Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.

Abstract: An electrical switch for switching an electric current is disclosed. The electrical switch includes an electronic trip unit, embodied in a bipartite fashion. A first part of the trip unit is fixedly connected to the electrical switch and includes protection functions of the electrical switch. A second part of the trip unit is embodied mountably and detachably on the electrical switch and defines the protection functions enabled for the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an output transistor device configured to control an output voltage of an output node in response to a control signal and an input voltage. A current sensor is configured to sense an output current supplied from the output node. A feedback converter is configured to convert the sensed output current to a feedback signal that tracks the output voltage of the output node. The feedback converter is further configured to set a clamping threshold. A gate control circuit is configured to generate the control signal in response to the feedback signal. The gate control circuit is configured to clamp the output voltage of the output node via the control signal based on the clamping threshold.

Abstract: A distribution manager includes a main bus, a first connection coupled to the main bus through a first circuit breaker and being structured to couple the distribution manager to an inter-microgrid connection system, a second connection coupled to the main bus through a second circuit breaker and being structured to couple the distribution manager to the inter-microgrid connection system, and a third circuit breaker coupled to the main bus and being structured to be coupled to a load. The distribution manager is configured to detect an overload condition and in response thereto (i) request to bring an offline distributed source online, (ii) if an offline distributed source cannot be brought online, request to shed the load, and (iii) if the load cannot be shed, cause the second circuit breaker to downwardly adjust the trip curve thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for executing secondary functions on an electrical switchgear device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus which is implemented in the processing electronics of an electrical switchgear device which has a primary trip or protection function and also the capability to execute secondary functions or applications, such as over/undervoltage conditions and near fault warning levels and display. These secondary functions or applications being user configurable and are subject to processing availability and the constraints of the primary protection function.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of detection for output short circuit of a flyback power supply, which detect the current sense signal provided by a current sense resistor serially connected to a power switch of the flyback power supply, and thus quickly identify whether or not the flyback power supply suffers output short circuit.

Abstract: A safety switching device for a modular failsafe control system for switching on and safely switching off an electrical load, having at least one switching element which is subject to wear and is designed to carry out a switching process by means of a control signal which is generated by the control system, in order to switch the electrical load, comprising an apparatus for detection of the number of switching processes carried out and having a memory apparatus for permanent failsafe storage of the detected number.

Abstract: An electronic control for a circuit breaker with automatic breaker rating is disclosed. The electronic control includes a memory to store circuit breaker ratings, a breaker rating switch to select circuit breaker ratings, and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the breaker rating switch and the memory. The microprocessor is configured to interpret a selected circuit breaker rating of the breaker rating switch, set an amplifier gain adjustment for the circuit breaker based on the selected circuit breaker rating, and transmit the selected circuit breaker rating to the memory for storage in the memory.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a trip mechanism which is coupled to an electrical circuit and which is configured to interrupt an operation of the electrical circuit when the trip mechanism is actuated, an electronic trip unit in signal communication with and configured to actuate the trip mechanism when pre-selected conditions are satisfied, and a rating plug coupled to the electronic trip unit and configured to operate in a first mode in response to a receipt of a transmitted control signal at the rating plug, and to otherwise operate in a second mode, the first and second modes being respectively associated with first and second ones of the pre-selected conditions to be correspondingly transmitted to the electronic trip unit by which the electronic trip unit determines whether to actuate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A rating plug for an electronic trip unit is disclosed. The rating plug has a housing with a plurality of switches disposed within the housing, each of the switches positionable in one of two positions. The settings of the switches establish a digital signature associated with the rating plug, providing for a universal rating plug that can be used on any circuit breaker that is accepting of the rating plug and that has a sensor value equal to or greater than the rating plug current rating. For instance, a rating plug having a 1000 Amp rating can be used on any circuit breaker sensor for use at or above 1000 A.

Abstract: Electronic circuit breakers and systems for isolating a load from a power-supply unit are provided. One electronic circuit breaker includes a current sensor, a switching element coupled to the current sensor, and a switch controller coupled to the current sensor and the switching element. The switch controller is powered by the power-supply unit and is configured to switch OFF the switching element when the current sensor detects an amount of current from the power-supply unit greater than a predetermined amount. An electronic system includes a power-supply unit, a load, and the above-referenced electronic circuit breaker coupled to the power-supply unit and the load.

