Patent ID: 8321163
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: G01R,G06F,H01R,H02B,H04Q,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A power distribution unit comprising: a power distribution unit housing; a power input penetrating the housing; a voltage sensor; a plurality of power outputs disposed in the housing, each in electrical communication with the power input and each connectable to a respective electrical load; a plurality of current sensors, each in electrical communication with one of the power outputs; and a power monitoring section having an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in electrical communication with the voltage sensor and the current sensors, processing logic in electrical communication with the ADC, and a memory in electrical communication with the processing logic; wherein the ADC is responsive to signals provided by the sensors to sample the signals and obtain samples of voltage and current over more than one cycle of input power; wherein the processing logic is configured to (1) calculate raw RMS values of voltage and current from the samples, (2) scale the raw RMS values according to a predetermined calibration factor to obtain calibrated RMS voltage and current values, and (3) compare samples of voltage and current obtained with respect to at least one of the electrical loads during a first cycle of input power with respective samples of voltage and current obtained with respect to the at least one of the electrical loads during a second cycle of input power and generate an alert signal if there is a difference of at least a predetermined magnitude therebetween; and wherein the memory stores at least the samples of voltage and current.