Abstract: The control device for the luminaire of a vehicle has an operating power input (401) for receiving operating power, an illumination output (402) for supplying illumination power to one or more light sources (403), and a power converter (404) coupled between said operating power input (401) and said illumination output (402) for converting received operating power into illumination power, which is directed outside. The power converter (404) has a control connection (405). The control device has a control data connection (406) for transmitting control data, and a controller circuit (407) coupled between said control data connection (406) and said control connection (405). The control device has a control power input (408) separate from said operating power input (401) for receiving control power to said controller circuit (407) independently of said operating power, as well as a galvanic isolation (409) between said control circuit (407) and said power converter (407).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing magnetic core elements includes preparing a plurality of magnetic green sheets and a plurality of non-magnetic green sheets; along a laminating direction, alternately laminating the plurality of magnetic green sheets and non-magnetic green sheets, thereby forming a green sheet laminate; along the laminating direction, cutting the green sheet laminate into a plurality of bodies with desired dimension; and sintering each of the bodies, thereby forming a plurality of magnetic core elements respectively having a plurality of discretely distributed gaps formed by the non-magnetic green sheets.

Abstract: A starter battery voltage step-up device (LPF) intended to prevent a drop in the battery voltage (Vbat) produced by a current surge in a power circuit of the starter when the starter is powered on. The device comprises a casing of magnetic material (C, YO, CM, CM?), a primary winding circuit (W1) intended to be inserted in series in the power circuit, and a short-circuited secondary winding circuit (W2), in which the primary winding circuit (W1) and/or the secondary winding circuit (W2) comprises a winding formed by at least one flat conductor (3) wound on edge. The invention also relates to the corresponding combination (1) of a starter and a voltage step-up device.

Abstract: For a person who has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (“PEG”) tube and an esophagus stoma, an ostomy pouch is provided, where the pouch forms an inlet connected to the esophagus stoma and an outlet connected to one end of a interconnecting tube. An opposing end of the interconnecting tube is connected to the PEG tube, so that when the person consumes matter by mouth, the matter flows out the stoma, through the ostomy pouch, the interconnecting tube and the PEG rube, and into the stomach.

Abstract: Regulation of powertrain converter circuits is provided. The power conversion may include converting between direct current and alternating current and the regulation may include reduction of distortion on switching start up and zero-crossings. Solid-state implementations, code implementations, and mixed implementations are provided.

Abstract: A light source device is disclosed that can be regarded as a point light source and that emits vacuum ultraviolet light at a sufficiently high optical intensity. The device has a lamp housing to house a flash lamp and a parabolic mirror. Light emitted from the flash lamp is converted to parallel light by the parabolic mirror, and the parallel light exits the lamp housing from a quartz window. The flash lamp has a pair of electrodes, and the distance between the electrodes is 12.5 mm or less. The filler gas pressure is between 2 atm and 8 atm. A current is fed to the flash lamp from an electricity feeding unit. This current requires 8 ?s or less from the start of discharge until the current value reaches the peak value. The peak current value is 1500 A or more. The flash lamp emits light including vacuum ultraviolet light.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for powering light sources from a input power supply through a converter circuit is provided including a primary side and a secondary side separated by a galvanic barrier, wherein the primary side includes a power factor control block with an output capacitor. The method may include providing save circuitry on said secondary side for saving operational data of the converter upon failure of said input power supply; and powering said save circuitry during saving said operational data with energy derived from said output capacitor of said power factor control block.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit that generates current for driving an LED load includes a voltage converter circuit configured to supply a drive current to the LED load in response to a control signal, a control circuit that generates the control signal, and a bias voltage generating circuit that generates the bias voltage for the control circuit. The bias voltage generating circuit is galvanically isolated from a power supply voltage and from the LED load. The voltage converter circuit regulates a level of the drive current supplied to the LED load in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Drivers (1) for driving light circuits (2) with light emitting diodes comprise isolation circuits (11-14) with primary parts (11,13) and secondary parts (12, 14) and guiding circuits (22, 23) for guiding common mode surge signals to reference potentials. The isolation circuits (11-14) may be designed to guide first parts of the common mode surge signals (3) away from the light circuits (2) and the guiding circuits (22, 23) may be designed to guide second parts of the common mode surge signals (3) away from the light circuits (2), the second parts being smaller than the first parts. The guiding circuit (22, 23) may comprise capacitors (22) for connecting first terminals of the secondary parts (12, 14) to the reference potentials, values of the capacitors (22) being larger than values of parasitic capacitances (41) of the isolation circuits (11-14). The driver (1) does not comprise any capacitor that interconnects the primary and secondary parts (11-14).

