A DI-circuit breaker device includes a summation current converter for detecting fault currents in a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, and a detection device for detecting fault states of a protective ground conductor. The detection device detects the presence of a phase voltage on the protective ground conductor as a fault state. The detection device has a capacitive sensor which, when touched by a user, forms an electric capacitor with an impedance relative to ground potential. The detection device further has evaluating electronics adapted to determine a phase position by connecting the sensor to the phase conductor and, separately therefrom, to the neutral conductor. The evaluating electronics determine the absence of a phase voltage on the protective ground conductor when there is no voltage between the neutral conductor and the protective ground conductor when phase is present at the phase conductor. Further, a corresponding operating method is described.

An overvoltage protection circuit includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a clamp transistor, and a selector circuit. The clamp transistor is configured to control current flow between the input terminal and the output terminal. The clamp transistor includes a first terminal coupled to the input terminal, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal. The selector circuit is configured to control a resistance of the clamp transistor based on a voltage at the input terminal. The selector circuit includes a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the clamp transistor, a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the clamp transistor, and a third terminal coupled to a third terminal of the clamp transistor.

A circuit is protected from sudden potential fluctuations that occur in a power ground. An in-vehicle protection apparatus includes a first Zener diode portion, a second Zener diode portion, a diode portion, and an intermediate conductive path. A voltage based on a power source is applied to the anode side of the diode portion. The intermediate conductive path is provided with a branch portion at one end, and forms a path between the cathode of the diode portion and the branch portion. The cathode of the first Zener diode portion is electrically connected to the branch portion and the anode of the first Zener diode portion is electrically connected to a power ground line. The cathode of the second Zener diode portion is electrically connected to the branch portion and the anode of the second Zener diode portion is electrically connected to a signal ground line.

A circuit is protected from sudden potential fluctuations that occur in a power ground. An in-vehicle protection apparatus includes a first Zener diode portion, a second Zener diode portion, a diode portion, and an intermediate conductive path. A voltage based on a power source is applied to the anode side of the diode portion. The intermediate conductive path is provided with a branch portion at one end, and forms a path between the cathode of the diode portion and the branch portion. The cathode of the first Zener diode portion is electrically connected to the branch portion and the anode of the first Zener diode portion is electrically connected to a power ground line. The cathode of the second Zener diode portion is electrically connected to the branch portion and the anode of the second Zener diode portion is electrically connected to a signal ground line.

A squib driver circuit for deployment of an active safety restraint in a vehicle. The squib driver circuit may include a high side protection circuit. The high side protection circuit may include a comparator circuit to compare the input voltage to a reference voltage and activate a timer in response to the input voltage exceeding the reference voltage, the timer generating a disable signal to disable the high side driver after a predetermined period of time The high side protection circuit may disable the high side driver after a short is detected and elapse of the predetermined period of time. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip.

A squib driver circuit for deployment of an active safety restraint in a vehicle. The squib driver circuit may include a high side protection circuit. The high side protection circuit may include a comparator circuit to compare the input voltage to a reference voltage and activate a timer in response to the input voltage exceeding the reference voltage, the timer generating a disable signal to disable the high side driver after a predetermined period of time The high side protection circuit may disable the high side driver after a short is detected and elapse of the predetermined period of time. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip.

Apparatus and methods for electrical overstress (EOS) protection circuits are provided herein. In certain configurations, an EOS protection circuit includes an overstress sensing circuit electrically connected between a pad and a first supply node, an impedance element electrically connected between the pad and a signal node, a controllable clamp electrically connected between the signal node and the first supply node and selectively activatable by the overstress sensing circuit, and an overshoot limiting circuit electrically connected between the signal node and a second supply node. The overstress sensing circuit activates the controllable clamp when an EOS event is detected at the pad. Thus, the EOS protection circuit is arranged to divert charge associated with the EOS event away from the signal node to provide EOS protection.

The electrical system (100) includes: a capacitor (C); an electrical power supply device (102); an electrical power receiving device (104); a current-consuming electrical circuit (108) designed to consume a current (i) entering via a first interface terminal (B.sub.A) and exiting via a second interface terminal (B.sub.B). The electrical system (100) being designed such that the current-consuming electrical circuit (108) consumes the discharge current (i) when the electrical power supply device (102) is connected to the terminals of the capacitor (C).

The current-consuming electrical circuit (108) includes a transistor (Q1) arranged such that the consumed current (i) enters via a current input terminal (C1) of the transistor (Q1) and exits via a current output terminal (E1) of the transistor (Q1), and in that the current output terminal (E1) is connected to a control terminal (B1) of the transistor (Q1) in order to stabilize the transistor (Q1).

A ground overcurrent control system includes ground circuit with a first section and a second section. The first section is electrically connected to a ground member of an electrical connector and the second section is electrically connected to a ground reference. A switch element is positioned between the first section of the ground circuit and the second section of the ground circuit. A controller is configured to determine the current within the ground circuit while current is passing through the switch element and, upon the current exceeding a current threshold, the switch element is modified to an open condition. Upon determining that the voltage between the first section of the ground circuit and the ground reference is less than a voltage threshold, a command is generated to modify the switch element back to a closed condition.

A ground overcurrent control system includes ground circuit with a first section and a second section. The first section is electrically connected to a ground member of an electrical connector and the second section is electrically connected to a ground reference. A switch element is positioned between the first section of the ground circuit and the second section of the ground circuit. A controller is configured to determine the current within the ground circuit while current is passing through the switch element and, upon the current exceeding a current threshold, the switch element is modified to an open condition. Upon determining that the voltage between the first section of the ground circuit and the ground reference is less than a voltage threshold, a command is generated to modify the switch element back to a closed condition.