Input Level Responsive Patents (Class 323/299)
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Patent number: 7557556Abstract: Provided is a voltage control circuit which suppresses a calorific value that generates when short-circuit fault occurs even if a voltage value of an input voltage is large. At the time of short-circuit fault, an additional control voltage Va whose voltage value becomes larger when the voltage value of the input voltage Vin is larger is input to the voltage control p-channel MOS transistor (110) from a transistor control MOS transistor (160), to thereby increase resistance of the voltage control p-channel MOS transistor (110) to suppress a short-circuit current. As a result, when the input voltage Vin is larger, the current value of a holding current or a calorific value after the short-circuit protecting operation has been conducted can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Takao Nakashimo
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Publication number: 20090167277Abstract: A common-mode voltage generator for a battery-supplied apparatus is provided with a battery voltage ripple-insensitive sensor comprising a voltage dividing circuit and a number of hysteresis comparators, by means of which a battery voltage, or a fraction thereof is compared with a series of reference voltages. These reference voltages are derived from an on-chip voltage by means of said voltage dividing circuit. The hysteresis of said hysteresis comparators is larger than the ripple on said battery voltage. Further there is an adjustable regulation loop. The sensor detects a battery voltage range and adjusts the regulation loop on the basis of this range. The regulation loop provides an output commonmode voltage, which is equal to a fraction, preferably half the battery voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Guillaume De Cremoux
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Publication number: 20090167278Abstract: A system to supply power to an electronic system, comprises a set of one or more power units each configured to transform an input voltage into an output voltage; and a line regulator coupled to a power unit and configured to modulate a duty cycle of the power unit and a load regulator configured to provide a second control signal to a power unit to selectively enable the power unit based on load information provided by the electronic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Xin Wu, Sen Dou
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Patent number: 7554821Abstract: A power converter delivers electrical power from an electrical power source to a load according to a plurality of operation modes, where at least one of the operation modes is a peak current switching mode. Under the peak current switching mode, a switch controller controls the switch in the power converter to be kept on until the current through the switch reaches a peak current value corresponding to a given phase of the input voltage signal to the power converter. The peak current values have a reference shape, which may be a trapezoidal. The power converter may have any topology, such as a flyback-type power converter or a boost-type power converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Arthur J. Collmeyer, Anatoly Shteynberg, Junjie Zheng, Paul F. King, Dickson T. Wong, Harry Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7554219Abstract: A DC/DC converter having an input switching stage on the primary side and a plurality of output channels on the secondary side of the converter, each output channel having a secondary control loop and a monitoring device, the monitoring devices monitoring the operation of the secondary control loops, and a primary control loop being provided on the primary side which receives output signals from the monitoring devices and drives the input switching stage according to the output signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Robert Weger
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Patent number: 7548438Abstract: A power converter delivers electrical power from an electrical power source to a load according to a plurality of operation modes, where at least one of the operation modes is a peak current switching mode. Under the peak current switching mode, a switch controller controls the switch in the power converter to be kept on until the current through the switch reaches a peak current value corresponding to a given phase of the input voltage signal to the power converter. The peak current values have a reference shape, which may be a trapezoidal. The power converter may have any topology, such as a flyback-type power converter or a boost-type power converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Arthur J. Collmeyer, Anatoly Shteynberg, Junjie Zheng, Paul F. King, Dickson T. Wong, Harry Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20090140713Abstract: In testing the function of an integrated circuit which includes a power voltage regulator for smoothing a power voltage received on an input terminal so as to reach an adjustment target voltage level, and a voltage adjuster for adjusting the voltage level, the voltage adjuster being interconnected to a wiring which is to supply the power voltage of the adjustment target voltage level thus adjusted to internal logics produced by designing in advance for accomplishing a target function, the voltage adjuster is controlled to execute a function test with plural voltage levels, and, based on a result from the function test, the optimal voltage level is selected which is to be supplied to the internal logics. The inherent performance of the regulator circuit is measured without being affected by the parasitic resistances.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenichirou Sugio
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Patent number: 7541786Abstract: A voltage regulator including a voltage regulation unit and an over driving unit is provided. The voltage regulation unit outputs a corresponding output voltage according to an input voltage. The over driving unit is coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal of the voltage regulation unit and regulates the input voltage according to the comparison result between the output voltage and a reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Chih-Jen Yen
