit and measuring a response signal related to the injected RF-signal in the DC-power circuit. The method further includes determining a time derivative of the response signal, analyzing the time derivative, and signaling an occurrence of a serial arc fault in the power circuit based on the results of the analysis. A system for detecting an arc fault is configured to perform a method as described before.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Marcel Kratochvil, Raimund Thiel, Rainer Schmitt
-
Patent number: 11804728Abstract: Methods and systems for control of a power-quality measuring or monitoring device, such as a transfer switch, are provided. An example method includes a transfer-switch controller of a transfer switch receiving an input command from a user. The method further includes, in response to receiving the input command, the transfer-switch controller entering a safe state, wherein in the safe state operational settings of the transfer switch remain unchanged. Still further, the method includes, after entering the safe state, the transfer-switch controller providing, based on operational data specific to the transfer switch, information regarding a feature of the transfer switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.Inventors: Matthew Scott, Mario Ibrahim, Victor E. Bonachea, Adrian Ramkelawan, Donald K. Blackman
-
Patent number: 11784555Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC power to AC power. For example, apparatus for converting DC power to AC power comprises an input adapted to be coupled to a high-powered distributed generator having a maximum voltage at a first voltage and an arc fault mitigation device, coupled to the input, for providing a second voltage at the input that is lower than the first voltage, where a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is not large enough to cause an arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, John Scott Berdner, Mark Baldassari, Raghuveer R. Belur, Donald H. Scrutchfield, Rian van der Colff, Phillip Mark Hunter, Philip Rothblum
-
Patent number: 11736101Abstract: A circuit for controlling electrical power is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, the circuit comprises: a circuit node operably connected to a pass element configured to be switched on and off in accordance with a drive signal applied at the circuit node; a communication interface configured to receive data from an external controller operably connected to the communication interface; and a control circuit configured to generate, in a first mode of operation, the drive signal dependent on parameters of a first parameter set and based on data received via the communication interface, and to generate, in a second mode of operation, the drive signal dependent on parameters of a second parameter set while discarding data received via the communication interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Christoph Schulz-Linkholt, Michael Asam, Andre Mourrier
-
Patent number: 11635739Abstract: A system includes a power profile engine, a power measurement engine, and a power throttling signal generator. The power profile engine receives a desired power profile, e.g., a first profile current average associated with a first time duration and a second profile current average associated with a second time duration. The power measurement engine measures current being drawn and generates a first running average for the measured currents for the first time duration and generates a second running average for the measured currents for the second time duration. The power throttling signal generator generates a first power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the first running average for the measured currents being greater than the first profile current average and generates a second power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the second running average for the measured currents being greater than the second profile current average.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Marvell Asia Pte LtdInventors: Avinash Sodani, Ramacharan Sundararaman, James Eldredge, Richard Taylor
-
Patent number: 11514869Abstract: The present application discloses an over-current protection method for display panel and a display device. The over-current protection method for display panel includes the following steps: calculating current input by a level shifter during a first preset time of a first clock signal after the first clock signal is received; determining whether the current input by the level shifter during the first preset time is larger than a first preset current; controlling the level shifter to stop running in determining that the current input by the level shifter during the first preset time is larger than the first preset current.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: HKC CORPORATION LIMITEDInventor: Bin Qiu
-
Patent number: 11368010Abstract: A system includes a first circuit breaker comprising a first solid state switch, first mechanical contacts, and a current sensor structured to sense current flowing through the first circuit breaker, and a second circuit breaker electrically coupled to the first circuit breaker and being structured to interrupt current flowing to the first circuit breaker, wherein the first circuit breaker is structured to transmit, to the second circuit breaker, a request upon detecting a failure mode, and wherein the second circuit breaker is structured to interrupt current flowing to the first circuit breaker in response to receiving the request, and the first circuit breaker is further structured to open the first mechanical contacts when the current flowing through the first circuit breaker drops to a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Andrew W. Lichauer
-
