Abstract: A connector state control module includes a sensing module that determines a state of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. A charge switching module selectively provides a voltage based on the state of the PWM signal. A charge storage module stores a charge based on the voltage. A power supply switching module selectively outputs a power signal based on the charge.

Abstract: A current measurement control system for a power supply system is provided. The current measurement control system includes a load module that estimates a total load of the power supply system. An amplification module selectively determines an amplification factor based on the total load and amplifies a current signal based on the amplification factor. A current measurement module measures current based on the amplified current signal.

Abstract: A power distribution system generally includes at least two relays. An equal-phase pulse generator generates pulse signals in equal phase intervals. At least two drivers, one for each of the at least two relays, control current flow to the at least two relays based on the pulse signals.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for driving a coil-armature device are disclosed. The circuits are configured to drive the coil-armature device to a first energy level for a period of time sufficient to retract the armature to the center of the coil, and then, to drive the coil-armature device to a second energy level subsequently. The first energy level is greater than the second energy level. The second energy level may be achieved by alternatively connecting and disconnecting a driving voltage to the coil-armature device according to a “hold” mode duty cycle. The first energy level may be achieved by connecting the driving voltage to the coil-armature device continuously for a period of time sufficient to retract the armature to the center of the coil. Alternatively, the first energy level may be achieved by alternatively connecting and disconnecting the driving voltage to the coil-armature device according to a “pull-in” mode duty cycle, which is different from the “hold” mode duty cycle.

Abstract: A semiconductor power circuit in which multiple field effect transistor dies are solder connected between opposed contact surfaces of overlying flat conductors and are clamped by means of spring clips which are arranged in symmetrically opposed relationship. A circuit board also disposed between the clamped surfaces is protected from the clamping forces by means of a soft paper layer with holes registering with similar holes in the circuit board to permit solder pads to pass there through.

Abstract: A circuit and method for electrically driving a load. A bootstrap driving circuit variably drives the load in response to a pulse width modulation control signal. A compensation curcuit then permits the bootstrap driving circuit to drive the load at a maximum power level when the pulse width modulation control signal has a sufficiently high enough duty cycle.

Abstract: A circuit regulates the flow of current to a bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit is sensitive to ambient temperature and increases the voltage at the LEDs in the circuit. Consequently, the current flow to the LEDs will increase when the ambient temperature increases and the LEDs would, with a fixed current, begin to lose brightness. Consequently, the circuit allows LEDs to be used as lighting in applications, such as vehicle turn or brake signals, that experience wide ambient temperature variation but require that the LEDs remain sufficiently bright despite the temperature increases.

Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for detecting an imminent arc prior to the ignition of the arc in a system having a DC power supply that provides power to a load through a conductor. The inventive circuit includes a current-change detector that detects a sudden drop in current through the conductor that is indicative of an imminent arc. Upon detection of a sudden drop in current through the conductor, a multivibrator generates a pulsed signal, wherein the width of the pulse is indicative of a determined period of time for which the power supply should be disconnected to prevent ignition of an arc. The pulsed signal controls a transistor, which selectively disconnects the power supply from the load for a determined period of time in response to the pulsed signal.