Switched (e.g., On-off Control) Patents (Class 323/271)
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Patent number: 9960681Abstract: A switching power supply includes a plurality of parallel branches, each parallel branch including two serially connected controllable switches and a coil connected between the two switches and an output node, a capacitor connected between the output node of the parallel branches and ground; and a controller configured to switch the two serially connected controllable switches of each parallel branch such that a first switch of a parallel branch is switched from a conducting state to a non-conducting state when a current flowing through a coil of the parallel branch reaches a first current value larger than 5 A, and such that the second switch is switched from a conducting state to a non-conducting state when the current flowing through the coil of the parallel branch reaches a second current value smaller than 0 A.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Efficient Energy GmbHInventor: Holger Sedlak
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Patent number: 9941791Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatuses and techniques of fast transient response for switching power regulators. In some aspects, an output voltage of a switching regulator operating in a discontinuous mode is monitored via a comparator coupled directly to an output of the switching regulator. In response to the output voltage falling below a predefined threshold, a high-side switch is activated to provide current to a load connected to the output of the switching regulator. The switching regulator is then transitioned from the discontinuous mode of operation to a continuous mode of operation to control subsequent operation of the high-side switch. This can be effective to mitigate a drop in the output voltage of the switching regulator when an amount of current consumed by the load increases (e.g., a load step).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Sofjan Goenawan, Luyang Luo, Wei Lu
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Patent number: 9943016Abstract: A cooling structure for a heat-producing power magnetics device having at least two faces, includes a first cold plate having a first coolant passage and conductively coupled with at least the first face of the magnetics device and wherein at least a portion of heat generated by the power magnetics device is removed from the device by way of thermal conduction to the first coolant passage, and a coolant reservoir fluidly coupled with the first and second coolant passages.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Michael Pietrantonio, Michael Carl Ludwig, Mohamed Aly Elsayed
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Patent number: 9935551Abstract: A high-withstand-voltage normally-on transistor and a low-withstand-voltage normally-off transistor are connected in series, and diodes are provided in reverse parallel to the transistor. A gate terminal of the transistor is connected to a source terminal of the transistor, and a gate driving circuit that outputs a control signal to a gate terminal of the transistor is provided. Forward voltage of the diode is made lower than forward voltage of the diode, and an inductance component of a path connecting nodes via the diode is made greater than an inductance component of a path connecting the nodes via the diode. Accordingly, a switching circuit which includes transistors connected in series and in which transient current at a time of turning off is reduced is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kohtaroh Kataoka, Takeshi Shiomi, Shuji Wakaiki, Hiroki Igarashi, Akihide Shibata, Hiroshi Iwata
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Patent number: 9929661Abstract: In a standby signal generation circuit, a first comparator compares a FB voltage fed back from a secondary side with a first reference voltage, and a second comparator compares a signal indicative of the magnitude of a load with a second reference voltage. When the FB voltage falls under the first reference voltage, the first comparator sets an RS flip-flop via a first delay circuit. At this time, if the signal is lower than the second reference voltage and a reset signal is not inputted to the RS flip-flop, it is determined, based on a standby control signal from the load, that an output voltage of a switching power supply apparatus has fallen. Accordingly, a standby signal indicative of standby mode is outputted via a second delay circuit. If the signal transiently exceeds the second reference voltage, the standby signal is set to normal mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Jian Chen
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Patent number: 9923467Abstract: A multiphase converting controller, adapted to control a plural converting circuits coupled to an input voltage to commonly supply an output voltage, is disclosed. The multiphase converting controller comprises a feedback control circuit, an on-time control circuit, and a multiphase logic control circuit. The feedback control circuit determines a conduction starting point in time according to the output voltage and accordingly generates a conduction signal. The on-time control circuit determines a conduction time period. The multiphase logic control circuit controls the plural converting circuit in sequence in accordance to the conduction signal and the conduction time period. The on-time control circuit adjusts a length of the conduction time period according to a mode signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GREEN SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Li-Min Lee, Quan Gan, Shian-Sung Shiu
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Patent number: 9923520Abstract: The present disclosure describes a synchronized switching power supply for a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier. In some aspects, a synchronized power supply circuit comprises a first switch connected between a power rail and a first terminal of an inductor that is connected to an output of the circuit via its second terminal. The circuit also includes a second switch connected between a ground rail and the first terminal of the inductor, and respective gate drivers for the first and second switches. An amplifier of the circuit is connected to the power rail and has an output connected to the output of the circuit. A current sensor is connected between the output of the amplifier and the output of the circuit, with an output of the current sensor being connected to an input of a comparator. A delay circuit is connected between an output of the comparator and the first and second gate drivers, and may synchronize the power supply circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Moataz Abdelsamie Abdelfattah, Iulian Mirea, Song Shi
