Abstract: A sensor comprises primary ferrite members spaced apart from the magnetic field sensor on opposite sides of the magnetic field sensor concentrate or steer an orientation of a magnetic field of the observed signal toward a target area of the magnetic field sensor. A magnetic field sensor senses a direct current signal component or lower frequency component of the observed signal. A first filtering circuit has a high-pass filter response. The first filtering circuit is coupled to the inductor to provide a filtered alternating current signal component. A second filtering circuit has a low-pass filter response. The second filtering circuit coupled to the magnetic field sensor to provide a filtered direct current signal component. A sensor fusion circuit determines an aggregate sensed current based on the filtered alternating current signal component and the filtered direct current signal component.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for an inverter comprises a substrate having a dielectric layer and metallic circuit traces. A plurality of terminals are arranged for connection to a direct current source. A first semiconductor and a second semiconductor are coupled together between the terminals of the direct current source. A primary metallic island (e.g., strip) is located in a primary zone between the first semiconductor and the second semiconductor. The primary metallic island has a greater height or thickness than the metallic circuit traces. The primary metallic island provides a heat sink to radiate heat.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for an inverter comprises a substrate having a dielectric layer and metallic circuit traces. A plurality of terminals are arranged for connection to a direct current source. A first semiconductor and a second semiconductor are coupled together between the terminals of the direct current source. A primary metallic island (e.g., strip) is located in a primary zone between the first semiconductor and the second semiconductor. The primary metallic island has a greater height or thickness than the metallic circuit traces. The primary metallic island provides a heat sink to radiate heat.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for an inverter comprises a substrate having a dielectric layer and metallic circuit traces. A plurality of terminals are arranged for connection to a direct current source. A first semiconductor and a second semiconductor are coupled together between the terminals of the direct current source. A primary metallic island (e.g., strip) is located in a primary zone between the first semiconductor and the second semiconductor. The primary metallic island has a greater height or thickness than the metallic circuit traces. The primary metallic island provides a heat sink to radiate heat.

Abstract: An inverter comprises a first pair of semiconductor devices with switched terminals that are coupled in series between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a direct current bus. An analog interface adjusts a voltage levels at measurement nodes associated with control terminals of the semiconductor devices. An analog-to-digital converter has analog inputs for receiving the adjusted voltage levels of the measurement nodes and outputting corresponding digital count data for each measurement node. A data processor is adapted to detect the fault or absence of a fault in the inverter based on the conformity of the digital count to one or more reference ranges stored in a data storage device for corresponding switch states of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing. A rotor has interior blades for rotation in response to receipt of material. The rotor has an outer surface and an inlet. A first magnet assembly is secured to the outer surface of the rotor. A first stator winding is in electromagnetic communication with the corresponding first magnetic assembly, such that if the rotor rotates a first electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material into or through the inlet.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus includes a power electronics switching circuit having a semiconductor switch and a device in communication with the power electronics switching circuit. The device includes a processor configured to estimate a current through the power electronics switching circuit based on a first voltage across the semiconductor switch, a control signal controlling the semiconductor switch and a first voltage-current characteristic of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing. A rotor has interior blades for rotation in response to receipt of material. The rotor has an outer surface and an inlet. A first magnet assembly is secured to the outer surface of the rotor. A first stator winding is in electromagnetic communication with the corresponding first magnetic assembly, such that if the rotor rotates a first electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material into or through the inlet.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing and a shaft rotatable with respect to the housing. An impeller has blades for rotation with the shaft in response to receipt of material from a chute. A first generator assembly comprises first stator windings associated with the housing and a first magnet affixed to the shaft, such that if the impeller rotates an electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material through the chute.

Abstract: A sensor comprises primary ferrite members spaced apart from the magnetic field sensor on opposite sides of the magnetic field sensor concentrate or steer an orientation of a magnetic field of the observed signal toward a target area of the magnetic field sensor. A magnetic field sensor senses a direct current signal component or lower frequency component of the observed signal. A first filtering circuit has a high-pass filter response. The first filtering circuit is coupled to the inductor to provide a filtered alternating current signal component. A second filtering circuit has a low-pass filter response. The second filtering circuit coupled to the magnetic field sensor to provide a filtered direct current signal component. A sensor fusion circuit determines an aggregate sensed current based on the filtered alternating current signal component and the filtered direct current signal component.

