Patent ID: 6459273
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A method for detecting a sputtering arc fault in a system having an electrical conductor carrying current to a load, said method comprising the steps of:(a) monitoring the current of the conductor and generating a variable signal responsive to behavior of said current in said conductor; (b) measuring said variable signal in magnitude and generating a first pulse when said magnitude exceeds a first level; (c) detecting a relatively rapid step increase of said variable signal, indicating a relatively rapid transition of current flow of said current, and generating a second pulse when said step increase exceeds a second level; (d) combining said first and second pulses to produce a third pulse, wherein when said third pulse exceeds a third level said third pulse indicates said relatively rapid transition of said current flow in conjunction with said magnitude to thereby indicate said sputtering arc fault in said system.