Time multiplexing voltage clamping in coil driving circuit for a contactor during quick turn off
US11716072B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/0072
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Examples of contactor controllers, systems and methods time-modulate levels of high-side (HS) and low-side (LS) clamp voltages in a contactor controller to switch a path through which current flows during quick-turn-off (QTO) of the contactor controller. One of the clamp voltages is at a high level and the other is at a low level. The output voltage of the contactor controller is held at the low level. The path switching may be a function of one or more parameters. In a configuration, the level of a supply voltage of the contactor controller is monitored and used to control the path switching. In a configuration, temperatures of HS and LS transistors of the contactor controller are monitored and used to control the path switching. Control of the path switching may be performed to dissipate power in a larger area to increase thermal performance of the contactor controller. Both clamps may remain active throughout the QTO process, providing redundancy and safety.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.