Active transient voltage suppression device

摘要

An active transient voltage suppression device is disclosed which may utilize an activation network to turn on a semiconductor switch. The activation network may be triggered based on the rate of change of voltage on the protected input of the device. More than one such device may be cascaded in parallel to increase energy dissipation without device screening and may provide a stable voltage limit over a wide range of operating currents. The device may be tested for open and short failure modes in circuit.

主权项

1. A circuit for suppressing transient voltage pulses, comprising:
a power line adapted to connect a voltage source to a protected device; a grounded chassis line; an activation network having a first terminal connected to the power line, a second terminal connected to the chassis line, an input terminal, and an output terminal; a semiconductor switch having a first terminal connected to the power line, a second terminal connected to a short circuit monitor node, and a gate or base connected to the activation network output terminal; a fault indicator having a first terminal connected to the power line and a second terminal connected to the short circuit monitor node; and a circuit disconnection element having a first terminal connected to the short circuit monitor node and a second terminal connected to the chassis line; wherein a stimulus voltage source is connected to the activation network input terminal.