Patent ID: 8058958

Claim:
A smart load detection circuit for selectively controlling a connection between a power supply and one or more loads electrically coupled to the power supply at a load point, the smart load detection circuit comprising: a current sensor configured to be disposed in a current path between the power supply and the load point; a controller including: a control circuit configured to receive a current indication from the current sensor, determine a no-load condition from the current indication, and issue an open connection command signal at a control output of the control circuit in response to a no-load condition determination; and a pulse generator configured to issue a pulse for reflection from the load point to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to receive a reflected pulse, determine a load condition, and issue a close connection command signal at the control output of the control circuit; a contactor having control input coupled to the control output of the control circuit, the contactor being configured for coupling between the power supply and the load point and operative to electrically disconnect the power supply from the load point in response to the open connection command signal received at the control input and to electrically connect the power supply to the load point in response to the close connection command signal received at the control input.