Abstract: A system includes analysis circuitry. The analysis circuitry is configured to determine a first electrical resistance between a first terminal of a potentiometer and a second terminal of the potentiometer. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a second electrical resistance between the first terminal and a wiper terminal of the potentiometer. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a third electrical resistance between the second terminal and the wiper terminal. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a wiper resistance of the potentiometer based on the first electrical resistance, the second electrical resistance, and the third electrical resistance. The system additionally includes an output interface coupled to the analysis circuitry and configured to generate an output indicative of the wiper resistance.

Abstract: A quad-T transformer in some embodiments includes a first split winding, a second split winding, and two orthogonal closed-loop windings coupled between the first split winding and the second split winding. Wires can be wound around magnetic cores. A first of the two orthogonal closed-loop windings is coupled to a first portion of each of the first split winding and the second split winding. A second of the two orthogonal closed-loop windings is coupled to a second portion of each of the first split winding and the second split winding. A bi-directional single-phase/three-phase converter includes the quad-T transformer and a Scott-T transformer with an output connected to a three-phase connection. The Scott-T transformer also has a 90-degree input connected to the quad-T transformer and a zero-degree input connected to a single-phase connection.

Abstract: An augmented power converter may include a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit may include a motor drive transformer to convert a two-phase DC voltage to a three-phase output voltage for operating an electrical device. The motor drive circuit may also include a power control component for each phase of the two-phase voltage.

Abstract: A system includes analysis circuitry. The analysis circuitry is configured to determine a first electrical resistance between a first terminal of a potentiometer and a second terminal of the potentiometer. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a second electrical resistance between the first terminal and a wiper terminal of the potentiometer. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a third electrical resistance between the second terminal and the wiper terminal. The analysis circuitry is additionally configured to determine a wiper resistance of the potentiometer based on the first electrical resistance, the second electrical resistance, and the third electrical resistance. The system additionally includes an output interface coupled to the analysis circuitry and configured to generate an output indicative of the wiper resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a dual function inrush limiting circuit (ILC). The systems and methods may include a level shift circuit (LSC). The LSC may include a Zener diode, a block diode and a capacitor. The Zener diode being in anti-series with respect to the block diode. The ILC may further include a switch electrically coupled to the LSC, an input terminal and an output terminal. The LSC may be configured to activate the switch such to electrically couple the input terminal to the output terminal. The ILC may include a direct current (DC)-DC converter electrically coupled to the output terminal. The DC-DC converter being electrically coupled to the input terminal when the switch is activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a dual function inrush limiting circuit (ILC). The systems and methods may include a level shift circuit (LSC). The LSC may include a Zener diode, a block diode and a capacitor. The Zener diode being in anti-series with respect to the block diode. The ILC may further include a switch electrically coupled to the LSC, an input terminal and an output terminal. The LSC may be configured to activate the switch such to electrically couple the input terminal to the output terminal. The ILC may include a direct current (DC)-DC converter electrically coupled to the output terminal. The DC-DC converter being electrically coupled to the input terminal when the switch is activated.

Abstract: Battery cell charge equalization devices, systems and methods are provided. A particular method includes receiving a charging current at a battery charge equalization circuit coupled to a battery cell of a multi-cell battery. The method also includes routing at least a portion of the charging current away from the battery cell when a voltage of the battery cell satisfies a first voltage threshold. The method further includes establishing a second voltage threshold in response to the voltage of the battery cell satisfying the first voltage threshold. The second voltage threshold is lower than the first voltage threshold. The charging current is routed away from the battery cell while the voltage of the battery cell satisfies the second voltage threshold.

