Abstract: A load control apparatus for controlling a power supply to an electrical load connected to an output terminal includes an overcurrent protection circuit having a power switch through which the electrical load receives a load current and a sensor component in series with the power switch that is configured to generate a voltage drop corresponding to the current rise speed of a load current from an input terminal to the output terminal. The protection circuit includes a driver circuit configured to detect an overcurrent depending on the voltage drop generated by the sensor component and/or at the power switch, and to switch off the power switch upon detection of an overcurrent within a switch-off period. The overcurrent protection circuit can include a power supply control circuit having a sensor component adapted to measure a supply voltage notified to a control unit of the load control apparatus adapted to control power supplied to the load.

Abstract: Embodiments of welding and cutting systems are disclosed. A welding or cutting system includes a power source to provide electrical power for a welding or cutting process. The system includes a torch having a cryptographic device, and is to be used with the power source during the process and communicate with the power source. The cryptographic device is configured to receive an encryption key seeded by the power source during first time power-on initialization of the welding power source or after the torch is replaced. The cryptographic device is configured to store an unlock code associated with the power source, generate an encrypted message, which includes the unlock code, based on the encryption key, and communicate the encrypted message to the power source. The power source is configured to cease further operation unless the power source determines the torch to be a genuine manufacturer torch based on the unlock code.

Abstract: A method for determining the remaining usability of a semiconductor module in normal use. The semiconductor module is thermally coupled to a cooling device. A predefined electrical load is applied to the semiconductor module while predefined cooling is effected by the cooling device. A temperature of a semiconductor element of the semiconductor module is sensed at least for the predefined electrical load on the semiconductor module. The sensed temperature is compared with a comparison temperature in a first comparison. The comparison temperature is assigned to the predefined electrical load with the predefined cooling, and prediction data for the remaining usability of the semiconductor module in normal use up to a usability end are determined at least in accordance with the first comparison.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a battery; a master device supplied with power from the battery; and a slave device supplied with power from the master device via a first power supply line. The slave device supplies power to a load via a second power supply line. The master device estimates a temperature of the second power supply line. When the estimated temperature of the second power supply line is higher than a second cutoff threshold, power supply via the second power supply line is cut off.

Abstract: An electronic assembly, has at least one circuit board with conductor tracks, at least one current-limiting arrangement in the form of a thermal predetermined breaking point in at least one of the conductor tracks, and a fire-containment device in the region of the current-limiting arrangement.

Abstract: A distance detection sensor includes a current-to-voltage converter configured to convert a current corresponding to a detection signal reflected from a target to a voltage, an amplifier configured to amplify the converted voltage, a comparator configured to compare an output value of the amplifier with a reference value to generate a receive pulse, a reference value selector configured to select any one of a plurality of reference values as the reference value, and a time-to-digital converter configured to calculate time-of-light (TOF) time in response to the receive pulse output from the comparator. The reference value selector continuously changes different reference values respectively corresponding continuous receive pulses.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a power supply circuit configured to generate a direct current output voltage to be applied to both ends of a plurality of loads serially coupled, a detection circuit configured to detect an anomaly of a load voltage applied to each of the plurality of loads, and an adjustment circuit configured to decrease the output voltage in accordance with a number of abnormal loads where the anomaly is detected among the plurality of loads.

Abstract: A motor housing for a compressor, having a cylindrical, internally pressurized part for receiving the electric motor, which, at the compressor side, is securable on a central housing member of the compressor and, at the head side, is closed by a bottom whose outer side serves as a contact area for an inverter for driving the motor, wherein on the inner side of the bottom a flow path for cold suction gas and on the outer side of the bottom cooling areas for the absorption of heat loss generated by the inverter are developed. An assembly having a motor housing, an inverter and an electric motor are also provided.

Abstract: A converter system for converting a three-phase or a single-phase AC voltage into a DC voltage, wherein the converter system includes three converter branches, each converter branch including a first input and a second input to be supplied with a single-phase AC voltage and a first output and a second output providing a DC voltage; wherein each converter branch includes an AC-to-DC stage and a DC-to-DC stage, which are connected between the first and second input and the first and second output; wherein the converter system is configured for interconnecting the first input of each converter branch with a phase of a three-phase grid and for interconnecting the first inputs of the converter branches with a phase of a single-phase grid; wherein the converter system is configured for interconnecting the second inputs, which are interconnected with each other, of the converter branches with a neutral point of the three-phase grid or the single-phase grid; and wherein the converter system includes one or more contr

Abstract: An overcurrent protection device is to be provided between a power supply and a load circuit including an electric load and an electric wire electrically connected with each other, and includes a switching element, a current detector, a characteristic estimation portion, and a controller. The switching element switches flowing and interrupting of a load current that flows from the power supply to the electric load. The current detector detects the load current. The characteristic estimation portion estimates a thermal characteristic of the electric wire based on the load current detected by the current detector. The controller outputs an overcurrent protection signal for interrupting the load current so as to protect the load circuit from an overcurrent to the switching element based on the thermal characteristic estimated by the characteristic estimation portion and the load current detected by the current detector.

