Patent ID: 7667611

Claim:
A machine, comprising: a power source for providing a power output; an electric motor coupled to the power source; a high-voltage detection system operatively coupled to the electric motor, wherein the high-voltage detection system includes: a threshold detector, configured to: determine a voltage level associated with an element; determine whether the voltage level associated with the element is greater than a predetermined threshold value; provide a threshold indicator if the voltage level associated with the element is greater than the predetermined threshold value; a controller coupled to the threshold detector via an isolation device and configured to: detect the threshold indicator from the threshold detector, and provide one or more warning signals in response to the threshold indicator for a period of time sufficient to allow the voltage level associated with the element to dissipate below the predetermined threshold value; and a backup power supply for providing backup power to the high-voltage detection system, wherein the controller is further configured to: detect when the high-voltage detection system is operating on backup power; determine a power level associated with the backup power supply; and provide the one or more warning signals based on the determined power level.