Abstract: A method for controlling an electric compressor into which an inverter for controlling an electric motor as a drive source is integrally incorporated. The method is characterized by comprising the steps of acquiring the temperature of an accessory of the inverter, when the acquired temperature becomes or is already equal to or higher than the maximum rated temperature of the accessory, calculating the value of a current which can flow at the acquired temperature and restrictively controlling the rotational speed of the electric compressor such that the input current becomes equal to or less than the value of the current which can flow, and when the temperature of the accessory becomes lower than the maximum rated temperature, releasing the restrictive control.

Abstract: A system and method for using a physical layer device to locate a thermal signature in a cable plant for diagnostic, enhanced, and higher power applications. Cable heating in specific sections of a network cable is detected through an automatic identification of a thermal signature in electrical measurements of a network cable. The correlation of the thermal signature to a specific section of the network cable enables network personnel to locate hot spots in the network cable with ease.

Abstract: A control circuit of a semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element which supplies an electric power to a load; an over-heat protecting unit having: a temperature detecting section which detects a rise in temperature; a latch section which holds an output of the temperature detecting section; and a gate interrupting section which interrupts an input to a gate of the semiconductor element in accordance with the output of the latch section; a control unit which supplies a PWM signal for turning on/off the semiconductor element; a driving electric power supply unit which supplies a driving electric power for driving the over-heat protecting unit; and a timer unit which allows the driving electric power supply unit to supply the driving electric power for a predetermined period when the input to the gate of the semiconductor element is interrupted and the control unit stops to supply the PWM signal.

Abstract: A protection circuit includes an interruption device formed to interrupt a current path between a protection circuit input and a protection circuit output upon exceeding a predetermined temperature at a temperature measurement location, and a control device formed to generate a control signal depending on a current in the current path, wherein the protection circuit is formed to increase the temperature at the temperature measurement location or decrease the predetermined temperature, when the control signal indicates that the current in the current path is higher than a threshold value current.

Abstract: A switching power supply having at least one switch (S) controlled by a control circuit (AST), by means of which an input direct voltage (UV) is switched, whereby a thermal model (THM) is implemented in a control (STE), by means of which the temperature of at least one component (S; D3, D4, UET) can be calculated or estimated, and at least one current value that is load-dependent is made available as an electrical quantity to the thermal model, the control (STE) is directed at outputting at least one limiting signal (abs, ala) when a limiting value or a function of multiple limiting values depending on calculated or estimated temperature values is reached, which is usable in the sense of an action to reduce temperature, and which produces at least one limiting signal (abs) to the control circuit in the sense of a temperature reduction and thus a power reduction.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting energy to an industrial control system is described. The method includes receiving a supply voltage, limiting the supply voltage so as to generate a limited voltage, and providing the limited voltage to a field transducer, the field transducer being disposed to monitor a parameter of the industrial process. A field current, that is generated in response to the limited voltage, is received from the field transducer and the field current is indicative of a magnitude of the parameter under normal operating conditions. During a fault condition, the field current is restricted with a variable resistance that is responsive to an amount of thermal energy generated during the fault condition so as to limit an amount of energy drawn by the control system.

Abstract: A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece having a first contact point and a first conductive member having a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. When overloaded, the elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point, thereby protecting the circuit. The second protection unit has a flexible second conductive member disposed between the first conductive member and the second terminal. A fuse member forces a free end of the second conductive member to connect with the second terminal. When the fuse member melts due to high temperature, the free end of the second conductive member is separated from the second terminal, thereby protecting the circuit.

Abstract: A method for thermal protection of a frequency converter and a frequency converter includes means for controlling the output current of the frequency converter. The method includes the steps of determining predetermined data points which define a thermal current limit for a semiconductor component of the frequency converter at specific temperatures at plural switching frequencies, and determining predetermined data points which define a thermal current limit for the semiconductor component at specific temperatures at a zero converter output frequency. The method also includes determining the highest allowable thermal current as a function of a measured temperature, a determined switching frequency, and a determined output frequency based on the defined data points, and limiting the output current of the frequency converter to the determined highest allowable thermal current.