Abstract: A programmable fuse and fuse panel are described. Unlike conventional fuses and fuse panels, the trip values of the fuses of the panel—i.e., the current values at which the fuse trips—are field programmable. One of many advantages includes the ability to adaptively set the trip value of a fuse—depending on the operating needs of a load device—without having to physically exchange the fuse. In an embodiment, electronic fuses are used.

Abstract: A universal trip unit for use with a circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a personality module of the circuit breaker apparatus and to thereby receive key breaker personality parameters that relate to operational characteristics of the circuit breaker apparatus, and a controller. The controller includes a memory on which a universal register, previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters are stored, the controller being configured to control the communication unit to receive the key breaker personality parameters in accordance with information determined from the universal register, and components to execute trip protection when at least one of a current and a voltage Within the circuit breaker apparatus exceeds a respective predetermined threshold as defined by the previously stored key parameters and the received key breaker personality parameters.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storing individual data items of a low-voltage switch provided with a microcontroller triggering unit. According to an embodiment, the ROM cells of a dead microcontroller ROM which are not occupied by a program code memory cells are occupied by the individual data items of the low-voltage switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a trip mechanism which is coupled to an electrical circuit and which is configured to interrupt an operation of the electrical circuit when the trip mechanism is actuated, an electronic trip unit in signal communication with and configured to actuate the trip mechanism when pre-selected conditions are satisfied, and a rating plug coupled to the electronic trip unit and configured to operate in a first mode in response to a receipt of a transmitted control signal at the rating plug, and to otherwise operate in a second mode, the first and second modes being respectively associated with first and second ones of the pre-selected conditions to be correspondingly transmitted to the electronic trip unit by which the electronic trip unit determines whether to actuate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A translation technique for translating mechanical button positions of a circuit breaker to trip point settings stored in a memory of the circuit breaker. A turn of a mechanical button turns a potentiometer button, whose output is converted to scaled voltages and converted to corresponding digital values. These digital values are checked against a range of thresholds (minimum/maximum) corresponding to mechanical orientation positions of the mechanical button. Once the mechanical orientation position is determined by scaling and converting the potentiometer output, a trip curve lookup table stored in memory is accessed to determine which trip point setting should be set for the circuit breaker based upon the button position. The circuit breaker's trip curve settings can be changed easily via the mechanical button. They can also be changed easily by modifying the trip curve lookup table without having to recalibrate the circuit breaker or the switch settings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storing individual data items of a low-voltage switch provided with a microcontroller triggering unit. According to an embodiment, the ROM cells of a dead microcontroller ROM which are not occupied by a program code memory cells are occupied by the individual data items of the low-voltage switch.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker, the electronic trip unit includes a rating plug having a plurality of switches each configured to indicate a specified current rating for the rating plug and for selectively supplying a current rating for the electronic trip unit, a processing unit which receives and reads a value of the selected current rating from the rating plug upon power-up, and a gain control unit including a plurality of gain circuits. Each of the gain circuits including a plurality of gain switches set by the processing unit based upon the selected current rating, to control a gain of input current of the electronic trip unit.

Abstract: A constant-voltage power supply circuit for converting an input voltage applied to an input terminal into a predetermined constant voltage for output from an output terminal includes an output transistor to supply from the input terminal to the output terminal an output current responsive to an applied control signal, an error amplifying circuit unit to receive a predetermined bias current to control an operation of the output transistor, and a bias current adjusting circuit unit to supply the error amplifying circuit unit with the bias current responsive to the output current output from the output transistor, wherein the bias current adjusting circuit unit is configured to suspend the supply of the bias current to the error amplifying circuit unit in response to lowering of the output voltage to a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A rating plug for an electronic trip unit is disclosed. The rating plug has a housing with a plurality of switches disposed within the housing, each of the switches positionable in one of two positions. The settings of the switches establish a digital signature associated with the rating plug, providing for a universal rating plug that can be used on any circuit breaker that is accepting of the rating plug and that has a sensor value equal to or greater than the rating plug current rating. For instance, a rating plug having a 1000 Amp rating can be used on any circuit breaker sensor for use at or above 1000 A.

