Electronic switch for simulating a mechanical rocker switch

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic switch (EPSW) for simulating a mechanical rocker switch having a determined current-interrupting capacity, the electronic switch (EPSW) being configured to supply power to an electronic device (SD) using an input voltage, and comprises a switch (TS) for the generation of a control signal (S1), a bistable circuit (BSW) whose output state depends on said control signal (S1), a switching circuit (PS) adapted to the opening and to the closing of a power supply line (IR, OR) supplying power to the device, which device consumes a current less than or equal to said determined interrupting capacity (PC1), a memory circuit (MC) comprising a reservoir capacitor (CM), the switch (TS) being configured to control opening and closing of the switching circuit (PS) and the memory circuit (MC) being adapted to the storage of an "open" or a "closed" mechanical position of the electronic switch (EPSW) for a predetermined duration (T1) according to the reservoir capacitor.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical switches, and more particularly, to the field of electronic switches. Background technique [0002] Devices powered by external power modules of the "DC pack" type are typically turned on or off using mechanical switches such as rocker switches or push switches, which maintain their position until The user operates again. These mechanical switches are selected to provide interrupting capability characteristics sufficient to avoid arcing, damaging and then progressively destroying the contacts when the circuit is opened. Nevertheless, mechanical switches have a finite operating life, usually defined in terms of the number of opening and closing cycles. For example, a mechanical rocker switch may have an average of 25,000 opening and closing cycles before risking damage to its contacts. [0003] Alternative approaches include the use of mechanical switches with current characteristics of only a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0011] This solution requires an almost permanent activation of the state of the microcontroller in order to read the memory and monitor the state of the microswitches, which results in a non-negligible energy consumption and compared to European directives on the power consumption of devices in standby mode the maximum value specified in 1275 / 2008, which is unfavorable

[0012] Also, in the case of mechanical solutions, there is no way to request a complete shutdown remotely (via a remote control) or programmatically (when a timer expires or a scheduled event is detected)

[0013] In addition to the additional cost incurred, mechanical switches present greater difficulties when incorporated into the decorative "front" of an item of equipment

A software-controlled solution solves this type of problem, but on the other hand requires disconnecting and reconnecting the trunk network in the event of a failure related to a software "crash"

Images