Abstract: A power converter includes a controller having at least one input for monitoring a rate of change of an operating parameter of the power converter. The controller is configured for comparing the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter with an allowable rate of change for the operating parameter, and for generating a fault signal when the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter deviates from the allowable rate of change for the operating parameter. The operating parameter for which the rate of change is monitored may be, for example, a temperature, a current and/or a voltage in the power converter.

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. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: An inrush current preventing circuit includes a rectification circuit, a temperature-sensitive component, a controller, a switching circuit, and a tank circuit. The controller outputs a control signal to turn on the switching circuit in response to the tank circuit being at a substantially full voltage, and the rectification circuit and the switching circuit forming a current loop for providing power from the rectification circuit to an electronic device. The controller outputs no control signal to turn off the switching circuit in response to the tank circuit being undercharged, and the rectification circuit and temperature-sensitive component forming a current loop for providing power from the rectification circuit to the electronic device for protecting the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault conditions are described. The systems provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Solid-state temperature sensors are utilized and may be connected to a printed circuit board integrated with supply wire terminals, thus providing electronic circuitry controlling the response to over-temperature events while simultaneously keeping the temperature sensors in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at temperatures more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures. Additionally, the threshold temperature for response can more easily be selected or controlled to be at a variety of temperatures to improve safety.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a microprocessor including a thermal overload predictive function, and a shunt wire in series with the separable contacts. The shunt wire is structured to measure current flowing through the separable contacts for the thermal overload predictive function and an arc fault protective function.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a smart, high side driver with current and temperature sensing so that it can turn ON a relatively high current load of incandescent lamps or similar loads within a practical time. The output of the high side driver is sensed. In response to the coexistence of an ON command applied to the control input of the high side driver and the output terminal of the high side driver switching to an OFF state, an OFF command is applied to the control input of the high side driver. That OFF command is maintained for a selected cooling time interval. An ON command is applied to the control input of the high side driver after the selected cooling time interval. The selected cooling time interval is at least long enough to allow the MOS/FET temperature to cool to the thermal reset of its status temperature TRS, which is the temperature below which the driver operates with its highest current limit ILIMH when it is turned back on.

Abstract: A power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications operatively coupable to a low or medium voltage apparatus and to a protection relay having a trip circuit supervision. The power and control unit for low or medium voltage applications according to the invention comprises: a binary input which is operatively coupable with said protection relay; a control unit operatively coupled to said binary input and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus; a failure and continuity detection unit operatively coupled to said binary input and that can be enabled and disabled; an enabling unit operatively coupled to said failure and continuity detection unit and to said control unit and operatively coupable to said low or medium voltage apparatus.

Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a first circuit and a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit for selectively preventing operation of the first circuit when a device temperature is higher than a temperature threshold. The second circuit is provided with a temperature responsive element, thermally coupled to the first circuit for providing a shutdown signal correlated to the device temperature. The temperature responsive element includes a reverse-biased junction element and the shutdown signal is correlated to a reverse leakage current of the reverse-biased junction element.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: Heating value P[W] generated at an IGBT is calculated, and a temperature difference ?T?j [° C.] between a temperature Tw [° C.] of cooling water circulating in a cooling system and a temperature Tj [° C.] of an IGBT is calculated based on thermal resistance R [° C./W] of the cooling system. A temperature rise ?Tj [° C.] with transient influences eliminated is then calculated based on the calculated temperature difference ?T?j [° C.], and the temperature Tj [° C.] (=Tw [° C.]+?Tj [° C.]) of the IGBT is calculated.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus protects an electrical circuit against excessive current loads. A first remotely programmable circuit breaker trip device receives an external command with a programmable current threshold, detects a current level in the electrical circuit, and may cause a break in the electrical circuit depending on the detected current level in accordance with a first current duration associated with the stored programmable current threshold. A second electrical circuit breaker trip device is arranged to cause a break in the electrical circuit in accordance with a second current duration different, e.g., shorter, than the first current duration if a current flowing in the electrical circuit exceeds a predetermined rated current for more than the second current duration.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting excessive current flow through a switching element derives an electrical quantity relating to a condition of the switching element and correlated with the current level, and compares the magnitude of that electrical condition quantity with a threshold value corresponding to the maximum allowable level of current. A temperature detection signal indicative of the switching element temperature is converted to a compensation signal having a temperature characteristic which is modified from that of the temperature detection signal, and which is utilized to compensate the magnitude comparison operation against inaccuracy caused by a temperature dependency of the electrical condition quantity.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a parameter of an electric machine, including a controller and a switching device, the controller responsive to at least one of: a current sensor, and a temperature sensor. Where the controller executes a parameter estimation process, which is responsive to at least one of: a current value and a temperature estimate and the resultant of the parameter estimation process representing an estimated parameter of the electric machine. The parameter estimation includes a method for estimating a temperature of the electric machine comprising: the temperature sensor operatively connected to and transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to a measured temperature to a controller, which executes the temperature estimation process responsive to a temperature signal from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A multi-layer type over-current and over-temperature protection structure and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The present invention utilizes the concept of multi-layer design to integrate more than two over-current and over-temperature protection elements on a component structure that can be adhered to a substrate. Hence, the over-current and over-temperature protection structure has more than two over-current and over-temperature protection functions at the same time. Therefore, the advantages of the present invention is that the over-current and over-temperature protection structure effectively integrates two or more over-current and over-temperature protection elements together in order to increase the usage range of the over-current and over-temperature protection structure. Moreover, the present invention effectively reduces size of the over-current and over-temperature protection elements on a PCB and reduces the number of solder joints.

Abstract: A protection apparatus adapted for providing thermal protection to an electronic system includes a thermal detection module and a comparator unit. The thermal detection module is configured for outputting a first voltage signal with positive temperature coefficient characteristic and a second voltage signal with negative temperature coefficient characteristic. The comparator unit is configured for comparing the first voltage signal with the second voltage signal to generate a comparing value to determining whether or not to allow the electronic system to operate normally.

Abstract: A self-protected solid-state switching device comprising first opening means connected in series with a first fuse link, means for measuring electric current and control means acting on opening and closing of said first opening means according to the value of a main electric current flowing through said switching device.

Abstract: An interface circuit includes an input terminal, a controlled current sink, a current measurement arrangement, and a logic circuit. The input terminal is configured to receive an input signal. The controlled current sink is operably coupled to the input terminal, and is operable to controllably take up a current from the input terminal according to a transmission signal. The current measurement arrangement is configured to generate a current measurement signal based on the current taken up by the current sink. The logic circuit is operably coupled to receive the current measurement signal and the input signal, and is configured to generate a signal depending on the input signal.

Abstract: An integrated fuse device (1) includes a varistor stack (11), a thermal fuse (12), and a current fuse (13) within an enclosure (2) having device terminals (3). The varistor stack (11) is connected to the thermal fuse (12) by a Cu terminal (20) and is connected to the device terminal (3) by steel terminal (10) of smaller cross-sectional area. Being of Cu material and having a greater cross-sectional area, the terminal (20) connected to the thermal fuse (12) has greater thermal conductivity than the steel terminal (10) to the end cap (3). The thermal fuse (12) comprises a plurality of links having a melting point to melt with sustained overvoltage, the links having a diameter in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The links pass through an elastomer plug (15), which exerts physical pressure on them to assist with opening during sustained overvoltage. Hot melt (18) around solder (17) of the thermal fuse limits heat conduction to back-fill sand.

Abstract: A thermal trip device in which a bimetal (2) is heated by overcurrent and performs trip operation of a circuit by curvature of the heated bimetal (2), wherein at least one part of the surface of the bimetal (2) is made to be black or matte black (7). Thereby, temperature of the bimetal (2) can be highly accurately measured using a no-contact thermometer. Furthermore, a temperature measurement part (8) of the bimetal is provided with a bending part (11), and the surface of the bending part is made to be matte black.

