An electronic motor starting circuit where less than full voltage is applied to the motor during starting.
Some electronic switches will ramp the current up over a small time (often less than a second) when you switch on. This greatly helps to reduce wear and tear on motors and particularly gearboxes. Some ESCs also claim this feature though it only really does anything if you slam the throttle wide open from zero.
A feature that limits the start up switching currents of a switching power supply, causing the output voltage to rise gradually to its specified level.
A circuit or device placed in the primary side of a converter to limit the inrush current drawn during turn-on. Refer to Inrush Current above.
A type of input surge-current limiting that is used in a switching power supply, where the supply drive is gradually ramped on.
Reduces voltage on initial start-up, which reduces power to the heaters. If a heater has accumulated moisture internally during a shutdown, soft start will allow moisture to escape before full voltage is applied.
An additional solid state start device added to a PSC compressor motor to increase starting torque.
A technique for gradually activating a power supply circuit when the power supply is first turned on. This technique is generally used to provide a gradual rise in output voltages and inrush current limiting.
A feature of a SMPS which, which, at start-up, gradually rise the output voltage of a SMPS to its final value, therefore protecting both the power supply and the load.
A feature that lowers the peak inrush current during power supply turn-on.
