A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

A hybrid load protection apparatus (1) comprises a primary power supply path (1A) between input terminal and output terminals (2, 3) and a controllable mechanical switch (5A) connected in series with a primary coil (4A-1) coupled inductively to a secondary coil (4A-2) providing a voltage, U.sub.A, corresponding to a current rise speed of the electrical current flowing through the primary path (1A). The voltage, U.sub.A, is applied directly to a driver input (IN) of a first driver circuit (6A) to trigger automatically a switch-off of the mechanical switch (5A) within a first switch-off period (Δt1) to interrupt the primary power supply path (1A). A secondary power supply path (1B) is provided in parallel to the primary path (1A) and having a further coil (4B) connected in series with a semiconductor power switch (5B). wherein a second driver circuit (6B) associated with the secondary path (1B) detects an increasing electrical current, I, flowing through the secondary path (1B) caused by the interruption of the primary current path (1A) on the basis of a voltage drop (ΔU.sub.4) generated by the further coil (4B) and a non-linear voltage drop (ΔU.sub.5) along the semiconductor power switch (5B) applied as a sum voltage (U.sub.B) directly to a driver input (DESAT) at a high voltage side of the second analog driver circuit (6B) to trigger automatically a switch-off of the semiconductor power switch (5B) within a second switch-off period (Δt2) to interrupt the secondary power supply path (1B).

In some examples, this description provides for an apparatus. The apparatus includes a power switch having a power switch source configured to receive an input voltage, a power switch drain, and a power switch gate. The apparatus also includes a current sense component coupled to the power switch. The apparatus also includes a current limiting circuit coupled to the power switch gate, the power switch drain, and the current sense component. The apparatus also includes an over-current protection (OCP) circuit coupled to the power switch source, the power switch drain, and the power switch gate. The apparatus also includes an output voltage (VOUT) clamp coupled to the power switch drain and the power switch gate.

In some examples, this description provides for an apparatus. The apparatus includes a power switch having a power switch source configured to receive an input voltage, a power switch drain, and a power switch gate. The apparatus also includes a current sense component coupled to the power switch. The apparatus also includes a current limiting circuit coupled to the power switch gate, the power switch drain, and the current sense component. The apparatus also includes an over-current protection (OCP) circuit coupled to the power switch source, the power switch drain, and the power switch gate. The apparatus also includes an output voltage (VOUT) clamp coupled to the power switch drain and the power switch gate.

An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Some embodiments provide a DC solid state protection device that includes a capacitor configured such that in the event of a short-circuit condition, the capacitor provides all the short-circuit current required for the solid state protection device to detect a current indicative of a short-circuit condition and to cause a solid state switch to be opened, thereby tripping the solid state protection device.

A method and apparatus for operating an overvoltage response for an electric machine includes opening a first switching element and a second switching element in response to an overvoltage condition. In the instance that the overvoltage condition persists, the method and apparatus can further open a third switchable element to cease the overvoltage condition.

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member, a motor, and a control circuit is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, a staple cartridge comprising staples, a first sensor at a first position of the end effector, and a second sensor at a second position of the end effector. The firing member is movable in a firing motion to deploy the staples. The motor is configured to cause the firing motion. The control circuit is configured to receive a first output of the first sensor, receive a second output of the second sensor, and cause the motor to adjust the firing motion based on the first and second outputs. The first output is indicative of a tissue property and the second output is indicative of the tissue property.

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member, a motor, and a control circuit is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, a staple cartridge comprising staples, a first sensor at a first position of the end effector, and a second sensor at a second position of the end effector. The firing member is movable in a firing motion to deploy the staples. The motor is configured to cause the firing motion. The control circuit is configured to receive a first output of the first sensor, receive a second output of the second sensor, and cause the motor to adjust the firing motion based on the first and second outputs. The first output is indicative of a tissue property and the second output is indicative of the tissue property.