Abstract: An SCR circuit formed on a semiconductor substrate includes a well region, a first diffusion region and a second diffusion region in the well region, and a third diffusion region in the substrate. The SCR circuit also includes a capacitor connected between the first diffusion region and the third diffusion region. The junction region between the well region and the diffusion region is forward biased when an electrostatic force is applied to the SCR circuit, thereby triggering the SCR circuit to discharge the electrostatic force.

Abstract: A power tool has a variable speed control circuit that comprises a user switch, a motor and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) connected in series between a pair of power supply terminals. A manually variable resistor is connected between a first electrode of the SCR and a circuit node. A capacitor is coupled between the circuit node and a second SCR electrode. A bleed-off resistor is connected between second electrode of the SCR and the circuit node to provide a path for discharging the capacitor when the user switch is open. A zener diode couples the circuit node to the SCR gate electrode. The circuit configuration ensures that the capacitor charges from substantially the same voltage level at the start of each half-cycle during which the SCR is to be turned on.

Abstract: A DC motor control circuit for controlling a restraint torque of a DC motor which continues the rotation by triggering an external force. This control circuit is installed in a DC motor. In a DC motor control circuit comprising a drive transistor collector connected to a first brush of a DC motor, and a detection transistor collector connected to the base of said drive transistor and base connected to said first brush, a variable resistor is connected between the emitter of said detection transistor and a second brush of said DC motor and a capacitor connected between their one end and movable terminal of said variable resistor. The control circuit further comprises a drive current limiter for the drive transistor.

Abstract: A power tool has a variable speed control circuit that comprises a user switch, a motor and a thyristor connected in series between a pair of power supply terminals. A manually variable resistor is connected between a first electrode of the thyristor and a circuit node. A capacitor is coupled between the circuit node and the second thyristor electrode. A bleed-off resistor is connected between second thyristor electrode and the circuit node to provide a path for discharging the capacitor when the user switch is open. A semiconductor trigger device, such as a diac or silicon trigger switch, couples the circuit node to the thyristor gate electrode. The circuit operation ensures that the capacitor charges from substantially the same voltage level at the start of each half-cycle during which the thyristor is to be turned on.

Abstract: A control circuit for alternating current motors comprises a bidrectional controlled diode (TRIAC) connected in series to the motor and with its own control terminal connected to a fixed-phase actuating network in order to supply partial power to the motor. The control terminal is also connected to a switching device, piloted by a control signal to supply it, when closed, with a bias current which causes the continuous operation of the TRIAC, so as to supply full power to the motor. The control circuit can be used in conjunction with circuits which measure the current absorbed by the motor and give said control signal to make it switch from the full power condition to the partial power condition and vice versa whenever said current reaches pre-established thresholds. One of these circuits supplies partial power to the motor whenever the current it absorbs is too high, which indicates a mechanical overload.

Abstract: The invention provides a cushioning control circuit which restricts the initial flow of current to a D.C. permanent magnet motor by providing a neon control lamp in series with a pair of triac control circuits which drops the initial voltage imposed on the motor windings.