Patent number: 11362508Abstract: System and methods for partial RMS calculation of overcurrent in VDT driver circuits are provided. Aspects include sampling, by an FPGA, a set of current values from a sense resistor, wherein the sense resistor is coupled between a driver circuit and a VDT, determining, by the FPGA, an overcurrent event in the driver circuit based on the set of current values, wherein determining the overcurrent event in the driver circuit based on the set of current values includes trimming each current value to create a trimmed current value for each current value, calculating a square value for each trimmed current value and storing the square value in a buffer, calculating a mean for the square values, and determining the overcurrent event based on the mean being outside a predefined range of means, and disabling the driver circuit based on the determination of the overcurrent event.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: John O'Neil
-
Patent number: 11328884Abstract: A circuit breaker includes at least one moveable contact. The moveable electrode is operably connected to a Thomson coil actuator that can separate and open the contacts of the circuit breaker. A sensor senses current or voltage in the circuit breaker. When a condition exists that triggers an opening action, a controller will use select a current level to apply to the Thomson coil actuator. The selected current level will vary based on the sensed current or voltage level. The controller will cause a driver to apply the selected current level to the Thomson coil actuator, and it will cause the contacts to separate and open. If the circuit breaker is a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter may employ a multi-section bellows in which each section has unique structural characteristics as compared to the other sections, so that different sections will dominate as the Thomson coil's speed of operation varies.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Wangpei Li
-
Patent number: 11283258Abstract: A solid state circuit breaker apparatus includes a solid state switch, a current sensor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is programmed to operate the solid state switch by, in response to receipt of a signal from the current sensor indicating that an overcurrent condition exists: (i) using pulse width modulation to generate a set of control pulses; and (ii) using the control pulses to trigger the solid state switch to open and close in a pattern that corresponds to the control pulses, and thus limit an amount of let-through current that the solid state switch may pass to a load. The amount of let-through current that the solid state switch may pass to the load may be, for example, a threshold level above which the overcurrent condition will exist.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Ruppert Russoniello, Brian E. Carlson
-
Patent number: 11152776Abstract: An overcurrent and/or short-circuit detector includes: at least one current sensor for picking up a current signal which has a predeterminable time resolution in at least one electrical current path; and at least one evaluation unit. The at least one evaluation unit: determines a first point in time of a predeterminable steep increase in the current signal, forms a temporal integral of current values of the current signal from the first point in time to a second point in time, compares a pair of values, including a relevant value of the integral and the relevant value of the current signal, with at least one predeterminable limiting condition at predeterminable temporal intervals substantially continuously, and emits an overcurrent and/or short-circuit signal to an outlet of the overcurrent and/or short-circuit detector if the pair of values exceeds a limiting condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Wolfgang Hauer
-
Patent number: 11128116Abstract: Systems for testing a protective arrangement for an electric power delivery system without disconnecting merging units from a protective device are disclosed herein. For example, an intelligent electronic device (IED) may receive, via a monitoring port, one or more operating measurements of an electrical characteristic of the power delivery system while in an operating mode. The IED may change from operating in the operating mode to operating in a test mode. In the test mode, the IED may receive, via a test port, one or more test measurements that represent measurements of the electrical characteristic. The IED may provide test results based at least in part on the one or more test measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Wenke, Christopher John Burger, David Blevins
-
Patent number: 11073852Abstract: An electronic load apparatus is provided and adapted to allow an enhanced driving circuit to be disposed between a voltage-dividing circuit and power components to ensure the driving capability of the power components not coupled to a control circuit to thereby adjust a response voltage quickly, shorten a response time period and thus increase overall response speed, suppress transient voltage variation and thus preclude a signal delay otherwise arising from a load circuit, allow the power components series-connected in an electronic load apparatus to be driven quickly, reduce the risk of damaging the power components, and enhance the stability and reliability of the electronic load apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: CHROMA ATE INC.Inventors: Chun-Sheng Hung, Hsiang-Yu Wu, Chi-Chiao Cheng, Chien-Hsing Huang
-
Patent number: 11025244Abstract: A switch driving circuit that drives a switch is provided. The switch driving circuit includes: a surge detecting unit that detects a surge voltage caused by switching of a state of the switch; a speed setting unit that sets, based on the surge voltage detected by the surge detecting unit, a switching speed of the switch when the state of the switch is switched; and a fault determination unit that determines whether a fault has occurred on the surge detecting unit. The speed setting unit is configured to change a setting of the switching speed to a fault setting when the fault determination unit determines that a fault has occurred on the surge detecting unit, from a normal setting in a state where the fault determination unit determines that no fault has occurred on the surge detecting unit, while maintaining driving of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuya Yokosho
