Abstract: A converter can include at least two power stages. Each power stage can include a power factor control circuit. An active shared control circuit for a three power stage system receives at least three sense signals. Each of the sense signals is associated with a parameter of the respective one of the power stages. The control circuit provides at least three control signals. Each of the control signals being associated with the respective power factor control circuit of the power stages. The active share control circuit balances the current supplied by the power stages via the control signals.

Abstract: A bi-directional energy storage module and method of operation is disclosed. The converter includes an inductive component, an energy storage element, two diodes and two switches. One switch is positioned in a first sub-circuit between an input voltage source and the inductive component and the other switch is positioned in a second sub-circuit between the inductive component and the energy storage element. The inductive component can be an inductor or a transformer. The energy storage element can be a battery or a capacitor. A hysteretic control structure can be used to activate and control the charging and discharging modes of operation. Voltage across the energy storage element and current through the inductive component are monitored. The switches are controlled to keep the monitored parameters within established bounds. Inrush current problems are eliminated and simple gate drive mechanisms are facilitated. The invention can be used in battery charging and discharging applications.

Abstract: A conditioning circuit for providing a reliable source of supply power has a source of interruptible power, a source of uninterruptible power, a first voltage limiting circuit supplied with power from the interruptible source, a normally off second voltage limiting circuit supplied with power from the uninterruptible source and a monitoring circuit for detecting interruptions in the power supplied by the interruptible source and triggering the second limiting circuit to an on condition. An adjustable timing circuit is associated with the monitoring circuit to control the on condition of the second limiting circuit to restrict its on condition to a predetermined desired period.