Abstract: An apparatus includes a single sense pin connected to a line of a device connected to the apparatus, a gate pin configured to produce a gate signal to enable or disable a switch connected between the line of the device connected to the apparatus and a system ground, and control logic. The control logic is configured to at the single sense pin, determine a short between the device and the system ground, and, based upon the determination of the short, disable the switch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a DC-AC converter, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the DC-AC converter comprises a transformer, a pulse generator, a pulse modulator, a switching element, and an analog low pass filtering stage. Further, the pulse generator is configured for generating pulses characterized by a pulse frequency. Further, the pulse modulator is configured for generating a pulse density modulated signal based on modulating the pulses using a sine wave signal of a fundamental frequency. Further, the switching element is connected in series with a primary winding of the transformer. Further, the switching element is configured to be switched between an on state and an off state based on the pulse density modulated signal. Further, the analog low pass filtering stage is configured for generating an AC voltage of the fundamental frequency based on attenuating higher frequency components of an unfiltered AC voltage at a secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for deactivating an occupant protection device is indicated, comprising a first switch having a first ohmic resistor connected in series with the first switch. The first ohmic resistor together with the first switch and a second ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a first parallel connection. The circuit arrangement includes a second switch having a third ohmic resistor connected in series with the second switch. The third ohmic resistor together with the second switch and a fourth ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a second parallel connection, the first parallel connection and the second parallel connection are connected in series with one another. A resistance value of the first ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the third ohmic resistor, and a resistance value of the second ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the first ohmic resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trip device for a molded case circuit breaker and, more specifically, to an electronic trip device for a molded case circuit breaker. The electronic trip device for a molded case circuit breaker, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a trip part case having a plurality of phases; a trip part terminal provided at the rear surface part of the trip part case and provided for each phase; and a voltage sensing conductor coupled between the rear surface part and the trip part terminal and provided for each phase, wherein the voltage sensing conductor provided for each phase is formed to have the same shape and the same size.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit includes switches, resistors, and a voltage divider. A first switch includes a first control terminal and switches current to a load. The first resistor is connected in series with the first switch. The second resistor is connected in series with a second control terminal of the second switch and an output terminal of the overcurrent protection circuit. The voltage divider is connected in series with the second switch and has a center terminal connected to the first control terminal. A DC source voltage is across the second switch and the voltage divider. A latching circuit is provided by the switches, the voltage divider, the first resistor and the load. The second switch discharges the first switch to limit current to the output terminal in response to a voltage drop across the first resistor indicating current supplied to the output terminal has exceeded a threshold.

Abstract: A mobile application includes a motive power circuit having a power storage device and an electrical load, where the power storage device and the electrical load are selectively electrically coupled through a power bus. The application includes a power distribution unit (PDU) electrically interposed between the power storage device and the electrical load, where the PDU includes a breaker/relay positioned on one of a high side and a low side of the power storage device. The breaker/relay includes a fixed contact and a moveable contact selectively electrically coupled to the fixed contact, where the moveable contact allows power flow through the power bus when electrically coupled to the fixed contact, and prevents power flow through the power bus when not electrically coupled to the fixed contact. The breaker/relay includes an armature coupled to the moveable contact, and capable to open or close the motive power circuit.

Abstract: A method of providing power to a load, such as an IT load, includes generating an output power using at least one power module comprising at least one fuel cell segment, providing a first portion of the output power through a grid to an A-side power feed of the load, and providing a second portion of the output power to a B-side power feed of the load.

Abstract: A remote controlled interactive power switch includes a first coil for controlling a switch contact to be closed by suction, a self-locked device for locking the switch contact to keep conducting state by mechanical self-locking, a second coil for controlling the self-locked device to be disengaged and a power supply control circuit. The power supply control circuit is connected with an interactive control module which includes a remote controlled interactive connecting unit, an interactive monitoring unit, a switch-on signal producing unit and a turn-off signal producing unit. The present invention can simplify the complex control circuit and thoroughly resolve the technical requirements of the power switch with high make-break capacity. Additionally, the present invention produces consumption only when starting the on-off switch, and after starting and under normal operation, the pulse magnetic energy coil keeps an inactivity state, no consumption, no heat and no noise.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recognizing an error in a power bridge circuit containing a load, a high-side branch and a low-side branch. Accordingly, a first switched current source is connected to the load and to a diagnosis connection for a high-potential of a diagnosis voltage, a second switched current source is connected to the load and to a diagnosis connection for a low-potential of the diagnosis voltage, and a control device for controlling the first switched current source and the second switched current source. The control device switches on one of the switched current sources when the high-side power switch and the low-side power switch are open, while the other switched current source is switched off. A testing device tests a voltage at the load when one of the switched current sources is switched on and the other of the switched current sources is switched off.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.