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Patent number: 9899924Abstract: A switching power converter converts power from an input source for delivery to a load at the converter output. The converter comprises at least two switches connected in series across either the input source or the output, and an inductor connected to a central node between the two switches. A controller operates the converter in a series of converter operating cycles, each operating cycle comprising an input phase, during which one of the two switches is conductive, the inductor receives energy from the input source, and a current in the inductor is increasing positively, phase. The controller is configured to adjust the duration of the input phase, and the amount of energy stored in the inductor at the end of the input phase, as a function of a an amount of energy required to charge or discharge the node capacitance during the energy recycling phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: VLT, Inc.Inventor: Patrizio Vinciarelli
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Patent number: 9897670Abstract: A coil control device of a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a DC-DC switching converter and a controller. The DC-DC switching converter is configured for switching and converting a DC power supply to a DC current or a DC voltage. An input end of the DC-DC switching converter is connected in parallel to the DC power supply. The controller is configured to control the DC-DC switching converter to switch and provide the DC current or the DC voltage. In some embodiments of the coil control device described herein, two power supplies (e.g., +15 V and ?32 V) may be reduced to one power supply (e.g., +15 V), thereby saving energy and foregoing a water-cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Yu Ye Liu, JianMin Wang
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Patent number: 9899919Abstract: The present disclosure provides an asymmetric switching capacitor regulator that is capable of providing an output voltage, covering a wide voltage range, with a high efficiency. The disclosed switching capacitor regulator is configured to generate a wide range of an output voltage by differentiating a voltage across one or more switching capacitors from a voltage across the rest of the switching capacitors in the switching capacitor regulator.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Lion Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: John Crossley, Hanh-Phuc Le, Alberto Alessandro Angelo Puggelli
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Patent number: 9899913Abstract: A dual-mode switching D.C.-to-D.C. converter includes a power conversion unit and a switch driver. The power conversion unit generates a D.C. output voltage based on a switch driving signal and a D.C. input voltage. The switch driver performs frequency compensation on the D.C. output voltage to generate a feedback voltage, and compares the feedback voltage with a comparison input signal to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal. The switch driver compares the D.C. output voltage with a first reference voltage to generate a comparison output signal. The switch driver generates the switch driving signal based on the pulse-width-modulated signal in a normal operation mode, and generates the switch driving signal based on the comparison output signal in an abnormal operation mode. The normal operation mode and the abnormal operation mode are based on a load current flowing through a load connected to the switching D.C.-to-D.C. converter.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji-Soo Chang
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Patent number: 9887650Abstract: An inverter device includes a switch circuit configured by series-connecting two N-channel semiconductor switching elements in opposite directions so that the switch circuit makes or breaks electrical connection between a DC power supply and an inverter circuit, and a control circuit carrying out a protecting operation in which when the control circuit outputs a control signal to control switching of the inverter circuit and an operating condition is met, the control circuit stops output of the control signal to turn off all switching elements configuring the inverter circuit and the switch circuit. In the protecting operation, the switch circuit is turned off after output of the control signal has been stopped so that changes in drain-source voltages and drain currents of the N-channel semiconductor switching elements are rendered slower.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, NSK Ltd.Inventors: Sari Maekawa, Shin Kumagai, Shigeru Fukinuki, Minoru Awazu
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Patent number: 9887637Abstract: An adjustable threshold power limiter circuit. A number of switching elements are included with at least a first and second switching element that each has a first terminal, a second terminal, and an insulated gate terminal. The switching elements forming a conductive path between its first and second terminals based on a voltage between its insulated gate terminal and one of its first or terminal exceeding a threshold. A conductive path is present with a series connection of the switching elements between a signal input and a reference potential. A controller is included and is electrically coupled to each insulated gate terminal of each switching element to independently provide to each insulated gate terminal either an on voltage or an off voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Tagore Technology, Inc.Inventors: Manish N. Shah, Sudhir Gouni, Amitava Das
