A modular distribution block for a high-current power system includes a ground module and one or more phase modules. The ground module includes a grounding clamp configured to electrically and mechanically connect to a DIN rail and to retain the distribution block in place with respect to the DIN rail. The phase module(s) include: a conductive splice block that connects a line current from a power supply to a powered device; and, a first surge protective device (SPD) terminal and a second SPD terminal configured to together receive and electrically connect to an SPD module, such connection forming a surge protection circuit within the distribution block, the first SPD terminal electrically connecting to the bus terminal and the second SPD terminal electrically connecting, to the splice block. A rigid bus bar electrically connects the ground module to the phase module(s).

A current limiter for selectively limiting a rate of change of current in a DC electrical network may include a first electrical block including an inductive element and a second electrical block including a bidirectional switch. The first electrical block is connected in parallel with the second electrical block between first and second terminals, and the first and second terminals are connectable to the DC electrical network. The bidirectional switch is switchable to: (1) a first mode to permit current flow through the second electrical block in a first current direction and at the same time inhibit current flow through the second electrical block in a second, opposite current direction; and (2) a second mode to permit current flow through the second electrical block in the second current direction and at the same time inhibit current flow through the second electrical block in the first current direction.

A control circuit is provided. The control circuit includes a load switch, and a controller configured to transfer a turn-on signal which is increased step by step to the load switch, and perform a soft start operation which turns on the load switch. In response to the load switch being turned on, the control circuit restricts an inrush current flowing in the load switch.

Overvoltage protection circuits include a combination of an overvoltage detection circuit and a voltage clamping circuit that inhibits sustained overvoltage conditions. An overvoltage detection circuit can include first and second terminals electrically coupled to first and second power supply signal lines, respectively. This overvoltage detection circuit may be configured to generate a clamp activation signal (CAS) in response to detecting an excessive overvoltage between the first and second power supply signal lines. This CAS is provided to an input of the voltage clamping circuit, which is electrically coupled to the first power supply signal line and configured to sink current from the first power supply signal line in response to the CAS. The voltage clamping circuit may be configured to turn on and sink current from the first power supply signal line in-sync with a transition of the CAS from a first logic state to a second logic state.

The disclosed technology generally relates to electrical overstress protection devices, and more particularly to electrical overstress monitoring devices for detecting electrical overstress events in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, an electrical overstress monitor and/or protection device includes a two different conductive structures configured to electrically arc in response to an EOS event and a sensing circuit configured to detect a change in a physical property of the two conductive structures caused by the EOS event. The two conductive structures have facing surfaces that have different shapes.

The disclosed technology generally relates to electrical overstress protection devices, and more particularly to electrical overstress monitoring devices for detecting electrical overstress events in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, an electrical overstress monitor and/or protection device includes a two different conductive structures configured to electrically arc in response to an EOS event and a sensing circuit configured to detect a change in a physical property of the two conductive structures caused by the EOS event. The two conductive structures have facing surfaces that have different shapes.

A transient voltage suppressing (TVS) integrated circuit includes an input output pin, a ground pin, a substrate, a first TVS die and a second TVS die. The substrate provides a common bus. The first TVS die is disposed on the substrate, and includes a first input output terminal and a first reference ground terminal. The second TVS die is disposed on the substrate and includes a second input output terminal and a second reference ground terminal. The second reference ground terminal is electrically coupled to the first reference ground terminal through the common bus, and the first input output terminal is coupled to the first input out pin, and the second input output terminal is coupled to a ground pin.

A device is provided for intrinsically safe redundant current supply of field devices with a common current-limiting resistor in the mesh of the field device and with redundant current supply units. A current sensor can be provided in the mesh of the field device, the output signal of which sensor is connected to a controllable voltage source in the redundant current supply units.

A hot plug device includes an electronic subsystem and a plurality of main turn on FETs, wherein each main turn on FET includes a gate, a power input for coupling to a power source, and an output for controllably providing power to the electronic subsystem. An auxiliary current path is in parallel with the main turn on FETs and includes a fuse, an impedance element and an auxiliary turn on FET. A turn on controller controls the main turn on FETs and the auxiliary turn on FET. Current is initially through the high impedance auxiliary current path to apply voltage to an output power rail. Subsequently, current is allowed to pass through a plurality of main turn on FETs to the output power rail in response to the output power rail having a voltage exceeding a voltage threshold as a result of using the high impedance auxiliary current path.

Precharging systems and methods are presented for precharging a DC bus circuit in a power conversion system, in which precharging current is connected through a precharging resistance coupled between only a single AC input line and the DC bus circuit when the DC bus voltage is less than a non-zero threshold, and a controller individually activates controllable rectifier switching devices when the DC bus voltages greater than or equal to the threshold using DC gating or pulse width modulation to selectively provide a bypass path around the precharging resistance for normal load currents in the power conversion system.