Abstract: Devices, such as mobile devices, may be exposed, to short circuit and output overload events. To protect against such events, mobile devices typically include current limit circuits. Some current limit circuits may involve user programmable function. User programmable function may need accurate current limit detectors. One approach to improving resolution and accuracy of current limit detectors using a single resistive device is to magnify the operating current range. Various embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for detecting pre-programmed current limits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for mounting a current transformer in proximity to a circuit breaker of an electrical system. Generally, a sensor assembly contains a plurality of current transformers (CTs) for measuring power wires from a main power supply. To accommodate measuring a greater number of wires than one sensor assembly can service, a plurality of sensor assemblies can be mounted end-to-end. The sensor assemblies can have symmetrical recessed portions that laterally align when mounted end-to-end by inverting one of the sensor assemblies. The lateral alignment allows CTs mounted lateral to the recessed portions to be aligned with corresponding circuit breakers, so that wires passing from the circuit breakers are aligned with the CTs, reducing bending stresses on the CTs in contrast to prior efforts. Changes in polarity caused by the inversion can be adjusted by software, firmware, hardware or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system has a switch, in particular in the form of a controllable power semiconductor, which is connected between a voltage input and a load output for the purpose of switching a load within a current path. The circuit breaker system further includes a circuit breaker, which can be repositioned between a first plug-in position forming a series circuit with the switch and a second plug-in position forming a parallel circuit with the switch.

Abstract: A rating plug that, in addition to setting the percentage de-rating on the voltage conditioning (i.e., gain/filter) circuit, by controlling the operational amplifier gain with analog switches in series with the opamp feedback loop, provides breaker frame and/or sensor information to a microprocessor.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes a programmed microprocessor and a module plug in removable signal communication with the microprocessor. The module plug includes a program identifier. The microprocessor recognizes the program identifier and accesses a program of a plurality of programs external to the module plug based on the program identifier. The microprocessor responds to the program to perform a function identified by the module plug. The function identifiable by the module plug includes a communications function, a load monitoring function, a non-tripping ground fault alarm function, a flag function, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An electrical power breaker includes an electronic protective device and an electronic memory. The memory is accommodated in the power breaker such that it is physically separated from said protective device, for operational data for the power breaker. Data security when using the additional electronic memory is increased by the electronic memory being connected to the protective device via a data bus, which can be used to transmit control signals for the purpose of activating or deactivating a write protection device of the electronic memory. The data bus is preferably an I2C bus, and the write protection device is controlled by an I/O module which is likewise controlled by the I2C bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for over-current protection of a transformer supplying a load. The method includes periodically sampling a current supplied to the load, calculating an RMS average current using the samples collected, comparing the RMS average current to a target current, and limiting an amount of power intended for the load during a subsequent cycle to the lower of a desired power value and an RMS average power value, the RMS average power value determined by the comparison of the RMS average current to the target current. The described apparatus includes a controller capable of performing a process including each of these functions.

Abstract: Data memories are used to represent the characteristic values of the properties of the circuit-breaker and the associated current transformer. A cable harness uses a writeable electronic memory module which is inserted into one of the interconnecting cables between the current transformer(s) and the overcurrent trip as the data memory.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having an output terminal adapted to being connected to a load, including a device for limiting the current flowing through the load to a first threshold current if the voltage of the output terminal is lower than a threshold voltage, and to a second current threshold higher than the first current threshold if the voltage of the output terminal is greater than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rejection of an inappropriate rating plug in an electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker including: a microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in operable communication with the microprocessor; the rating plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the rating plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register includes an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based on the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs said microprocessor to perform a validation of said rating plug for operation with said microprocessor.