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Patent number: 9886218Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a hard disk drive and a controller that controls the hard disk drive. The information processing apparatus includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the hard disk drive, the controller, and a load resistance, a power control unit that shifts the information processing apparatus from a first power state, in which the power is supplied to the hard disk drive and the controller, to a second power state, in which the power is supplied to the hard disk drive, while limiting supply of the power to the controller that controls the hard disk drive, and a switching unit that switches between stopping supplying the power to the load resistance in the first power state and supplying the power to the load resistance in the second power state.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuya Saisho
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Patent number: 9882477Abstract: A variable efficiency and response buck converter is achieved. The device includes a multi-phase switch, the coupled coils, the filter capacitor, and the load. The multi-phase switch includes the phase control inputs, the circuit common reference, at least two pairs of complementary switches with each switch containing one upper switch and one lower switch, at least two phase control outputs from the complementary switches. The coupled inductive coils are coupled to the phase control outputs to enable weak couplings and strong couplings. Based on the working mode, equivalently the coupled coils can provide strong mutual inductances and weak mutual inductances. The filter capacitors connected to the output of the coupled coils provide high efficiency output to the load.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) LimitedInventor: Mark Childs
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Patent number: 9880574Abstract: A power combining technique includes receiving a first voltage at a first input and a second voltage at a second input. The power combining technique further includes combining, with at least two power converters, power received from the first and second inputs into a single power rail. A power balancing technique further includes controlling the at least two power converters such that a first one of the power converters outputs an amount of current to the single power rail that is proportional to and/or equal to the amount of current output by another of the power converters.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Jeffrey Anthony Morroni
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Patent number: 9882472Abstract: In at least one embodiment there is provided a method for managing bulk capacitance of a power supply system. The method includes precharging first and second bulk capacitors of the power supply system to approximately a first output voltage level and a second output voltage level, respectively; receiving a first command signal to generate, by the power supply, the first output voltage level; coupling the first bulk capacitance to load circuitry coupled to the power supply; receiving a second command signal to generate, by the power supply, the second output voltage level; and coupling the second bulk capacitance to the load circuitry coupled to the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Nicholas P. Cowley, Ruchir Saraswat, Richard J. Goldman, David T. Bernard, Gordon J. Walsh, Michael Langan
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Patent number: 9866118Abstract: One embodiment includes a power supply system. The system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) system configured to generate a PWM signal. The system also includes a power stage comprising a gate driver, a high-side switch, and a low-side switch. The gate driver can be configured to alternately activate the high-side and low-side switches to provide an output signal to a load in response to the PWM signal, and to provide an activation dead-time between the alternate activation of the high-side and low-side switches. The system further includes a digital delay system configured to measure the activation dead-time and to add the measured activation dead-time to the activation of the high-side switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Adam L. Shook
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Patent number: 9843259Abstract: A circuit including: a three-level buck converter having: a plurality of input switches and an inductor configured to receive a voltage from the plurality of input switches, the plurality of input switches coupled with a first capacitor and configured to charge and discharge the first capacitor; a second capacitor at an output of the buck converter; and a switched capacitor at an input node of the inductor, wherein the switched capacitor is smaller than either the first capacitor or the second capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Chuang Zhang, James Thomas Doyle, Farsheed Mahmoudi, Amirali Shayan Arani
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Patent number: 9831863Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a node to provide a signal, and a control unit arranged to control a value of an output voltage at an output node on an output path based on a duty cycle of the signal and a value of an input voltage. The control unit can also be arranged to cause a change in a resistance on the output path in order to determine a value of a current on the output path based at least on the change in the resistance.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Santosh Nene, Tarun Mahajan, Venkataraman Srinivasan, Ramnarayanan Muthukaruppan
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Patent number: 9819202Abstract: A battery charging apparatus for charging batteries of fixed voltage charge receiving batteries and flexible voltage charge receiving batteries. A wall receptacle charger outlet, an “all-in-one” vehicle or home charger, a hands-free docking station charger, a wall mountable USB charging strip and a holder for multiple charger receiving devices that includes a charger are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: MAGNADYNE CORPORATIONInventors: Barry L. Caren, Wen-Tsan Yeh
