Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Current and/or voltage regulation – Automatic regulation
Reexamination Certificate
2005-11-29
2005-11-29
Vannucci, James (Department: 2828)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Current and/or voltage regulation
Automatic regulation
C315S194000, C315S294000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06969959
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared. Lockout circuitry is used to prevent one protection circuit from tripping after the other circuit has already tripped from a fault condition. The protection circuitry output is desirably configured such that it can bypass and override the normal turn on and turn off impedance and act virtually directly on the gates of the MOSFETs. Preferably, the system has a high efficiency switching type power supply in parallel with a low frequency controllably conductive device.
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Black Richard L.
Christensen Graham
Johnson Benjamin Aaron
Leichliter Shawn L.
Newman, Jr. Robert C.
Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.
Vannucci James
Woodcock & Washburn LLP
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