Input Level Responsive Patents (Class 323/299)
  • Patent number: 8248041
    Abstract: A controller provides frequency compression for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter that determines the ON and OFF times of each switch associated with the PFC converter to prevent operating frequencies in the audible range. The controller includes a first circuit for generating an ON time current source having a magnitude related to an amplified error signal and the monitored input voltage, and a second circuit for generating an OFF time current source having a magnitude related to the ON time current source, the monitored input voltage, and the monitored output voltage. Gate drive circuitry provides gate drives signals to the switches of the interleaved PFC converter at a frequency determined by magnitudes of the ON time current source and the OFF time current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rausch, Michael J. Gaboury, Shohei Osaka
  • Publication number: 20120200279
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a voltage fault detection system. The voltage fault detection system may be configured to acquire a reference voltage signal from a power line to determine if a voltage sag condition is present in the power line, determine a correction voltage for correcting the voltage sag condition, use the reference voltage to produce the correction voltage, and apply the correction voltage to the power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: General Electronic Company
    Inventors: Balakrishna Pamulaparthy, Viswesh Goli, Manishkumar Ramchandra Sharma
  • Publication number: 20120200278
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion for fuzes and other electrical power consumers. A current monitor coupled to a power source signal generates a source current indicator. A controller generates a control signal responsive to the source current indicator. A filter well is coupled to the power source signal. An inductive switch circuit switchably grounds a rectified inductive load coupled to an output side of the filter well in response to the control signal, developing a pulsed power signal. A resonance rectifier presents substantially lossless resistive impedance for the pulsed power signal and rectifies the pulsed power signal to charge a charge storage device and generate a power output signal. The filter well, the inductive switch circuit, and the controller maintain the source current indicator within a predetermined current range by filtering the pulsed power signal and adjusting the control signal's frequency responsive to the source current indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: James L. Yost, John E. Overland, Jason A. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8237417
    Abstract: The DC-DC converter includes a control unit that controls a current stored in an inductance and an output voltage output from an output terminal electrically couplable to the inductance. The control unit assigns a first period and a second period to a given period when the output voltage is lower than a given value in response to a load electrically couplable to the output terminal. The first period is where a current is stored in the inductance in response to an input voltage and a reference voltage, and the second period is where the current stored in the inductance is supplied to the output terminal in response to the input voltage and the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Toru Miyamae
  • Publication number: 20120194105
    Abstract: A voltage determination device includes a reference voltage generation circuit; a determination target voltage line; a first voltage line; a second voltage line; and a switching circuit disposed between the first voltage line and the second voltage line. The switching circuit is provided for performing a switching operation according to a level of the determination target voltage. The voltage determination device includes a determining circuit for determining the level of the determination target voltage, and a control unit is provided for controlling a level of an electric current flowing between the first voltage line and the second voltage line. The control unit controls a resistivity between the switching circuit and the second voltage line so that the level of the electric current is maintained at a specific level when the determining circuit determines the level of the determination target voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Kikuo UTSUNO
  • Patent number: 8232755
    Abstract: A DC motor is provided. The DC motor prevents rush or overload of current in the DC motor during and/or after power input irregularities to the DC motor. A control circuit of the DC motor is configured to control current provided to the DC motor. When power irregularities in the power input to the DC motor are detected by the control circuit, the control circuit stops generating PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signals and stops the current provided to the DC motor. After the stoppage of PWM signals, the control circuit can perform a soft-start of the PWM signals when the power irregularities are no longer detected. The soft starting of the PWM signals generates gradual increase in current to the DC motor, thus, preventing sudden rush of current that cause malfunction of the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Publication number: 20120187933
