Patent ID: 7266000

Claim:
An inrush current limiter circuit for controlling inrush current flow when a power source is connected to a filter capacitor supplying a load, the inrush current limiter circuit comprising: a solid-state current control element connected in series between the power source and the filter capacitor, the solid-state current control element having a control input to control current flow through the solid-state current control element; and a filter capacitor charge sensor sensing a state of charge of the filter capacitor to produce a signal indicating the state of charge of the capacitor and communicating that signal to the control input of the solid-state current control element to provide greater current flow through the solid-state current control element as charge on the filter capacitor increases; wherein the filter capacitor charge sensor changes the control input of the solid-state current control element as the filter capacitor charges to provide continuous adjustment to the current flow through the solid-state current control element and substantial conduction through the solid-state current control element as the filter capacitor charges.