-
Patent number: 10839624Abstract: A method for providing Electronic Circuit Breaker (ECB) data onboard an aircraft is provided. The method obtains a current checklist applicable to current operations of the aircraft, by a processor communicatively coupled to an ECB system associated with the aircraft; obtains mapping data comprising mappings of aviation checklists mapped to associated ECB data, by the processor; identifies a subset of the ECB data associated with the current checklist, based on the mapping data, by the processor, wherein the current checklist includes a plurality of checklist tasks, and wherein the subset comprises at least one of the plurality of ECL tasks that includes an ECB instruction; filters the current checklist to create a filtered ECB list of the at least one of the plurality of checklist tasks, by the processor; and presents the filtered ECB list, via an ECB display onboard the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Haidong Huang, Guoqing Wang, Chuanbo Liang, Jianfeng Guo
-
Patent number: 10804692Abstract: A solid-state circuit protector includes a first power semiconductor device having an ON resistance that increases with increasing temperature and a second power semiconductor device connected in parallel with the first power semiconductor device having an ON resistance that decreases with increasing temperature. During times when abnormally high currents are flowing through the solid-state circuit protector, the second power semiconductor is switched ON so that some or all of the current is diverted through it, thus protecting the first power semiconductor device from being damaged due to overheating. The first power semiconductor device is either switched OFF, allowing it to cool in anticipation of a lighter load, or is configured to remain ON so that it shares the burden of carrying the high current with the parallel-connected second power semiconductor device yet operates cooler and at a lower ON resistance since it is not required to pass the full current.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Atom Powers, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Kennedy, Denis Kouroussis
-
Patent number: 10714923Abstract: In electronic systems, the downstream circuitry may be damaged by overcurrent and overvoltage events. Therefore, there is provided a dual protection device for protecting electrical components in electronic systems. The protection device includes a mechanical fuse in conjunction with an electronic fuse, eFuse, the two components connected in series, together protecting against overcurrent events on two levels. The mechanical fuse provides high overcurrent protection, realising fast and reliable protection at high overcurrent events, and the electronic fuse provides low overcurrent protection, realising accurate and resettable protection for low overcurrent events.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Analog Devices Internatianal Unlimited CompanyInventors: Paul O'Sullivan, Maurice O'Brien, Donal G. O'Sullivan
-
Patent number: 10707654Abstract: A power distributor having a first controller and having a number of connection modules which are connected thereto and are intended to be mounted on a supporting rail. The connection module has a number of lateral coupling contacts for the electrical and/or signalling contact connection to at least one further connection module which is attached or can be attached to the particular connection module, wherein a base resistor is connected in each case between two coupling contacts inside the module in such a manner that the base resistors of the attached connection modules form a resistor chain which is connected in series. The connection modules are each equipped or can be equipped with an actuatable circuit breaker. The circuit breakers have a second controller inside the circuit breaker for recording a voltage dropped across the respectively associated base resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbHInventor: Diego Fernando Asanza Maldonado
-
Patent number: 10581311Abstract: A control device for a power conversion device that is capable of detecting current abnormality of the power conversion device with no delay is provided. The control device for the power conversion device includes a current detection unit for outputting an error signal when a detection value of a current sensor for detecting current flowing through the power conversion device is larger than a preset overcurrent determination value, and outputting a state detection value larger than a value corresponding to the error signal based on the error signal, and an abnormality detection unit for accepting an input of the state detection value of the current detection unit via the wiring, and an abnormality detection unit for outputting an error signal when the state detection value of the current detection unit is larger than a preset overcurrent abnormality determination value, and detecting abnormality based on the error signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Naoya Shibata, Masahiro Kinoshita
-
Patent number: 10566781Abstract: An input/output (I/O) buffer circuit includes an I/O unit and a protection circuit. The I/O unit selectively receives and outputs signals based on an enable signal. The protection circuit generates a logic control signal to deactivate the I/O unit in a state where a voltage level of the I/O terminal is abnormal. The protection circuit includes a register. The register latches a logic signal corresponding to the voltage level of the I/O terminal in a state where the voltage level of the I/O terminal is abnormal, outputs the logic control signal based on the logic signal, and is preset to output the logic control signal based on the logic signal when a power-off state resumes to a power-on state.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Nuvoton Technology CorporationInventors: Cheng-Chih Wang, Chai-Teck Gan
