Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – With specific current responsive fault sensor
Patent
1999-01-25
2000-08-22
Sherry, Michael J.
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
With specific current responsive fault sensor
361 939, 361 94, 361103, 361 79, 361118, H02H 300
Patent
active
061081833
ABSTRACT:
A current limiter is provided that includes a power switch for receiving input power from a power source and passing at least a portion of the input power to an output, a current sense mechanism coupled to the power switch for sensing current flowing through the current limiter and for providing a current flow signal related to the current flow through the current limiter, and a control mechanism coupled to the power switch that causes the power switch to reduce the current flow when the current flow signal indicates that the current flow exceeds a first current flow level. In one embodiment the current limiter may include a voltage sense mechanism that senses the voltage drop across the input to output of the device and use a reference voltage and a control loop to maintain the voltage drop relatively constant at all load currents. In another embodiment the current limiter may include a timing mechanism that provides a timing signal that is used by the control mechanism to cause the power switch to block power transmission to the load. In yet another embodiment the current limiter may include a temperature sensing mechanism that provides a first temperature signal that is used by the control mechanism to cause the power switch to block power transmission when the temperature signal indicates that a monitored temperature exceeds a reference temperature. Optionally, the current limiter may include a surge voltage protection mechanism that blocks high voltage power surges from the output. Also, the current limiter may include short circuit protection means.
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Marconi Communications Inc.
Sherry Michael J.
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