Abstract: An apparatus and method employs a rectifier, switches, and power converter that comprises a first stage, a second stage and a direct current (DC) bus between the first and second stages, to: in a first state supply rectified DC current to the first stage and a voltage adjusted current from the second stage to a load, for example a power storage device (e.g., secondary battery, ultra-capacitor(s)) at a relatively high voltage (e.g., 48 V for traction motor), and in a second state supply DC current to the first stage from the power storage device and supply a voltage adjusted current from the second stage, for example to a lower voltage DC bus or load (e.g., 12 V). The rectifier can, for example, receive grid or mains AC power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method employs a rectifier, switches, and power converter that comprises a first stage, a second stage and a direct current (DC) bus between the first and second stages, to: in a first state supply rectified DC current to the first stage and a voltage adjusted current from the second stage to a load, for example a power storage device (e.g., secondary battery, ultra-capacitor(s)) at a relatively high voltage (e.g., 48 V for traction motor), and in a second state supply DC current to the first stage from the power storage device and supply a voltage adjusted current from the second stage, for example to a lower voltage DC bus or load (e.g., 12 V). The rectifier can, for example, receive grid or mains AC power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circuit conditioning, such as for providing power factor correction, is provided, using existing or minimal additional circuitry, at minimal or no additional cost to the manufacture of the circuit. The circuit conditioning is implemented by controlling an output side of the circuit based on a value sensed on the output side of the circuit and a relationship between the output side and an input side of the circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circuit conditioning, such as for providing power factor correction, is provided, using existing or minimal additional circuitry, at minimal or no additional cost to the manufacture of the circuit. The circuit conditioning is implemented by controlling an output side of the circuit based on a value sensed on the output side of the circuit and a relationship between the output side and an input side of the circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring electric current. The apparatus includes a conductive shunt for developing a voltage drop in response to current flow through the shunt, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the shunt, and an amplifier for amplifying the voltage drop across the shunt. The voltage drop developed by the shunt has a known dependence upon the temperature of the shunt. The amplifier has an output for producing a current signal indicative of current flow through the shunt and has a gain dependent upon the temperature of the shunt, to compensate the current signal for changes in the voltage drop across the shunt due to the known dependence upon temperature of the voltage drop developed by the shunt.

Abstract: A DC link power converter apparatus including a first DC to DC converter, a DC to AC converter and a load balancing storage element. The first DC to DC converter has first and second DC ports and the DC to AC converter has a third DC port and has an AC port. The first DC port is connectable to a DC source and the second DC port is connected to the third DC port. The AC port is connectable to an AC load. The load balancing energy storage element is connected to the second DC port for decoupling the DC to DC converter from the DC to AC converter by supplying energy to the third DC port when a voltage at the second DC port is tending to decrease and for storing energy received from the second DC port when a voltage at the third port is tending to increase.