Abstract: Methods and techniques to implement a digital signal processor for avoidance of audio feedback are disclosed, in particular, audio signal processing systems that reduce the requirement for physical segregation of sound acquisition and diffusion zones. In a more general aspect, the components and techniques described herein provide a for a sound space and sound processing equipment such that sound travelling electronically in a loop through the sound processing equipment that is output into a physical sound diffusion zone, received at the input to the sound processing equipment, and then re-amplified, etc. is attenuated over that loop by frequency modification. The frequency modification is such that, at least for some signals, on each pass through the loop, the sound processing equipment will attenuate or amplify individual sub-bands of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal that is received at the input of the sound processing equipment.

Abstract: An alarm device includes a first detecting unit and a controlling unit. The first detecting unit has an isolating circuit, a first enabling circuit, a second enabling circuit and an output circuit. The isolating circuit generates an adjusting signal according to an input signal. The first enabling circuit generates a first enabling signal according to the adjusting signal. The second enabling circuit generates a second enabling signal according to the first enabling signal. The output circuit outputs a first detecting signal according to the second enabling signal. The controlling unit outputs a control signal according to the first detecting signal. The control signal controls an electronic device to operate under a standby mode when the first detecting signal refers to an abnormal status.

Abstract: A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit to trip in response to a microcontroller fault or a failure of a regulated power supply powering the microcontroller. The circuit breaker includes an RC circuit connected to an SCR. The resistor of the RC circuit is connected between the anode and gate of the SCR, and the capacitor is connected between the gate and cathode of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first pin coupled to the RC circuit, which is initially in a high input impedance state. In the event of a microcontroller fault or power supply failure, the capacitor will charge to a voltage sufficient to activate the SCR and trip the breaker. If the microcontroller startup routine is successful, the pin is configured as an output and is pulled low, shorting out the capacitor.

Abstract: A transmission delay line is introduced between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions.

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one secondary battery, a fuse, and a control section. The fuse is configured to cut off charge or discharge current of the secondary battery upon detection of an abnormality of the secondary battery. The control section is configured to detect the abnormality of the secondary battery, and to perform a fusion-cutting process of fusion-cutting the fuse in accordance with the result of the detection. Upon detection of the abnormality, the control section measures a first potential being the potential of a subsequent stage of the fuse and a second potential being the potential of the secondary battery. If it is found from the result of the measurement that the first potential and the second potential are equal, the control section determines that the fuse has not been fusion-cut by the fusion-cutting process, and stops the fusion-cutting process.

Abstract: Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit includes a voltage generating unit and a comparing unit. The voltage generating unit is configured for receiving a first voltage and generating a reference voltage. The reference voltage has an offset positively dependent on temperature and negatively dependent on the first voltage, and the offset of the reference voltage varies along with another offset varying within a sense voltage sensed by the over-current protection circuit. The comparing unit is configured for comparing the reference voltage with the sense voltage to output a control signal for de-asserting the sense voltage when the sense voltage is correlated to an over-current condition of the sense voltage exceeding the reference voltage. A driver is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention describes an electric circuit (100), a method and a computer program for hot-swapping an electronic board in a telecommunication system, where the increase in current in the electric circuit is controlled by a microcontroller (130) switching a power transistor in a switching circuit (150) so as to gradually increase the capacitor voltage for the electronic board. The current level is measured either in the microcontroller (130) itself or in an external current sense circuit (140) and compared to a maximum current level.

Abstract: Provided is a display device which enables the automatic return of a power source circuit after the power source circuit is protected from an overcurrent, at low cost. The display device includes: an output transistor having a base to which a drive voltage signal is inputted and outputting a drive voltage from an emitter; a first transistor being turned on when an overcurrent flows into the output transistor; and a second transistor being turned on and turning off the output transistor when the first transistor is turned on, the first and second transistors are repeatedly turned on and off so as to make the output transistor intermittently operate within an overcurrent operation period, and the first and second transistors are turned off and the output transistor automatically returns to a normal operation when an operation period is shifted from the overcurrent operation period to a normal operation period.