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Publication number: 20090134861Abstract: A power supply circuit includes: an input terminal; a DC voltage converter that converts a DC input voltage supplied to the input terminal into a DC output voltage; an output terminal that outputs the DC output voltage; a bypass circuit provided to the DC voltage converter between the input terminal and the output terminal; and a monitor control unit that monitors whether or not the DC input voltage satisfies a predetermined condition to be processed in the DC voltage converter, so as to connect the input terminal to the output terminal via the bypass circuit if the DC input voltage does not satisfy the predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Mitsuo SAEKI, Kouichi Matsuda
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Patent number: 7538535Abstract: Control loop ripple voltage in an error amplifier may be the result of a non-linear time varying behavior of a switch mode power conversion process. An inverse waveform replica of the error amplifier control loop ripple voltage waveform may be generated to substantially cancel the non-linear loop dynamics introduced by the control loop ripple voltage. Once the control loop ripple voltage is substantially cancelled the bandwidth of the DC-to-DC converter control loop may be increased for faster loop response thus reducing the need for additional output filter capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Brent A. McDonald, Daniel E. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20090128117Abstract: A voltage transformer, which is placed between a DC power source (B) and a motor (M1), includes: a voltage sensor (10) and an electric current sensor (11), which senses input and output of electric power to and from the DC power source (B); a buck-boost converter (12) having power control elements, which is placed in a path connecting between power lines (PL1) and (PL2) that establish the connection to the DC power source (B) and the connection to the motor (M1), respectively; and a controller (30) for controlling the buck-boost converter (12). The controller (30) monitors the change in the regenerated power that is supplied to the DC power source (B), based on the outputs from the voltage sensor (10) and the electric current sensor (11), and, if the amount of change in the regenerated power is greater than a predetermined amount, the controller (30) changes the operation mode of the buck-boost converter (12) from a rapid operation mode to a slow operation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kiyoe Ochiai, Masaki Okamura, Sojiro Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20090122633Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a main circuit, a supply circuit configured to provide a supply current to the main circuit, a sensing circuit configured to sense the supply current, and a control circuit configured to control the supply circuit based on the sensed current.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Falk Roewer
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Publication number: 20090108827Abstract: An under voltage lock out circuit which monitors an input voltage and executes a predetermined sequence when the input voltage satisfies a predetermined condition may include a voltage comparison unit which compares the input voltage and a predetermined threshold voltage, and outputs a comparison signal; a logic circuit which receives the comparison signal output from the voltage comparison unit and a start-up signal instructing start-up of an equipment mounted with the under voltage lock out circuit, and asserts a sequence control signal when start-up is instructed by the start-up signal in a state the input voltage is higher than the threshold voltage; and a sequence circuit which executes a predetermined sequence when the sequence control signal is asserted, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is switched according to the sequence control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshikazu SASAKI, Tetsuro HASHIMOTO, Isao YAMAMOTO
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Publication number: 20090096437Abstract: An automatic power supply converting circuit includes a live input terminal, a neutral input terminal, a relay, a regulator, a voltage divider circuit, an identifying circuit, a switch circuit and a voltage doubling circuit. The live input terminal and the neutral input terminal are configured for receiving a first alternating current (AC) voltage. The regulator is configured for filtering and steadying the first AC voltage and outputting a regulated voltage. The voltage divider circuit is configured for sampling the first AC voltage and outputting a divided voltage. The identifying circuit is configured for comparing a divided voltage with a reference voltage, and outputting a control signal. The switch circuit is configured for controlling the relay to be conductive or not. The voltage doubling circuit is capable of being controlled by the relay and outputting a doubled voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (Shenzhen)CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: GANG WEI
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Patent number: 7518345Abstract: A device for converting a continuous supply voltage into a continuous output voltage includes at least one inductor accumulating energy during an accumulation time and delivering said accumulated energy during a discharge time, so that said output voltage has a value that is greater than or equal to that of said supply voltage. An oscillator controls said accumulation and discharge times, in which a period is equal to a sum of said accumulation time and said discharge time and a cyclic ratio is equal to the ratio of said accumulation time to said period. The oscillator includes a mechanism for controlling said period and said cyclic ratio according to said supply voltage and said output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Atmel Nantes SAInventor: Philippe Messager