Abstract: A drive device for a semiconductor element includes a drive circuit receiving from outside a pulsed drive signal for driving ON/OFF of the semiconductor element; and a protection circuit receiving a signal representing a chip temperature of the semiconductor element and, when the detected chip temperature exceeds an overheating threshold temperature, controlling operation of the drive circuit so as to adjust a drive control voltage that is provided to the semiconductor element; and a drive information output circuit externally outputting drive information corresponding to the adjusted drive control voltage that is provided to the semiconductor element by the drive circuit.

Abstract: A temperature abnormality detection method for a power conversion apparatus basically includes a detecting a first power converter temperature, a second power converter temperature and a cooling water temperature and then determining a presence of an abnormality in a preceding stage power converter based on a first temperature difference between the first power converter temperature and the cooling water temperature. The abnormality detection method further includes determining a presence of an abnormality in a subsequent stage power converter based on a second temperature difference between the second power converter temperature and an added temperature that is obtained by adding to the loss component of the preceding stage power converter converted to a temperature to the cooling water temperature.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, a trip actuator structured to cause the separable contacts to trip open, a conductor structured to carry power through the circuit interrupter, a sensor having a forward bias voltage drop inversely proportional to temperature and being disposed proximate the conductor, an amplifier circuit electrically connected to the sensor and being structured to amplify the forward bias voltage drop of the sensor, and a comparator circuit structured to compare the amplified forward bias voltage drop with a predetermined reference voltage and to output a signal to the trip actuator when the amplified forward bias voltage drop is less than or equal to the predetermined reference voltage. The signal causes the trip actuator to cause the separable contacts to trip open.

Abstract: A sensor and a system using the sensor are described. The sensor may comprise: a cover; and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) shroud located at a periphery of the cover. The system may include one or more such sensors in a passage of a housing. The system further may comprise a blower that moves air through the passage and across at least a portion of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A load current control apparatus according to the present invention includes a current detecting circuit adapted to detect an electric current on a power supply line used to supply electric power from a power supply unit to a load device, a field effect transistor adapted to turn on and off the power supply line, and a controller adapted to control the field effect transistor according to the electric current on the power supply line, in which the controller starts counting time from a time point when the electric current on the power supply line exceeds the overcurrent detection threshold while maintaining the field effect transistor in an ON state, sets an upper limit time corresponding to the electric current on the power supply line at that time as a time threshold based on a relationship between electric current and time set beforehand according to electrical characteristics of the field effect transistor, and turns off the field effect transistor when a time period corresponding to the time threshold el

Abstract: In an interrupting device, a CPU temporally calculates a temperature difference between an ambient temperature of an electrical wire and an electrical wire temperature, based on current information indicating a value of current flowing through the electrical wire, and adds the ambient temperature of the electrical wire to the calculated temperature difference. In this way, the CPU temporally computes the electrical wire temperature. In the case where the electrical wire temperature computed by the CPU is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature, a FET turns off and current flowing through the electrical wire is interrupted. The CPU suspends computation of the electrical wire temperature, in the case where the calculated temperature difference is less than a reference temperature difference and the current value indicated by the current information is less than a reference current value.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor switching element, a correction current voltage generation circuit, a voltage dividing circuit, an overcurrent protection circuit, and a drive circuit. The switching element is capable of outputting a sense current from its sense terminal. A sense resistor receives the sense current from the sense terminal and produces a sense voltage. The correction current voltage generation circuit generates a correction voltage. The voltage dividing circuit can output a corrected sense voltage by performing resistance voltage dividing on the sense voltage and the correction voltage with resistors. The overcurrent protection circuit is supplied with the corrected sense voltage and outputs a halt signal to the drive circuit when the corrected sense voltage Vin is higher than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: One embodiment describes a method that includes determining, using a control circuitry, temperature of a switching device before a make operation by applying a measurement current to an operating coil of the switching device, wherein the measurement current is insufficient to make the switching device; and determining voltage at the operating coil when the measurement current is applied, in which the voltage at the operating coil is directly related to the temperature. The method further includes determining, using the control circuitry, when to apply a pull-in current to the operating coil to close the switching device based at least in part on the voltage at the operating coil, such that the switching device makes at a desired time.