Abstract: A temperature protective circuit of the semiconductor integrated circuit unit of the present invention is configured such that the circuit includes a heat generation detecting section for detecting a monitored temperature and a limiting signal producing section for limiting continuously or stepwise the drive of a load (for example, the upper limit of drive current) according to the above-mentioned monitored temperature, after the above-mentioned monitored temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature, based on the detection results of the above-mentioned heat generation detecting section. With such a configuration, an abnormal heat generation of a subject of overheat monitoring can be previously limited to perform a more safely temperature protective operation.

Abstract: A transient blocking unit (TBU) having reduced series impedance is provided. A TBU includes two or more depletion mode transistors arranged to provide a low series impedance in normal operation and a high series impedance when the input current exceeds a predetermined threshold. A nonlinear impedance element is included in the TBU that acts as a current limiter having a substantially constant saturation current over a range of applied voltages. This saturation current is selected to be the threshold current of the TBU. When the threshold is exceeded, the voltage developed across the nonlinear impedance element tends to drive the TBU into its high impedance state. When the operating current is below threshold, the TBU series resistance is relatively low because the nonlinear impedance element is in its low-resistance state. The nonlinear impedance element can be a separate circuit element, or it can be integrated with one or more of the TBU transistors.

Abstract: A constant voltage circuit including an input terminal to receive an input voltage, an output terminal configured to output a constant voltage converted from the input voltage to a load and an overcurrent protection circuit portion to perform an overcurrent protection operation of restricting an output current from the output terminal within a threshold current and to generate and provide logic signals including information on an operation state of the overcurrent protection operation to a control device disposed outside the constant voltage circuit to control the load based on the information.

Abstract: A high frequency electronic ballast for main loads, such as an HID lamp, includes a regulated low voltage output to drive auxiliary loads. A low voltage microcontroller generates a low voltage drive signal in response to voltage and frequency of a high voltage power supply. A switch operably connected to the high voltage power supply and responsive to the low voltage drive signal provides the regulated low voltage output to drive the auxiliary devices, such as a back-up incandescent lamp and/or an insulation detector. In one embodiment, the low voltage output may be responsive to the HID lamp power, e.g., a control signal from a ballast microcontroller, so that the back-up incandescent lamp is energized when the HID lamp is not providing sufficient illumination.

Abstract: A sensorless protection circuit comprises a detection module. The detection module receives a reference voltage signal and receives a load voltage signal from a MOSFET. The detection module generates a detection signal having a first state and a second state according to the reference voltage signal and the load voltage signal. A protection module receives the detection signal and maintains the MOSFET in an ON state when the detection signal is in the first state and transitions the MOSFET from the ON state to an OFF state when the detection signal is in the second state. The detection signal is in the second state when the MOSFET is in at least one of a current overload condition, an over temperature condition, a startup inrush current condition, and a short circuit condition.

Abstract: A control circuit of a semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element which supplies an electric power to a load; an over-heat protecting unit having: a temperature detecting section which detects a rise in temperature; a latch section which holds an output of the temperature detecting section; and a gate interrupting section which interrupts an input to a gate of the semiconductor element in accordance with the output of the latch section; a control unit which supplies a PWM signal for turning on/off the semiconductor element; a driving electric power supply unit which supplies a driving electric power for driving the over-heat protecting unit; and a timer unit which allows the driving electric power supply unit to supply the driving electric power for a predetermined period when the input to the gate of the semiconductor element is interrupted and the control unit stops to supply the PWM signal.

Abstract: A system and method for using a physical layer device to locate a thermal signature in a cable plant for diagnostic, enhanced, and higher power applications. Cable heating in specific sections of a network cable is detected through an automatic identification of a thermal signature in electrical measurements of a network cable. The correlation of the thermal signature to a specific section of the network cable enables network personnel to locate hot spots in the network cable with ease.

Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle electronic apparatus, which includes an inverter for converting a direct-current voltage into an alternating-current voltage for the vehicle electronic apparatus, detects a temperature of the inverter. Also, the protective device controls a power supply of the direct-current voltage to the inverter. The protective device stops the power supply to the inverter when the temperature of the inverter reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and processor are provided for managing a thermal management system. A determination is made as to whether a plurality of digital thermal sensors is faulty or functional. A power savings mode of at least one unit within the integrated circuit associated with the functional digital thermal sensor is monitored in response to at least one of the plurality of digital thermal sensors being functional. A functional digital thermal sensor is disabled in response to the at least one unit being in a power savings mode.

Abstract: When a current flowing into a load 4 is increasing, a temperature of a wire is estimated by different estimation depending on whether the current is a normal current or the over-current. When the current flowing into the load 4 is decreasing, the temperature of the wire is estimated by different estimation depending on whether the current is the normal current or the over-current. Accordingly, a load circuit is protected by the precise estimation of an increasing temperature of the wire, which is made by determining whether the present condition of the load is in a normal mode or in an overcurrent-mode where a chattering short-circuit or a layer short-circuit occurs.

Abstract: An inverter apparatus includes an inverter circuit, a temperature sensor, and a control circuit. The inverter circuit is driven by a PWM signal and includes switching elements that are divided in first and second groups. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of at least one of the switching elements of the first group. The control circuit controls a duty cycle of the PWM signal such that a first value of heat generated in the first group is equal to or greater than a second value of heat generated in the second group. The control circuit performs an overheat protection for protecting the inverter circuit from overheating when the detected temperature is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature.

Abstract: An overheat protection circuit of a semiconductor apparatus has an output current detecting circuit for detecting an output current of a constant voltage circuit; a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the apparatus; an output current control circuit for controlling the output current in accordance with output of the temperature detector; a bias current source for providing a bias current for the temperature detector; and a switch for controlling the bias current from the bias current source to the temperature detector. The output current control circuit interrupts the output current when the temperature detector detects a temperature that is higher than a predetermined temperature. The output current detecting circuit and the output current control circuit may be used to control the switch to prevent oscillation of the output current in the vicinity of the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing a temperature compensated under-voltage-lockout circuit that has a trip point voltage that is not sensitive to temperature variation. The under-voltage-lockout circuit of the invention comprises (1) an inverter circuit that is coupled to a supply voltage and (2) a temperature compensation circuit that is coupled to the supply voltage and to the inverter circuit. The temperature compensation circuit and the inverter circuit temperature compensate a trip point voltage of the inverter circuit by driving an input of the inverter circuit with a voltage that has a same temperature coefficient as the trip point voltage of the inverter circuit.

Abstract: The over-current protection device of the present invention can be used for over-current protection to PCM. The over-current protection device comprises a PTC device, at least one insulation layer; at least one electrode layer and at least one conductive channel. The insulation layer is placed on a surface of the PTC device, and the electrode layer is formed on the insulation layer afterwards. As a result, the insulation layer is between the electrode layer and the PTC device. The electrode layer serves as a surface of the over-current protection device. The conductive channel electrically connects the PTC device and the electrode layer. In an embodiment, the conductive channel is a blind hole penetrating through the electrode layer and the insulation layer and ending at the surface of the PTC device, and the surface of the blind hole is coated with a conductive layer to electrically connect the PTC device and the electrode layer.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a bimetal electrically connected in series with separable contacts, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts. A temperature sensor distal from the bimetal includes an output having an ambient temperature signal. A trip circuit includes a first circuit having a first input electrically interconnected with a bimetal output to input a voltage representative of current, a second input electrically interconnected with the temperature sensor output to input the ambient temperature signal, a real-time thermal model structured to provide a corrected temperature dependent bimetal resistance as a function of the voltage and the ambient temperature signal, and an output including a current value which is a function of the ambient temperature signal and the corrected bimetal resistance. A second circuit includes an input having the current value and an output structured to actuate the operating mechanism in response to predetermined current conditions.

