Described are apparatus and methods for control of multi-channel load switches with synchronized power up/down timing sequences. The slew rate control methods of the PMOS load switches contained in the N Multi-channel configuration is also described. A preferred slew rate control circuit includes a power PMOS transistor that is capable of handling load currents of several amperes along with an integrated controller. The integrated controller allows the user to program the power on/off sequences of each of the load switch channels by simply using a single or multiple input enable input pins.

Described are apparatus and methods for control of multi-channel load switches with synchronized power up/down timing sequences. The slew rate control methods of the PMOS load switches contained in the N Multi-channel configuration is also described. A preferred slew rate control circuit includes a power PMOS transistor that is capable of handling load currents of several amperes along with an integrated controller. The integrated controller allows the user to program the power on/off sequences of each of the load switch channels by simply using a single or multiple input enable input pins.

A circuit breaker includes a switch with a supply terminal and a load terminal. A blocking diode is electrically connected in series between the switch and one of the supply terminal and the load terminal. The blocking diode is arranged to oppose current flow between the load terminal and the supply terminal through the switch to prevent current back-flow through the circuit breaker.

A circuit breaker includes a switch with a supply terminal and a load terminal. A blocking diode is electrically connected in series between the switch and one of the supply terminal and the load terminal. The blocking diode is arranged to oppose current flow between the load terminal and the supply terminal through the switch to prevent current back-flow through the circuit breaker.

Features are disclosed for charging a battery using a power supply in series with a diode. A power supply can be connected in series with a diode to restrict an inrush current resulting from connection of the power supply with a battery. In some embodiments, the power supply can further include a plurality of power supplies to restrict the amount of inrush current a single power supply can provide. In other embodiments, the power supply can also include a bypass capacitor that the power supply charges before supplying current to the battery. The power supply can regulate the amount of current that is applied to the battery and prevent inrush current from damaging the battery. Multiple power supplies add to overall reliability.

A reverse fault current interruptor (RFCI) may be employed in one or more locations in an electrical power system. In one example, an RFCI may be installed in a combiner box of a solar power system. The RFCI may include a reverse current detector and a circuit protector such as a circuit breaker, operable in combination to clear a line-line fault in the combiner box. The RFCI enables a reduction of incident energy levels through detection of a reversal in a fault current characteristic of some DC power systems, where a traditional overcurrent protection device (OCPD) (e.g., fuse, breaker) may not trip in the same period of time.

A reverse fault current interruptor (RFCI) may be employed in one or more locations in an electrical power system. In one example, an RFCI may be installed in a combiner box of a solar power system. The RFCI may include a reverse current detector and a circuit protector such as a circuit breaker, operable in combination to clear a line-line fault in the combiner box. The RFCI enables a reduction of incident energy levels through detection of a reversal in a fault current characteristic of some DC power systems, where a traditional overcurrent protection device (OCPD) (e.g., fuse, breaker) may not trip in the same period of time.

A method for analyzing power quality events in an electrical system includes processing electrical measurement data from or derived from energy-related signals captured by at least one metering device in the electrical system to generate at least one dynamic tolerance curve. Each dynamic tolerance curve of the at least one dynamic tolerance curve characterizes a response characteristic of the electrical system at a respective metering point in the electrical system. The method also includes analyzing the at least one dynamic tolerance curve to identify special cases which require further evaluation(s)/clarification to be discernable and/or actionable. The at least one dynamic tolerance curve may be regenerated or updated, and/or new or additional dynamic tolerance curves may be generated, to provide the further clarification. One or more actions affecting at least one component in the electrical system may be performed in response to an analysis of the curve(s).

A method for analyzing power quality events in an electrical system includes processing electrical measurement data from or derived from energy-related signals captured by at least one metering device in the electrical system to generate at least one dynamic tolerance curve. Each dynamic tolerance curve of the at least one dynamic tolerance curve characterizes a response characteristic of the electrical system at a respective metering point in the electrical system. The method also includes analyzing the at least one dynamic tolerance curve to identify special cases which require further evaluation(s)/clarification to be discernable and/or actionable. The at least one dynamic tolerance curve may be regenerated or updated, and/or new or additional dynamic tolerance curves may be generated, to provide the further clarification. One or more actions affecting at least one component in the electrical system may be performed in response to an analysis of the curve(s).

A connector leakage protection system includes a current foldback module with a first end coupled to an output port of a DC power supply; an anti-interference module with a first end coupled to a second end of the current foldback module, and a second end coupled to a power port of a connector; and a leakage protection module between the output port and the first end of the current foldback module, or the second end of the current foldback module and the first end of the anti-interference module, or the second end of the anti-interference module and the power port. When the output port outputs a DC voltage, the leakage protection module is switched on. When the output port does not output the DC voltage, the leakage protection module is switched off, preventing current leakage from flowing to the output port. A connector leakage protection circuit is also provided.