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for automatically controlling a dual mode component of a device to operate according to a first mode or a second mode. According to these techniques, a device or circuit may include a first power supply input terminal and a dual mode component that includes a second power supply input terminal. The device or circuit further includes an automatic power supply selection module configured to compare a voltage level at the first power supply input terminal to a predetermined threshold, and based on the comparison, supply one of a first mode voltage level or a second mode voltage level to the second power supply input terminal. The first mode voltage level may cause the dual mode component to operate in a first mode, while the second mode voltage level may cause the dual mode component to operate in a second mode different than the first mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: M. Vijaya Reddy, Abhik Giri
  • Patent number: 8228047
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for performing power conversion operations in a portable device are used to convert an input voltage to a voltage at an output. The conversion operations use a two-stage conversion to convert the input voltage to a first voltage and to convert the first voltage to a second voltage. A switching frequency is altered with changes in the input voltage. The switching frequency is selected based on the input voltage level and/or to maintain a substantially consistent ripple at the output, which can correspond to the first voltage and/or the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Li Li, Ronil D. Patel
  • Patent number: 8222882
    Abstract: A controller for a power supply includes a logic block and a time-to-frequency converter. The logic block is to generate a drive signal in response to a clock signal. The drive signal is to be coupled to control switching of a power switch of the power supply to regulate an output of the power supply. The time-to-frequency converter is coupled to the logic block and generates the clock signal having a frequency responsive to a time period of the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Alex B. Djenguerian, Leif Lund
  • Patent number: 8222883
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a PWM controller is configured to inhibit a drive signal responsively to a bulk input voltage remaining at a low value for a time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20120176361
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter for converting an input power to generate a first power and for outputting the first power to a first output terminal, the DC-DC converter including: a resistor unit for electrically connecting a set resistor to the first output terminal when the voltage of input power is in a specific range, and a mobile communication terminal using the same. Here, the DC-DC converter is capable of reducing or removing a pulse skip mode by increasing a load of an output end if it is determined that the voltage of the input power is in the specific range, by sensing the input power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Yoon-Young Lee, Sung-Cheon Park
  • Patent number: 8219258
    Abstract: A method of queuing access to a power supply shared by a set of electrical access points. The access points turn on independently from one another and thus have independent power draws. Each access point has a specific power draw when on. The on state and associated power draw of each of access point is identified, and a load duration curve for each access point is normalized (i.e., combined with load duration curve(s)) from the other access points) into a probability distribution function. The probability distribution function is a normalized load duration curve that thus accounts for a varying set of “operating states” that may occur with respect to the set of access points (when viewed collectively). Each operating state has an associated probability of occurrence. As the operating state of the set (of access points) changes, access to the power supply is selectively queued, or de-queued (if previously queued).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: eCurv, Inc.
    Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 8207723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a power converter. In one aspect, a controller for use in a power converter includes a first calculator coupled to determine an end of an on time of a power switch of the power converter by integrating an input current to output an on time signal representative of the end of the on time of the power switch. The controller also includes a second calculator coupled to determine an end of an off time of the power switch by integrating a difference between an input voltage and an output voltage to output an off time signal representative of the end of the off time of the power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur B. Odell
  • Publication number: 20120153924
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing an improved start-up (soft-start) circuit for use with voltage regulators, and an improved regulator start-up methodology. For example, an apparatus comprises a voltage regulator circuit and a start-up circuit operatively coupled to the voltage regulator circuit. The start-up circuit is configured to provide a current signal, during a start-up period, that generates a reference voltage at a reference input of the voltage regulator circuit such that the reference voltage ramps up at a rate substantially equal to a ramp-up rate of a supply voltage coupled to the start-up circuit and the voltage regulator circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lipka, Bradley Wright
  • Publication number: 20120139508
