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Auto-protected power modules and methods

  • US 7,542,251 B2
  • Filed: 05/09/2003
  • Issued: 06/02/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A variable speed, electric motor power module comprising:

  • driver circuitry that is configured to receive a variable input signal and comprises;

    a voltage-controlled current source for driving a motor responsive to variations in the input signal; and

    temperature protection circuitry arranged to protect the voltage-controlled current source from operating when the current source has a temperature above a certain thermal shut down temperature; and

    locked-rotor protection circuitry comprising analog circuit components that are configured in an arrangement that blocks the input signal to the driver circuitry for a set period of time in response to an electrical condition that is caused as a result of a locked rotor condition in the motor, wherein the electrical condition is a reverse voltage spike and the locked-rotor protection circuitry is configured to be triggered by the reverse voltage spike to prevent the driver circuitry from operating.

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