Externally programmable solid state power controller with power switch protection apparatus and method for making
US6125024A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H9/025
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solid state power controller for switching power on and off to an electrical load which also serves as a circuit protection device protecting the load and/or the wire connected between the load output terminal of the controller and ground from thermal damage due to current overload is shown. Upon current overload the controller interrupts current to the load in a time inversely proportional to the square of the magnitude of the overload. The controller also limits the load current to a selected maximum level by controlling the drain-source resistance of power MOSFETs (PS1-7) used for switching power. A secondary interrupt is provided in the event that the junction temperature of the MOSFETs has risen to a selected maximum level. A thermal memory feature is included for both interrupt signals. The controller is controlled by a single on/off input line (COMMAND) and provides both a status (STATUS) and trip (TRIP) output line. The status can be configured to monitor load voltage or load current flow. The controller also can be configured to default to either an on or off state in the event the input line is disconnected. The controller is made so that it is externally programmable b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.