Abstract: An electrical energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to electrical components from an energy source, the energy supply device including at least one program memory with a computer program stored therein, and a computer for running the computer program, the computer program including software control functions for controlling power supply functions of the energy supply device, characterized in that the energy supply device includes at least one electronic overcurrent circuit breaker implemented in software with the aid of the computer program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing detailed information about high load events in a circuit interrupter are disclosed. The systems and methods provide a user with information such as the maximum high load current reached during a high load event and the average high load current calculated for the duration of the event. In addition, detailed waveform and metered data captures are generated in order to provide a comprehensive cycle-level and/or sub-cycle level overview of the event.

Abstract: In a case where a user adds or deletes a separator to or from an automatically generated file name or the like, it is made possible to automatically generate a file reflecting the presence/absence of a separator at the time of transforming a scanned image of a document of the same kind into a file from next time. In a case where a document similar to a document scanned in the past is scanned, based on results of learning including the presence/absence of a separator, a property for a document scanned this time is generated automatically and presented.

Abstract: A method is described for operating an electrical system, in particular, of a motor vehicle, which includes at least one electrical consumer, at least one energy source for electrical energy, and at least one control unit, the consumer being test activated by the control unit for the purpose of initializing a start of the system and a voltage level of an electrical voltage in the system being monitored and compared to a predefinable minimum value, and the activation being interrupted if the voltage level falls below the minimum value, and the consumer being subsequently test reactivated. It is provided that the number of the interruptions is counted and the consumer is deactivated at least for a predefinable period of time upon reaching a predefinable maximum number.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic multi-functional power controller in collocation with a primary side coil, a switching unit, and a current sensing resistor, performing a power control process. An induced current is generated by a secondary side coil coupled with the primary side coil through electromagnetic interaction with a conduction current flowing through the primary side coil, and an output power is generated to supply an external load when the induced current flows through an output rectification unit and an output filter unit. The power control process includes detecting if any abnormal state occurs, stopping a driving signal, waiting for a period of time, and then re-sending the driving signal. Thus, the present invention provides protection for various kinds of peak loading, avoids high power state when an abnormal state is not resolved, and further reduces the average output power, thereby implementing power saving.

Abstract: An example system includes a server including a power supply and a microcontroller. The power supply may store parameters for a plurality of different ranges of overcurrent and a plurality of corresponding different time periods. The power supply may also receive information from the electrical component corresponding to the speed at which the electrical component can reduce the amount of power the electrical component is consuming. The controller may receive information from the power supply to determine the amount of current that will cause an overcurrent event in the electrical component. The controller may signal the electrical component to reduce the amount of power the electrical component is drawing from the power supply in response to the detected amount of current corresponding to the overcurrent event.

Abstract: The present overcurrent protective device comprises an input terminal configured to receive a power supply voltage, an output terminal, a switch, a detector, and a controller. The switch is provided between the input terminal and the output terminal. The detector is configured to output a limitation signal without delay when a current flowing through the switch exceeds a prescribed tolerance value. The controller is configured to receive the limitation signal and control the switch to prevent the current from exceeding the tolerance value. The detector is configured output a turn-off signal to the controller when a first state continues for a delay time determined depending on the current's magnitude. The first state is a state where the current is smaller than the tolerance value and the current exceeds a first threshold value smaller than the tolerance value. The controller turns off the switch in response to the turn-off signal.

Abstract: A transient event detector includes a first reference generator, an adjustable low-pass filter, and a comparator. The first reference generator coupled to scale the input current signal to generate a first reference current signal that tracks the input current signal. The adjustable low-pass filter circuit is coupled to receive the input current signal and to generate a filtered input current signal such that a magnitude of a slope of the filtered input current signal is less than the magnitude of the slope of the input current signal during a transient event. The first comparator is coupled to generate an event detection signal that indicates the presence of the transient event in response to a value of the filtered input current signal reaching a value of the first reference current signal. The adjustable low-pass filter circuit is configured to increase the cutoff frequency in response to the event detection signal.

Abstract: A control circuit configured to control a switch-type converter, can include: (i) a state detect circuit configured to generate an error amplifying signal according to a feedback voltage and a reference voltage, to compensate the error amplifying signal by a ramp compensation signal having a predetermined frequency, and to generate a state signal by comparing the compensated error amplifying signal against a voltage ripple signal, where the voltage ripple signal changes along with an inductor current of the switch-type converter; and (ii) a control signal generator configured to generate control signals to control the switch-type converter according to the state signal.