Abstract: Current is regulated in an LED lamp by sensing, in a manner electrically isolated from a primary side of a transformer, an LED current in an LED; creating a digital control signal based on the LED current; transmitting the digital control signal from the secondary side of the LED circuit to the primary side; and controlling power delivered to the primary side based at least in part on the transmitted digital control signal.

Abstract: Provided is a compact ignition coil apparatus that can realize reliable insulation breakdown and spark discharge with high discharge current. A high-frequency discharge ignition coil apparatus includes: a capacitor 116 connected to a high-voltage terminal, for preventing passage of high voltage; and an inductor 117 connected to the capacitor 116 and forming, together with the capacitor 116, a band pass filter that allows only a predetermined frequency component to pass. High-frequency current is supplied from outside to the inductor 117. The high-frequency discharge ignition coil apparatus further includes a current level detection device 115 for detecting the level of current flowing in the inductor 117. The current level detection device 115 is placed in one package, together with a primary coil 111, a secondary coil 112, a capacitor 116, and an inductor 117.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide compatibility between a load and a secondary winding of an electronic transformer driven by a leading-edge dimmer may include: (a) responsive to determining that energy is available from the electronic transformer, drawing a requested amount of power from the electronic transformer thus transferring energy from the electronic transformer to an energy storage device in accordance with the requested amount of power; and (b) transferring energy from the energy storage device to the load at a rate such that a voltage of the energy storage device is regulated within a predetermined voltage range.

Abstract: This invention relates to driver circuits used within high voltage power supplies, e.g. for light bulb assemblies. A driver circuit providing electrical energy at an output derived from electrical energy at an input is described. The driver circuit comprises a power converter, a controller, a supply voltage capacitor, and is configured to provide a supply voltage to the controller. A start-up resistor is coupled to the input of the driver circuit, charges the supply voltage capacitor, and is coupled to the supply voltage capacitor during start-up of the driver circuit. A back-up capacitor is coupled to the output of the driver circuit and with the supply voltage capacitor if a voltage at the back-up capacitor exceeds the supply voltage by a forward voltage threshold, and is decoupled from the supply voltage capacitor if the supply voltage exceeds the voltage at the back-up capacitor by a reverse voltage threshold.

Abstract: A method includes forming one or more capacitors over a substrate. The method also includes forming a transformer at least partially over the substrate. The transformer is adjacent to at least one of the one or more capacitors. At least a portion of the transformer is formed at a same level over the substrate as the one or more capacitors. The method further includes coupling the one or more capacitors and the transformer to at least one embedded integrated circuit die. The one or more capacitors, the transformer, and the at least one embedded integrated circuit die form at least part of a light emitting diode (LED) driver.

Abstract: A driving module for a gas discharge lamp, in particular for headlights in vehicles, comprises a suitable lamp socket, a carrier for electrical components, and an ignition transformer, wherein the component part carrier is populated at least with electrical components of an ignition unit and moreover is designed for accommodating further electrical components that are required for a self-sustaining operation of the driving module. In addition, the lamp socket is made of a high temperature resistant plastic material and has an integrated high-voltage conducting track.

