Inrush current limiter with output voltage detection for control of input current level and activation of current bypass path
US6163712A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/908
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to the present disclosure, an inrush current limiter comprises an input (190) for connection to a supply voltage, an output (202) for connection to a load, a current limiter circuit (102), a current bypass circuit (106), and a charge status circuit (104). During the initial charging of capacitors, the current limiter circuit (102) senses a large inrush current and limits the current to a predetermined quantity. The current bypass circuit (106) is switched off during the initial charging of the capacitors. When the capacitors are charged to substantially equal the input voltage, the current bypass circuit (106) is switched on to provide a low-resistance path for the supply current to pass through. In addition, the charge status circuit (104) operates to indicate the supply voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.