Abstract: A method and circuit for measuring direct and high duty factor current in a conductor (1) with minimal interference with the operation of a monitored circuit. Current flow in the conductor is magnetically sensed with a transformer T1 having a primary winding connected electrically in series with the conductor (1). The transformer T1 is driven into saturation during a first time interval and brought out of saturation during a second time interval. After the transformer T1 is brought out of saturation, an output signal is provided which is proportional to the flow of current in the conductor (1).

Abstract: A method and circuit for measuring direct and high duty factor current in a conductor (1) with minimal interference with the operation of a monitored circuit. Current flow in the conductor is magnetically sensed with a transformer T1 having a primary winding connected electrically in series with the conductor (1). The transformer T1 is driven into saturation during a first time interval and brought out of saturation during a second time interval. After the transformer T1 is brought out of saturation, an output signal is provided which is proportional to the flow of current in the conductor (1).

Abstract: A circuit for reducing the commutation transient in a switch-driven (12) free-wheeling rectifier (20) applied to a load (10) via a continuously conducting energy conducting inductor (28), in which a further inductor (34) and diodes (32, 38) are interconnected with the switch-driven rectifier (20) to free-wheel recovered commutation energy from rectifier (20) when the switch is non-conducting. In other circuit variations temporary energy storage is aided by one or more capacitors (72) and additional diodes (52, 54, 80, 107, 122) during turn-on of rectifier (20), which energy recycled back into the circuit to minimize power dissipation and reduce circuit component heating.

Abstract: A triangle wave generator (10) which is programmable, and which provides variable amplitude, frequency independent, triangle waves over a wide frequency bandwidth while employing a low voltage power source. The triangle wave generator (10) comprises a square wave input signal source (12) and a reference voltage signal source (14). A first amplifier (16) amplifies the square wave input signals and couples them by way of a transformer (34) to an integrator (36,40) which generates triangle wave output signals in response thereto. A second amplifier (18) connected to the triangle wave signal and to the transformer coupled square wave current source for the purpose of providing a bootstrap. A third amplifier (20) samples and compares the triangle wave output signals to the reference voltage signals and generates output error signals in response thereto.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed power semiconductor package includes a body 11 and a thick metal back 24. The metal back serves as a mounting device as well as a thermal channel for the package eliminating the need for intermediate heatsinks. For example, fasteners 47 extending into the back 24 can be used to mount the package to a printed wiring board 38 and directly to a heatsink 44.

Abstract: Two-state, bilateral, single-pole, double-throw, half-bridge power-switching apparatus capable of high speed, high current switching over a duty factor range of zero percent to 100% includes a single-wire connector to a source of switching signals, a first FET whose gate is connected to the single-wire connector, and a second FET having its gate connected to the drain of the first FET and its source connected to the drain of the first FET through a device for preventing, in part, cross-current from the first FET to the second FET and for permitting the gate voltage on the second FET to be raised sufficiently high to turn on the second FET. The apparatus also includes a system for delivering on/off signals to the second FET and for holding the second FET on or off in response to switching signals having a duty factor in the range of zero percent to 100%.