Abstract: Disclosed herein are different charging stations, systems, and methods for recharging swappable or non-swappable batteries having differing states of health, impedance, age, etc. Swappable and non-swappable battery packs may be charged in parallel, but the amount of charge current supplied to each parallel battery pack is determined individually by the battery pack itself. Each battery may have its own maximum charge and/or discharge current limits set individually to avoid using a battery pack over its rating, provide voltage equalization, and control energy flow among the plurality of rechargeable battery packs. This also extends the operating lifetime of older battery packs. In a charging mode, a battery charger may set a floating voltage and each battery pack may take its own current to provide voltage equalization. Additionally, a battery pack can boost its own voltage to maintain the required voltage level by a particular load/application.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter is provided for operation within a narrow voltage range during normal conditions, while allowing for a wider input voltage range for short periods of time. A first switch is coupled across first and second input terminals, and a capacitor is coupled in parallel with the first switch and across the input terminals. A second switch is coupled in series with the first input terminal and between the first switch and the capacitor. Operation of the switches is regulated in accordance with a bypass mode of operation when received input power is within a defined range, and a boost mode of operation when received input power is less than a threshold value, wherein the received input power is boosted to a bulk output power within the defined range. Boost operations may in various embodiments be provided via, for example, a critical conduction scheme or continuous conduction scheme.

Abstract: A multiphase DC-DC converter includes multiple groups of first and second LLC power trains coupled in parallel which collectively provide an output voltage to a load. A voltage feedback control loop senses an output voltage for the LLC converter and generates an identical reference current signal for each of the multiple groups of power trains, the signals representing a reference current based on the sensed output voltage, wherein an active current sharing operation is provided between each of the groups. A local current control loop for each of the groups generates PWM control signals to each of the respective first and second power trains based on the reference current, the PWM control signals having an identical frequency but out of phase with respect to each other, wherein a passive current sharing operation is provided within each of the plurality of power groups.

Abstract: A transformer having a bobbinless winding assembly positioned on a base includes a primary winding having multiple radially-spiraling turns of a wire and a secondary winding including a substantially planar annular disk having a radial gap defined therein. A primary winding having first and second primary windings including multiple radially-spiraling turns of wire with free ends extending from outer turns and a method of forming the same is provided. A secondary winding having a planar annular disk with a radial gap defined therein and a method of forming the same is also provided.

Abstract: A multiphase DC-DC converter includes multiple groups of first and second LLC power trains coupled in parallel which collectively provide an output voltage to a load. A voltage feedback control loop senses an output voltage for the LLC converter and generates an identical reference current signal for each of the multiple groups of power trains, the signals representing a reference current based on the sensed output voltage, wherein an active current sharing operation is provided between each of the groups. A local current control loop for each of the groups generates PWM control signals to each of the respective first and second power trains based on the reference current, the PWM control signals having an identical frequency but out of phase with respect to each other, wherein a passive current sharing operation is provided within each of the plurality of power groups.

Abstract: An AC/DC power converter has an AC input and a DC output, with an input rectifier circuit coupled to the AC input. The input rectifier circuit includes a passive half-bridge rectifier circuit functional to provide passive rectification of an AC input power sign and at least one current shaper circuit. The current shaper circuit includes an input inductor coupled between the AC input and a switch node in the input active rectifier circuit. The input current shaper circuit is functional to shape an AC input current signal associated with an AC input power signal to a substantially sinusoidal current signal. A bulk capacitor circuit is coupled to the input active rectifier circuit. A DC/AC converter circuit is coupled to the bulk capacitor circuit. A resonant circuit is coupled to the DC/AC converter circuit and an output rectifier circuit may be coupled between the resonant circuit and the DC output.