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Patent number: 9812957Abstract: A DC/DC converter (100) includes a voltage conversion unit (20) having an input node to receive an input voltage and an output node to output an output voltage and configured to convert the input voltage to the output voltage to output the output voltage from the output node, and an electrical energy storage unit (GC2) including a first electrode to be a positive electrode and a second electrode to be a negative electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to the input node of the voltage conversion converter. The DC/DC converter (100) further includes a switching unit (S1) configured to electrically connect the second electrode of the electrical energy storage unit to one of ground and the output node of the voltage conversion unit alternatively. The switching unit (S1) connects the second electrode of the electrical storage unit (GC2) to the output node when the input voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: THOMSON LICENSINGInventor: Jiangbin Zhu
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Patent number: 9806523Abstract: A switching circuit for extracting power from an electric power source includes (1) an input port for electrically coupling to the electric power source, (2) an output port for electrically coupling to a load, (3) a first switching device configured to switch between its conductive state and its non-conductive state to transfer power from the input port to the output port, (4) an intermediate switching node that transitions between at least two different voltage levels at least in part due to the first switching device switching between its conductive state and its non-conductive state, and (5) a controller for controlling the first switching device to maximize an average value of a voltage at the intermediate switching node.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor LLCInventors: Anthony J. Stratakos, Michael D. McJimsey, Ilija Jergovic, Alexandr Ikriannikov, Artin Der Minassians, Kaiwei Yao, David B. Lidsky, Marco A. Zuniga, Ana Borisavljevic
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Patent number: 9798340Abstract: A circuit is provided with inrush current protection through control of the output current at start-up by a current source that does not rely on the output capacitor and which provides a smooth transition from a controlled current mode during a start-up phase to a voltage regulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbHInventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Frank Kronmueller
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Patent number: 9786773Abstract: B-TRAN bipolar power transistor devices and methods, using a drift region which is much thinner than previously proposed double-base bipolar transistors of comparable voltage. This is implemented in a high-bandgap semiconductor material (preferably silicon carbide). Very high breakdown voltage, and fast turn-off, are achieved with very small on-resistance.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Ideal Power, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 9780653Abstract: A DC-DC converter having a coupling network is provided, in which the coupling network is so configured as to forcibly add a noise source to a feedback output voltage of the DC-DC converter. The coupling network includes one coupling resistor and two coupling capacitors to include the switching voltage of a power switch and inductor output voltage into the output voltage, and transmit the result together with the feedback output voltage to the comparator. Accordingly, it is easier to compare the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, and stably maintain the output voltage of the DC-DC converter operating in constant on-time (COT).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Magnachip Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventors: Tim Yu, Greg Wardle
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Patent number: 9778671Abstract: An integrated regulator, in particular a voltage regulator, for a personal protection arrangement in a vehicle, includes a regulating element that converts an input signal into an output signal having a defined value, and a control application circuit that applies control to the regulating element to generate the output signal having the defined value. The control application circuit outputs the output signal via the regulating element with at least two different selectable values as a function of a specifying signal, such that for selection of the value of the output signal, a configuration circuit receives at least one configuration signal and, as a function of a configuration ascertained in the context of evaluation, selects one of at least two different specifying signals and applies it to the control application circuit to output the output signal having the selected value.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Carsten List, Hartmut Schumacher, Falko Sievers
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Patent number: 9772636Abstract: Controlling the output voltage of a power supply involve determining a remote load coupled to the power supply and setting the output voltage based on the determined remote load and a predetermined maximum current for the power supply. The remote load may be measured, for example, by applying a predetermined current to the load, measuring the voltage across the load, and computing the effective load (resistance) value based on the supplied current and the measured voltage. Such measurement may be done using an analog-to-digital converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Colm F. Slattery
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Patent number: 9768689Abstract: Thermal levels in an inductor of a boost converter may be managed by implementing peak current limits for the boost converter. For example, an inductor may be allowed to conduct above a certain peak current limit for a certain period of time before the current is reduced by a controller to a low current limit. The controller may hold the low current limit in place for a certain period of time, after which the current through the inductor is allowed to again exceed the low current limit. However, if the high current limit is again exceeded or sustained for a certain period of time, the low current limit may be again imposed by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Ullas Pazhayaveetil, Jeffrey May, Gautham D. Kamath, Michael Kost