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Publication number: 20090091310Abstract: Power provided to a remote network component is regulated. A monitoring circuit estimates a DC input voltage that is received from a central network supply. A control circuit compares the DC input voltage to a threshold DC voltage value to determine if the DC input voltage exceeds the threshold DC voltage value. A voltage conversion circuit converts the DC input voltage to a DC output voltage that is provided at an output voltage conductor and that is less than the threshold DC voltage value, if the DC input voltage exceeds the threshold DC voltage value. A bypass circuit bypass the voltage conversion circuit and transmit the DC input voltage to the output voltage conductor as the DC output voltage if the DC input voltage is less than the threshold DC voltage value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: David Levenson, John A. Autry
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Patent number: 7514913Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement parallel current mode control that is suitable for digital and analog implementation. A duty cycle algorithm is composed of a voltage term and a parallel current term which depends on the inductor current change between the inductor current value at the beginning of a switching cycle and the reference inductor current value at the end of that switching cycle. Parallel current mode control can be applied to all DC-DC converters, including both non-isolated and isolated topologies. It can also be applied to AC-DC converters with power factor correction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Wanfeng Zhang, Yan-Fei Liu, Bin Wu
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Patent number: 7511460Abstract: Circuits, systems, methods and software for controlling a power conversion and/or correcting and/or controlling a power factor in such conversion(s). The present invention generally takes a computational approach to reducing or minimizing zero current periods in the critical mode of power converter operation, and advantageously reduces zero current periods in the critical mode of power converter operation, thereby maximizing the power factor of the power converter in the critical mode and reducing noise that may be injected back into AC power lines. The present power factor controller allows for greater design flexibility, reduced design complexity, and reduced resolution and greater tolerance for error in certain parameter measurements useful in power factor correction and/or control.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Xiaopeng Chen, Jianqing Lin
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Publication number: 20090079412Abstract: An array of photosensitive devices, including photovoltaic cells is controlled to provide adequate output voltage for continued use when light conditions are sensed as dropping below a predetermined level for normal operations. Control is made of the internal connections between banks of devices or cells by switching normally parallel connected banks of series connected devices or cells to series connected banks. Stepped switching of an increased number of banks can be made as the light continues to drop, in order to extend and maximize the output of the array during reduced light conditions. The output can be further controlled to limit application of the output voltage to a load during times of diminished light conditions in order to not overdraw the diminished current capacity characteristics when the series connections are made.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Yao Hsien Kuo
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Patent number: 7508641Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-rush limiter is configured to control an output voltage to increase at a rate that is independent of the load that is powered by the in-rush limiter.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C.Inventors: Alan R. Ball, Stephen P. Robb
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Publication number: 20090066310Abstract: The internal voltage generation circuit includes an internal voltage enable signal generation unit generating an internal voltage enable signal whose enable pulse width is controlled according to an external voltage. An internal voltage generation unit generates an internal voltage corresponding to a reference voltage according to the internal voltage enable signal. The internal voltage generation circuit generates an internal voltage according to an internal voltage enable signal whose enable pulse width is controlled in response to an external voltage, and thus current consumption is improved, and the internal voltage generation circuit provides a stable internal voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Myung Jin KIM
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Patent number: 7502950Abstract: A dual power supply switching system for use in an electronic sign where independent suitably sized power supplies each capable of independently powering an entire plurality of LED display modules supply power on an alternating distributed basis to the plurality of LED display modules. A microcontroller having an odd or even address on each LED display module controls the connection of the respective LED display module to a particular power supply by controlling onboard solid state switches and, upon sensing an inadequate power source supply, switches to the other power supply to re-establish power to the LED display module.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.Inventor: Jason L. Brands
