Patent ID: 6556410
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A universal surge protector for protecting a portable notebook computer (â€œnotebookâ€ ) and an associated power adapter from harmful electrical disturbances occurring on an alternating current (â€œACâ€ ) power line when the notebook is powered by a direct current (â€œdcâ€ ) battery voltage generated by a power adapter while coupled to an AC power service over the line and neutral sides of an AC power line,the surge protector comprising in combination a higher rated voltage and current diverting and absorbing semiconductor device (â€œdiverting and absorbing deviceâ€ ) coupled across the line and neutral sides of an AC power line for protecting a notebook and a power adapter from harmful electrical disturbances while the surge protector is coupled to a higher rated AC power service by an AC power line, a lower rated diverting and absorbing device for diverting harmful electrical disturbances from a notebook and a power adapter and a switch for coupling the lower rated diverting and absorbing device across the line and neutral sides on an AC power line in parallel with the higher rated diverting and absorbing device for protecting a notebook and power adapter from harmful electrical disturbances while the surge protector is coupled to a lower rated AC power service by an AC power line; wherein the switch couples the lower rated diverting and absorbing device across an AC power line while the AC power line is coupled to a lower rated AC power source and dc-couples the lower rated diverting and absorbing device from across the AC power line while the AC power line is coupled to a higher rated AC power service.