A configuration of switches added to a line control circuit allows for switching back and forth between a configuration featuring a series-connected thyristor switch and reactor and a configuration featuring a parallel-connected thyristor switch and reactor. Connecting the reactor in series with the thyristor switch allows a controlled high-impedance circuit configuration that is particularly well adapted for cold furnace start-ups and furnace idling. In this manner, there is reduced need for such equipment as extra startup transformers, alternate low-voltage power supply configurations and temporary specialty electrical apparatus for cold furnace start-ups.

A configuration of switches added to a line control circuit allows for switching back and forth between a configuration featuring a series-connected thyristor switch and reactor and a configuration featuring a parallel-connected thyristor switch and reactor. Connecting the reactor in series with the thyristor switch allows a controlled high-impedance circuit configuration that is particularly well adapted for cold furnace start-ups and furnace idling. In this manner, there is reduced need for such equipment as extra startup transformers, alternate low-voltage power supply configurations and temporary specialty electrical apparatus for cold furnace start-ups.

An apparatus and method that can accelerate the turn off time for a thyristor current interrupter. Following commutation of a load current from a main thyristor to an auxiliary turn-off unit, a capacitor of the auxiliary turn-off unit can provide a resonant current to create a zero current crossing for turning the main thyristor off, as well as provide a reverse bias voltage for the main thyristor. The auxiliary turn-off unit can hold the main thyristor off and facilitate sufficient time being available for main thyristor to block forward system voltage. A voltage level of another capacitor of the auxiliary turn-off unit can, with a switch of the auxiliary turn-off unit and the main thyristor turned off, be increased to a level that triggers at least one voltage-clamping unit to absorb electrical power from that capacitor. The load current passing in the auxiliary turn-off unit can be decreased as the electrical power is absorbed to a level at which one or more auxiliary thyristor switches of the auxiliary turn-off unit can be turned off.

The present disclosure relates to a novel neuron circuit using a p-n-p-n diode to realize small size and low power consumption. The neuron circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may generate potential by charging current input from synapses through a capacitor. In this case, when the generated potential exceeds a critical value, the neuron circuit may generate and output a spike voltage corresponding to the generated potential using a p-n-p-n diode connected to the capacitor.

The present disclosure relates to a novel neuron circuit using a p-n-p-n diode to realize small size and low power consumption. The neuron circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may generate potential by charging current input from synapses through a capacitor. In this case, when the generated potential exceeds a critical value, the neuron circuit may generate and output a spike voltage corresponding to the generated potential using a p-n-p-n diode connected to the capacitor.

A circuit structure applied to a driver of an electronic device and for switching power supply units between series-connected and parallel-connected configurations includes an electricity output portion having a first end and a second end, two power supply units, and a switch unit. Each power supply unit includes an electricity element having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a front diode having an anode connected to the positive electrode and a cathode electrically connected to the first end, and a rear diode having a cathode connected to the negative electrode and an anode electrically connected to the second end. The switch unit has a first end and a second end respectively connected to the positive electrode of one electricity element and the negative electrode of the other electricity element, and a closed-circuit state and an open-circuit state when the electricity elements are respectively series-connected or parallel-connected to output electricity.

A circuit structure applied to a driver of an electronic device and for switching power supply units between series-connected and parallel-connected configurations includes an electricity output portion having a first end and a second end, two power supply units, and a switch unit. Each power supply unit includes an electricity element having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a front diode having an anode connected to the positive electrode and a cathode electrically connected to the first end, and a rear diode having a cathode connected to the negative electrode and an anode electrically connected to the second end. The switch unit has a first end and a second end respectively connected to the positive electrode of one electricity element and the negative electrode of the other electricity element, and a closed-circuit state and an open-circuit state when the electricity elements are respectively series-connected or parallel-connected to output electricity.

A high reliability AC load switching circuit is disclosed. In some embodiments, the AC load switching circuit includes a high-speed switch connected between the load and the voltage source, a cutoff switch connected between the load and the voltage source in parallel with the high-speed switch, and a level detector connected to the voltage source and to a control input of the high-speed switch. The high-speed switch may be a solid-state switch, for example, a TRIAC or a bidirectional switch, and the cutoff switch may be an electromechanical switch, for example, a relay. In some embodiments a snubber is connected in parallel with a solid-state switch. In some embodiments a microcontroller is connected to an electromechanical switch and the level detector. In some embodiments, both a first cutoff switch and a second cutoff switch are used.

A rectifying bridge has a thyristor coupled in series with a rectifying element between a first rectified output terminal of a rectifying bridge circuit and a second rectified output terminal of the rectifying bridge circuit. A diode is coupled in series with a DC voltage source between a gate of the thyristor and the second rectified output terminal.

Systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of power switch control are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a power switch comprising a thyristor-based branch including a thyristor device; a FET-based branch coupled in parallel with the thyristor-based branch and including a FET device; and a controller. The controller is structured to turn on the FET device, turn on the thyristor device after turning on the FET device based on a thyristor voltage threshold, and update the thyristor voltage threshold based on a voltage measurement corresponding to the thyristor-based branch measured while the thyristor device is turned on.