Abstract: Improving start-up time of a light emitting diode (led) driver at lower input voltage is accomplished with a quick start circuit comprising a constant current source that replaces the traditional trickle charge start-up path for charging of a Vcc capacitor supplying operating voltage to an SMPS controller. Also the constant current source will only be operational during SMPS start-up, then will turn off after the SMPS is capable of producing its own regulated power supply to the Vcc terminal of the SMPS controller, thereby minimizing E2/R power losses in the SMPS.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for driving a fluorescent lamp from a periodic input voltage provided at a power input terminal. The circuit comprises an inverter for powering the fluorescent lamp, and a control unit. The control unit comprises a measuring input connected to the power input terminal for providing a synchronization signal representing a value of the periodic input voltage to the control unit, a control input for receiving an input signal representative of a desired lighting characteristic of the fluorescent lamp, and a control output connected to an enabling input of the inverter. The control unit is arranged to provide, via the control output, a control signal to the inverter to operate the inverter in synchronism with a periodicity of the synchronization signal representing the value of the periodic input voltage, the control signal being based on the input signal.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit that generates current for driving an LED load includes a voltage converter circuit configured to supply a drive current to the LED load in response to a control signal, a control circuit that generates the control signal, and a bias voltage generating circuit that generates the bias voltage for the control circuit. The bias voltage generating circuit is galvanically isolated from a power supply voltage and from the LED load. The voltage converter circuit regulates a level of the drive current supplied to the LED load in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device including a circuit including at least two parallel-connected light-emitting diodes of opposite pole in a first parallel branch and comprising at least two parallel-connected light-emitting diodes of opposite pole in a second parallel branch, and also including a capacitor and a coil. At least one of the diodes emits red light, blue light, and/or white light.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for powering light sources from a input power supply through a converter circuit is provided including a primary side and a secondary side separated by a galvanic barrier, wherein the primary side includes a power factor control block with an output capacitor. The method may include providing save circuitry on said secondary side for saving operational data of the converter upon failure of said input power supply; and powering said save circuitry during saving said operational data with energy derived from said output capacitor of said power factor control block.

Abstract: A capacitor charging apparatus includes a transformer and an output capacitor which is to be charged using the current that flows through the secondary coil of the transformer. A control circuit charges the output capacitor by controlling the switching operation of a switching transistor provided on a path of the primary coil of the transformer. A voltage monitoring terminal is connected to a tap provided to the secondary coil of the transformer. A switching control unit receives a monitoring voltage that occurs at the voltage monitoring terminal, and controls the switching operation of the switching transistor according to the monitoring voltage. A protection circuit monitors the monitoring voltage. In a case in which continues to be satisfied with respect to the monitoring voltage, the switching control operation of the switching control unit for the switching transistor is stopped.

Abstract: A driving module for a gas discharge lamp, in particular for headlights in vehicles, comprises a suitable lamp socket, a carrier for electrical components, and an ignition transformer, wherein the component part carrier is populated at least with electrical components of an ignition unit and moreover is designed for accommodating further electrical components that are required for a self-sustaining operation of the driving module. In addition, the lamp socket is made of a high temperature resistant plastic material and has an integrated high-voltage conducting track.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a power circuit device thereof are provided. The power circuit device includes: a transforming unit which outputs a first output current and a second output current in response to change of an input current; a first switching unit which switches to allow the input current to be selectively input; a first switch control unit which controls the first switching unit so that an operation voltage of the display apparatus reaches a first target value; a second switching unit which switches to allow the second output current to be selectively output; a backlight driving unit which drives the backlight based on the second output current; and a second switch control unit which controls the second switching unit so that a driving voltage of the backlight reaches a second target value.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of continuously applying an optimum starting waveform to a discharge lamp using a simple-enough circuit configuration. A starting circuit is connected to output terminals of an inverter, and the starting circuit outputs to a discharge lamp an output voltage Vout capable of starting the discharge lamp that is a load, upon receiving an AC power with a high frequency from the inverter at the start of the discharge lamp. Further, the starting circuit is connected to output terminals of the inverter, and comprises two windings connected to the output terminals of the inverter and serially connected to the discharge lamp; a first capacitor connected between an output terminal of the first winding and an input terminal of the second winding; and a second capacitor connected between an input terminal of the first winding and an output terminal of the second winding.

Abstract: A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display includes a lamp, a balancing pattern capacitor electrically connected to the lamp for current balance, a transformer electrically connected to the lamp via the balancing pattern capacitor, a sensing pattern capacitor electrically connected to a terminal of the balancing pattern capacitor connected to the lamp to detect an abnormal driving state of the lamp, and a feedback circuit unit electrically connected to the sensing pattern capacitor to control the abnormal driving state of the lamp. A liquid crystal display device including the backlight unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A backlight control circuit includes a secondary winding, a control circuit, a first circuit including a first capacitor and a first switching element, and a second circuit including a second switching element and a reactance element. A method for driving the backlight control circuit includes the control circuit switching off the first switching element, and the secondary winding outputting a startup AC voltage to the lamp. A first resonant circuit which includes the lamp, the secondary winding and the first circuit is formed, with a first resonant frequency suitable to light up the lamp. The control circuit switches on the first switching element, and the secondary winding outputs an operation AC voltage to the lamp. A second resonant circuit which includes the lamp, the secondary winding, the first and second circuit is formed, with a second resonant frequency suitable to keep the lamp lighted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for driving a fluorescent lamp from a periodic input voltage provided at a power input terminal. The circuit comprises an inverter for powering the fluorescent lamp, and a control unit. The control unit comprises a measuring input connected to the power input terminal for providing a synchronisation signal representing a value of the periodic input voltage to the control unit, a control input for receiving an input signal representative of a desired lighting characteristic of the fluorescent lamp, and a control output connected to an enabling input of the inverter. The control unit is arranged to provide, via the control output, a control signal to the inverter to operate the inverter in synchronism with a periodicity of the synchronisation signal representing the value of the periodic input voltage, the control signal being based on the input signal.

