Load Current Control Patents (Class 307/52)
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Patent number: 8283804Abstract: A semiconductor IC device capable of power-sharing includes a first power line configured to be supplied with a first power, a second power line configured to be supplied with a second power, a switching block configured to connect the first power line with the second power line in response to a first control signal, and a power-sharing control block configured to generate the control signal in accordance with a plurality of operation command signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Hyung-Soo Kim, Yong-Ju Kim, Sung-Woo Han, Hee-Woong Song, Ic-Su Oh, Tae-Jin Hwang, Hae-Rang Choi, Ji-Wang Lee, Jae-Min Jang, Chang-Kun Park
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Patent number: 8283805Abstract: Power is provided to a scanning device. Power supplied by an attached bus is used to power the scanning device when power requirements for the scanning device can be met by the power supplied by the attached bus. Power is drawn from a rechargeable battery to supply power to the scanning device when power requirements for the scanning device cannot be met by the power from the attached bus. When the scanning device is in a stand-by mode, the power from the attached bus is used to recharge the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Electronic Document Technology Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Hin Leong Tan, Chang-Ming Liu, Cheng-Hsien Chang
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Publication number: 20120248873Abstract: A method for controlling an energy storage system for connection to a power system, and such an energy storage system are provided. The method makes use of a model based predictive controller to optimize the charging/discharging rates of energy storage elements in a hybrid energy storage system. The method includes determining respective desired charging/discharging rates for the energy storage elements in dependence upon state of charge predictions from respective models of the storage elements, using model predictive control, and adjusting respective charging/discharging rates of the storage elements in accordance with the determined rates. The energy system includes a controller configured to control respective charging/discharging rates of the energy storage elements in accordance with the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTDInventors: Alexandre OUDALOV, Mehmet Mercangoez, Thomas Von Hoff
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Publication number: 20120228940Abstract: A power supply switch system for switching power supply to an electronic device, includes an adaptor, a charger module, a battery electrically connected to the charger module and a switch module. The adaptor outputs a voltage signal. The charger module receives the voltage signal and outputs control signals. The switch module receives the control signals and switches the adaptor and the battery to provide power supply to the electronic device. When the adaptor is powered on, the charger module controls the switch module to turn off a first connection between the battery and the electronic device; the charger module controls the switch module to turn on a second connection between the adaptor and the electronic device; and the adaptor provides the power supply to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: MAO-SHUN HSI, SAN-YUAN CHUANG, HONG-WEN CHAO
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Patent number: 8258761Abstract: Electrical energy consumption control apparatuses and electrical energy consumption control methods are described. According to one aspect, an electrical energy consumption control apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to receive a signal which is indicative of current of electrical energy which is consumed by a plurality of loads at a site, to compare the signal which is indicative of current of electrical energy which is consumed by the plurality of loads at the site with a desired substantially sinusoidal waveform of current of electrical energy which is received at the site from an electrical power system, and to use the comparison to control an amount of the electrical energy which is consumed by at least one of the loads of the site.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: Donald J. Hammerstrom
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Patent number: 8242747Abstract: In a charging control circuit for controlling charging of a secondary battery, a charging transistor generates a charging current according to a control signal input to a control electrode and outputs the charging current to the secondary battery. The proportional current generation transistor generates and outputs a proportional current proportional to the charging current output by the charging transistor. The constant current charging controller controls the charging transistor so that the proportional current generated by the proportional current generation transistor attains a predetermined first value. The constant current charging controller controls a voltage of a current output terminal of the proportional current generation transistor so that a voltage difference between the voltage of the current output terminal of the proportional current generation transistor and a voltage of a current output terminal of the charging transistor is maintained at a predetermined second value.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Kuniaki Arai
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Patent number: 8217530Abstract: A system includes a power bus and a circuit. The power bus delivers power from a first power source to an output node. The circuit monitors a current flowing through the power bus and provides power from a second power source to the output node based on an amount of the current, and maintains a voltage level of the output node in a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, IncInventors: Chun Lu, Luyang Luo
