Abstract:
A solid-state differential amplifier system that trips out a relay when an overload condition occurs in a motor power supply circuit. An overload current sensing circuit provides a voltage proportional to the peak value of one or more overload conditions and includes a current avalanche device for protecting the following devices from excessive voltages. This voltage operates a timing circuit to provide a control voltage having an inverse time delay relative to the magnitude of the overload condition sensed. The control voltage upon reaching an ultimate trip value that is adjustable trips a differential amplifier to deenergize the overload relay. A diode-resistor circuit makes the tripping action regenerative once it is started for positive dropout of the overload relay. A constant current circuit supplies operating current to the differential amplifier. A voltage divider provides a voltage that normally biases the differential amplifier on to energize the overload relay and includes a potentiometer for adjusting the ultimate trip current value. The voltage divider supplies an operating voltage for the constant current circuit. An optional instantaneous trip circuit receives a reference voltage from the voltage divider circuit and functions to cause immediate tripping of the differential amplifier when the overload current exceeds a predetermined point above the ultimate trip value. The system provides time delayed automatic or manual reset as alternatives with minor modification.