Abstract: A connector component is disclosed. The connector may include an electrically-conductive clamp element configured to clamp a contact element to a surface element. The surface element may be electrically-conductive and may be inserted into the clamp element using a recess in a lateral edge of the surface element to provide additional surface area for an electrical connection. The clamp element may be a lamella contact. The surface element may be at least one contact blade. The clamp element may include two laterally-spaced clamp elements. The connector component may also include a contact element that is inserted into the two clamp elements.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a combined surge protection device with an integrated spark gap and with a fuse connected in series thereto, wherein the spark gap has two main electrodes and one auxiliary ignition electrode, having a housing with a first connector and a second connector, with the first connector being electrically connected to the fuse, and with the second connector being electrically connected to the first main electrode of the spark gap, and with the second main electrode of the spark gap being electrically connected to the fuse on the interior of the housing, with the combined surge protection device also having an auxiliary fuse element that is connected electrically on one side to the first connector, and with the auxiliary fuse element being connected on the other side via an ignition circuit, which is arranged on the interior of the housing, to the auxiliary ignition electrode, with the combined surge protection device having another connector in the region of the auxiliary fuse elem

Abstract: A device is disclosed for protecting a consumer, with a first current path having two lines, and a monitoring arrangement for detecting an imminent overload of the electrical consumer. In order to enable the detection of an imminent overload of a consumer, it is proposed that the monitoring arrangement includes a first temperature measuring unit, an evaluation unit and a first measuring element, which establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two lines of the first current path. The first temperature measuring unit is electrically isolated from the first measuring element and includes a first and a second temperature sensor. The first and second temperature sensor of the first temperature measuring unit are configured to simultaneously record a temperature of the first measuring element and the evaluation unit is configured to detect an imminent overload of the consumer based upon the recorded temperatures of the first temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: Provided is a current mode step-down switching regulator which is capable of enhancing over-current limiting characteristics even when an over-current limiting function operates to reduce an output voltage. The current mode step-down switching regulator includes a pulse adjusting circuit. When an over-current is detected, a switching output signal is thinned out by the pulse adjusting circuit to be outputted in order to reduce an apparent oscillation frequency, thereby reducing an influence by response delay in an over-current detecting comparator.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product is provided for configuring a microgrid. A first configuration of the microgrid having a set of microgrid elements is initialized. An address for each element in the set of microgrid elements of the microgrid is verified. In response to receiving status data from the set of microgrid elements connected in a peer-to-peer network indicating a reconfiguration of the microgrid, the set of microgrid elements is re-aligned to form a second grid configuration. The second grid configuration is executed.

Abstract: A load circuit disconnection detector includes: a current sensor (16) for detecting current flowing through a wire (W1) of a load circuit; and a protective device (100) for estimating temperature of the wire (W1) based on the detected current and forcibly turning off a semiconductor switch (Q1) if the estimated temperature of the wire reaches threshold temperature. The load circuit disconnection detector determines that there is a connection failure in the load circuit if a temperature increase calculated by a temperature calculation unit (24) is zero even a predetermined time (P1) after the semiconductor switch (Q1) is turned on.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection device satisfactorily detects overcurrent without adding complicated component or occupying large space. Penetration member penetrates board face A having a first wiring circuit and face B with a second one, transmitting heat from face A to B. Connection/disconnection part is inserted into first wiring circuit, switching current to heat generation part for generating heat with current, formed in portion of first circuit, continued with one end of penetration member. Temperature detection member disposed near or abutted against other end of penetration member on face B detects transmitted heat, outputting signal. Control part controls connection/disconnection part on signal. Heat generation part is narrower than width w1 not generating heat in steady state, having width w2 to raise temperature upon overcurrent, and being sandwiched between patterns with width w1. Control part turns off current with heat generation part temperature raised to or above prescribed threshold.

Abstract: The power supply controller performs the power-supply-path protection operation to restrict power supply through the switch element if a value of temperature increase of the power supply path W with respect to the reference temperature To exceeds the temperature threshold value and remove the restriction if the temperature decreases to the temperature threshold value or lower. And the controller performs the switch protection operation to restrict the power supply through the switch element if the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value and remove the restriction after the reference time H elapses. And also the controller adds the additional value F to the value of temperature increase on condition that the value of the flowing current exceeds the current threshold value in the power supply protection operation and compares a post-addition temperature to the temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A switching circuit protector switches a semiconductor device (11) provided in a switching circuit connecting a power supply (VB) to a load (RL), from a PWM drive state to a DC drive state when an estimated temperature of a cable of the switching circuit estimated by a temperature estimator (22) exceeds a threshold temperature (Tth), in the state where the semiconductor device (11) is controlled to operate in the PWM drive state to drive the load (RL). Therefore, when an overcurrent is caused in the cable, the estimated temperature exceeds the threshold temperature (Tth) so as to break the semiconductor device (11). Accordingly, the switching circuit can surely be protected by the switching circuit protector.