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Patent number: 8217531Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for dynamically configuring current sharing and fault monitoring in redundant power supply modules for components of an electrically powered system, including summing, by a master service processor, during powered operation of the system, the present power requirements of components presently installed in the electrically powered system and setting, by the master service processor for each redundant power supply module in dependence upon the sum of the present power requirements, a current sharing tolerance and a fault reporting tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jerrod K. Buterbaugh, Timothy C. Daun-Lindberg
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Patent number: 8212400Abstract: A multi-rail power-supply system provides power to circuitry requiring at least one additional rail between a high and a low-voltage rail. The system comprises a first power regulator that interconnects the high-voltage rail and an intermediate node and sets a first voltage rail that has a magnitude that is less than the high-voltage rail, wherein current that flows from the high-voltage rail is employed by a first set of peripheral circuitry prior to sinking through the first power regulator to the intermediate node. The system further comprises a second power regulator that interconnects the intermediate node and the low-voltage rail and sets a second voltage rail that has a magnitude that is greater than the low-voltage rail, wherein current that flows from the intermediate node is sourced by the second regulator and is employed by a second set of peripheral circuitry prior to flowing to the low-voltage rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Wei-Chung Wu, Paul Vulpoiu
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Patent number: 8212399Abstract: In some embodiments, a power extractor's control loop detects changes in power and controls the duty cycle of the switching circuitry in response to the detected changes in power, thereby controlling the power transfer. The control loop may include a signal generator to control the duty cycle, and the frequency of the generated signal may be changed to optimize the energy transfer efficiency. The switching circuitry may control the rate at which circuits store and release the energy in response to the control signal and thereby seek to obtain a rate of storage and release that results in no detected changes in power. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: XSLENT Energy Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Besser, Stefan Matan
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Patent number: 8169107Abstract: A method of reducing switching losses in a power supply includes the steps of advancing the output voltage of a first pole of a power cell by a first angle, retarding the output voltage of a second pole of the power cell by a second angle, and producing a combined output voltage of the power cell equal to a positive pulse of a duration angle equal to the sum of the first angle and the second angle for a first half of a switching cycle of the power cell, and equal to a negative pulse of a duration angle equal to the sum of the first angle and the second angle for a second half of the switching cycle of the power cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Peter Willard Hammond, Mukul Rastogi
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Publication number: 20120086275Abstract: A switching OR buck power receiver or receiving circuit is provided for electronic devices. The power receiver or power receiving circuit includes a plurality of power input lines arranged in parallel, a controller, and a buck circuit element. Each power input line is connectable to a corresponding power source, and further includes a switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Manjirnath CHATTERJEE
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Publication number: 20120080952Abstract: Disclosed is a current and voltage detection circuit comprising: a voltage input terminal to which a direct current voltage is applied; a voltage comparison circuit that determines which of the applied voltage and a predetermined voltage is larger; a switching element connected in series to a current-voltage conversion unit, between a positive electrode terminal of the power supply and a reference potential point of the circuit; and a control circuit that generates a control signal of the switching element in response to output of the voltage comparison circuit, wherein the circuit turns ON the switching element and determines the voltage, by the voltage comparison circuit, when a voltage supply capability or current supply capability is low; and turns OFF the switching element by the control signal and determines the voltage, when the voltage comparison circuit determines that the voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Masato YOSHIKUNI, Tomomitsu Ohara
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Patent number: 8149858Abstract: A system and method of analyzing a powered device (PD) in a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) system are presented. The system includes an Ethernet interface having a physical layer (PHY) chip capable of providing a signal pulse in addition to physical layer 1 functions. The system further includes a pulse transformer, coupled to the PHY chip, capable of relaying the signal pulse provided by the PHY chip to the PD via the transmit line and a second PHY chip. The first PHY chip receives one or more return pulse signals from the PD, analyzes characteristics such as voltage and/or frequency of the return pulse signal(s), and determines attributes of the PD based on those characteristics. The attributes can include powered device validity and power classification. A method of supplying power to a PD is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Asif Hussain, Manisha Pandya, Farzan Roohparvar, John Perzow
