A method and apparatus for performing current control for an integrated circuit are described. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises core logic coupled to receive a first current; a clock generator to generate a first clock signal; and a closed loop current controller coupled to the clock generator and coupled to provide a second clock signal to the core logic based on the first clock signal, the current controller to control an amount of the first current received by the core logic by changing the first clock signal to generate the second clock signal.

A system to detect a status of a switching semiconductor in a switching circuit is provided. The system includes the switching semiconductor, an actuator, wherein the actuator is electrically coupled to a first end of the switching semiconductor, a resistor electrically coupled to a second end of the switching semiconductor, a switching device electrically coupled to the resistor, a detector connected to a collector terminal of the bi-polar junction transistor, and a processor. The processor is configured to provide a trigger voltage to the switching semiconductor, wherein the trigger voltage activates the switching semiconductor and induces current flow from the actuator through the resistor via the switching semiconductor. The processor activates the switching device, based on the activated switching semiconductor and detects a voltage at a collector terminal of the switching device. The processor determines the status of the switching semiconductor based on the detected voltage.

An electric fence monitoring unit and an integrated energizer/monitoring unit with remote control and communication capability using GSM based cellular technology, and a method for the use thereof, is provided. A simple set of commands can be used and sent, such as through text messaging (SMS) or a smartphone application, to control and/or receive information from the monitoring unit including alerts sent to the user in the case of faults or changes in fence loading. The monitoring unit includes a safety mode that uses time dependent voltage detection to detect when a sudden and significant drop in fence voltage has occurred, as may result when an animal becomes trapped or entangled in the fence. When such a large and rapid voltage drop is detected and the safety mode is enabled, the unit automatically de-energizes the electric fence and an alert is sent to the user advising that the fence should be looked at without delay.

An AC arc fault detection module includes a current detecting section having at least one output and being structured to determine whether at least one signal based on a current measured from an AC phase line exceeds at least one corresponding predetermined threshold level and cause the at least one output to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded. The module also includes a processing device structured to: (i) receive the at least one output, (ii) determine whether an arc fault in the AC electrical system has occurred based on at least the at least one output, (iii) determine an estimation of background noise based on at least one signal indicative of a current on the AC phase line, and (iv) adjust the at least one corresponding predetermined threshold level based on the estimation of background noise.

A method and apparatus for performing current control for an integrated circuit are described. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises core logic coupled to receive a first current; a clock generator to generate a first clock signal; and a closed loop current controller coupled to the clock generator and coupled to provide a second clock signal to the core logic based on the first clock signal, the current controller to control an amount of the first current received by the core logic by changing the first clock signal to generate the second clock signal.

A method for operating a microcomputer apparatus includes provisioning an electrical reference voltage that is independent of an electrical supply voltage, continuously comparing a defined level of the electrical reference voltage with the electrical supply voltage, and performing a defined operation with the microcomputer apparatus for at least one defined ratio between the defined level of the electrical reference voltage and the electrical supply voltage. The provisioning and the continuous comparing involves using a functional module of the microcomputer apparatus.

An electrical storage system includes an electrical storage device, a load, a line, a relay, a capacitor, a voltage sensor, a first insulation resistor, a second insulation resistor, a first current path, a second current path, and a controller. The capacitor has one end connected to the electrical storage device and the other end connected to a ground. The voltage sensor is configured to detect a voltage value of the capacitor. The first insulation resistor is provided between the electrical storage device and the ground. The second insulation resistor is disposed between the load and the ground. The first current path includes the first insulation resistor. The second current path includes the line and the second insulation resistor. The controller is configured to control ON and OFF of the relay. The controller is configured to determine that the relay is locked in an ON state when the voltage value of the capacitor in the case where control for turning OFF the relay is performed is substantially equal to a second voltage value. A first resistance value is higher than a second resistance value, and the second voltage value is higher than a first voltage value. The first resistance value is the resistance value of the first insulation resistor. The second resistance value is the resistance value of the second insulation resistor.

The invention relates to a surge protection device intended to be installed on an electrical installation, in parallel with one or more items of equipment to be protected, said electrical installation comprising at least one first phase line (L1), a neutral line (N) and an earth line (T), the protection device comprising a casing; and a current measurement toroid, which is housed in the casing and which comprises a central opening, through which a detection portion passes that is disposed in a surge current diversion path.

A period determination circuit for determining conduction period for energy-recycling circuit includes an indication circuit, coupled to an inductor of the energy-recycling circuit to receive an inductor voltage, configured to generate an indication signal according to the inductor voltage, wherein the indication signal reflects a status corresponding to a first conduction period of the energy-recycling circuit; and a control signal generator, coupled to a switch of the energy-recycling circuit, configured to generate a control signal with a second conduction period for the switch according to the indication signal. The energy-recycling circuit is coupled to a first capacitive component and a second capacitive component. The energy-recycling circuit comprises the inductor and the switch coupled between the first capacitive component and the second capacitive component. The control signal generator determines the second conduction period according to the first conduction period and the indication signal.

Methods and devices for detecting USB devices attached to a USB charging port including a USB port having a first data line D+, a second data line D, and a power line are disclosed. A USB device is attached to the USB port; applying power to the USB device by the power line; applying a first voltage to the line D+ at the USB port by a first impedance; applying a second voltage to the line D at the USB port by a second impedance. The voltages on the line D+ and the line D are then monitored at the USB port. If the voltage on the line D+ is approximately equal to a first predetermined value for a predetermined period and the voltage on the line D is below a second predetermined value, then the USB device is determined to be of an alpha type device.