Abstract: A sensor comprises an inductor for sensing an alternating current signal component of an observed signal. The inductor comprises a substrate, conductive traces associated with different layers of the substrate, and one or more conductive vias for interconnecting the plurality of conductive traces. A magnetic field sensor senses a direct current signal component of the observed signal. A first filtering circuit has a high-pass filter response. The first filtering circuit is coupled to the inductor to provide a filtered alternating current signal component. A second filtering circuit has a low-pass filter response. The second filtering circuit coupled to the magnetic field sensor to provide a filtered direct current signal component. A sensor fusion circuit determines an aggregate sensed current based on the filtered alternating current signal component and the filtered direct current signal component.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclose a drive system including a machine including a plurality of phases and configured to generate power based on a plurality of phase currents, each respectively associated with the plurality of phases and a direct current (DC) bus, operatively connected to the machine. The DC bus includes a high-side line, a low-side line, and an inverter including a plurality of switching systems, operatively connected between the high-side line and the low-side line, the plurality of switching systems, each configured to output a respective one of the plurality of phase currents. The drive system also includes a controller, operatively connected to the DC bus and the machine, the controller configured to determine if a failure exists in the drive system based on the plurality of phase currents and a DC bus voltage, the DC bus voltage being a voltage across the high-side line and the low-side line.

Abstract: The system comprises a direct current bus having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A first switching transistor and a second switching transistor have their respective switched terminals connected in series with respect to each other between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. A primary supply is arranged to generating a test voltage that is lower than an operational voltage of the direct current bus. The test voltage is applied between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the direct current bus. A primary thermal circuit is associated with the supply for detecting whether the supply exceeds an operational temperature threshold. The thermal circuit provides a signal or logic level state indicative of a detected short circuit in the direct current bus if the primary supply exceeds the operational temperature threshold.

Abstract: The system comprises a first motor for applying rotational energy to a respective first wheel of the vehicle. A second motor is arranged for applying rotational energy to a respective second wheel of the vehicle. A first inverter is coupled to the first motor, where the first inverter is capable of receiving direct current electrical energy from the direct current bus. The first inverter is configured to provide a first group of alternating currents with a corresponding reference phase. A second inverter is coupled to the second motor. The second inverter is capable of receiving direct current electrical energy from the direct current bus. The second inverter is configured to provide a second group of alternating currents with a phase shift with respect to the reference phase, such that the phase shift is effective to reduce the direct current ripple on the direct current bus.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided having an electric generator and a motor. A voltage bus including a DC link is configured to provide generated electrical energy to the motor. A controller may estimate the charging current to a capacitor of the voltage bus based on the current commanded from the generator and the voltage measured across the capacitor. The controller may adjust the charging rate of the capacitor based on the estimated charging current.

Abstract: An inverter comprises a first pair of semiconductor devices with switched terminals that are coupled in series between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a direct current bus. An analog interface adjusts a voltage levels at measurement nodes associated with control terminals of the semiconductor devices. An analog-to-digital converter has analog inputs for receiving the adjusted voltage levels of the measurement nodes and outputting corresponding digital count data for each measurement node. A data processor is adapted to detect the fault or absence of a fault in the inverter based on the conformity of the digital count to one or more reference ranges stored in a data storage device for corresponding switch states of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The system comprises a first motor for applying rotational energy to a respective first wheel of the vehicle. A second motor is arranged for applying rotational energy to a respective second wheel of the vehicle. A first inverter is coupled to the first motor, where the first inverter is capable of receiving direct current electrical energy from the direct current bus. The first inverter is configured to provide a first group of alternating currents with a corresponding reference phase. A second inverter is coupled to the second motor. The second inverter is capable of receiving direct current electrical energy from the direct current bus. The second inverter is configured to provide a second group of alternating currents with a phase shift with respect to the reference phase, such that the phase shift is effective to reduce the direct current ripple on the direct current bus.

Abstract: The system comprises a direct current bus having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A first switching transistor and a second switching transistor have their respective switched terminals connected in series with respect to each other between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. A primary supply is arranged to generating a test voltage that is lower than an operational voltage of the direct current bus. The test voltage is applied between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the direct current bus. A primary thermal circuit is associated with the supply for detecting whether the supply exceeds an operational temperature threshold. The thermal circuit provides a signal or logic level state indicative of a detected short circuit in the direct current bus if the primary supply exceeds the operational temperature threshold.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclose a drive system including a machine including a plurality of phases and configured to generate power based on a plurality of phase currents, each respectively associated with the plurality of phases and a direct current (DC) bus, operatively connected to the machine. The DC bus includes a high-side line, a low-side line, and an inverter including a plurality of switching systems, operatively connected between the high-side line and the low-side line, the plurality of switching systems, each configured to output a respective one of the plurality of phase currents. The drive system also includes a controller, operatively connected to the DC bus and the machine, the controller configured to determine if a failure exists in the drive system based on the plurality of phase currents and a DC bus voltage, the DC bus voltage being a voltage across the high-side line and the low-side line.