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Publication number: 20120074784Abstract: This invention relates to a power unit for a lighting system. Said power unit includes a mains power input (2), output terminals (3a, 3b) and a power supply (5) for regulating a supply voltage (V1) of the power unit (1). The power unit further comprises a polarity detector (13), a voltmeter (11) for measuring a voltage (V2) at said output terminals (3a, 3b) and a current meter (12) for measuring a current (A) at said output terminals (3a, 3b). The power unit also comprises a control unit (7), wherein said control unit (7) is arranged to initiate a power up procedure delay of random length after the power unit (1) has been switched on and wherein said control unit (7) is arranged to process information from the voltmeter (11), the current meter (12) and the polarity detector (13), and to control a power output of the power unit (1) on basis of said information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Pieter Jacob Snijder
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Patent number: 8138720Abstract: A dual-energy storage system is described, having two energy sources: (a) a fast-energy storage device (FES) such as an ultracapacitor, and (b) a long duration or steady power device, such as a fuel-cell or battery. A power converter or controller executes an energy management algorithm to determine when to provide bursts of additional power/current from the fast-energy storage device, and when to recharge the fast-energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: AFS Trinity Power CorporationInventors: Philip Kenneth Snyder, Donald Bender
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Patent number: 8120200Abstract: A control methodology for an engine-driven electric machine of a hybrid vehicle electrical system for enabling continued operation of the vehicle electrical system under failure mode conditions that require or result in disconnection of the battery pack from the electrical system. At the onset of a fault condition requiring battery disconnection, the electric machine is controlled to drive the battery pack current toward zero before disconnecting the battery pack. Once the battery pack is disconnected, whether by relay or fuse, the electric machine is controlled to maintain the bus voltage of the electrical system at a specified value. In both operating modes, the electric machine is controlled based on a synchronous vector current command that is determined directly as a function of the control objective (zero battery pack current or maintaining bus voltage) for improved response time compared to a traditional torque-based control.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James E. Walters, Gerald T. Fattic
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Patent number: 8120205Abstract: A distributed power management system may include a digital communication bus and a plurality of POL (point-of-load) regulators coupled to the communication bus and configured in a current sharing arrangement in which each POL regulator of the plurality of POL regulators has a respective output stage coupled to a common load and configured to generate a respective output current. Each POL regulator may have a respective phase in the current sharing configuration, and each POL regulator may transmit and receive information over the bus according to a bus communication protocol corresponding to the bus. Each POL regulator may autonomously add and drop its phase as required by the system, by sequentially manipulating a pulse width of a couple of gate signals configured to respectively control a high-side field effect transistor (FET) and low-side FET in the POL regulator's output stage.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Zilker Labs, Inc.Inventor: Douglas E. Heineman
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Patent number: 8115337Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an input circuit, a startup circuit, and a current limiter. The input circuit is coupled to a first source and is adapted to provide a first voltage and a first current to a load having a capacitance. The startup circuit is coupled to the input circuit and to the first source, and the startup circuit includes a current source and a startup capacitor coupled in series with one another. The current limiter has a cascode circuit and a discharge circuit. The cascode circuit has a bias transistor and a power transistor coupled in series with one another to provide a second voltage and a second current to the load, where the bias transistor is coupled to a second source and where the bias transistor generally operates as source follower during startup. The discharge circuit is coupled to a node between the bias transistor and the power transistor of the cascode circuit and coupled to a node between the startup current source.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Preetam Charan Anand Tadeparthy
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Publication number: 20120025609Abstract: The invention is an electrical power conversion topology. The preferred embodiment is as a three-phase, on-line Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). The desired AC output voltage waveform is formed on each output line or phase of the UPS, using pulse modulation techniques and a smoothing output filter inductor. A semiconductor switching matrix is used to switch the power converter side of each output filter inductor between three voltage potentials, a positive battery potential, a negative battery potential and a third intermediate and varying AC potential synchronized with the desired output voltage. The invention potentially provides the same performance as that of a multi-level inverter topology approaching an infinite number of DC levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: RENEWABLE POWER CONVERSION, INC.Inventor: Richard Travis West