Abstract: An FET for malfunction check is connected between the gate and source of an FET for power-source output control, which is connected in series in a power output line from a battery used as a power source for a load. A malfunction determination circuit determines whether the FET for power-source output control is operating normally or not, by monitoring output voltage of the FET for malfunction check. Further, the malfunction determination circuit identifies malfunction of the FET for power-source output control due to short-circuiting during actual use.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that drives an inductive load according to a control signal from an external controller transmits temperature data to it for indicating a condition of the inductive load through a line driver. The external controller regenerates the control signal according to the temperature data. According to the control signal, the apparatus operates a pair of power supply circuits to complementarily supply power to the load. Thermal conditions of the power supply circuits and the line driver are monitored for detecting an overheat condition. The transmission of temperature data to the external controller is enabled as long as no overheat condition is detected in both of the power supply circuits and line driver. If an overheat condition is detected in at least one of the power supply circuits and line driver, heat protection is performed and the overheat condition is communicated to the external controller.

Abstract: The invention discloses a digital adjusting method for an optical receiver module, and the method implements real-time monitor of parameters, on-line adjustment and non-linear compensation. The digital optical receiver module includes elements as follow: a voltage output circuit of optical power detection 24, a DC/DC voltage boost circuit 22 and a bias voltage adjusting unit which is consisted of an optical-electronic conversion circuit 21; a digital adjusting unit 25, an analog-digital converter (A/D converter) 26 and a memory 27. The digital adjusting unit 25 makes on-line adjustment and implements temperature compensation and dark current compensation of the optical receiver module. The A/D converter 26 monitors the optical power, the working temperature and the bias voltage of the optical detector in real time. The memory 27 stores parameters of the optical receiver module for comparison with a detected optical power and measured temperature etc. and for on-line interrogation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temperature-dependent transient blocking employing a transient blocking unit (TBU) that uses at least one depletion mode n-channel device interconnected with at least one depletion mode p-channel device. The interconnection is performed such that a transient alters a bias voltage Vp of the p-channel device and a bias voltage Vn of the n-channel device in concert to effectuate their mutual switch off to block the transient. The apparatus has a temperature control unit that is in communication with the TBU and adjusts at least one of the bias voltages Vp, Vn in response to a sensed temperature Ts, thereby enabling the apparatus to also respond to over-temperature. In some embodiments the p-channel device is replaced with a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC). The temperature control unit can use any suitable circuit element, including, among other a PTC, resistor, negative temperature coefficient element, positive temperature coefficient element, transistor, diode.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting excessive current flow through a switching element derives an electrical quantity relating to a condition of the switching element and correlated with the current level, and compares the magnitude of that electrical condition quantity with a threshold value corresponding to the maximum allowable level of current. A temperature detection signal indicative of the switching element temperature is converted to a compensation signal having a temperature characteristic which is modified from that of the temperature detection signal, and which is utilized to compensate the magnitude comparison operation against inaccuracy caused by a temperature dependency of the electrical condition quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a contact from being corroded includes a power source, a signal line connected to the contact, a resistance connected to the signal line, a switching section, a comparator, and an overheat detecting section. The switching section has a switch between the power source and the signal line. An impedance of the switch is smaller than that of the resistance when the switch is turned on. The comparator compares a potential of the signal line with a predetermined potential to determine as to whether or not the contact is corroded. The comparator outputs a driving signal when the comparator concludes that the contact is corroded. The overheat detecting section detects whether or not temperature of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined temperature. The overheat detecting section decreases current flowing through the switching section when the temperature of the apparatus exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A controller implements a state machine for operating the bi-directional power converter with a flexible load pattern while maintaining a thermal condition of the power converter within acceptable limits. The state machine implements a wait loop in response to selected conditions to maintain the thermal condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection, such as an electrical meter socket connection, includes at least one deterioration sensing device that includes an apparatus for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection; at least one fixed or portable receiving communication device, each configured to receive temperature information from the at least one deterioration sensing device and to transmit the temperature information via a communication network; and a back end connected to the communication network and configured to receive temperature information from the at least one fixed or portable sensing communication device. Upon exceeding a predetermined condition, the back-end may forward an alarm warning to a utility.