    Abstract: A device includes a first internal voltage generation circuit generating a first internal voltage in response to an external power supply voltage, a second internal voltage generation circuit generating a second internal voltage in response to the external power supply voltage, the second internal voltage being different in voltage level from the first internal voltage, and a preset signal generation circuit responding to a power-on of the external power supply voltage to the device and generating, independently of the first internal voltage, first and second preset signals that bring the first and the second internal voltage generation circuits into respective initial states, the preset signal generating circuit stopping generation of the first preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a first voltage level and stopping generation of the second preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a second voltage level different from the first voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Matano
  • Patent number: 8193801
    Abstract: A method for feeding DC power to an amplifier module for a pulsed load, the method comprising providing current pulses from a DC power supply; charging a capacitor configuration in the amplifier module; providing an output voltage via a voltage regulated power supply; feeding current pulses to the pulsed load from the capacitor configuration, determining an output current (Iout) pulse configuration appearing during feeding the load from the capacitor configuration; providing a pulsed input current (Iin) from the DC power supply based upon the determined output pulsed current; and limiting the maximum current level of the input current pulses to a pre-determined level by a control and pulse shaping circuit to be substantially lower compared to the peak current of the output current pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Hannes Illipe, Wolfgang Staberg
  • Publication number: 20120134188
    Abstract: An electric machine drive system is described. The system includes an inverter, an electric machine coupled to the inverter by at least one output conductor and including a ground connection, and an active common mode current reducing device coupled between the ground connection of the electric machine and the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Rixin Lai, Joseph Smolenski
  • Publication number: 20120133350
    Abstract: A DC voltage supply apparatus including a voltage detection unit, an enable signal processing unit, a latch unit, a control unit and a voltage transforming unit is provided. The voltage detection unit receives and detects a DC input voltage to generate an input voltage state signal. The enable signal processing unit receives the input voltage state signal and an enable signal, and determines a state of the enable signal according to the input voltage state signal. When the enable signal is ineffective, the latch unit latches the enable signal to keep an ineffective state. The control unit receives the enable signal, and generates a control signal. When the control signal is effective, the voltage transforming unit receives the DC input voltage and transforms the DC input voltage into a DC output voltage. When the control signal is ineffective, the voltage transforming unit stops receiving the DC input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun-Dong Yang
  • Patent number: 8188723
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are a switching converter, an integrated circuit package, and method for controlling a switching converter. An embodiment of the invention is a switching converter comprising a first compensation network having a first node coupled to an error voltage and a second node coupled to electrical ground and a second compensation network having an input coupled to the error voltage. A frequency domain transfer function of the first compensation network comprises a first zero and a plurality of first poles, and a frequency domain transfer function of the second compensation network comprises a second zero and a second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Marco Piselli, Cristian Garbossa, Andrea Vecchiato, Emanuele Bodano, Andrea Morra, Simone Massaro, Maurizio Inversi
  • Publication number: 20120126624
    Abstract: Series strings of photovoltaic (PV) modules with integrated dc-dc microconverters that can function in buck, boost, or an intermediate bridge mode based on the load can harvest more energy than conventional central-inverter architectures, especially when the arrays are partially shaded or when the modules are mismatched. The integrated multi-mode dc-dc converter includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm that can track the true MPP, even when a PV module becomes partially-shaded, without scanning the entire output voltage range. The algorithm compares power levels only at a voltage that occurs when a bypass diode bypasses a portion of an associated PV module, and multiples thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Knight Hester, Sairaj Vijaykumar Dhople, Nagarajan Sridhar
  • Publication number: 20120119722
    Abstract: Optimizes the operation and control of electric generators against events produced in the power grid, such as voltage dips or overvoltages, comprising the following steps: detecting that the DC bus voltage level (Vbus) (301) exceeds the maximum operating limit established in normal conditions; enabling activation permission of the chopper (201); activating the different operating states (304) of the chopper (201) according to the DC bus voltage level (Vbus) (301) and to the current entering the DC bus (Iin.bus) from the generator; detecting that the DC bus voltage level (Vbus) (301) is within the normal operating range; enabling deactivation permission of the chopper (201); deactivating the different operating states (304) of the chopper (201) according to the DC bus voltage level (Vbus) (301) and to the current entering the DC bus (Iin.bus) from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: David Sole Lopez, Ainhoa CARCAR MAYOR, Josu ELORRIAGA LLANOS, Eneko OLEA OREGI