Abstract: A bleeder controller for controlling a magnitude of a variable current conducted by bleeder circuitry between input terminals of a device is disclosed. The magnitude of the variable current is controllable in response to a control signal. The bleeder controller includes a dimming detector to classify a half line cycle as leading-edge-dimmed or a trailing-edge-dimmed in response to at least one of an input current sense signal and an input voltage sense signal.

Abstract: An electronic trip device is described that includes a test current generator and a leakage current detection circuit. The test current generator is coupled to a conductor and configured to provide a test current having a magnitude to the conductor in response to a selection to test the electronic trip device. The conductor is a line conductor or a neutral conductor. The leakage current detection circuit is configured to detect a current difference between the neutral conductor and the line conductor. The leakage current detection circuit is configured to provide, in response to the selection to test the electronic trip device, a tripless error indication if the detected current difference is less than a first threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet wherein known problems associated with DC power circuit interruptions are substantially reduced. The system includes a generator coupled to an electromagnet, the generator being powered by a power supply through a first set of contactors which are configured to open and close a first circuit between the power source and the generator coupled to the magnet to start and stop a lifting sequence, wherein the first circuit includes a first bridge rectifier, a reactance element, and a first resistance element.

Abstract: When a short-circuited FET is identified as one of low-side FETs, maximum phase voltages of three phases are detected when a steering operation is performed by a driver, and the detected maximum phase voltages of the three phases are compared with one another to identify a short-circuit phase. On the other hand, when a short-circuited FET is identified as one of high-side FETs, minimum phase voltages of the three phases are detected when a steering operation is performed by the driver, and the detected minimum phase voltages of the three phases are compared with one another to identify a short-circuit phase.

Abstract: A compressor monitoring system includes current and voltage monitors, current and voltage averaging modules, a control module, and a switch. The current monitor measures a current drawn by a motor of a compressor. The current averaging module generates first and second average current values based on the current measured by the current monitor. The voltage monitor measures a utility power voltage. The voltage averaging module generates first and second average voltage values based on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The control module selectively generates a fault signal when a first ratio is greater than a first predetermined threshold and a second ratio is less than a second predetermined threshold. The first ratio is based on the first and second average current values. The second ratio is based on the first and second average voltage values. The switch deactivates the motor when the fault signal is generated.

Abstract: A smart load switch or smart plug incorporates a built-in circuit that can monitor a physical variable condition and compare that sensed condition to data stored in a memory. A controller receives input data from the measuring device, compares the data to the reference data in memory, and selectively controls the on/off condition of a switch and thus the device that is plugged into the switch.

Abstract: The system of the invention includes a circuit breaker switching control section (100) and a setting control section (700) connected therewith through a communication network (500). The circuit breaker switching control section (100) transmits a circuit breaker state quantity acquired by a signal input section (120) through the communication network to a set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section (700). The set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section calculates a set value to be set in the switching control section (100) of the circuit breaker, using the state quantity of the circuit breaker that was transmitted thereto. The setting control section (700) transmits to the circuit breaker switching control section the set value calculated by the set value calculation section (730) through the communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures electrical power usage and quality, while mitigating the effects of noise on measured signals or parameters. Specifically, a digital electrical power and energy meter employs a method in which a processor averages a parameter, such as voltage or current, over a plurality of cycles of a time-varying signal, such as an AC electrical signal. The method employed by the meter samples a parameter over the plurality of cycles and computes the average of the samples corresponding to the same phase angle of the signal to produce an average signal.

Abstract: An arrangement having DC power supply units connection parallel, wherein, the power supplies of the DC power supply units each generate a partial output current for supplying a load with a total output current. In accordance with the invention, an overload of power supply units when the power supply units are switched on and/or during their restart is largely avoided.

Abstract: When a battery pack, comprising an overcurrent protection section for stopping, when a current greater than a first threshold value passes, a current supply, is connected to a power supply terminal of an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus draws a current greater than the first threshold value. Thereafter, an output current and output voltage of the battery pack are detected, thereby measuring a time period from when a current drawing section draws the current greater than the first threshold value to when the battery pack stops the current supply. When the measured time period is within a first predetermined time range, the battery pack is permitted to supply an electric power. On the other hand, when the measured time period is not in the first predetermined time range, the battery pack is prohibited from supplying the electric power.

