A circuit configuration is disclosed for use in an appliance includes a power switch configured to open and close a first group of electrical contacts, where the contacts while closed cause the appliance to energize upon a user initiating a use of the appliance. The circuit configuration also includes a primary timing device electrically connected to the first group of electrical contacts, the primary timing device being actuated upon energization of the appliance and the primary timing device being configured to de-energize the appliance after a first time period by opening the first group of electrical contacts. The circuit configuration also includes a secondary timing device electrically connected to the power switch by a second group of electrical contacts, where the secondary timing device is configured to de-energize the appliance after a second time period, where the second time period is set based on the first time period.

A circuit configuration is disclosed for use in an appliance includes a power switch configured to open and close a first group of electrical contacts, where the contacts while closed cause the appliance to energize upon a user initiating a use of the appliance. The circuit configuration also includes a primary timing device electrically connected to the first group of electrical contacts, the primary timing device being actuated upon energization of the appliance and the primary timing device being configured to de-energize the appliance after a first time period by opening the first group of electrical contacts. The circuit configuration also includes a secondary timing device electrically connected to the power switch by a second group of electrical contacts, where the secondary timing device is configured to de-energize the appliance after a second time period, where the second time period is set based on the first time period.

A circuit configuration is disclosed for use in an appliance includes a power switch configured to open and close a first group of electrical contacts, where the contacts while closed cause the appliance to energize upon a user initiating a use of the appliance. The circuit configuration also includes a primary timing device electrically connected to the first group of electrical contacts, the primary timing device being actuated upon energization of the appliance and the primary timing device being configured to de-energize the appliance after a first time period by opening the first group of electrical contacts. The circuit configuration also includes a secondary timing device electrically connected to the power switch by a second group of electrical contacts, where the secondary timing device is configured to de-energize the appliance after a second time period, where the second time period is set based on the first time period.

Methods and devices to control PCM switches are disclosed. The described devices include PCM switch drivers and logic and control circuits, all integrated with the PCM and the associated heater on the same chip. Various architectures for the driver are also presented, including architectures implement feedback mechanism to mitigate variations from process, temperature, and supply voltage.

Methods and devices to control PCM switches are disclosed. The described devices include PCM switch drivers and logic and control circuits, all integrated with the PCM and the associated heater on the same chip. Various architectures for the driver are also presented, including architectures implement feedback mechanism to mitigate variations from process, temperature, and supply voltage.

Methods and devices to control PCM switches are disclosed. The described devices include PCM switch drivers and logic and control circuits, all integrated with the PCM and the associated heater on the same chip. Various architectures for the driver are also presented, including architectures implement feedback mechanism to mitigate variations from process, temperature, and supply voltage.

Methods and devices to control PCM switches are disclosed. The described devices include PCM switch drivers and logic and control circuits, all integrated with the PCM and the associated heater on the same chip. Various architectures for the driver are also presented, including architectures implement feedback mechanism to mitigate variations from process, temperature, and supply voltage.

Method and device for safe switching of a signal between a first and second point. Device includes a first branch having a first switch and second switch arranged between the first and second point, and a parallel second branch having a third switch and fourth switch. A testing device instructs a control unit, in a test sequence, to open the first switch for a first period of time, open the second switch for a second period of time, open the third switch for a third period of time, and open the fourth switch for a fourth period of time. Neither the first nor second periods of time overlap with the third or fourth period of time. A testing unit tests functioning of the switches during respective period of time, and generates an error signal in the event of a malfunction of at least one switch.

Method and device for safe switching of a signal between a first and second point. Device includes a first branch having a first switch and second switch arranged between the first and second point, and a parallel second branch having a third switch and fourth switch. A testing device instructs a control unit, in a test sequence, to open the first switch for a first period of time, open the second switch for a second period of time, open the third switch for a third period of time, and open the fourth switch for a fourth period of time. Neither the first nor second periods of time overlap with the third or fourth period of time. A testing unit tests functioning of the switches during respective period of time, and generates an error signal in the event of a malfunction of at least one switch.

Eight Applications Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for use in stand-alone end products and other devices requiring a 24 hour memory. They have a real-time clock as well as memory that stores On and Off Switch closures with the ability to repeat them. They also have power management to allow them to operate by receiving their power through the load they are switching. They also have LED drivers to indicate the function being performed. They can store a resolution of two minute or one minute intervals of On and Off Switch closures per 24 hour period depending upon the amount memory integrated into the ASIC. Only a few external components are required to create end products and/or utilize these ASICs in another product.