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Patent number: 7492142Abstract: A DC chopper features a setting device, which sets a required current value signal being dependent on a filtered input voltage such that an oscillation of the input filter device and an oscillation of the current are phase-opposed. The DC chopper may further have a control device, which, depending on the input voltage, supplies a control signal and adds the control signal to the actual current value signal supplied to form a controlled actual current value signal. The DC chopper may optionally have a disconnection device, which receives a switch-off signal on the input side and, depending on the switch-off signal received, supplies a ramp disconnection signal, and an adding node which adds the actual current value signal to the ramp disconnection signal to form an elevated actual current value signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Götzenberger
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Publication number: 20090039859Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a trigger signal generating unit configured to generate a trigger signal for setting a control unit connected thereto in a reset state, an input unit configured to input a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage value, a pulse signal generating unit configured to generate and output a pulse signal with the predetermined voltage value to a power supply unit configured to generate a voltage to be supplied to the control unit with a coil and a capacitor, a detecting unit configured to detect generation of an event which requires an output of the trigger signal, a stopping unit configured to stop outputting of the pulse signal based on a detection result from the detecting unit, and an output unit configured to output the trigger signal generated by the trigger signal generating unit after outputting of the pulse signal is stopped and a predetermined condition is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Michiharu Shoji
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Publication number: 20090039858Abstract: A direct-current power supply apparatus outputs a predetermined output voltage by lowering an input voltage. The apparatus includes a control element to which the input voltage is inputted, a first resistive element, provided in series with the control element, which outputs the output voltage, and second and third resistive elements, connected in series with each other, which are provided in parallel with the first resistive element. A voltage at a midpoint between the second resistive element and the third resistive element is fed back so as to control the control element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventor: Shogo Hachiya
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Publication number: 20090033308Abstract: A system may include acquisition of a supply voltage information representing past supply voltages supplied to an electrical component, acquisition of a temperature information representing past temperatures of the electrical component, and control of a performance characteristic of the electrical component based on the supply voltage information and the temperature information. Some embodiments may further include determination of a reliability margin based on the supply voltage information, the temperature information, and on a reliability specification of the electrical component, and change of the performance characteristic based on the reliability margin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, James W. Tschanz, Vivek K. De, Stephen H. Tang
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Patent number: 7486056Abstract: An apparatus comprises a linear power supply and an auxiliary power supply powered from the linear power supply. The auxiliary power supply comprises a switching regulator connected to receive, at an input thereof, the output voltage of the linear power supply and to generate therefrom an output voltage of the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply further comprises a detection circuit, connected to the linear power supply and to the switching regulator, that detects one of (i) a level of current drawn from the linear power supply and (ii) a level of voltage at an output of the linear power supply and that causes the switching regulator to reduce its load on the linear power supply when the detected level reaches a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLCInventor: Kenneth C. Shuey
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Patent number: 7486064Abstract: A voltage comparison unit compares a battery voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and outputs a comparison signal. A sequence circuit receives the comparison signal and a start-up signal instructing start-up of equipment mounted with a UVLO circuit, and executes a predetermined sequence when start-up is instructed by the start-up signal in a state the battery voltage is higher than the threshold voltage. A voltage control unit switches the threshold voltage based on the comparison signal and the start-up signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Sasaki, Tetsuro Hashimoto, Isao Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7482796Abstract: A switching regulator is disclosed that is able to prevent reverse direction current flow without using a dedicated diode even when a PMOS transistor is used as a switching transistor of a step-down switching regulator. A selection circuit is provided to control connection of the substrate gate of the switching transistor, and a control circuit controls the selection circuit to connect the substrate gate to the drain of the switching transistor when the voltage on an input terminal of the switching regulator is less than or equal to the voltage on the output terminal of the switching regulator, and connect the substrate gate to the source of the switching transistor when the voltage on the input terminal is greater than the voltage on the output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, LtdInventor: Junji Nishida
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Publication number: 20090016549Abstract: A power supply for limited power sources and an audio amplifier using the power supply comprising power sources to provide an output power signal that can be used by load with a high peak to average power requirement ratio. When such power sources are used to power devices that have a high peak to average power consumption, the average power output of the device is severely limited if the peak power is kept below the power supply limits of the limited power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: John B. French, Andrew John Mason
