DC arc detection and prevention circuit and method
US6683766B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H1/0015
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method are disclosed for detecting an imminent arc prior to the ignition of the arc in a system having a DC power supply that provides power to a load through a conductor. The inventive circuit includes a current-change detector that detects a sudden drop in current through the conductor that is indicative of an imminent arc. Upon detection of a sudden drop in current through the conductor, a multivibrator generates a pulsed signal, wherein the width of the pulse is indicative of a determined period of time for which the power supply should be disconnected to prevent ignition of an arc. The pulsed signal controls a transistor, which selectively disconnects the power supply from the load for a determined period of time in response to the pulsed signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.