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: To provide a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a detection circuit that detects an occurrence of latch up and can be configured while adopting a layout configuration that suppresses the occurrence of latch up; and a recovery unit that enables a recovery from the latch up without cutting off a positive potential. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a n-channel MOS transistor 7 that is formed on a P-type region 3 on a semiconductor substrate; and a latch up detection circuit that detects an occurrence of latch up in the n-channel MOS transistor 7. The latch up detection circuit includes: a n-MOS transistor structure 12 in which a source 10 and a back gate 8 are connected in common with a source 5 and the back gate 8 of the n-channel MOS transistor 7; and an electric current detection unit 15 that detects an electric current flowing to a drain 9 of the n-MOS transistor structure 12.

Abstract: A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit breaker to trip in response to a microcontroller fault, including a timing circuit powered by a power supply and a microcontroller. The timing circuit is electrically coupled to an SCR that causes the circuit breaker to trip. The timing circuit includes a BJT coupled to the gate of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first output coupled to the timing circuit and a second output coupled to the SCR. The first output is coupled to a node between a resistor and a grounded capacitor in the timing circuit, and the node is coupled to a gate of the SCR and to a base of the transistor. A voltage develops at the node sufficient to cause the gate of the SCR to turn on unless the microcontroller pulls the first high-impedance output to a logic low state.

Abstract: A radiation-tolerant inrush limiter is provided. The inrush limiter does not incorporate radiation-hardened parts, but instead uses an ordinary (non-hardened) p-channel FET to provide switching functionality.

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: A module hot swap circuit includes a low voltage-drop rectifier adapted to receive either positive or negative voltages of different absolute values. The rectifier is coupled to a power manager that provides dual startup/shutdown voltage thresholds and inrush current limiting. A detector prevents reverse current flow allowing the module to hold up during input voltage drop-outs.

Abstract: A transmission delay line is introduced between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions.

Abstract: For protecting a power system, two or three of over current, thermal and under voltage protection circuits are integrated as one protection circuit but operate independently, and one or more protection points thereof are adjusted dynamically in response to detected condition of the power system. Specifically, using voltage and current conditions in the power system to modify the over current protection and the thermal protection maximizes the performance of the power system and covers the process bias in the circuits.

Abstract: A transmission delay line is introduced between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit breaker to trip in response to a microcontroller fault, including a timing circuit powered by a power supply and a microcontroller. The timing circuit is electrically coupled to an SCR that causes the circuit breaker to trip. The timing circuit includes a BJT coupled to the gate of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first output coupled to the timing circuit and a second output coupled to the SCR. The first output is coupled to a node between a resistor and a grounded capacitor in the timing circuit, and the node is coupled to a gate of the SCR and to a base of the transistor. A voltage develops at the node sufficient to cause the gate of the SCR to turn on unless the microcontroller pulls the first high-impedance output to a logic low state.

Abstract: A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit to trip in response to a microcontroller fault or a failure of a regulated power supply powering the microcontroller. The circuit breaker includes an RC circuit connected to an SCR. The resistor of the RC circuit is connected between the anode and gate of the SCR, and the capacitor is connected between the gate and cathode of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first pin coupled to the RC circuit, which is initially in a high input impedance state. In the event of a microcontroller fault or power supply failure, the capacitor will charge to a voltage sufficient to activate the SCR and trip the breaker. If the microcontroller startup routine is successful, the pin is configured as an output and is pulled low, shorting out the capacitor.

Abstract: The MPU for switching control arithmetic operation 210 in the switching control arithmetic operation unit 200 performs arithmetic operations to determine a predetermined delay time (synchronous delay count value D) for each circuit breaker 1100. The synchronous delay count value is sent to each switching command control unit 400 of the corresponding circuit breaker. The hardware counter 20 of the switching command output control unit 450, for the switching command signal received from the superordinate device 2000, counts the synchronous delay count value D, which is the delay time. When the semiconductor switch of the switching command output unit 10 turns ON after counting completes, the switching command signal (circuit breaker drive current) after the synchronous switching control is output to the circuit breaker drive coil 1110 of the circuit breaker 1100.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting a motor control circuit in a permanent magnet electric motor system. The permanent magnet electric motor system includes a permanent magnet electric motor having a predetermined number of windings corresponding to the phases of the permanent magnet electric motor and a direct current (DC) bus coupled to a power source for providing operational power for the electric motor system. A motor control circuit is connected to the DC bus for receiving the operational power therefrom and is connected to the windings of the permanent magnet electric motor for controlling the permanent magnet electric motor. A protection circuit is connected to the DC bus for receiving the voltage therefrom for operation of the protection circuit and for detecting predetermined motor control circuit fault conditions from voltage sensed on the DC bus and in response thereto providing protection for the motor control circuit.