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Publication number: 20090009149Abstract: A system and method for limiting input voltage to a power delivery system having regeneration capability. According to various embodiments, the system includes a regulator having a multiple input variables and at least one output variable; and an accumulator in communication with the regulator wherein the accumulator presets the output of the regulator to facilitate a quick output as well as accumulates error values related to the multiple input variables and facilitates a change by the regulator to the at least one output variable based upon the accumulated values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: JOHN CHANNING BOUSFIELD, III, XUAN ZHANG, RONALD GAILLOT
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Patent number: 7471073Abstract: A method of finding a power maximum of a photovoltaic generator using an MPP regulator of a photovoltaic current converter by means of which a maximum generator power is set at an operating point of the generator's characteristic curve is intended to supply improved efficiency when the generator is partially shadowed. This is achieved by switching the MPP regulator off in order to next load and/or unload the generator to allow a new operating point of the generator's characteristic curve to set and by next switching the MPP regulator on again.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: SMA Technologie AGInventors: Gerd Bettenwort, Christian Kühnel, Oliver Arend, Joachim Ralf Laschinski, Gerald Alexander Leonhardt, Wolfgang Kurt Reichenbächer
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Publication number: 20080314889Abstract: The description discloses a glow plug system for a Diesel engine of a motor vehicle having a glow plug (RG1, RG2) which comprises a positive terminal for connecting a supply voltage (U1) and a ground terminal for connecting to a ground potential (GND), a controlling device (1) for controlling the electric power supplied to the glow plug (RG1, RG2) in operation, whereby the controlling device (1) comprises a measurement input (ADC1) and a ground input (ADC2) in order to determine, in operation, a measured value of the supply voltage (U1) in relation to a reference potential (GND?) applied to the ground input (ADC2).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Martin Blanc, Peter Schafer, Gerd Brauchle
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Publication number: 20080309304Abstract: The electro-optical device is directly connected to a battery and includes a display panel, a driver, and a voltage adjusting circuit. The driver amplifies an input voltage and supplies the amplified voltage to the display panel. The voltage adjusting circuit includes a plurality of conversion circuits, a switching unit, and a control circuit. The plurality of conversion circuits convert a voltage input from the battery into different voltages and supply the converted voltages to the driver. The switching unit performs switching for supplying the voltage to one of the plurality of conversion circuits. The control circuit controls the switching unit to switch the conversion circuit that supplies the voltage input from the battery when it is detected that a voltage gain of the driver has changed. Thus, the power consumption can be reduced without having an adverse effect on image display.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: EPSON IMAGING DEVICES CORPORATIONInventors: Fusashi Kimura, Masaki Takahashi, Atsunari Tsuda
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Patent number: 7456625Abstract: As for a transistor, overlapped are factors such as a variation of a gate insulation film which occurs due to a difference of a manufacturing process and a substrate used and a variation of a crystalline state in a channel forming region and thereby, there occurs a variation of a threshold voltage and mobility of a transistor. This invention provides an electric circuit which used a rectification type device in which an electric current is generated only in a single direction, when an electric potential difference was applied to electrodes at both ends of the device. Then, the invention provides an electric circuit which utilized a fact that, when a signal voltage is inputted to one terminal of the rectification type device, an electric potential of the other terminal becomes an electric potential offset only by the threshold voltage of the rectification type device.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hajime Kimura, Yasuko Watanabe
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Patent number: 7456624Abstract: A DC-DC converter capable of operating in a pulse-skipping mode for transforming power provided by a power generator for a load circuit includes a driving circuit for generating a gate driving signal according to a feedback signal and a pulse-skipping-mode control signal, a converter circuit for transforming power provided by the power generator for the load circuit according to the gate driving signal, a feedback circuit for generating the feedback signal for the driving circuit according to a feedback voltage of the load circuit, and a pulse-skipping-mode control circuit for generating the pulse-skipping-mode control signal and adjusting on-time of the generated pulse-skipping-mode control signal according to voltages outputted from the power generator and the converter circuit, so as to adjust voltage outputted from the converter circuit via the driving circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Anpec Electronics CorporationInventors: Kang Sheng, Yu-Chang Chen, Chih-Ning Chen