-
Patent number: 10554035Abstract: An arc detector includes a current sensor, a power spectrum conversion unit that converts an output from the current sensor to a power spectrum, a section value obtaining unit that divides an arc measurement section for the power spectrum into a plurality of regions, and obtains, from region values for the plurality of regions excluding a maximum one of the region values, a region value to be a section value of the arc measurement section, and an arc determination unit that determines a presence of an arc by comparing the section value with a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Kohei Tomita, Toru Fujii, Reiko Hattori, Takeshi Ashida
-
Patent number: 10153118Abstract: A frame module for a circuit breaker includes a first interface structured to connect to a trip unit, a second interface structured to connect to a frame, and a current rating storage unit structured to store a current rating associated with the frame and to provide the stored current rating to the trip unit when the trip unit is connected to the first interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: James Leo Lagree, David Raymond Rohn, Paul Richard Rakus, Robert Frederick Brooks, Yibo Chen
-
Patent number: 10152880Abstract: Systems, methods and media for remote control of electronic devices using a proximity sensor are provided. In some implementations, the system comprises: a proximity sensor comprising an infrared emitter and an infrared detector, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to emit infrared light having specific properties using the infrared emitter and sense reflected light having the specific properties using the infrared detector to determine proximity of the sensor to an object; and a hardware processor that is programmed to: receive a user instruction to cause a command to be issued to control an electronic device; determine a code to be transmitted that corresponds to the command from a plurality of codes associated with the electronic device; and provide at least one signal to the proximity sensor to cause the proximity sensor to emit an infrared signal corresponding to the code instead of emitting infrared light having the specific properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Honglei Wu
-
Patent number: 9983611Abstract: A system includes a first set of conductors coupled to at least one power source; a second set of conductors coupled to a first power consuming portion of an integrated circuit; multiple power gates coupled between the first and second sets of conductors; and a control circuit configured to gradually activate the multiple power gates during an activation period to provide a nonlinear rate of change of an impedance between the first and the second sets of conductors during the activation period.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ronen Boneh
-
Patent number: 9899926Abstract: A power supply device includes a primary winding and at least a first secondary winding connected to a load, a power supply to which the primary winding is connected, a switch configured to adjust a first current flowing through the primary winding, an adjustment amount generation device and a control device. The adjustment amount generation device is configured to generate an adjustment amount to reduce a change in the first current depending at least in part on a change in an output voltage of the power supply supplied to the load. The control device is configured to control the switch based at least in part on the first current, a voltage produced in secondary winding, and the adjustment amount.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Hiroaki Kojima
-
Patent number: 9847201Abstract: A circuit protection apparatus includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism, an electronic trip unit storing a plurality of trip parameter combinations, wherein each of the trip parameter combinations specifies a certain value for each of a plurality of individual trip parameters, and a multi-position selector moveable among a plurality of predetermined positions and configured to enable selection of one of the predetermined positions. Each of the positions corresponds to a respective one of the trip parameter combinations, wherein the electronic trip unit is structured to, responsive to a chosen one of the plurality of predetermined positions being selected by the multi-position selector, cause the one of the trip parameter combinations corresponding to the chosen one of the plurality of predetermined positions to be used by the electronic trip unit to determine whether to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: David Raymond Rohn
-
Patent number: 9762117Abstract: A sense voltage obtained by feeding a sense current of an IGBT into a sense resistor is input to a comparator, and as the reference voltage of the comparator, a sense voltage immediately before the IGBT is turned off is held by a sample and hold circuit for each switching, and is then divided by a voltage dividing circuit and the divided voltage is input to the comparator. The comparator compares the sense voltage with the voltage based on the sense voltage immediately before the IGBT is turned off, and therefore the comparator may accurately detect the falling edge time of the sense voltage and is used for the control for dissolving the imbalance in current with respect to the other IGBTs connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Masahiro Sasaki
-