Abstract: A rush current suppression circuit is used with a power supply circuit which includes a common line and an input voltage detection circuit and supplies power from an input power supply via a switching circuit. There is provided a smoothing capacitor coupled to an output end of the power supply circuit, and a rapid discharge and delay circuit coupled to the input voltage detection circuit and carrying out a rapid discharge and a time delay and controlling the switching circuit. The switching circuit includes two FETs which are coupled in series to the common line, and the two FETs have sources which are coupled to each other and gates which are coupled to each other and driven by the rapid discharge and delay circuit.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes: a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor; a module plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the module plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register including an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs the microprocessor to perform steps necessary to operate one or more functions of the module plug.

Abstract: Compatibility with a current transformer having several kinds of rated current ratios is achieved by finding out a formula of relationship between errors arising in a transformer input circuit and detectable ranges set as setting values of the input circuits which can be optimally set. In connection with that, by dispensing with a gain control section, the number of components, the mounting area and the cost can be reduced. Arithmetic expressions representing the relationship among errors arising in the transformer input circuit, the instrumentation ranges of the input circuits, and detectable errors have been derived. Further by optimally setting the detectable ranges of the input circuits, which are the parameters of the arithmetic expressions, the configuration compatible with a current transformer having several kinds of rated current ratios is achieved.

Abstract: An electrical power circuit breaker includes an electric overcurrent trip unit for processing a signal from a current sensor. A flexible connecting line is provided for connecting the current sensor to the overcurrent trip unit and a first component of a two-part plug apparatus is fitted to its end. The second component of this plug apparatus is part of the overcurrent trip unit. At least one resistor is arranged between contact pins in the first component, in order to code individual characteristic values or combinations of such characteristic values, such as the rated current or switching rating class.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a switch rated current setting on an electronic tripping unit is described. This is suitable for all circuit breakers having an electronic tripping unit that can be removed from the circuit breaker housing after removing a seal and can be lockably parameterized at the rated current of the circuit breaker. In parameterization of electronic tripping units of circuit breakers, the possibility of unauthorized parties tampering with the tripping unit must be prevented. Therefore, the tripping unit is equipped with a monitoring circuit which prevents the possibility of parameterization of the tripping unit when there is a galvanic connection between the trip magnet and the tripping unit. This permits parameterization only when the tripping unit has been removed, i.e., only by authorized personnel.

Abstract: An electronic tripping device for a circuit breaker contains circuitry for simulating the response curve of a fuse. This circuitry can be controlled by a single setting mechanism representing the nominal currents or rated currents of fuses. This improves the coordination of protection in sophisticated power supply equipment containing both circuit breakers and fuses. Tripping devices equipped with microprocessors or operating in an analog fashion can be configured for the mode of operation. The new protection system achieves particularly safe operation for the user in that the setting mechanism is combined with a rating plug for the “fuse” mode, thus directly setting the tripping device to one current value. In a manner similar to a true fuse, consequently, the setting mechanism is provided with appropriate labeling. The simulated curves may contain a point of inflection below a limit in a lagging manner, to increase the nominal switching capacity and selectivity limit of a circuit breaker.

Abstract: A wide input range power supply for a circuit protection and/or fault detector device includes a passive supply for providing power to a load under nominal input voltage conditions at or near the nominal line voltage with minimum power loss, and a linear regulating supply path for assisting the passive supply at an input line voltage substantially below the nominal line voltage value.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) (FIG. 1) has a power line (12) for carrying a power signal from a source to a load and a current transformer (14, 16, 18, 20) configured to sense the power signal and provide a sense signal based on the power signal at a first terminal (14a, 16a, 18a, 20a) (FIG. 2). The circuit breaker (10) includes a control circuit (26) configured to receive a first data message and to provide a second data message based on the first data message at a second terminal (40). The circuit breaker (10) further includes a programmable amplifier (30) coupled to the first terminal (14a, 16a, 18a, 20a) and the second terminal (40) configured to receive the sense signal, to receive the second data message, to amplify the sense signal based on the second data message, and to provide the amplified sense signal at a third terminal (42). A method of constructing the circuit breaker (10) is provided (FIG.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a trip mechanism and an electronic module having an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a control circuit, a composite circuit which generates a composite signal voltage, a residual circuit, the circuit breaker comprising a first power supply to provide a first voltage signal and a second power supply to provide a second voltage signal. An analog override circuit in the circuit breaker is configured to receive the first voltage signal from the first power supply, the second voltage signal from the second power supply and the composite signal voltage from the composite circuit. The analog override circuit provides an override signal to the ASIC which is coupled to a logic gate configured to receive a first trip signal from the control circuit and a second trip signal from the ASIC and provides a third trip signal to the trip mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes: a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor; a module plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the module plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register including an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs the microprocessor to perform steps necessary to operate one or more functions of the module plug.