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Publication number: 20080284399Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a digital power supply are disclosed. An example method includes storing a first set of coefficients for controlling a digital power supply in a memory of the digital power supply, associating the first set of coefficients with a first set of characteristics of an input voltage for the digital power supply, storing a second set of coefficients for controlling the digital power supply in the memory of the digital power supply, associating the second set of coefficients with a second set of characteristics of the input voltage, receiving a first voltage from a voltage source at the digital power supply, determining that the first voltage has the first set of characteristics, and, in response to determining that the first voltage has the first set of characteristics, applying the first set of coefficients to the digital power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Eric Gregory Oettinger, Mark David Hagen
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Patent number: 7453251Abstract: A control circuit for a PWM switching power regulator including an error amplifier and an amplifier filter circuit. The error amplifier has a first input receiving a reference signal, a second input receiving an output sense signal, and an output providing a compensation signal used to control PWM switching. The amplifier filter circuit has an input receiving a ratio-metric tracking signal and an output providing the reference signal to the input of the error amplifier. The control circuit may include a resistive voltage divider for providing the tracking signal. The amplifier filter circuit may be implemented as a transconductance amplifier having an input receiving the tracking signal and an output coupled to a capacitor. The transconductance amplifier may have a relatively small current drive capacity and its output may have a relatively slow and weak response to changes of the tracking signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Gustavo J. Mehas, James W. Leith, Shying D. Chen
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Publication number: 20080278136Abstract: Switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs) and their control methods for radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers in battery-powered wireless transmitter devices involve a Boost-type SMPS and a Buck-type SMPS in cascade connection which are controlled so that high efficiency is maintained for various loads and transmission power levels. The Boost SMPS and the Buck SMPS can be controlled based on the mode of operation of the transmitter, such as the actual battery voltage, the needed output power, the selected frequency band, the selected RF power amplifier (PA), the selected modulation method of the transmission signal, and/or the selected PA voltage control method, such as the envelope elimination and restoration (EER) technique, the envelope tracking (ET) technique, or the power-level tracking (PT) technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Simo Murtojarvi
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Patent number: 7433211Abstract: A power converter delivers electrical power from an electrical power source to a load according to a plurality of operation modes, where at least one of the operation modes is a peak current switching mode. Under the peak current switching mode, a switch controller controls the switch in the power converter to be kept on until the current through the switch reaches a peak current value corresponding to a given phase of the input voltage signal to the power converter. The peak current values have a reference shape, which may be a trapezoidal. The power converter may have any topology, such as a flyback-type power converter or a boost-type power converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Arthur J. Collmeyer, Anatoly Shteynberg, Junjie Zheng, Paul F. King, Dickson T. Wong, Harry Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7432691Abstract: Methods, apparatus, media and signals for controlling power drawn from an energy converter to supply a load, where the energy converter is operable to convert energy from a physical source into electrical energy. Power drawn from the energy converter is changed when a supply voltage of the energy converter meets a criterion. The criterion and the change in the amount of power drawn from the energy converter are dependent upon a present amount of power supplied to the load. The methods, apparatus, media and signals described herein may provide improvements to DC to AC maximum power point tracking in an energy conversion system such as a photovoltaic power generation system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Xantrex Technology Inc.Inventor: Henry H. Cutler
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Publication number: 20080238398Abstract: Techniques pertaining to device and method for controlling an analog signal are disclosed. Using a single connection (e.g., a connector or a pin) without an external resistive element (e.g., a resistor), an analog output is digitally controlled and produced. According to one aspect of the present invention, a precisely controlled current is generated from a coded data that represents. A control unit is designed to control a working mode based on an input signal from the connection. In one embodiment, the working mode includes a default mode, a programmable mode, a testing mode and a shutdown mode. Under the programmable mode, a user determines a signal coupled in from the connection as desired, and a code unit codes the signal in accordance with a predefined protocol. The code unit then sends the coded data to a decode unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Xiaoying YU, Baohong Cheng
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Publication number: 20080238399Abstract: A buffer circuit is selectively operative in one of at least a first mode and a second mode as a function of a first control signal supplied to the buffer circuit. The buffer circuit includes interface circuitry operative to receive at least second and third control signals referenced to a first voltage level, and to generate an output signal referenced to a second voltage level, the second voltage level being greater than the first voltage level. The output signal is a function of the second control signal in the first mode and is a function of the third control signal in the second mode. The buffer circuit further includes at least first and second circuit portions coupled to the interface circuitry, each of the first and second circuit portions including at least one control input operative to receive the output signal generated by the interface circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Dipankar Bhattacharya, Carol A. Huber, Makeshwar Kothandaraman, John C. Kriz, Bernard L. Morris