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Publication number: 20120025612Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit for power switching. The method comprises the steps of: providing a operation circuit; receiving a command from a Host and setting up a power mode of the operation circuit; supplying a first rated consuming power source and then a second rated consuming power source to the operation circuit via the power switching circuit according to power mode; detecting the transferring process form the first rated consuming power source to second rated consuming power source; and preventing over current according to detecting result.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.Inventors: Chih-Fu Tsai, Kuo-Sheng Chung
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Patent number: 8103388Abstract: Disclosed are a power management system and associated method that not only initiate a “greenout” to avoid the negative impact of high loads (i.e., to avoid high power cost, negative environmental impact, brownouts, and ultimately blackouts), but can also predict the initiation of such a “greenout”. Predicting the initiation of a “greenout” and communicating the prediction to one or more of the various electronic devices connected to the power grid allows the electronic device(s) to take preparatory action to avoid and/or limit any negative impact that may be caused by the “greenout”.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Stephen G. Shuma, Peter A. Twombly
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Patent number: 8093754Abstract: Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Array Converter, Inc.Inventor: Kent Kernahan
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Publication number: 20110320796Abstract: A redundant power supply configuration for a data center is provided. A method includes receiving instructions to operate power supplies at a high current mode. An individual current for each of the power supplies is calculated to total a high current at the high current mode. The power supplies are operated at the high current mode to provide the high current at the high current mode. In response to operation at the high current mode being complete, the power supplies are operated at a normal mode to provide a normal current at the normal current mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Rajaram B. Krishnamurthy, Michael Onghena, Anuradha Rao
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Patent number: 8084884Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to optimization of voltage converter efficiency for all load conditions. A signal conditioning circuit is electrically connected to a number of buck converter modules that supply power to different loads. Each module includes a voltage regulator module, which issues a signal that is proportional for its respective load current. The signal conditioning circuit integrates and averages the signals from each voltage regulator module to produce a conditioned voltage signal. The conditioned signal drives a controller, which in turn provides control information to a power conversion circuit. Operation of the signal conditioning circuit cause the controller and power conversion circuit to adapt the driver voltage of the buck converter modules, which improves and optimizes efficiency for all loads.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Lakshmikanthan, Eduardo M. Lipiansky
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Patent number: 8084892Abstract: An object is to provide a duplex power supply for auxiliary machines. A power supply device includes a switching section that is connected to a direct-current link between a generator-side inverter and a grid-side inverter via an auxiliary machine power inverter for converting direct-current power supplied from the direct-current link into alternating-current power to form a first path, that is connected somewhere between a power-converting section and a utility grid to form a second path, and that is connected to auxiliary machines to form a third path, and the switching section switches between connection of the third path to the first path and connection of the third path to the second path.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Akira Yasugi
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Patent number: 8076797Abstract: An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Indy Power Systems LLCInventors: Quentin Wayne Kramer, Steve Tolen
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Publication number: 20110291481Abstract: The power source apparatus is provided with batteries 1 that supply power to a load; a current regulating circuit 2 that controls battery 1 current; a fuse 6 connected in series with the batteries 1; a first computation circuit 3 that computes a first allowable current that can flow through the batteries 1 based on at least one parameter including battery 1 specified current, temperature, voltage, and remaining capacity; and a second computation circuit 4 that computes a second allowable current that can flow through the fuse 6 without blowing the fuse 6 based on the time integral of current flow through the fuse 6. The current regulating circuit 2 controls the battery 1 current to a value lower than the first allowable current computed by the first computation circuit 3 and the second allowable current computed by the second computation circuit 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Satoru Matsumoto, Shinya Inui, Hiroshi Tatsumi
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Publication number: 20110273016Abstract: A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. A temperature signal is input responsive to the temperature. The power conversion is controlled by adjusting the input power based on the temperature signal. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: SOLAREDGE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella
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Patent number: 8044534Abstract: When a DC/DC converter switches between a primary voltage control mode, a secondary voltage control mode, and a current limiting mode as operation modes, an I-term resetting processor outputs an I term depending on the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched to a PID processor. The PID processor performs a PID control process based on the input I term. A drive duty ratio setter outputs a drive duty ratio immediately after the control mode switching, which is substantially equal to the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched. As a result, the duty ratios in the operation mode before being switched and the operation mode after being switched are made continuous with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Kojima, Naoyuki Mimatsu, Seigo Murashige, Yutaka Asano
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Patent number: 8046594Abstract: An electronic device includes electronic components, including: a power switching unit to output a power switching signal; a first power input unit to receive first power from one of a plurality of external power devices; a second power input unit to receive second power from one of the external power devices; a power converting unit to convert the first power received through the first power input unit into driving power having a voltage level to drive each electronic component, and to supply the driving power to each electronic component; and a power management unit to control the power converting unit to be enabled when the second power is input through the second power input unit, and control whether the power converting unit is enabled corresponding to the power switching signal from the power switching unit, when the second power is not input through the second power input unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Byong-jeon Lee
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Publication number: 20110221275Abstract: The high output impedance current source utilizes an opto-coupler integrated circuit to provide a high output impedance, regulated current to a load. The circuit includes an initial voltage source for energizing an LED. The light intensity of the LED is controlled by varying the voltage source or by a separate resistor. The LED selectively controls on-off gating of a phototransistor. The current supplied to an electrical load is a function of the light intensity produced by the LED, thus also being a function of the controlled initial voltage. The emitter of the phototransistor is connected to its base, thus making the output resistance of the current source very high and equal to that of a reverse-biased diode as long as the collector-to-base junction remains in the reverse-biased mode. The high output impedance current source can also be used as a voltage-to-current converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventor: Munir A. Al-Absi
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Patent number: 8018695Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a fuel pump includes: an electronic switch provided in a circuit for connecting a power supply to a motor for driving the fuel pump; a current detector which detects a current which flows through the motor; and a controller which controls the electronic switch in a first PWM mode of a first frequency and a first duty ratio in a normal operation; and change a PWM mode to control the electronic switch in a second PWM mode of a second frequency lower than the first frequency and a second duty ratio lower than the first duty ratio when the current flowing through the motor exceeds a threshold current value in the normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Akira Serizawa, Hiroo Yabe, Sadafumi Ikeda, Kouji Manabe, Akira Teranishi, Hironobu Takahashi
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Publication number: 20110199029Abstract: The present invention discloses a bi-direction driver IC and a method for bi-directionally driving an object. The method comprises: providing a first and a second integrated circuit (IC) chips, coupled with an object to be driven, wherein each of the first and second IC chips is capable of single-directionally driving the object; providing a reverse current path in each of the first and second IC chips; driving the object in a first direction by the first IC chip, wherein current flows through the reverse current path in the second IC chip; and driving the object in a second direction by the second IC chip, wherein current flows through the reverse current path in the first IC chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Hui-Yen Hsieh
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Publication number: 20110148202Abstract: Methods and apparatus for power factor correction include selectively coupling bit reactive loads with a load having dynamic reactive properties to dynamically correct a power factor. Methods and apparatus for reducing distortion in a power delivery system include a means for determining distortion in a power line, forming a corrective signal according to the distortion and selectively sinking and sourcing current to the power line according to the corrective signal. Furthermore, power for a solar power system is injected into a load via the same apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: GENEVA CLEANTECH INC.Inventors: Patrick A. Rada, John H. Magnasco
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Patent number: 7960861Abstract: A circuit arrangement and method for redundantly supplying current to a downstream load are provided. The circuit arrangement includes a first current path including a first switch element to which a first voltage is applied on the input side, a second current path including a second switch element to which a second input voltage is applied on the input side, a first control device which is connected to the first current path and used to control the first switch element, a second control device which is connected to the second current path and used to control the second switch element, and a common output terminal of the first and second current paths, from which a load supply voltage is emitted.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Gscheidle, Michael Rimpel, Klaus Haefele