Abstract: Compatibility with a current transformer having several kinds of rated current ratios is achieved by finding out a formula of relationship between errors arising in a transformer input circuit and detectable ranges set as setting values of the input circuits which can be optimally set. In connection with that, by dispensing with a gain control section, the number of components, the mounting area and the cost can be reduced. Arithmetic expressions representing the relationship among errors arising in the transformer input circuit, the instrumentation ranges of the input circuits, and detectable errors have been derived. Further by optimally setting the detectable ranges of the input circuits, which are the parameters of the arithmetic expressions, the configuration compatible with a current transformer having several kinds of rated current ratios is achieved.

Abstract: An electrical load driving device is constructed to accurately detect an over-current state in either a high-side output mode or a low-side output mode irrespective of voltage fluctuations of a load power supply. The over-current is detected by a detection voltage which decreases from a battery voltage in proportion to a current flowing through an output transistor being compared with a determination voltage in the high-side output mode. It is detected by a second detection voltage which increases from a ground potential in proportion to the current flowing through the output transistor being compared with a determination voltage in the low-side output mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for protecting a power circuit within a first cycle after power up using a current transformer to sense current and an electronic trip unit having a first trip threshold value at power up and a second trip threshold value for the reference value at about the first half cycle of the first cycle after power up. The first and second trip threshold values are threshold values used to determine an over-current condition at different preselected times after powering up is initiated.

Abstract: A connection verifying trip unit includes a microprocessor circuit and a terminal electrically connected to the microprocessor circuit. A power source is electrically connected intermediate the terminal and the microprocessor circuit. The terminal is electrically connected to ground when the terminal is connected to the circuit breaker. When the terminal is disconnected from the circuit breaker, the terminal is disconnected from ground and the power source provides an input signal to the microprocessor circuit. In response to the input signal, the microprocessor unit provides an output signal indicating, locally or remotely, that the trip unit has been disconnected from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A method of protection in an electronic trip unit is described herein. The method includes selecting a limit value. The method further includes sensing an electrical signal to provide corresponding first and second sensed signals, each indicative of an electrical characteristic of the electrical signal. The first and second sensed signals are compared to determine a rate of rise of the electrical characteristic, and the rate of rise is compared to the limit value to detect a spike in the electrical characteristic. The generation of a trip signal is withheld when the rate of rise is greater than the limit value.

Abstract: Selector switches placed on the front panel of the trip device enable first protection parameters to be set. The trip device comprises communication means enabling second protection parameters to be set by remote setting. The trip device compares each first parameter with the corresponding second parameter and determines third protection parameters representative of the lower of the first and second parameters. The third protection parameters are taken into account by the trip device for protection against overloads and short-circuits and are displayed on the front panel of the trip device when setting of the parameters takes place or on request.

Abstract: An electronic circuit interruption device having a plurality of protection, indication and control options includes a dedicated printed circuit board having electrical connection with operating circuits controlling each of the several options. Electrical connections between the operating circuits and the circuit interruption controller is made through corresponding dedicated resistors. Option selection is obtained by removal of resistors connecting with non-selected circuits on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An efficient, economical circuit which is easily added to existing modular or integrated pulse-width modulator circuits, e.g. switching power supply regulator circuits, having an fault comparitor which disables the pulse-width modulator when an overload error condition is detected for a time which exceeds a first RC time constant, and restoring the operation of the pulse-width modulator after a second R′C time. The differing RC and R′C time constants are provided by varied resistor circuit paths established by the state of the fault comparitor. The topology and economy of parts provide a current limiter which facilitates miniaturization and circuit integration.