Abstract: A quad-T transformer in some embodiments includes a first split winding, a second split winding, and two orthogonal closed-loop windings coupled between the first split winding and the second split winding. Wires can be wound around magnetic cores. A first of the two orthogonal closed-loop windings is coupled to a first portion of each of the first split winding and the second split winding. A second of the two orthogonal closed-loop windings is coupled to a second portion of each of the first split winding and the second split winding. A bi-directional single-phase/three-phase converter includes the quad-T transformer and a Scott-T transformer with an output connected to a three-phase connection. The Scott-T transformer also has a 90-degree input connected to the quad-T transformer and a zero-degree input connected to a single-phase connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for powering an airborne transport vehicle from a ground power supply are provided. One system is a hovercraft power system having a ground power supply coupled with at least one on-board DC-DC power converter, wherein the on-board DC-DC power converter is positioned on-board a hovercraft. The hovercraft power system further includes a power cord tethered to the hovercraft, wherein the power cord is capable of delivering at least 100 kilowatts (kW) of power from the ground power supply to the hovercraft. The hovercraft power system also includes a tether dispenser configured to dispense or retract the power cord tethered to the hovercraft.

Abstract: Battery cell charge equalization devices, systems and methods are provided. A particular method includes receiving a charging current at a battery charge equalization circuit coupled to a battery cell of a multi-cell battery. The method also includes routing at least a portion of the charging current away from the battery cell when a voltage of the battery cell satisfies a first voltage threshold. The method further includes establishing a second voltage threshold in response to the voltage of the battery cell satisfying the first voltage threshold. The second voltage threshold is lower than the first voltage threshold. The charging current is routed away from the battery cell while the voltage of the battery cell satisfies the second voltage threshold.

Abstract: An augmented power converter may include a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit may include a motor drive transformer to convert a two-phase DC voltage to a three-phase output voltage for operating an electrical device. The motor drive circuit may also include a power control component for each phase of the two-phase voltage.

Abstract: An augmented power converter may include a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit may include a motor drive transformer to convert a two-phase DC voltage to a three-phase output voltage for operating an electrical device. The motor drive circuit may also include a power control component for each phase of the two-phase voltage.

Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) system is disclosed. The system has an LVDT. A signal conditioner circuit is coupled to the LVDT. The signal conditioner circuit uses an inductance of the LVDT primary as a micro-power excitation carrier frequency to lower a drive power of the system. The signal conditioner circuit generates output currents that are summed and filtered to generate a position proportional voltage.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter suitable for multiple converter circuit topologies is disclosed. The DC-DC converter utilizes magnetic feedback of the output load current to provide broad inductance control of a magnetic element, while inhibiting saturation of the switched winding or windings of the magnetic element.

Abstract: An inductor comprising one or more windings disposed on opposed first and second surfaces of a flat-plate substrate. The windings are applied to the substrate by plating or photoresistive deposition techniques, with through-holes through the plate accommodating the windings from opposed surfaces. Windings of more than one layer are obtainable with insulation between adjacent layers. The resulting inductor is usable, for example, as a component of an EMI filter in a power converter circuit.

Abstract: A DC current sensor has a core having a magnetically permeable material. A permeability measurement winding is formed around at least a portion of the core. The core is placed within a magnetic field of a conductor such that measurement of a permeability of the core via the permeability measurement winding facilitates determination of current flow through the conductor.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic device for use in applications requiring low-profile components. The device includes a magnetic substrate with a scheme of through-holes in association with a first and second winding, plated or wired, integral to the substrate and wound orthogonal to each other. The first winding comprises the AC inductor/transformer permeability. The second winding in association with an applied DC bias current causes the permeability to vary over a wide controlled operating range.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a variable capacitor responsive to an applied fluid pressure to predictably change capacitance value. A tuned oscillator circuit having an inductive impedance includes the variable capicitor and simulates a resonant inductive-capacitive circuit not including an inductor. The tuned circuit oscillator to provide a signal with a period which is a function of the variable capacitance value, and of the applied fluid pressure. Additional elements are provided for precise measurement of the variable signal, correction for temperature effects, correction of measurement aberrations, and production of an output signal in a preferred format.

Abstract: A device for augmenting the control of a forced air furnace includes a heat probe which is located in association with a furnace heat exchanger so as to sense the air temperature of air passing across the heat exchanger. The probe is connected via a buffer to an optical controlled switch. A latch is associated with both the probe and the switch such that in response to a high temperature turn off point the optical coupled switch shuts off the furnace solenoid associated with the furnace and maintains the solenoid in an off position until the probe senses a low temperature turn on point. Upon sensing the low temperature turn on point the solenoid is turned back on and is maintained in the on position by the latch until the high temperature point is again reached.