Abstract: A current limiter circuit in an IC having a power transistor and an output current detection circuit connected in series with the power transistor. A comparator, a first reference voltage generator circuit and a second reference voltage generator circuit are also included in the current limiter circuit. The comparator generates a control signal for stopping a drive of the power transistor for a predetermined time. The comparator generates the control signal according to a detection signal obtained by the output current detection circuit and a second reference voltage obtained by the second reference voltage generator circuit when the output current of the power transistor reaches a predetermined value larger than the predetermined limit value. The first reference voltage generator circuit is provided externally of the IC and the second reference voltage generator circuit is included within the IC.

Abstract: A power supply control device for on-vehicle electric loads is proposed, the control device being capable of detecting breakages at a plurality of electrical loads, a positive side wiring thereof, a negative side wiring thereof, and a commutation circuit. Energization of electrical loads from driving power supply is controlled using switching elements. Anode terminals of commutation diodes connected in parallel with the electrical loads are connected to a load ground by an external common negative line or external individual negative lines. A breakage abnormality at the external common negative line or external individual negative lines is detected by negative line breakage abnormality detection circuit. Load currents at the electrical loads are detected by current detection resistors and current detecting differential amplifier circuits, and it is determined that there is an individual abnormality when a detected current is greatly different from a target current.

Abstract: A current-limiting circuit for limiting rising of a current above a predetermined level. The circuit including forward- and reverse-conducting devices, each device including a MOS and a bipolar transistor, wherein ON-resistance of one of the devices is used instead of a current-sensing resistance for another of the devices; and a gate driver connected to the gates of the forward- and reverse-conducting devices for controlling the devices such that a channel of each of the devices simultaneously conducts a current.

Abstract: In a load-driving apparatus with a FET between a battery and a load, an overcurrent detection circuit has a function generation circuit with a voltage divider circuit and a comparator. The voltage divider circuit has a pair of resistors connected to a drain of the FET, and a Zener diode connected to a connection point in parallel to the second resistor. The comparator compares a reference voltage at the connection point with a variable voltage of the FET, and outputs an overcurrent detection signal when the variable voltage becomes lower than the reference voltage. When no overcurrent exists and the battery voltage is not decreasing, the connection point is kept at a breakdown voltage of the Zener diode, and the difference with respect to the source voltage of the FET becomes particularly large. The comparator therefore does not erroneously output an overcurrent detection signal even when noise enters the system.

Abstract: Power switching apparatus comprising switch means having a control terminal and output terminals for connection in series between a power supply and a load. The switch means is responsive to a control signal applied to the control terminal to switch between an ON-state in which it supplies power supply current from the power supply through the output terminals to the load and an OFF-state in which it interrupts the supply of power through the output terminals to the load.

Abstract: A basic idea of the invention is to introduce a transmission delay line between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that any sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit of a semiconductor circuit including a power transistor for outputting current output, a first output current detection circuit and a current limiter circuit for limiting the output current by stopping the output current of the power transistor for a predetermined period in response to a first detection signal from the output current detection circuit when the output current of the power transistor reaches a predetermined limit value. The over-current protection circuit has an output current detection transistor current-mirror connected to the power transistor and a second output current detection circuit for generating a second detection signal according to an output current of the output current detection transistor when the output current reaches the predetermined limit value. Further, the output current of the power transistor is cut off for the predetermined period by operating the current limiter circuit in response to the second detection signal.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit capable of increasing a range of applicable load values is disclosed. An output circuit (100) may include a current limiting circuit. A current limiting circuit may include a voltage detecting circuit (1) and a voltage clamping circuit (2). A voltage detecting circuit (1) may detect a plurality of output voltages (Vout). Voltage clamping circuit (2) may clamp a control terminal of an output transistor (M1) to a plurality of clamped voltages in response to the plurality of detected output voltages (Vout). In this way, an output transistor (M1) may have a plurality of current limitation values as an output voltage (Vout) changes. By doing so, an output circuit (100) may be applicable to a multitude of load (LOAD) values and properly operate without risks of overcurrent or undesired quiescent operating states being entered, as just two examples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for switching a semi-conductor circuit breaker by means of which the resistance of the breaker gap of the semi-conductor circuit breaker is controlled by a control voltage (Vst), such that the power loss (Pist) from the circuit breaker does not exceed a predetermined setpoint (Psoll). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method wherein a transfer gate, which is controlled by a charge pump, is used as a semi-conductor circuit breaker.