Abstract: An exemplary backlight control circuit includes a transformer, a control circuit, a lamp. The control circuit and the transformer form an inverter circuit to providing an alternating current (AC) voltage for driving the lamp. When the backlight control circuit works in a startup mode, the backlight control circuit defines a first current path including the lamp and the first current path forms a first resonant circuit. When the backlight control circuit works in an operation mode, the backlight control circuit defines a second current path including the lamp and the second current path forms a second resonant circuit. The first and second resonant circuits have different resonant frequencies from each other.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for igniting a lamp of a projector. The method includes steps of: (a) sensing a first temperature difference in response to power-off of the projector; (b) in response to power-on of the projector, detecting an aftercooling time and judging whether it is smaller than a predetermined cooling time, if YES, perform step (c); otherwise, perform step (g); (c) sensing a second temperature difference; (d) judging whether a ratio of the second temperature difference to the first temperature difference is larger than a threshold, if YES, perform step (e); otherwise, perform step (g); (e) calculating a re-cooling time; (f) controlling a fan to operate for the re-cooling time to cool the lamp down; and (g) igniting the lamp.

Abstract: The control circuit comprises a charge pathway for charging a capacitor, and a discharge pathway for discharging the capacitor to a flash lamp, the charge pathway comprising a path including a sequence of conductors and electronic components which are common to and shared with part of the discharge pathway. The control circuit includes a selective channel for current flow from an electrical potential supply either via the charge pathway or via the discharge pathway. The use of such shared components reduces the size and weight of the control circuit and provides for faster charging and discharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A piezoelectric type resonance high-voltage light-starting circuit, wherein, the intrinsic capacitance characteristic of a piezoelectric transformer is utilized as a piezoelectric capacitor, and said piezoelectric transformer connected to a light tube is connected in series with an independent inductor, thus forming a resonance type series-connected or parallel-connected light-starting circuit, hereby achieving the efficacy of small leakage current, low operating temperature, and high voltage endurance, as such raising the light-starting efficiency. Furthermore, in the application of said circuit mentioned above, output voltage is further amplified through a booster transformer, thus achieving its characteristics of high illuminance.

Abstract: An inductively powered gas discharge lamp assembly having a secondary circuit with starter circuitry that provides pre-heating when power is supplied to the secondary circuit at a pre-heat frequency and that provides normal operation when power is supplied to the secondary circuit at an operating frequency. In one embodiment, the starter circuitry includes a pre-heat capacitor connected between the lamp electrodes and an operating capacitor located between the secondary coil and the lamp. The pre-heat capacitor is selected so that the electrical flow path through the pre-heat capacitor has a lesser impedance than the electrical flow path through the gas of the lamp when power is applied to the secondary circuit at the pre-heat frequency, and so that the electrical flow path through the pre-heat capacitor has a greater impedance than the electrical flow path through the gas when power is applied the operating frequency.

Abstract: A control circuit is configured to control the charge and discharge of a flash unit. The flash unit includes an anode, a cathode, and a trigger electrode. The control circuit includes a charging circuit and a triggering circuit. One terminal of the charging circuit is coupled to a charging terminal and another terminal is coupled to the anode and the cathode. One terminal of the triggering circuit is coupled to a triggering terminal, another terminal is couple to the trigger electrode. The charging circuit includes a first capacitor coupled to the cathode and a second capacitor coupled to the anode. When the charging terminal receives a charging voltage and the triggering terminal receives a high-level voltage, three times charging voltage is formed between the anode and the cathode; then the flash unit generates a flash.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating a trapezoidal excitation waveform includes a controllable frequency source and a trapezoidal waveform generator. The controllable frequency source generates a source waveform that, upon energization thereof, has an initial frequency value, and decreases in frequency to a substantially constant frequency value a time period after energization. The trapezoidal waveform generator receives the source waveform and, in response, generates a trapezoidal waveform at least when the source waveform frequency attains the substantially constant frequency value.

