This application relates to an active current compensation device which actively compensates for a noise occurring in a common mode in each of two or more high-current paths. In one aspect, the active current compensation device includes a sensing unit configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a common-mode noise current on each of the two or more high-current paths, and an amplification unit configured to amplify the output signal to generate an amplified current. The device may also include a compensation unit configured to generate a compensation current on the basis of the amplified current and allow the compensation current to flow to each of the two or more high-current paths, and a malfunction detection unit configured to detect a malfunction of the amplification unit. The malfunction detection unit and at least a portion of the amplification unit may be embedded in one integrated circuit (IC) chip.

Provided is an arc protection system in which an arc remover does not operate in a case of a phase-to-phase short circuit fault or a ground/earth fault among arc faults in a distribution panel, the arc protection system including a sensor configured to sense an arc fault of a distribution panel, an arc removing unit configured to ground a fault current, and a control unit connected to the sensor and configured to measure a short circuit current value of the distribution panel, wherein when the arc fault is sensed and the short circuit current value corresponds to a three-phase short circuit current, the control unit drives the arc removing unit, and when the short circuit current value is smaller than the three-phase short circuit current, the control unit does not drive the arc removing unit.

Example devices and methods for compensating for monitoring a surge protection device are provided. In some embodiments, a device is configured to couple to a surge protection device. The device comprises a processor that is capable of sending a DC current signal. A serial data interface is electrically connected to the processor and includes at least one shift register. The device also comprises a multiplexer coupled to the serial data interface. The serial data interface is operable to direct the DC current through the multiplexer. The device also comprises an analog to digital converter (optionally embedded within the processor) that is operable to output a digital signal corresponding to a voltage induced by the DC current signal. Returned DC signals represent surge protection device's health and a multitude of other surge module information.

A solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with self-diagnostic, self-maintenance, and self-protection capabilities includes: a power semiconductor device; an air gap disconnect unit connected in series with the power semiconductor device; a sense and drive circuit that switches the power semiconductor device OFF upon detecting a short circuit or overload of unacceptably long duration; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that triggers the air gap disconnect unit to form an air gap and galvanically isolate an attached load, after the sense and drive circuit switches the power semiconductor device OFF. The MCU is further configured to monitor the operability of the air gap disconnect unit, the power semiconductor device, and other critical components of the SSCB and, when applicable, take corrective actions to prevent the SSCB and the connected load from being damaged or destroyed and/or to protect persons and the environment from being exposed to hazardous electrical conditions.

An apparatus and method for diagnosing a watchdog timer is provided. The watchdog timer is used to detect and recover from a malfunction of a battery management system. Before entering a shutdown mode in response to a shutdown command from an external device, the apparatus outputs an invalid trigger signal to the watchdog timer and diagnoses a malfunction of the watchdog timer depending on whether the watchdog timer outputs a reset signal.

An electric component with a fail safe element is disclosed. In an embodiment a component includes a functional element and a fail safe element electrically interconnected therewith, wherein the fail safe element is configured to ensure a minimum resistance or a minimum conductivity of the component in the event of a failure of the functional element.

According to one embodiment, a multichannel switch integrated circuit (IC) includes a multichannel switch circuit and a common test terminal. The multichannel switch circuit includes a plurality of switch circuitries. Each of the switch circuitries includes: an output transistor that outputs an output signal through an output terminal; an overcurrent detection circuit that detects a detection current according to a current flowing through the output transistor; and a diode having an anode that receives the detection current. The common test terminal is connected to each channel switch circuitry, connected to the overcurrent detection circuit through the diode, and connected to a cathode of the diode.

A voltage supply system that includes a first power supply branch and a second power supply branch. Both branches includes a voltage supply; a serially connected diode and switch connected between the voltage supply and an output of the voltage supply system; and a gate driver connected to the first switch to control operation of the switch. The system also includes a voltage monitor/controller configured to perform a built-in test of the system by controlling the state of the first and second switches by controlling enable signals provided to the first and second gate drivers.

An apparatus includes a plurality of surge protection devices (e.g., multiple metal oxide varistors connected in parallel) configured to be coupled to a power system, a plurality of mechanical actuators associated with respective ones of the surge protection devices and configured to indicate status of the associated surge protection devices, and a detector circuit configured to sense actuation of the actuators and responsively determine a protection status of the plurality of surge protection devices. The detector circuit may include a plurality of switches configured to be actuated by respective ones of the actuators. The detector circuit may further include a processor coupled to the plurality of switches and configured to determine states of switches and to determine the protection status based on the determined status of the switches. The processor may be configured to interpret the status of the switches based on a stored identifier.

A method of remotely monitoring a status of a surge arrester disconnector includes providing a long-range wireless mesh communication system including a plurality of disconnectors organized in a plurality of clusters. Each cluster includes a plurality of disconnectors that are physically located within a same cluster area. At least one of the disconnectors in each cluster is coupled to a communication device of a predetermined communication range. The method includes transmitting, from a first cluster, a status signal indicative of a status of a first disconnector in the first cluster to a second cluster located within the predetermined communication range, and consecutively transmitting the status signal from the second cluster to a third cluster within the predetermined communication range, until reaching an end cluster. The method includes transmitting, from the end cluster, the status signal to a monitoring station, and monitoring the status of the first disconnector at the monitoring station based on a result of transmission of the status signal.