Patent · US Expired

Voltage fault detection and protection

US7609080B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
7References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 19, 2005
Grant dateOct 27, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 19, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/2889
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A fault detection and protection circuit can include a comparing circuit (e.g., a comparator or a detector) that can be connected to a power line supplying power to an electronic device being tested. The comparing circuit can be configured to detect a fault in which the power line is shorted to ground. For example, the electronic device being tested may have a fault in which its power terminals are shorted to ground. Upon detection of such a fault, the comparing circuit activates one or more switches that shunt capacitors or other energy storage devices on the power line to ground. The comparing circuit may alternatively or in addition activate one or more switches that disconnect the power supply supplying power to the electronic device under test from probes contacting the electronic device.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.