Abstract: A cold-cathode tube lighting device uniformly lights multiple cold-cathode tubes using a common power source, and the cold-cathode tube lighting device is effectively downsized by using ballast capacitors. A substrate is divided into blocks as many as the cold-cathode tubes. Each of the blocks includes two conductor layers each including two foils. A first foil of a first conductor layer is connected to a common low-impedance power supply. Between the two conductor layers, first ballast capacitors are formed in areas where the first foils are overlapped, second ballast capacitors are formed in areas where the first and second foils are overlapped, and the third ballast capacitors are formed in areas where the second foils are overlapped. Second foils are connected to first electrodes of the cold-cathode tubes.

Abstract: A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display includes a lamp, a balancing pattern capacitor electrically connected to the lamp for current balance, a transformer electrically connected to the lamp via the balancing pattern capacitor, a sensing pattern capacitor electrically connected to a terminal of the balancing pattern capacitor connected to the lamp to detect an abnormal driving state of the lamp, and a feedback circuit unit electrically connected to the sensing pattern capacitor to control the abnormal driving state of the lamp. A liquid crystal display device including the backlight unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are described for controlling voltage on discharge capacitors which control light energy from flash lamps, wherein the method includes measuring over time an operational behavior of a flash lamp for performing photothermolysis, wherein a discharge capacitor transfers energy to the flash lamp, empirically deriving a behavior of the flash lamp as a function of operation over time, and using the empirically derived behavior of the flash lamp to control a voltage of the discharge capacitor and thus energy transferred to the flash lamp.

Abstract: A low cost ballast circuit for fluorescent lamp is provided. A fluorescent lamp is connected in series with a resonant circuit having a transformer. A first switch and a second switch are coupled to switch the resonant circuit. A first winding of the transformer is connected in series with a capacitor to form the resonant circuit. A second winding and a third winding of the transformer are used for generating control signals in response to a switching current of the resonant circuit. The first switch and the second switch are controlled in response to the control signals. Furthermore, soft switching operation for the first switch and the second switch can be achieved by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps. A resonant circuit has a transformer to operate the fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp is connected in series with a first winding of the transformer. A first transistor and a second transistor are coupled to switch the resonant circuit. A second winding and a third winding of the transformer are used for generating control signals in response to a switching current of the resonant circuit. Furthermore, the present invention achieves soft operation for the first transistor and the second transistor.

Abstract: A lamp, a method of driving the lamp, a backlight assembly having the lamp, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having the backlight assembly are disclosed. The lamp includes a tube that contains gas and first through fourth electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in the tube adjacent to first and second ends of the tube. The third and fourth electrodes are disposed at the first and second ends of the tube. Voltages applied to the electrodes are sufficient for light to be emitted throughout the lamp. The first and second voltages, third and fourth voltages, first and third voltages, and second and fourth voltages have different polarities while the first and fourth voltages and the second and third voltages have the same polarity.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a transformer defining primary and secondary sides; a transformer driving circuit to drive the primary side of the transformer thereby lighting a discharge lamp connected at the secondary side of the transformer; a control circuit to control the transformer driving circuit; a high voltage capacitor formed of a pattern capacitor and disposed between one terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and the discharge lamp; and a discharge detecting pattern disposed close to the high voltage capacitor. In the discharge lamp lighting apparatus, a voltage induced in the discharge detecting pattern is duly detected, and power supply to the secondary side of the transformer is stopped.

Abstract: A discharge lamp drive apparatus includes: an inverter circuit; a transformer; a plurality of discharge lamp connection terminals; a plurality of ballast capacitors; a plurality of voltage detection circuits; and a signal processor. Each voltage detection circuit has first and second voltage detection elements constituting a series circuit. Each series circuit has a first end connected with a corresponding one of the discharge lamp connection terminals and a second end connected with a grounding terminal. The signal processor generates a signal indicating an open state of a discharge lamp by using an average value and a peak value of voltages appearing between connection points of the first and second voltage detection elements and the grounding terminals.