Patent number: 9488714Abstract: A computer for continuous calibration of circuit breaker trip units and metering devices includes a processor and a memory device. The computer is configured to request and receive circuit breaker current data from a plurality of circuit breaker trip units. The circuit breaker current data represents current data associated with the circuit breaker trip units over a collection interval. The computer is configured to receive main current data from a main trip unit. The computer is configured to determine a plurality of calibration factors for the circuit breaker trip units based upon the circuit breaker current data and the main current data. The computer is additionally configured to transmit the calibration factors to the circuit breaker trip units.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John James Dougherty
-
Patent number: 9379907Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) for monitoring/measuring parameters of electrical services to a plurality of loads and receiving/transmitting information over communication networks is disclosed. The electrical services may be connected to the same or different AC services. The IED may be configured as a terminal or a server of an Intranet, LAN, WAN, or the Internet. In one application, these techniques are implemented in IEDs such as digital electrical power and energy meters.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge TechInventors: Andrew Kagan, Erran Kagan
-
Patent number: 9276393Abstract: Circuit interrupting devices are provided. One circuit interrupting device includes a fault sensor configured to output a sensor signal; a voltage sensor configured to sense a reference voltage; and a controller configured to determine an occurrence of an actual fault based on the sensor signal and the reference voltage. The circuit interrupting device further includes an amplifier configured to receive the sensor signal and the reference voltage and output an amplified signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the reference voltage and the amplified signal and output respective digital signals corresponding to the reference voltage and the amplified signal; and a line interrupt assembly configured to interrupt current flow through a conductive path when a characteristic of the sensor signal exceeds an actual fault threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Michael Ostrovsky
-
Patent number: 9250282Abstract: A method of determining a fault parameter of a fault on an AC transmission line 10 of a power distribution system 1 relative to a measurement location 12 of the transmission line 10 comprising: measuring a time-dependent current of the transmission line 10 at the measurement location 12; transmitting a current signal indicative of the measured current to a decision logic section 36, the current signal comprising a plurality of pre-fault current values and a plurality of post-fault current values; determining, by the decision logic section 36, a plurality of phase difference values indicative of respective phase differences between respective pre-fault current values and respective post-fault current values; accumulating the plurality of phase difference values into an accumulated phase difference parameter; obtaining the fault parameter by comparing the accumulated phase difference parameter to a threshold value; and outputting the determined fault parameter.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: ABB RESEARCH LTDInventors: Abhisek Ukil, Bernhard Deck, Vishal H. Shah
-
Patent number: 9252587Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively automatically resetting an electronic protection device. The electronic protection device may protect a motor load by disconnecting the load from a power source when the current drawn by the load exceeds a threshold, when the power source suffers from a phase imbalance or phase loss, or when another condition is detected. The electronic protection device discriminates between different types of fault conditions and determines whether to suppress an automatic reset function of the device. The electronic protection device includes a reset energy storage device for automatically resetting the electronic protection device following a trip event using energy from the reset energy storage device. In operation, the electronic protection device detects a fault condition not calling for an automatic reset, then discharges the reset energy storage device and trips the electronic protection device before the reset energy storage device recharges.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Kevin Jefferies, Philippe Guibert, Pablo Garcia Viano
-
Patent number: 9209686Abstract: The DC-DC converter includes a mask controlling circuit that outputs an overcurrent detection mask signal that prescribes a mask period in which the overcurrent detection result signal is masked. The DC-DC converter includes a mask adjusting circuit that adjusts a length of the mask period according to the power supply voltage. The DC-DC converter includes an operation circuit that performs an operation of the overcurrent detection result signal and the overcurrent detection mask signal and outputs an overcurrent controlling signal with the overcurrent detection result signal being masked in the mask period.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tsukasa Miura, Hideki Kimura, Sadao Ikeda
-
Patent number: 9124286Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are provided. The provided systems and methods utilize comparators in a circuit of a stage of the ADC to compare a reference signal to an input signal and output one or more maximum signals when the input signal exceeds the reference signal. A decoder in the stage of the ADC may output a reset signal to another circuit in the stage of the ADC when a predetermined number of the maximum signals are received. When the other circuit receives the reset signal, the ADC may enter a protection mode to protect the ADC by ensuring that the excessive input signal is not propagated to subsequent stages.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Stéphane Bouvier, Sylvain Dumont, Luis Rolindez
