A circuit includes a rectifier, e.g., including four diodes; a semiconductor switch; a coil that is chargeable, is dischargeable, and has (a) a first terminal connected to a first output terminal of the rectifier and (b) a second terminal connected via the semiconductor switch to a second output terminal of the rectifier; a first resistor via which a control terminal of the semiconductor switch is connected to the first output terminal of the rectifier; a second resistor connected between the second output terminal of the rectifier and the control terminal of the semiconductor switch; and a discharge unit connected between the second terminal of the coil and the control terminal of the semiconductor switch. The charging and discharging is implemented by, respectively, connecting both of, and disconnecting one or both of, first and second input terminals of the rectifier to/from the voltage source.

De-magnetization protection is provided for electro-permanent magnets during information handling system manufacture and use by monitoring thermal conditions at the information handling systems to detect a thermal state associated with de-magnetization and commanding the electro-permanent magnets to an off state so that both magnets in the electro-permanent magnet have opposing polarities. The opposing polarities tend to stabilize magnet polarity to prevent de-magnetization during increased temperatures. Normal operations are then re-enabled once temperatures decrease.

Embodiments of a discharge circuit are disclosed for quickly and safely discharging energy from an inductor load. The discharge circuit comprises a first switch, a second switch and a voltage regulator. The inductor load couples between the first switch and the second switch. During fast demagnetization, a high side switch is tuned off to decouple the load from a voltage source and the second switch is turned on. Voltage on one end of the load is pushed high and maintained at a predetermined level due to the voltage regulator. The predetermined voltage pulls down the current at the inductive load and causes temperature of the discharge circuit going up quickly. Once the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, a comparing circuit outputs a signal to a driver and eventually pulls down voltage of the inductor load for low-power demagnetization.

Methods and systems are provided for a solenoid actuator. In one example, a method may include adjusting a switching frequency during an activation cycle of the solenoid actuator to a lower switching frequency relative to other phases of the activation cycle.

An electromagnet device moves two moving contacts from one of a closed position or an open position to the other position when an electric current flows through a coil. A regenerative current coming from the coil flows through a regeneration unit when the coil makes a transition from an energized state where the coil is supplied with an electric current from a power supply to a non-energized state where the coil is supplied with no electric current from the power supply. The control unit causes the regenerative current to flow through a load by controlling a switch when the coil makes the transition from the energized state to the non-energized state.

An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact, a moving contact, an electromagnet device, and a second coil. The moving contact moves from a closed position where the moving contact is in contact with the fixed contact to an open position where the moving contact is out of contact with the fixed contact, and vice versa. The electromagnet device includes a first coil and a mover. The mover is actuated on receiving a magnetic flux generated when a current flows through the first coil to move the moving contact from one of the closed position or the open position to the other position. The second coil gives, when a current flows through the second coil, at least a magnetic flux, of which a direction is opposite from a direction of the magnetic flux generated by the first coil, to the mover.

A switching apparatus for switching a first actuator and a second actuator between a power supply and a ground, including: a first switch for switching a first current path between the first actuator and the ground; a second switch for switching a second current path between the second actuator and the ground; and a third switch for switching a current path between the power supply and the first actuator and a current path between the power supply and the second actuator; in which, as a result of the switching, the third switch simultaneously closes or opens the current path to the first actuator and to the second actuator. Also described are a related brake system and method.

A circuit includes a rectifier, e.g., including four diodes; a semiconductor switch; a coil that is chargeable, is dischargeable, and has (a) a first terminal connected to a first output terminal of the rectifier and (b) a second terminal connected via the semiconductor switch to a second output terminal of the rectifier; a first resistor via which a control terminal of the semiconductor switch is connected to the first output terminal of the rectifier; a second resistor connected between the second output terminal of the rectifier and the control terminal of the semiconductor switch; and a discharge unit connected between the second terminal of the coil and the control terminal of the semiconductor switch. The charging and discharging is implemented by, respectively, connecting both of, and disconnecting one or both of, first and second input terminals of the rectifier to/from the voltage source.

A solenoid for a motor vehicle starter includes at least one coil wound on at least one spool, the at least one coil defines a toroidal space encircling the at least one coil. A stop member is positioned adjacent to the at least one spool. A diode holder is positioned in the toroidal space defined by the at least one coil, and a diode is positioned in the diode holder. The diode includes a cylindrical body, a first lead extending from a first end of the cylindrical body, and a second lead extending from a second end of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body of the diode is retained by the diode holder within the toroidal space, and the first lead of the diode extends out of the toroidal space and is electrically connected to the stop member.

A fast shut-off solenoid circuit network includes a solenoid circuit and a current dissipation circuit. The solenoid circuit is operable in response to an electrical current, and configured to operate in an enable mode and a disable mode. The current dissipation circuit is configured to dissipate the current discharged from the solenoid circuit in response to invoking the disable mode. The fast shut-off solenoid circuit network further includes a dissipation bypass circuit. The dissipation bypass circuit is configured to divert the current discharged by the solenoid circuit away from current dissipation circuit when operating in the enable mode.