Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining parameter information generated or received in an electronic circuit breaker (10). The electronic circuit breaker (10) includes a controller and is connected in a branch circuit coupled to a power source via a power line and powered by the power source. Upon occurence of a power fault, a control signal responsive to the power fault is generated and coupled to a control input of the circuit breaker. The control signal causes retention of parameter information generated or received in the electronic circuit breaker (10). Means for retaining the data representing parameter information include charging a storage capacitor to a predetermined value corresponding to the parameter information being retained, writing the parameter information being retained to an EEPROM and writing the data containing the parameter information being retained into a Static RAM. Power signals that can be monitored to provide or initiate the retention of data include sensing the AC voltage input to the branch circuit in which the circuit breaker is connected, sensing the unregulated DC voltage in the power supply that powers the circuit breaker and sensing the charging current of a filter capacitor in the power supply of the circuit breaker.

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First Claim