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Method and apparatus for controlling a supply current for a circuit or a plurality of circuit blocks
Patent number: 7948116Abstract: A method for controlling a supply current for a circuit comprises setting a target value of a quantity related to a supply current, said target value being different from a presently established value of the quantity, and adjusting the quantity until a value of the quantity corresponds to the target value. A method for controlling a supply current to a plurality of circuit blocks comprises providing a plurality of partial supply currents to the plurality of circuit blocks, setting at least one target value of a quantity related to at least one of the partial supply currents, checking whether a predetermined condition which depends on the at least one set target value is achieved, and if the predetermined condition is not achieved, changing at least one among the at least one target values and the at least one partial supply currents to achieve the predetermined condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Peter Mahrla -
Publication number: 20110115294Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a dual voltage-source inverter system. The systems and methods selectively couple a first voltage source and a second voltage source to an inverter via a controllable switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: GABRIEL GALLEGOS-LOPEZ, MILUN PERISIC, SILVA HITI, GEORGE JOHN, GREGORY S. SMITH, KHIET LE, DUC Q. PHAN
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Publication number: 20110109159Abstract: An active low-pass current filter apparatus and method reduces conducted emissions above a predefined cutoff frequency at high power levels. The apparatus and method use a bidirectional DC-DC converter to minimize current fluctuations on a power lead that may result in conducted emissions above the predefined cutoff frequency. The bidirectional DC-DC converter absorbs current from the power lead and feeds current to the load lead as needed to compensate for the current fluctuations on the power lead. Power to the DC-DC converter is provided by a separate auxiliary power source. A monitoring circuit compares the voltage level of the auxiliary power source to a reference voltage and compensates for variations in the voltage level of the auxiliary power source without interfering with the suppression of the conducted emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: TEXAS MEMORY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Don D. Davis, Adrian P. Glover, Holloway H. Frost
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Publication number: 20110101690Abstract: A wind farm in which electrical power produced in the wind farm is transported via a wind-farm-internal network to a substation. Upon being transferred to an external network, the electrical power is transformed to a voltage which is higher by a selectable step-up ratio than the voltage in the wind-farm-internal network. The electrical load level on a wind energy installation in the wind farm is determined, and the step-up ratio is adjusted as a function of the electrical load level. Accordingly, it is possible to influence the voltage in the wind-farm-internal network such that the wind energy installations are subject to a lower electrical load level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: REpower Systems AGInventors: Jens Fortmann, Friedrich Koch
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Publication number: 20110101778Abstract: The present invention relates to a power system utilizing an engine generator or public power with AC source, wherein the power system particularly has the characteristics that the maximum output current thereof is limited by electromagnetic effects, and/or constant current or nearly constant current output thereof is set to be lower than the maximum output current, for powering a load, and charging a battery, or jointly powering a load with a battery; when an engine generator set is utilized to be power supply, during operation, the engine operates with the best brake specific fuel consumption and/or the range of revolutions and torque for better energy saving.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 7915761Abstract: In one embodiment, a signal detector is coupled to an external power source. The signal detector is configured to ascertain whether a predetermined signal was received from the external power source. Control logic is coupled to the signal detector and to the external power source. The control logic is responsive to the signal detector to determine a characteristic of the external power source based on whether the signal detector detected the predetermined signal. The characteristics of the external power supply can be determined based on the frequency, amplitude and duration of a signal received from the power injector. This enables the control logic to determine the power available from an unknown power supply and to configure a device to operate accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Chad Jones, Corey Metsker
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Patent number: 7917775Abstract: A power supply system suitable for being located in a computer is provided. The system includes a first voltage regulator module (VRM), a second VRM, a first switch unit, and a second switch unit. The first VRM is used to supply a first power. The second VRM is used to supply a second power. The first switch unit is used for controlling the first power to be transmitted to a first central processing unit (CPU) socket by a first power supply path or to a second CPU socket by a second power supply path. The second switch unit is used for controlling the second power to be transmitted to the first CPU socket by the third power supply path or to the second CPU socket by the fourth power supply path.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER Inc.Inventor: Shao-Kang Chu