Abstract: A load driving circuit (20) according to the present invention, for carrying out PWM control to cause currents of respective light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) connected in parallel, each of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) including a plurality of light emitting diodes (4) connected in series, causes timing at which a current of any one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is turned on or off to be different from timing at which current(s) of at least another one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is(are) turned on or off. This makes it possible to provide a load driving circuit which (i) does not have a reduction in a degree of freedom in selecting a frequency of a PWM control signal that is used to control loads, (ii) does not prevent a peripheral circuit from following the PWM control circuit, and (iii) prevents generation of sounds.

Abstract: A gate driver 28 performs a normal charging operation for a power MOSFET 14 by driving a charge pump 90 solely, when a low-level control signal S1 (ON signal) is received during a normal state. On the other hand, if a low-level control signal S1 (ON signal) is received during a load anomaly state, an urgent charge FET 92, as well as the charge pump 90, is turned on when a load current IL exceeds a second anomaly threshold current ILfc, so that a rapid charging operation is performed.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for remote data transmission having processing means comprising a first input to receive a first data item of a state of the circuit breaker, and at least one command output to command transmission of data. The processing means comprise: a second input to receive at least one second data item representative of an electrical fault or of an auxiliary command, identification means to identify the type of electrical fault, and initialization means of the at least one command output. An auxiliary unit and a circuit breaker comprising the device. A method for implementing said device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a PWM controller is configured to inhibit forming a drive signal responsively to an overload sense signal having a value that is no greater than a first value for a first time interval and to form a first duration of the first time interval responsively to the overload sense signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures electrical power usage and quality, while mitigating the effects of noise on measured signals or parameters. Specifically, a digital electrical power and energy meter employs a method in which a processor averages a parameter, such as voltage or current, over a plurality of cycles of a time-varying signal, such as an AC electrical signal. The method employed by the meter samples a parameter over the plurality of cycles and computes the average of the samples corresponding to the same phase angle of the signal to produce an average signal.

Abstract: System and method for protecting a power converter. The system includes a compensation system configured to receive an input signal and generate a control signal, a cycle threshold generator configured to receive the control signal and generate a cycle threshold, and a comparator configured to receive the cycle threshold and a feedback signal and generate a comparison signal. Additionally, the system includes a pulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive the comparison signal and generate a modulation signal in response to the comparison signal, and a switch configured to receive the modulation signal and control an input current for a power converter. The input current is associated with an output power for the power converter. The cycle threshold corresponds to a threshold power level for the output power. The threshold power level is constant, decreases, or increases with respect to the input signal.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: In a method and system for protecting a battery being charged by an electrical device, a current flowing through a cell stack of the battery is measured. If the measured current is greater than a predefined value the battery is isolated from the device. If subsequent current measurements made within a predefined time interval indicate that the measured current is less than or equal to the predefined value then the battery is recoupled to the device. If the measured current remains greater than the predefined value during the predefined time interval then a fuse is blown and the battery is disabled.

Abstract: System and method for protecting a power converter. The system includes a compensation system configured to receive an input signal and generate a control signal, a cycle threshold generator configured to receive the control signal and generate a cycle threshold, and a comparator configured to receive the cycle threshold and a feedback signal and generate a comparison signal. Additionally, the system includes a pulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive the comparison signal and generate a modulation signal in response to the comparison signal, and a switch configured to receive the modulation signal and control an input current for a power converter. The input current is associated with an output power for the power converter. The cycle threshold corresponds to a threshold power level for the output power. The threshold power level is constant, decreases, or increases with respect to the input signal.

Abstract: The voltage generator circuit includes a regulator, a first sensor circuit, and a second sensor circuit. The first sensor circuit includes a first transistor, a first resistor, and an error amplifier. When V1>Vth, the error amplifier senses an overcurrent condition to provide feedback to the operational amplifier to limit an output current. The second sensor circuit includes a second transistor, a second resistor, and a sensing transistor. When the output current exceeds a sense threshold current, the sensing transistor is turned ON to provide feedback to the operational amplifier 12 to limit the output current. The second sensor circuit has a higher setting of sense threshold current than does the first sensor circuit, while having a higher setting of sensing speed than does the first sensor circuit.

Abstract: A surge current delay time period is added to a current limit delay time period in order to permit a longer time for a possibly temporary larger-than-steady-state electrical current, such as for a start-up power requirement. A system is described for permitting a legitimate surge current by distinguishing true over-current fault conditions from temporary surges in terms of high current duration time.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method for configuring a centralized circuit breaker protection system. The method includes determining configuration data for a processor in the centralized circuit breaker protection system in accordance with a parameter relating to an operation of the centralized circuit breaker protection system, and configuring the processor with the configuration data. There is also provided an apparatus for configuring a centralized circuit breaker protection system, and a storage media containing instructions for controlling a computer for configuring a centralized circuit breaker protection system.