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Patent number: 9762219Abstract: A switched driver for a power supply includes a high-side switch and a low-side switch coupled to the high-side switch. An output is coupled between the high-side switch and the low-side switch. A switch controller is coupled to either the high-side switch or the low-side switch and has a switch controller input for receiving a switch control signal and an output for controlling a switch. The switch controller initially reduces the resistance of the switch, increases the resistance of the switch, and then reduces the resistance of the switch in response to a signal received at the input.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Nathan Schemm, Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay
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Patent number: 9755515Abstract: In one embodiment, a switching regulator includes an inductor, a first switch, and a second switch. The first and second switches generate current in the inductor. Inductor current may flow through the second switch with both a positive and negative polarity. Voltages on terminals of the second switch may be sensed, and an offset applied to generate a level shifted signal. In one embodiment, the switching regulator is a boost switching regulator, and the offset is generated using a current source. Matched MOS transistor switches may be used to couple voltages on terminals of the second switch to amplifier inputs, and the offset is introduced across an MOS switch coupled between one amplifier input and the output.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Joseph Rutkowski, Yikai Wang, Jiwei Chen
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Patent number: 9755548Abstract: A bootstrap compensation circuit includes: a plurality of resistors series-connected between a floating potential corresponding to a high-voltage-side potential and a reference potential; a second capacitor that has one end connected to a divided potential extraction point and has the other end connected to the reference potential, the divided potential extraction point located between the plurality of resistors; and an output circuit which supplies current to a first capacitor, according to a potential of the divided potential extraction point.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Kyoko Oyama
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Patent number: 9755519Abstract: A switching power converter with good stability and transient response is presented. There is provided a controller for a switching power converter of the type comprising one or more power switches. The controller contains a pulse width modulation comparator arranged to output a digital control signal to control the power switches of the switching power converter. A first input of the pulse width modulation comparator is derived from an output voltage of the switching power converter via a first feedback path. A second input of the pulse width modulation comparator is derived from the output voltage of the switching power converter via a second feedback path. One of the feedback paths has a signal extractor and a differential amplifier arranged to filter the output voltage and to provide good ground noise rejection.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: PowerVenture Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Chi-Chia Huang
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Patent number: 9742395Abstract: The present application teaches, inter alia, methods and circuits for operating a B-TRAN (double-base bidirectional bipolar junction transistor). Exemplary base drive circuits provide high-impedance drive to the base contact region on the side of the device instantaneously operating as the collector. (The B TRAN is controlled by applied voltage rather than applied current.) Current signals operate preferred implementations of drive circuits to provide diode-mode turn-on and pre-turnoff operation, as well as a hard ON state with low voltage drop (the “transistor-ON” state). In some preferred embodiments, self-synchronizing rectifier circuits provide adjustable low voltage for gate drive circuits. In some preferred embodiments, the base drive voltage used to drive the c-base region (on the collector side) is varied while base current at that terminal is monitored, so no more base current than necessary is applied. This solves the difficult challenge of optimizing base drive in a B-TRAN.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.Inventors: William C. Alexander, Richard A. Blanchard
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Patent number: 9742280Abstract: In order to accelerate the response of buck converters to load transients buck converters having asymmetric phase designs having a load step detection are used. When a relatively large and fast load step is detected, the clock frequency of “fast”valley mode phases is reduced, which are populated with fast, low value inductors. The clock frequency is returned to its normal rate when the current in the “slow” phases has reached a suitable level.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) LimitedInventors: Mark Childs, Jens Masuch
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Patent number: 9735681Abstract: A voltage converter is provided. The voltage converter includes a compensation circuit, a first comparator circuit, a first inductor, a first driver circuit, and a phase-lag circuit. The compensation circuit generates a first compensation signal according to a loading state of the voltage converter. The first comparator circuit compares the first compensation signal and a first reference signal to generate a first comparison signal. The first driver circuit generates a first driving voltage to the first inductor according to the first comparison signal. The phase-lag circuit is coupled between the first comparison circuit and the first driver. The phase-lag circuit modifies a duty of the first comparison signal for changing a first inductor current following the first inductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.Inventors: Chien-Wei Kuan, Yen-Hsun Hsu, Tun-Shih Chen
