Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – With specific quantity comparison means
Patent
1996-03-04
1997-12-02
Gaffin, Jeffrey A.
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
With specific quantity comparison means
361101, 361159, H02H 318
Patent
active
056942826
ABSTRACT:
In one embodiment of the present invention, across an electrical load to prevent over dissipation semiconductor switch in the event of a short circuit. The system includes a microprocessor with a terminal which is alternatively configurable as an input and as an output. When the terminal is configured as an output, the microprocessor can turn the electrical load ON and OFF via a transistor, under software control. Once the microprocessor turns the load ON, the microprocessor reconfigures its terminal to be an input. The system automatically latches the electrical load ON until a short circuit occurs or until the microprocessor turns the load OFF. When a short circuit occurs, the system automatically turns the load OFF. With the microprocessor terminal configured as an input, the microprocessor can detect when the system has automatically turned the load OFF due to a short circuit, thus being able to set a diagnostic code or take other appropriate action. A low-pass filter can be added between the microprocessor terminal and the transistor, reducing the inductive voltage spike which may occur when the load is turned OFF.
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Ford Motor Company
Gaffin Jeffrey A.
Sherry Michael
Sparschu Mark S.
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