Abstract: The electronic trip device includes a processing unit having inputs to receive electrical signals representative of electrical quantities and an output to supply a tripping signal to a tripping relay, and a man-machine interface connected to the processing unit to supply setting parameters and to display information and tripping curves on a screen. The man-machine interface includes display means displaying setting parameters which modify the visual aspect of at least one portion of curve representative of a parameter whose setting is being adjusted. The circuit breaker includes such a trip device connected to current sensors and to contacts to interrupt currents in electrical conductors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fault condition protection of a switched mode power supply. In one aspect of the invention, a power supply circuit having an auto-restart function to turn the power supply on and off repeatedly under fault conditions is included. In one embodiment, one or more off-times following detection of a fault condition is smaller than subsequent off-times.

Abstract: A switching power supply circuit is protected from degradation and breakage of a MOS transistor when the inductive load is short-circuited or overloaded. To do this, the magnitude of the load current flowing through the MOS transistor is detected by a differential amplifier as a voltage drop due to the on resistance of the MOS transistor, a first latch circuit is set by the detection output of the differential amplifier generated when the voltage drop exceeds a predetermined value, and the first latch circuit is reset by the output of a control signal generating circuit controlling the MOS transistor. Current supplies from two constant current sources are switched between in accordance with the output of the first latch circuit to charge and discharge a capacitor for timer time setting. Then, the charging voltage of the capacitor is detected by a comparator, and a second latch circuit is set by the output of the comparator generated when the charging voltage exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for detecting an imminent arc prior to the ignition of the arc in a system having a DC power supply that provides power to a load through a conductor. The inventive circuit includes a current-change detector that detects a sudden drop in current through the conductor that is indicative of an imminent arc. Upon detection of a sudden drop in current through the conductor, a multivibrator generates a pulsed signal, wherein the width of the pulse is indicative of a determined period of time for which the power supply should be disconnected to prevent ignition of an arc. The pulsed signal controls a transistor, which selectively disconnects the power supply from the load for a determined period of time in response to the pulsed signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fault condition protection of a switched mode power supply. In one aspect of the invention, a power supply circuit having an auto-restart function to turn the power supply on and off repeatedly under fault conditions is included. In one embodiment, one or more off-times following detection of a fault condition is smaller than subsequent off-times.

Abstract: The instantaneous tripping threshold of the selective tripping device is a decreasing function of a quantity representative of the time necessary for the current to reach the peak value. The variation curve is disposed between first and second curves, obtained experimentally, representative of envelopes of the peak current values. The first curve is obtained when the circuit breaker associated to the selective tripping device is alone and the second curve when it is connected in series with another circuit breaker connected down-line.

Abstract: A fault or differential current detection system is provided. The detection system detects a fault or differential current generated on a conductive path supplying power to an electric device and prevents the fault or differential current from being supplied to the electric device. The detection system comprises a detector, a switch, and a controller. The detector detects a detected current generated on the conductive path and outputs a corresponding detection signal. The controller inputs the detection signal and determines if the detected current is greater than or equal to a first predetermined current threshold based on the detection signal. Then, the controller refrains from outputting a control signal to the switch for a predetermined delay period after the detected current becomes greater than or equal to the first predetermined current threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fault condition protection of a switched mode power supply. In one aspect of the invention, a power supply circuit having an auto-restart function to turn the power supply on and off repeatedly under fault conditions is included. In one embodiment, one or more off-times following detection of a fault condition is smaller than subsequent off-times.

Abstract: The trip device comprises a system-powered power supply circuit comprising a capacitor for power supply of a trip coil. When the trip device is powered on, the capacitor charges and its voltage is regulated according to a first reference voltage sufficient to activate the trip coil if necessary. After a preset period, regulation of the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor is performed according to a second reference voltage, lower than the first voltage. The reference voltage reverts to the first value during the same preset period when the measured current reaches a preset threshold, which constitutes an indication of the presence of a fault that will lead to tripping being required. The capacitor is therefore generally charged at a lower voltage than that which is necessary for tripping, thus enabling its size to be reduced.

Abstract: A protective relay that derives and processes power system data from multiple user-configurable data source points. Data from multiple source points can be combined in the relay as a single source of data useful to perform a wide variety of monitoring and protection tasks. Multiple digital signal processing modules can be used to provide additional processing resources, including the ability to provide protection and revenue-class metering in a single device.