Abstract: A method provides electronic overload protection having a thermal trip level. The method executes a function by a processor; provides the electronic overload protection by the function executed by the processor; and adjusts the thermal trip level by the function executed by the processor in order to mimic adjusting a physical thermal characteristic of a thermal time constant of a fixed mechanical system.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electrical lead in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature value of a conductor path coupled electrically to the electrical lead and a current limitation unit configured to limit a current flowing through the electrical lead when the temperature value of the conductor path exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to use a current to detect two different operating conditions on a single input terminal.

Abstract: A system for protecting an electrical junction having a first pin and a second pin is provided. The system includes a first circuit protection device coupled to the first pin and configured to sense at least a first current and a second circuit protection device coupled to the second pin and configured to sense at least a second current. Each of the first circuit protection device and the second circuit protection device includes a trip mechanism configured to interrupt current flowing through a respective circuit protection device and a trip unit operatively coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip unit is configured to activate the trip mechanism based on a determination that a respective current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods are provided. A power delivery system (100) can include a thermal device (140) disposed at least partially within the external power delivery device (110). The thermal device can be configured to output a first signal (150) corresponding to an internal temperature of the power delivery device when the internal temperature of the power delivery device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for optimized energy management of an electrical system is provided for protecting a component to be protected of the electrical system. The power dissipation of at least one component to be protected is determined, the expected temperature increase is calculated using a thermal model. An estimated end temperature is determined using the expected temperature increase and an ambient temperature. The estimated end temperature is compared with a predefined temperature threshold value. Consumer loads are switched on or off depending on their priority. A device for carrying out the method is provided. The device includes a power meter, calculation unit storage unit, and switching unit for switching consumer loads The electrical system to which the device is assigned includes at least one consumer load and at least one component to be protected.

Abstract: A bleeder circuit includes a first resistor, a thermistor, a transistor, a second resistor, and a diode section. The first resistor biases the transistor into an always-on status. The second resistor prevents current from flowing through the thermistor responsive to a voltage at the positive terminal being greater than a minimum forward voltage of a load. The thermistor increases in electrical resistance, limiting the current flowing therethrough and preventing damage to the load responsive to the load short-circuiting.

Abstract: The present invention provides an over temperature protection circuit. The over temperature protection circuit includes a reference circuit and a hysteretic comparator. The reference circuit is used for generating a reference voltage and a changeable voltage. The changeable voltage is varied by temperature. The hysteretic comparator compares the reference voltage with the changeable voltage to output a power down signal.

Abstract: A device for protecting a user includes a first current path including a first and second conduit, and a monitoring device for detecting an imminent overload of the electric user. In an embodiment, the monitoring device includes a first temperature measurement unit, a support, an evaluation unit and a first transducer to produce an electrically conductive connection between the first and second conduits of the first current path. The first temperature measurement unit is, electrically insulated from the first transducer and includes a first temperature sensor. An additional electrically insulating material; is arranged on a first lateral surface of the support between the first transducer and the support and the first temperature sensor is arranged on the support to detect a temperature of the first transducer. The evaluating unit is configured to detect an imminent overload at the user on the basis of temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor.

Abstract: A protector for an electricity supply circuit includes: a power switch for switching between connection and disconnection of the electricity supply circuit; a controller configured to output a switching command signal to the power switch in accordance with an input signal; and a current detector for detecting current flowing to the electricity supply circuit. The controller includes: a lower limit threshold determination unit configured to determine whether or not an estimated temperature of a power line has dropped below a lower limit threshold; a timer for counting the time that passes after a load has been turned off, when the load is turned off by the power switch; and a mode switching unit configured to switch the controller to a sleep mode when a predetermined time is counted by the timer and the lower limit threshold determination unit determines that the estimated temperature has dropped below the lower limit threshold.

