(JP10201076-A)      The circuit has a semiconductor switch (1) inserted in a main current path and a current detector circuit (2) detecting a current passing through the path. A logic circuit (3) switches off the switch when the detector circuit detects a current exceeding a set value for an overcurrent level.    A control circuit (5) can prohibit the logic circuit from switching off the semiconductor switch even if the detector circuit detects a current exceeding the set current value for a short time period after the switch is switched from a breaking state to a conductive state, or when the switch remains in a conducting state.    ADVANTAGE -   The circuit does not determine a fault even if an overcurrent state occurs for a short time period.    (GB2321141-B)      The circuit has a semiconductor switch (1) inserted in a main current path and a current detector circuit (2) detecting a current passing through the path. A logic circuit (3) switches off the switch when the detector circuit detects a current exceeding a set value for an overcurrent level.    A control circuit (5) can prohibit the logic circuit from switching off the semiconductor switch even if the detector circuit detects a current exceeding the set current value for a short time period after the switch is switched from a breaking state to a conductive state, or when the switch remains in a conducting state.    ADVANTAGE -   The circuit does not determine a fault even if an overcurrent state occurs for a short time period.    (US5926010-A)      The circuit has a semiconductor switch (1) inserted in a main current path and a current detector circuit (2) detecting a current passing through the path. A logic circuit (3) switches off the switch when the detector circuit detects a current exceeding a set value for an overcurrent level.    A control circuit (5) can prohibit the logic circuit from switching off the semiconductor switch even if the detector circuit detects a current exceeding the set current value for a short time period after the switch is switched from a breaking state to a conductive state, or when the switch remains in a conducting state.    ADVANTAGE -   The circuit does not determine a fault even if an overcurrent state occurs for a short time period.