  • Publication number: 20120112726
    Abstract: A power supply controller includes a power supply section, a power supply controlling section connected to the power supply section, a starter switch being switched selectively to a first status and a second status, a o power switch being switched selectively to a first status and a second status, a controlling section connected to the power switch, and a function section operable to execute a predetermined operation. The power supply controlling section causes a power to be supplied from the power supply section to the controlling section when at least one of the power switch and the starter switch is in the first status. This power supply controller does not malfunction even when the starter switch malfunctions, thus preventing wasteful consumption of the power supply section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroki Kaihori, Michiaki Tsuneoka, Eiji Miyake
  • Publication number: 20120104852
    Abstract: A converter circuit to be connected to an electrical energy source includes a chopper circuit having an input terminal capable of being connected to said electrical energy source, a first output circuit adapted to being connected via a first switch to an output terminal of the chopper circuit, a second output circuit adapted to being connected via a second switch to the output terminal of the chopper circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted for controlling the duty cycle of the chopper circuit as a function of the variation in voltage of said electrical energy source, and switching between the first and second switches as a function of a range of output voltage settings for the first output circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Guy Waltisperger, Adrien Ramond, Frederic Rothan
  • Publication number: 20120098516
    Abstract: A current correction circuit (200) has an input (201) and comprises: ?a first controllable current source (220) having an input connected to the circuit input for drawing a first current (I 220) from said circuit input; —a differentiator (210) having an input coupled to the circuit input and having an output coupled to the first current source; and/or—a second controllable current source (240) having an input connected to the circuit input for drawing a second current (I 240) from said circuit input; —a voltage comparator (230) having a first input coupled to the circuit input (201), having a second input coupled to receive a reference signal (Vref), and having an output coupled to the second current source. The circuit is responsive to voltage changes by drawing first current pulses (221) from said circuit input, and/or to low voltages by drawing second current pulses (241) from said circuit input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jeroen Snelten
  • Publication number: 20120098504
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply stage, comprising: generating means for generating a power supply voltage from a high efficiency variable voltage supply in dependence on a reference signal; adjusting means for receiving the generated power supply voltage, and adapted to provide an adjusted selected power supply voltage tracking the reference signal in dependence thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NUJIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Martin Paul Wilson, Shane Flint
  • Publication number: 20120091909
    Abstract: A programming device (100) for programming a controller (10) in an electronic driver (200) comprises a control- lable voltage supply (30) for generating an AC supply voltage suitable for supplying the electronic driver (200) and a programming controller (20) for controlling the voltage supply (30). The programming device (100) is designed to modulate the supply frequency in order to both feed the electronic driver (200) and send programming data to the electronic driver (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Petrus Wernars, Victor Mayr
  • Patent number: 8154152
    Abstract: A triangular-wave current flows through a reactor of a DC/DC converter for converting voltages between increased and reduced levels. Surges are reduced, which are developed in an output voltage serving as a control voltage when the triangular-wave current changes across a zero value at which the current direction is changed. When a primary current flowing through the reactor changes across 0 [A] (zero value) at which the direction is changed, within an adjustment range, a feedback coefficient by which to multiply the error between the control voltage and a target voltage is multiplied by k (k>1) so as to increase a feedback amount. Surges developed in the control voltage due to a dead time when the primary current changes across 0 [A] are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kojima, Naoyuki Mimatsu, Seigo Murashige
  • Publication number: 20120081937
    Abstract: A power system includes a plurality of DC/DC converters and a DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters having outputs electrically connected in parallel for supplying a DC voltage bus to an input of the DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters each include a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Various DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters suitable for use in this system and others are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Astec International Limited
    Inventor: Vijay G. Phadke
