A Fault Tolerant Power Converter System

A fault tolerant multiple outlet converter system has been developed at British Telecom Research Laboratories (BTRL). High reliability is obtained by the provision of multiple independent power sources with associated isolation/control circuitry for each power outlet. To achieve adequate reliability it is necessary to test the fault isolation components periodically to verify their correct operation. The system can shield the loads from commonly occurring faults such as failed (shorted or disconnected) power converters and short-circuit loads.