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Patent number: 9727072Abstract: Photovoltaic system maximum power point tracking methods and apparatus are disclosed. Output power samples from one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells are obtained. The output power samples include perturbed samples for which a perturbation is applied to an operating voltage or current of the PV cell(s) and non-perturbed samples for which no perturbation is applied to the operating voltage or current. A control output, to change the operating voltage or current of the PV cell(s) for a next perturbed sample by a next perturbation, is generated. The next perturbation could be based on an estimated change in output power due to a previous perturbation. The next perturbation could also or instead be in a direction based on a change in output power samples, and of a magnitude based on the direction and a direction of perturbations applied for one or more perturbed samples preceding the next perturbed sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: SOLANTRO SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.Inventor: Tudor Lipan
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Patent number: 9705554Abstract: Circuits, devices and methods for achieving fast changes in voltage regulator outputs. In some embodiments, a voltage regulation system can include a voltage regulator configured to receive an input voltage Vin and generate an output voltage Vout at an output node, and to transition Vout between V1 and V2. The voltage regulation system can further include a transition circuit coupled to the output node. The transition circuit can include a first voltage source that is switchably coupled to the output node and configured to provide a voltage associated with one of the V1 and V2 voltages to the output node during at least the transition of the voltage regulator. The voltage provided by the first voltage source can be substantially equal to one of the V1 and V2 voltages.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Zoki Li, Lui Lam, Ghader Razmafrouz
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Patent number: 9696350Abstract: Described is an apparatus having a non-linear control to manage power supply droop at an output of a voltage regulator. The apparatus comprises: a first inductor for coupling to a load; a capacitor, coupled to the first inductor, and for coupling to the load; a first high-side switch couple to the first inductor; a first low-side switch coupled to the first inductor; a bridge controller to control when to turn on and off the first high-side and first low-side switches; and a non-linear control (NLC) unit to monitor output voltage on the load, and to cause the bridge controller to turn on the first high-side switch and turn off the first low-side switch when a voltage droop is detected on the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Edward A. Burton, Gerhard Schrom, Michael W. Rogers, Alexander Lyakhov, Ravi Sankar Vunnam, Jonathan P. Douglas, Fabrice Paillet, J. Keith Hodgson, William Dawson Kesling, Chiu Keung Tang, Narayanan Raghuraman, Narayanan Natarajan, Samie Samaan, George Geannopoulos
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Patent number: 9679999Abstract: A two-surface bidirectional power bipolar transistor is constructed with a two-surface cellular layout. Each emitter/collector region (e.g. doped n-type) is a local center of the repeated pattern, and is surrounded by a trench with an insulated field plate, which is tied to the potential of the emitter/collector region. The outer (other) side of this field plate trench is preferably surrounded by a base connection region (e.g. p-type), which provides an ohmic connection to the substrate. The substrate itself serves as the transistor's base.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ideal Power, Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Blanchard
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Patent number: 9673702Abstract: A switching mode power supply (SMPS) is capable of clearing an overvoltage condition. The overvoltage is determined by detecting that the output voltage has exceeded the input voltage by a limited amount. The overvoltage is cleared by repetitively turning on and then off the switches controlling the flow of energy to the SMPS in sequence until the excess charge resulting from the overvoltage is couple to circuit ground, and the output is reduced to within acceptable limits.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) LimitedInventors: Mark Childs, Paul Collins
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Patent number: 9660530Abstract: A booster for a digital circuit block provides speed and reliability at lower static power supply voltages, reducing overall power consumption of the circuits. The booster includes a transistor that couples a dynamic power supply node to a static power supply and is disabled in response to a boost clock. An inductor and capacitance, which may be the block power supply shunt capacitance, coupled to the dynamic power supply resonates so that the voltage of the dynamic power supply increases in magnitude to a value greater the static power supply voltage. A boost transistor is included in some embodiments to couple an edge of the clock to the dynamic power supply, increasing the voltage rise. Another aspect of the booster includes multiple boost transistors controlled by different boost clock phases so that the resonant boost circuit is successively stimulated to increase the amount of voltage rise.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Rajiv V. Joshi, Matthew M. Ziegler
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Patent number: 9654008Abstract: A regulator circuit includes a regulator output node, at least (N+1) regulator control circuits, and N drivers. N is an integer greater than 1. Each one of the N drivers includes a multiplexer, a driver stage, and a pre-driver stage. The multiplexer includes an input port and an output port, where the input port of the multiplexer is coupled with output nodes of the at least (N+1) regulator control circuits. The driver stage is coupled with the regulator output node. The pre-driver stage is configured to control the driver stage based on a signal on the output port of the multiplexer.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Alan Roth, Eric Soenen, Russell Kinder
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Patent number: 9647544Abstract: A magnetic component has a core on which windings are wound. The windings are electrically connected in series to constitute a coil of a first reactor. The winding constitutes a coil of a second reactor. The core has a leg portion on which the winding is wound, a leg portion on which the winding is wound, and a leg portion on which the winding is wound. When a current flows through the windings, magnetic fluxes produced from the windings, respectively, and flowing through the winding counteract each other. Furthermore, when a current flows through the winding, induced voltages produced from the windings, respectively, by the magnetic flux produced by the winding counteract each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masanori Ishigaki, Shuji Tomura, Takaji Umeno, Masaki Okamura, Daigo Nobe