Abstract: An over-current protection apparatus applied to a secondary battery comprises a lead frame, an IC and a PTC device. The lead frame has a carrier portion and two end portions bending therefrom to form an accommodating space. The two end portions electrically connect to positive and negative electrodes of the secondary battery. The carrier portion comprises a plurality of blocks. The IC and PTC device are disposed on the carrier portion and received in the accommodating space and encapsulated by a cover. The PTC device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode electrically connect to different blocks of the carrier portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to use a current to detect two different operating conditions on a single input terminal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a temperature measurement section that measures a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat by consuming power or a temperature of an inner position of a casing of which the temperature changes due to the heat generation of the heat generation source; and an environmental temperature calculation section that calculates a temperature which is calculated using a predetermined relational equation that is different in accordance with a model from a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time when the heat generation source starts consuming a predetermined amount of power and a second temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time after the passage of a predetermined period from the start of consumption of a predetermined amount of power by the heat generation source as an environmental temperature in an environment where the casing is placed.

Abstract: A thermal control circuit comprises a positive temperature coefficient thermistor array, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor array, and a resistor array. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor array and the resistor array are electrically connected in parallel to a first terminal of the thermal control circuitry. The negative temperature coefficient thermistor array is electrically connected to a second terminal of the thermal control circuit. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor array, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor array, and the resistor array are all connected by a negative bus to a third terminal of the thermal control circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for utilization of power converters in an aircraft engine start system includes measurement of power converter operation data that is utilized with a mathematical model of the power converter thermal characteristics to calculate operation limits for subsequent start duty cycles. A warning indicator is utilized in the event the start duty cycle limits are exceeded. This invention can be extended for any More Electric Vehicle applications, which utilizes an electric engine start system.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overcurrent protection device. The apparatus can include an overvoltage protection device coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to cause the overcurrent protection device to decrease a current through the overvoltage protection device after a breakdown voltage of the overvoltage protection device increases in response to heat.

Abstract: An over-current protection device comprises a PTC device, first and second electrodes, a first welding metal plate and a second welding metal plate. The PTC device comprises a first conductive layer, at second conductive layer and a PTC polymeric material layer laminated therebetween. The first electrode electrically connects to the first conductive layer. The second electrode electrically connects to the second conductive layer and is separated from the first electrode. The first welding metal plate is formed on an upper surface of the device and connects to the first electrode. The second welding metal plate is formed on the upper surface or a lower surface of the device and connects to the second electrode. The first and second welding metal plates are placed at two opposite ends of the strip-like structure, and each of them has a thickness sufficient to withstand spot-welding without significant resultant damage to the PTC device.

Abstract: An over-current protection device includes a resistive device, an insulation layer, an electrode layer and at least one electrically conductive connecting member. The resistive device includes a first electrode foil, a second electrode foil and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer laminated between the electrode foils. The insulation layer is formed on the surface of the first electrode foil, and the electrode layer is formed on the surface of the insulation layer. The conductive connecting member penetrates the electrode layer, the insulation layer and the first electrode foil for electrically connecting the electrode layer and the first electrode foil. The conductive connecting member is insulated from the second electrode foil. One of the first and second electrode foils is configured to electrically connect to a protective circuit module (PCM), and the other one is configured to electrically connect to an electrode terminal of a battery to be protected.

Abstract: A main body of an electronic part has multiple electrodes, to which multiple terminals are respectively connected. The terminals include a fuse terminal and a normal terminal, each of which extends from the main body to a printed board so that the main body is supported at a position above and separated from a board surface of the printed board. The fuse terminal has an intermediate portion between an electrode-connected portion and a land-connected portion. The intermediate portion has a cut-off portion having a smaller width than other portions of the fuse terminal, so that the cut-off portion is melted down when excess current flows in the fuse terminal. The intermediate portion extends in a direction parallel to the board surface or in a direction inclined to the board surface at an angle smaller than 90 degrees.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor apparatus which includes a power transistor that is placed between an input terminal and an output terminal, a temperature detection diode that has a cathode connected to the input terminal and an anode connected to the output terminal, a current amplifier that outputs a detection current generated by amplifying a backward leakage current flowing from the cathode to the anode of the temperature detection diode, a first conversion resistor that outputs an overheat detection signal generated by converting the detection current into a voltage, a gating circuit that performs gating of a control signal according to the overheat detection signal, and a driver circuit that outputs a drive signal to a control terminal of the power transistor based on an output signal of the gating circuit.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection device includes a fuse element and an auxiliary circuit. Power is applied from a high-voltage unit of a main circuit to the fuse element. The auxiliary circuit includes a component which heats the fuse element. An amount of electric current flowing in the fuse element when the fuse element melts is controlled by heat generated by the component.

Abstract: A method provides electronic overload protection having a thermal trip level. The method executes a function by a processor; provides the electronic overload protection by the function executed by the processor; and adjusts the thermal trip level by the function executed by the processor in order to mimic adjusting a physical thermal characteristic of a thermal time constant of a fixed mechanical system.