Abstract: A protection circuit (30) for a Traveling Wave Tube having multiple tone operation. The protection circuit (30) is a dual sensor (52, 54) arrangement. One sensor (52) is an operational amplifier circuit (56) having a short time constant and a high threshold current. The first sensor (52) provides protection against short time scale faults. The second sensor (54) is an operational amplifier circuit (58) having a time constant higher than the first sensor (52) and a lower current threshold than the first sensor (52) to provide protection against long time scale events. The two sensors (52 and 54) are logically “OR”ed with each other and eliminate spurious shutdowns and circuit damage.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system 10 using electronic trip units 35. The electronic trip units 35 are coupled to a communications bus 30 whereby the electronic trip units 35 can be reconfigured, controlled, and/or monitored by a central computer 20. Further, the electronic trip units are coupled to a separate control power supply line 50 and to a zone selective interlock system 70 . The zone selective interlock system 70 is configured to provide tripping delays to circuit breakers located upstream from a detected fault.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is described for monitoring an electronic tripping device for low-voltage switches having a microprocessor device which, in conjunction with a digital-analog converter, evaluates an overcurrent so that line power supply system. The microprocessor device (MPE) has a zero crossing comparator with which a constant test current pulse is transmittable, at zero crossings, to the electronic tripping device via an additional current transformer winding to measure the amplitude. In the case of deviations from the setpoint value, (re)calibration or actuation of the line tripping contacts, with an alarm signal being emitted, takes place.

Abstract: A system including a load center monitor (10) connected to a plurality of digitally enhanced circuit breakers (40) by a communication bus (26) forms a network of reconfigurable circuit breakers which provides advanced monitoring and control of an electrical power distribution system. A user port (20) and a service port (22) provide a communication interface with an external computer. Visual indicators (34) and an audible alarm (30) provide for alerting persons to certain conditions in the system. Buttons are provided for CLEAR (38), RESET (36), and TEST functions, and a diagnostic port (24) is also provided. The load center monitor (10) is operable to monitor the operation of the circuit breakers (40) and download information therefrom for storage in the load center monitor (10) as in the form of historical data.

Abstract: The present invention involves a power circuit breaker that conditionally and temporarily enables instantaneous trip protection. A position sensor senses whether the breaker contacts are open or closed. When the breaker contacts are open, the circuit breaker enables the instantaneous trip protection. After the circuit breaker contacts are closed, the circuit breaker continues to enable the instantaneous trip protector for a predetermined period of time. After this time delay, the circuit breaker disables the instantaneous trip protection and the circuit breaker reverts to providing its ordinary protection, such as long-time or short-time protection.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter of the type including an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination includes a separate circuit to power the trip unit along with a Hall Effect or GMR Device to sense the current flow within the protected circuit. A removable option plug electrically interconnects with the trip unit to enable ground fault and arcing fault protection.

Abstract: The electronic trip device comprises in series for each phase of a power system a sampler, a squaring circuit and a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. A maximum circuit is connected to the output of the FIR filters and to the input of an infinite impulse response filter. A comparison circuit for comparison to thresholds is connected to the output of the IIR filter. It is thus possible to obtain both a good precision and good filtering of the harmonics of the frequencies of conventional power systems (50 Hz, 60 Hz and 400 Hz), and to reduce the necessary computing power, and consequently the cost of the trip device.

Abstract: The trip device comprises a processing unit which gives a tripping order according to the value of the current supplied by current sensors, and to threshold and time delay values defined by setting devices. The setting devices connected to the processing unit comprise multiple contacts. The contacts supply an encoded binary value representative of each position of the setting device. To prevent operating errors between two positions, only one of the contacts changes state between two successive positions. The value supplied by the setting device is the value corresponding to the immediately lower position or to the immediately higher position. The code representative of each position can follow, for example, the order of GRAY encoding.

Abstract: Faults occurring in a telecommunications system are monitored identifying their time of onset and reporting them to an operator through an interface if they have not cleared within a predetermined interval. Transient faults, which do clear within that interval, are not reported directly, but only if such faults occur more frequently than a predetermined rate. This is determined by establishing a scan interval, and an analysis period equal to a plurality of scan intervals, monitoring the system continuously for the occurrences of faults, and storing their times of occurrence in a store. At the end of each scan interval, the number of occurrences of the fault during the analysis period which ends at the end of the scan interval are counted by a counter. If the number of occurrences of the fault in the analysis period is equal to or greater than a threshold value selected by user input, an alarm indicator is activated.