An intelligent, self-protected control module which is a fully protected
and configured as a multi-terminal device controlling a number of power
field-effect transistors for delivering power to loads. The device can
contain a central processing unit or logic, precision Hall-Effect based
current sensors for precise measuring of bypass currents, temperature
sensors, and input/output circuitry as well as an optional RF receiver.
The inputs can incorporate de-bouncing techniques to prevent false turn
on/off. Inputs can provide command signals for the processor or logic
with built-in watchdog circuitry to monitor the input power supply. The
CPU or logic can provide communications with external devices, generate
alarms, generate control signals to turn-on/turn-off power MOSFETs, and
analyze currents and temperature of each channel. Unlike an
electromechanical relay, the present invention is free from arcing and
sparking, there are no contact materials to wear, and it is noiseless.
The present invention provides over-current protection by shutting down a
troubled channel if it is overloaded. It provides protection to the load
by limiting the bypass current to the preset value, or shutting the
channel off in a case of over-current. The present invention provides
over-temperature protection by shutting down an appropriate channel if
any of the MOSFET's temperature reaches a predetermined value. The
present invention can generate an output signal that is capable of
driving an external indicator lamp if a problem has occurred. An optional
RF receiver designed to receive a coded signal from a key-chain
transmitter can provide a method of enabling the module to accept a
control signal from the input remotely.