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Patent number: 7904260Abstract: An integrated circuit device and method for classifying electrical devices is disclosed. A reference current response of a plurality of electrical devices is determined and stored in a memory. Real-time current response of a specific electrical device is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compared the measured real-time current response of the specific electrical device to the reference current responses of the plurality of electrical devices. A classification of the electrical device is then made based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Gary Joseph Burlak, Marian Mirowski
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Publication number: 20110043039Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for providing power to an irrigation controller. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) voltage converter configured to convert an input AC voltage into a DC voltage. An AC voltage generator is coupled to the AC to DC voltage converter, wherein the AC voltage generator is configured to generate an output AC voltage using the DC voltage. The AC voltage generator is further coupled to the irrigation controller, and the AC voltage generator is configured to supply the output AC voltage to the irrigation controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Fausto F. Mancebo del Castillo Pagola
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Patent number: 7893346Abstract: An integrated voltaic energy system incorporates a bio-friendly DC power generator with a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to feed a main service panel and a utility grid. A plurality of inverters are connected one each, to a respective output of one of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays. The outputs of each of the inverters are connected to a main service panel and a utility grid. A further inverter is connected to the DC power generator and in parallel with the other inverters. The DC power generator is also connected to each of the PV solar panel inverters through a switch operated at a specific time manually or automatically. When switched the DC power generator feeds all of the inverters. A resistor/capacitor structure is connected between the DC power generator and each inverter. A self-powered timer may control the output level of the DC power generator.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Jack Nachamkin, Gary T. Sheehan
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Patent number: 7895455Abstract: Dynamically managing power consumption in a computer system having at least two parallel power converters in order to improve efficiency. A maximum power capacity for each of the power converters is determined and then power consumption of the computer system is monitored. If the power consumption of the computer system can be provided by less than all of the parallel power converters then one or more of the power converters is turned off, such that a reduced number of parallel power converters remains turned on. A reduced maximum power capacity of the reduced number of parallel power converters is determined and a power cap value is set for the computer system that is less than or equal to the reduced maximum power capacity. The computer system is throttled at the power cap to prevent power consumption of the computer system from exceeding the power cap value.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alan M. Green, Alan L. Goodrum
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Patent number: 7884500Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. The series of stages provides for a high voltage AC or DC output. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Array Converter Inc.Inventor: Kent Kernahan
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Patent number: 7872372Abstract: A device for delivering a desired power to a load comprises a voltage detection module, a comparator module, a power regulation module, and a current source. The voltage detection module generates a voltage signal based on a voltage across the load. The comparator module compares a first value based on the voltage signal to a power reference signal. The power reference signal is based on the desired power. The power regulation module generates a digital code based on the comparison. The current source provides a current to the load. The current is based on a predetermined constant current and a second value. The second value is based on the digital code.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventor: Thart Fah Voo
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Publication number: 20110006606Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit includes: a first pulse generator configured to output a pulse whose level remains unchanged when an input signal of a first circuit is in a first period, and whose level changes from a second level to a first level when an edge of the input signal of the first circuit is detected after the first period; a second pulse generator configured to output a pulse from a time that the pulse output by the first pulse generator becomes the first level until a second period elapses; a first field-effect transistor having a source connected to a power supply potential node, and a drain connected to a power supply potential terminal of the first circuit; and a first switch configured to cause a potential at a gate of the first field-effect transistor to be a first potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Tetsutaro Hashimoto, Tetsuyoshi Shiota