Abstract: A discharge-lamp control device for lighting a discharge-lamp includes two electrodes, first and second driving units to supply power to the discharge-lamp through the electrodes, respectively. Each driving unit includes a transformer having primary and secondary coils and a capacitor connected in parallel to the secondary coil. The first driving unit has impedance characteristics with a minimum impedance at a first frequency and a maximum impedance at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The second driving unit has impedance characteristics having a minimum impedance at a third frequency and a maximum impedance at a fourth frequency lower than the third frequency. The first frequency is set to be higher than the third frequency. The second frequency is set to be lower than the fourth frequency. An operating frequency of the driving circuit is selected within a frequency bandwidth from the fourth frequency to the third frequency.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a coupling device of a fluorescent lamp, the coupling device comprising a supply transformer, whose secondary is coupled in parallel with a fluorescent tube, the arrangement comprising an indicator circuit configured to indicate the working condition of the fluorescent lamp. The arrangement comprises a signal transformer comprising a first primary coil, to which an alternating voltage signal supply is coupled, a secondary coil, coupled as part of a current path generated by cathodes of the fluorescent lamp and a secondary of the supply transformer and configured to supply alternating current to said current path, the indicator circuit comprising transformer members configured to generate a signal responsive to the alternating current of the current circuit.

Abstract: A ballast for electrical lighting fixtures has improved thermal protection features. The ballast has ballast laminations, primary and secondary coils, and a thermal protector, the thermal protector being wired in series with the secondary coil. When the ballast is of the type having multiple input voltage taps on the primary coil, the electrical positioning of the thermal protector in series with the secondary coil causes the wiring assembly of the thermal protector (as part of the ballast) to be independent of the primary coil input voltage tap used in a particular application. Improved electrical lighting circuits for high-intensity-discharge lamps may be obtained, the circuits having the above-described thermally-protected ballasts.

Abstract: A lamp ignition circuit is provided which can initiate operation of a gas discharge lamp using a driving voltage which is similar in magnitude to the lamp operating voltage. The lamp ignition circuit is useful with a semi-resonant ballast and lamp circuit in which switching operations intrinsic to the lamp shock-excite a series-connected inductor and capacitor into semi-resonant operation corresponding to an energy exchange and transfer during each half-cycle of the alternating current source to drive the lamp to start and maintain operation of the lamp using line voltage. The ignitor circuit has a disabling function following ignition of the lamp which is operable when the operating voltage of the lamp is approximately the line voltage of the power source. The disabling function triggered by an increase in voltage across the ignition circuit following operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A connection of electrode lines of lamps for supplying a light source for a backlight assembly of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is improved to minimize the size of the LCD device while reducing the manufacturing cost. The LCD device includes the backlight assembly having a light emitting unit formed by plural lamps for generating light and a light controlling unit for guiding the light from the light emitting unit, and a display unit placed to the upper plane of the light controlling unit for receiving the light from the light emitting unit via the light controlling unit to display an image. A driving unit is further provided for converting an external power source of a DC component into an AC component to supply first and second driving signals having phases respectively different from each other to the light emitting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce power consumption of a load. In one embodiment a power control system selectively routes power directly to a load or to a power reduction device. A delay may occur prior to introduction of the power reduction device to fully energize the load. The power reduction device may operate in conjunction with signal modification device. The signal modification device modifies the signal provided to the load to achieve desired operation of the load. In one embodiment the power reduction device comprises a step-down transformer and the signal modification device comprises a capacitor. In one embodiment the power reduction device is selected to remove unwanted frequency components from the signal provide to the load. In various other embodiments the power control system may be configured to stagger start the load to minimize the peak draw of the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ultra wide-band (UWB) signals using multiple detectors having dynamic transfer characteristics. A receiver circuit is implemented using devices such as op-amps to provide the required dynamic characteristics. Detectors used in the UWB communication systems of the present invention utilize direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology for multiple access reception.

Abstract: A driving circuit for powering an electroluminescent display using energy recovered from a varying panel capacitance of the display. The driving circuit comprises a source of electrical energy; and a resonant circuit using the panel capacitance for receiving the electrical energy and in response generating a sinusoidal voltage to power the display at a resonance frequency which is substantially synchronized to a scanning frequency of the display. The resonant circuit uses a step down transformer to reduce the effective panel capacitance of the display in order to reduce its effect on the resonance frequency.