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Patent number: 9641075Abstract: Embodiments of current feedback circuits for Direct Current (DC)-DC converters and methods for operating current feedback circuits for DC-DC converters are described. In one embodiment, a current feedback circuit for a DC-DC converter includes a current replication circuit configured to provide current feedback to the DC-DC converter based on an on-time of the DC-DC converter and an alternating current (AC)-coupling circuit configured to add the current feedback to a regulation circuit of the current feedback circuit and to remove a DC voltage from the current replication circuit. The regulation circuit includes a filter circuit configured to compensate for an offset of an output voltage of the DC-DC converter caused by the current feedback. Other embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Ralf Beier, Gerhard Osterloh, Rodrigo Mora-Sanchez
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Patent number: 9634552Abstract: A solid state power transformer is described for converting an input power signal at a first phase or voltage to an output signal of a second voltage or opposite phase by the use of bidirectional solid state switches switched at a high carrier frequency to produce a double-sideband, suppressed-carrier representation of the input power signal, which is then synchronously demodulated using further similar switches to produce the desired output. It is further disclosed that multiple instances of the above with relative phase-staggering of the switching frequency may be operated in parallel and activated or deactivated according to output current demand to provide maximum efficiency over a wide range of current and power levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventor: Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Patent number: 9627973Abstract: A highly efficient and low-cost switching power supply device includes a high withstand voltage transistor and a low withstand voltage transistor. When current flows from a second node to a first node, the high withstand voltage transistor turns on and the low withstand voltage transistor turns off, causing current to flow through a built-in diode of the low withstand voltage transistor. Since current does not flow through the parasitic diode of the high withstand voltage transistor, the recovery current is reduced. Furthermore, since a first delay circuit including resistors and a diode is connected to the gate electrode of the high withstand voltage transistor, and a second delay circuit including resistors and a diode is connected to the gate electrode of the low withstand voltage transistor, precise adjustment of the switching speed during switching operation is possible, and losses are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akihide Shibata, Shuji Wakaiki, Kohtaroh Kataoka, Takeshi Shiomi, Hiroki Igarashi, Hiroshi Iwata
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Patent number: 9590501Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fast load transient response power supply system using dynamic reference voltage generation. A system may comprise, for example, at least power supply circuitry, voltage reference circuitry and dynamic reference generation circuitry. The power supply circuitry may be configured to generate an output voltage (e.g., for driving a load) based on a power supply input voltage. The voltage reference circuitry may be configured to generate a reference voltage for use in controlling the generation of the output voltage. The dynamic reference generation circuitry may be configured to generate a dynamic reference voltage as the input voltage for the power supply circuitry based on the reference voltage and the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Bin Zhao, Siqiang Fan
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Patent number: 9584005Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating a power conversion system. An example system controller includes: a signal generator configured to receive a converted signal and a first compensation signal and generate a second compensation signal based at least in part on the converted signal and the first compensation signal, the converted signal being associated with an input signal for a power conversion system; a modulation component configured to receive the second compensation signal and a ramping signal and generate a modulation signal based at least in part on the second compensation signal and the ramping signal; and a drive component configured to receive the modulation signal and output a drive signal based at least in part on the modulation signal to a switch to affect the first current, the drive signal being associated with an on-time period, the switch being closed during the on-time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lieyi Fang, Jun Zhou, Qian Fang
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Patent number: 9577518Abstract: The present invention discloses a voltage control method. First, the load voltage of the load is divided to generate a feedback voltage. Then, an absolute value of a periodic triangular wave signal is retrieved to generate a positive feedback signal, which and the feedback voltage are then combined to produce a sum signal. The sum signal is then compared with a target voltage and when the sum signal is less than the target voltage, a control signal is generated and thus the load voltage is updated and stabilized using an input voltage. In an alternative method, the feedback voltage and the periodic triangular wave signal are combined to generate a sum signal, which is compared with the target voltage. When sum signal is less than the target voltage, a control signal is generated and thus the load voltage is for updated and stabilized using an input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Alpha & Omega Semiconductor (Cayman), Ltd.Inventors: Kong Soon Ng, Wei-Chi Huang, Jean-Shin Wu