-
Patent number: 9086834Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores each to execute instructions, a non-volatile storage to store maximum peak operating frequency values each a function of a given number of active cores, a configuration storage to store frequency limits each corresponding to one of the maximum peak operating frequency values or a configurable clip frequency value less than the maximum peak operating frequency value. In turn, a power controller is configured to limit operating frequency of the cores to a corresponding frequency limit obtained from the configuration storage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Jeremy J. Shrall, Stephen H. Gunther, Krishnakanth V. Sistla, Ryan D. Wells, Shaun M. Conrad
-
Patent number: 9075556Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores each to execute instructions, a non-volatile storage to store maximum peak operating frequency values each a function of a given number of active cores, a configuration storage to store frequency limits each corresponding to one of the maximum peak operating frequency values or a configurable clip frequency value less than the maximum peak operating frequency value. In turn, a power controller is configured to limit operating frequency of the cores to a corresponding frequency limit obtained from the configuration storage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Jeremy J. Shrall, Stephen H. Gunther, Krishnakanth V. Sistla, Ryan D. Wells, Shaun M. Conrad
-
Patent number: 9041326Abstract: A method for operating a brushless electric motor, the windings being energized by an inverter with the aid of six switches. A detection unit for detecting defective switches, a unit for measuring voltage at the outputs of the inverter, and a microcontroller for controlling the switch and for generating a pulse width modulated voltage supply for the windings are provided. A short-circuited switch causes a torque in the electric motor opposite the actuating direction of the electric motor. The method proposes that after detecting a short-circuited switch, the windings (U. V. W) are energized to generate a motor torque that is, on the whole, positive. An actuating period of the electric motor is divided into a plurality of sectors, wherein, in accordance with the defective switch, individual sectors are deactivated for the actuation of the windings (U, V, W), while other sectors are used to actuate the windings (V, W).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Christian Gunselmann, Mathias Fernengel, Nicolas Bruyant, Lionel Guichard, Michel Parette
-
Patent number: 9030794Abstract: An electronic fuse apparatus is connected between a power side and a system side. The electronic fuse apparatus mainly includes an electronic fuse, a short-circuit protection switch, a current-sensing module, and a digital control module. The current-sensing module detects an operating current which flows from the power side to the system side. The digital control module generates a control signal to control the electronic fuse. When the current-sensing module detects that the operating current is over-current, the digital control module generates the high-level control signal to turn off the electronic fuse, thus providing an over-current protection. When a short-circuit fault occurs at the system side, the short-circuit protection switch is turned on to turn off the electronic fuse, thus providing a short-circuit protection.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Ching-Long Tsai, Yi-Hsin Leu, Ming-Tsung Hsieh, Der-Min Liu
-
Patent number: 9013851Abstract: Disclosed is an inrush current control circuit for controlling current into a high-current circuit block. The inrush current control circuit comprises a number of distributed switches and a digital control circuit coupled to at least one of the distributed switches. The digital control circuit is configured to switch a first group of the distributed switches in response to an enable/disable signal. The digital control circuit is further configured to switch a second group of the distributed switches after a first programmable delay. According to one embodiment, a method comprises switching a first group of distributed switches by a digital control circuit of an inrush current control circuit in response to an enable/disable signal, and switching a second group of the distributed switches by the digital control circuit after a first programmable delay, thereby resulting in regulation of a flow of an inrush current.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: David Anthony Kidd, Ramesh Senthinathan
-
Patent number: 8929044Abstract: An overvoltage detection system includes a sensed voltage; an active reference module that generates an active reference signal having a magnitude that varies inversely with a magnitude of the sensed voltage; and a timed trip module that includes a resistor and capacitor, and detects an overvoltage condition as a function of the sensed voltage, the active reference signal, and time.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Adrian E. Vandergrift
-
Patent number: 8924169Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology may involve arc detection methods and apparatus for use in photovoltaic power systems. One general aspect may involve the determination of lower noise regions of a fourier transformation of a parameter (e.g., voltage, current or power) signal measurement at a location in the system, and a comparison of fourier transformed signal values at such locations at different times to assess atypical increases in value and thus possible arcing. Polling protocols may be used to further reduce false positives. Certain other aspects may relate to comparison of synchronized voltage measurements to assess presence of arc condition. Any aspect may involve automatic, positive arc condition response circuitry that acts to automatically mitigate undesired effects of an arc in the event of arc detection.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: AMPT, LLCInventors: Anatoli Ledenev, Wesley R. Fuller