Abstract: A transistor active bridge circuit (400) rectifies domestic AC mains (for example, 120V, 60 Hz) and/or foreign AC mains (for example, 230V, 50 Hz) with low power loss. The circuit includes first and second field effect transistors (102, 104) of a first channel type, and third and fourth field effect transistors (106, 108) of a second channel type that is different from the first channel type. A set of voltage dividers (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124) and voltage clamping devices (126, 128, 130, 132) permit the circuit (400) to efficiently operate over a wider range of input voltages, without potential damage to the field effect transistors. Shoot-through protection devices (420, 430) provide a means for preventing the first and second field effect transistors (102, 104) from conducting simultaneously. Shoot-through protection devices (440, 450) provide a means for preventing the third and fourth field effect transistors (106, 108) from conducting simultaneously.

Abstract: A load-protection control circuit of a power supply, which applies to the power supply that has a maximum power-limiting function. The power supply includes a power transformation circuit which outputs a direct current to drive loads and a control circuit which can switch the power transformation circuit electrically coupled to a power-protection circuit that has a voltage representing reference power. The direct current voltage driving the load is compared with the voltage representing reference power by the power-protection circuit to output a protection signal to the control circuit for switching the power transformation circuit. The power-protection circuit and the control circuit are electrically connected to a switcher circuit connected to a switch, wherein the switch can switch the switcher circuit to be in open-circuit or close-circuit state in order to determine whether the protection signal is transmitted to the control circuit. Thereby, the objective of load-protection control is accomplished.

Abstract: An overcurrent detecting device for detecting an overcurrent in a load circuit, includes a DC power supply, a load, a semiconductor switch that controls ON/OFF of the load, a driver circuit that outputs a driving signal to the semiconductor switch, a reference voltage generating circuit that generates a reference voltage from the DC power supply, a voltage drop generating circuit that includes a resistor for generating a voltage drop and generates a voltage drop in the resistor for generating a voltage drop, a decision voltage generating circuit that generates, as a decision voltage, a voltage corresponding to a voltage obtained by adding a voltage drop generated when the semiconductor switch is turned ON and a voltage drop generated in the resistor for generating a voltage drop, and a comparing circuit that compares the decision voltage with the reference voltage and outputs a disconnecting command signal of the semiconductor switch to the driver circuit when the decision voltage is greater than the referenc

Abstract: The present invention relates to intelligent fuse box (1) for a vehicle's multiplex power distribution system, the fuse box including outputs (3) for driving the vehicle's functional components/actuators and/or cable buses (11–13) equipped with intelligent_nodes (14), the latter in turn having outputs for driving functional components/actuators (15), and further including means serving fuse functions between the outputs (3; 11–13) and the vehicle's power supply bus (12). The fuse-function means are controlled solid-state switches (4). The fuse box (1) includes inputs (5) for receiving messages controlling the ON/OFF state of solid-state switches (4) and a microprocessor (6), the latter controlling the solid-state switches (4) based on a program stored in the microprocessor memory (7) and on current limits predetermined in configuration data (8).

Abstract: A booster includes a boosting circuit and a feedback control circuit. The boosting circuit is used to boost an input voltage into a predetermined output voltage; the feedback control circuit detects the output voltage of the boosting circuit and stops boosting the voltage when the output voltage is higher than a predetermined value so as to prevent additional power consumption of a battery and increase transferring efficiency.

Abstract: An electrical coil module of planar type manufactured by printed circuit techniques on a generally flat substrate (21) has a first layout (20) of conducing material constituting a first electrical conductor having an input terminal (23), arranged on one side of the substrate (21). A second layout (20′) of conducting material constituting a second electrical conductor having an output terminal (24), is arranged on the opposite side of the substrate. The first and second conductors are connected by an electrical connection (22) through the substrate (21), so that an electrical voltage connected between the input and output terminals of the coil module will drive a current from one terminal through the conductor on one side of the substrate via connection (22) through the substrate and the conductor on the other side of the substrate to the other terminal.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an electrostatic discharge protection apparatus including a silicon controlled rectifier, a triggering voltage adapter network and a holding voltage adapter network. Additionally, the triggering voltage adapter network and the holding voltage adapter network are coupled to the silicon controlled rectifier. The present invention can change the characteristic of current vs. voltage by adjusting the triggering voltage and the holding voltage of the silicon controlled rectifier to meet the special requirement of various chips, and effectively prevent the chips from being damaged caused by the electrostatic discharging.