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Patent number: 7425819Abstract: A current-mode switching regulator uses a slope compensation circuit that automatically accounts for different inductor values and varying input voltages to generate a slope compensation signal. The slope compensation circuit monitors a voltage across a semiconductor switch to extract an upslope signal that tracks increasing inductor current in the current-mode switching regulator. The slope compensation signal is generated based on the upslope signal and a difference between an input voltage and an output voltage of the current-mode switching regulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Microsemi CorporationInventor: Yuji Isobe
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Patent number: 7420354Abstract: A computer readable, media and signals for controlling power drawn from an energy converter to supply a load, where the energy converter is operable to convert energy from a physical source into electrical energy. Power drawn from the energy converter is changed when a supply voltage of the energy converter meets a criterion. The criterion and the change in the amount of power drawn from the energy converter are dependent upon a present amount of power supplied to the load. The methods, apparatus, media and signals described herein may provide improvements to DC to AC maximum power point tracking in an energy conversion system such as a photovoltaic power generation system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Xantrex Technology Inc.Inventor: Henry H Cutler
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Publication number: 20080203992Abstract: A controller for a power stage may adaptively control power switches to improve the efficiency of power consumption by the power stage and detect continuous conduction mode (“CCM”) and discontinuous conduction mode (“DCM”) operations of the power stage without instantaneous or cycle by cycle sensing and sampling of the output inductor current. Additionally, the controller may be used to facilitate the estimation of output inductor value, the peak inductor current value, and other information on converter operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Jaber Abu Qahouq, Lilly Huang
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Patent number: 7417414Abstract: The present invention provides a switching power supply circuit capable of stabilizing an output voltage as well as increasing a response speed of the output voltage by improving a phase margin of an open loop as a whole of the switching power supply circuit. The switching power supply circuit according to the present invention includes a resistor and a capacitor in addition to a configuration of a conventional switching power supply circuit. The resistor is connected between a node and the capacitor. The capacitor is connected between the resistor and another node. The resistor and the capacitor configure a phase compensation circuit. The phase compensation circuit has a cut-off frequency in accordance with a resonance frequency of an inductor and a capacitor by adjusting a resistance value of the resistor and a capacitance of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Takehiro Hata, Tatsuo Kuroiwa, Eiji Onishi
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Publication number: 20080197825Abstract: A uniform converter input voltage distribution power system evenly controls the individual input voltages of DC-to-DC series-input parallel-output connected converters using a uniform input voltage distribution controller including a generator for generating respective error signals from the converter input voltages using a common distribution reference signal for providing respective converter control signals connected to the converters through respective shared-bus controls for evenly distributing the power delivered by the converters that are shared-bus current-mode converters for preferably providing a low output voltage. Employing a common regulation control signal, the controller can also provide system output voltage regulation, system input current limiting, proportional-voltage control, relaxed voltage uniformity, and fault-tolerant power control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Kasemsan Siri
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Publication number: 20080180081Abstract: A technique for addressing a low line voltage condition in an information handling system includes determining whether a magnitude of an input voltage of a power supply unit (PSU) is below a first threshold for at least a first time period. The technique also includes adjusting, based on the determining, a magnitude of a reference voltage of the PSU to track a magnitude of an output voltage of the PSU when the input voltage is below the first threshold for at least the first time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, LPInventors: Brent A. McDonald, Brian P. Johnson
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Patent number: 7405551Abstract: A method and an apparatus to regulate voltage supply have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a power converter block to generate an output voltage from an input voltage and a voltage regulator controller coupled to the power converter block to input at least one time-modulated signal to the power converter block, the at least one time-modulated signal having a duty cycle, the voltage regulator controller including a counter having an increment value substantially proportional to the input voltage, wherein the counter is used to adjust the duty cycle of the at least one time-modulated signal. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Edward A. Burton, Robert Greiner, Anant Deval, Douglas R. Huard