-
Publication number: 20140368961Abstract: Disclosed is a control and protection device for a low-voltage electrical apparatus, comprising a pedestal and a control and protection module. The control and protection module may be plugged into the pedestal and is replaceable. The pedestal comprises a base and a housing, and is further provided with a moving contact, a static contact, and a current conductor connected to a main circuit current; a control electromagnet operation mechanism for controlling close and open of the moving contact and the static contact according to a control signal, and maintaining a close or open status of the moving contact and the static contact; a manual operation knob providing a control signal for controlling the close and open of the moving contact and the static contact; a control contact connected to the manual operation knob; and a current sensor for detecting a current that flows through the main circuit current conductor and generating a sensing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicants: ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD., SEARI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hong Xi, Ping Zeng, Huiyu Ji, Feng Jia, Changxun Gu, Di Zhang, Beiming Huang, Jianrong Lin
-
Patent number: 8913363Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit includes: a determiner configured to determine whether or not the switch current exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, the switch current is an overcurrent state when the switching element is turned ON; an OFF period setting counter configured to increase or decrease a counter output depending on a determination result of the determiner; and a drive signal generator configured to generate a drive signal of the switching element such that a length of an ON timing interval of the switching element corresponds to the counter output of the OFF period setting counter.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Go Takata, Yasunori Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 8907751Abstract: A power circuit breaker is disclosed wherein an electric current is monitored by an electronic trip unit in order to detect an electrical fault. In an embodiment, a first magnetic device of the power circuit breaker, in the event of a fault being detected, is configured to be excited which, when it is excited, trips a trip mechanism via a plunger. As a result of tripping, the trip mechanism disconnects two contacts via which the current flows. The power circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a second magnetic device which is likewise able to be excited by the ETU and by which the trip mechanism is likewise able to be tripped.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andre Borgwardt, Thomas Driehorn, Peter Kopaczewski, Andreas Krauβ, Aron-Ernst Musiol, Gerd Müller
-
Patent number: 8860455Abstract: Methods and systems to measure a signal on an integrated circuit die. An on-die measurement circuit may measure an on-die signal relative to an off-die generated reference signal, which may include a series of increasing voltage steps. The on-die measurement circuit may continuously compare voltages of the on-die signal and the off-die generated reference signal, and may generate an indication when the off-die reference signal exceeds the on-die signal. The measurement circuit may generate the indication from a voltage source other than the on-die signal to be measured, and/or may generate the indication with a relatively large voltage swing. The indication may be output off-die for evaluation, such as for testing, debugging, characterization, and/or operational monitoring. A unity gain analog buffer may be provided to tap the on-die signal proximate to a node of interest, which may be implemented within the on-die measurement circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Vinu K. Elias
-
Publication number: 20140301008Abstract: A method for detecting an electrical arc in a photovoltaic installation includes measurement (E6) of voltage values at at least one point of the electrical circuit of the photovoltaic installation; digitization (E8) of the measured voltage values to form a sampling of data x; calculation (E10) of an estimation value y of the presence of an electrical arc based on a statistical calculation on the sampling of data and the inclusion of an omission factor ?; and comparison (E12) of the estimation value y of the presence of an electrical arc with a threshold value to deduce therefrom the presence or absence of an electrical arc in the photovoltaic installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Cédric Gouy-Pailler, Nicolas Chaintreuil
-
Patent number: 8773094Abstract: An alternating current (AC) line emulator includes an AC power supply and an automatic regulating load. The AC power supply is used for providing an AC line frequency and an AC line voltage. The automatic regulating load is coupled between the AC power supply and a grid-connected power generation system for functioning as a test load of the grid-connected power generation system, and preventing current from reversing to the AC power supply and shutting down the AC power supply. When the grid-connected power system is tested, power consumption of the automatic regulating load is equal to a sum of output power of the grid-connected power generation system and output power of the AC power supply.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Motech Industries Inc.Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Liu, Kuo-Hsin Chu, Hsu-Chin Wu, Hwai-Ching Shi, Wei-Kang Liang