  • Patent number: 8148968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of switching a switch of a power supply in response to an input voltage signal are disclosed. According to aspects of the present invention, a power supply controller includes a switch duty cycle controller coupled to receive a feedback signal and a duty cycle adjust signal. The switch duty cycle controller is coupled to generate a drive signal coupled to control switching of a switch, which is coupled to an energy transfer element, to regulate energy delivered from an input of a power supply to an output of the power supply. The power supply controller also includes a gain selector circuit coupled to receive an input voltage signal, which is representative of an input voltage to the power supply, to generate the duty cycle adjust signal received by the switch duty cycle controller. The maximum duty cycle of the drive signal to be varied in response to a plurality of linear functions over a range of values of the input voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Bäurle, Zhao-Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8150557
    Abstract: A system and method that analyzes at least one aspect of the power grid for demand response in order to reduce feeder circuit losses is provided. The system and method may use a demand response model to select one or more factors for the demand response, such as selecting a subset of customers for demand response from a larger pool of available demand response customers. The demand response model may include a grid structure component, such as an indication of the particular customer's position in the grid, and a dynamic operation component, such as a real-time measurement of current in the feeder circuit. By using the demand response model, feeder circuit losses may thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Taft
  • Patent number: 8143865
    Abstract: An average current-mode controlled converter has a buck mode, a boost mode, and a four-switch mode. In one example, the converter operates in one of the three modes, depending on the difference between the converter output voltage VOUT and the converter input voltage VIN. Whether the four-switch mode is a full-time four-switch mode or a partial four-switch mode is user programmable. The novel converter can also be programmed to operate in other ways. For example, the converter can be programmed so that there is no intervening four-switch mode, but rather the converter operates either in a buck or a boost mode depending on VOUT-VIN. The converter can also be programmed so that the converter always operates in a conventional full-time four-switch mode. In one embodiment, the converter is programmed by setting an offset between two internally generated ramp signals and by setting associated limiting and inverting circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20120062142
    Abstract: While an electronic product including passive elements is connected to an AC input voltage source, corresponding decreased currents are calculated according to a constant input/output work and a voltage curve of the input voltage source. Therefore, while the electronic product is activated under voltage sources having different scales or being unstable, the calculated decreased currents are applied so as to stabilize the input work or the output work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Chin-Feng Kang, Jing-Chyi Wang
  • Publication number: 20120062202
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking a maximum power point includes a converter unit for converting a first power, outputted from a solar cell module, into a second power and a maximum power point control unit for searching for a maximum power point voltage and an open-circuit voltage corresponding to a temperature and solar radiation of the solar cell module, decreasing voltage of the first power from the open-circuit voltage to the maximum power point voltage in a soft-start manner, and then performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control according to a Perturbation and Observation (P&O) algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Byeong-Seon Min
  • Patent number: 8134346
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting capacitance added in parallel to an electrical line input for improving efficiency of an electrical system. A microprocessor monitors in real time the current and voltage wave forms of a system and selects the optimum amount of capacitance from a bank of capacitors of different values. The system is implemented at the watt-hour meter to encourage adoption of the device by utility companies and customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: EcoEarthEnergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry N. Huta, Stephen R. Phillips, Robert E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20120056548
    Abstract: A system for driving an LED (light-emitting diode) lamp includes a dimmer circuit coupled to a line input voltage for varying a magnitude of an input voltage and a transformer having a primary winding, a secondary winding, and one or more auxiliary windings, the primary winding coupled to the dimmer circuit. The system also includes an output rectifying circuit coupled to the secondary winding for providing an output current to the LED lamp and a power switch coupled to the primary winding for controlling a current flow in the primary winding. The system further includes a controller having a comparator and a capacitor for providing a control signal to control the power switch for regulating the output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Jianhua Duan, Xuegang Ren, Na Liu
  • Publication number: 20120057437
    Abstract: A power supply unit includes: a first power supply circuit that supplies a voltage to a load driving unit that drives a load unit; a second power supply circuit that supplies a voltage to circuits other than the load driving unit; and a control unit that switches the voltage supplied to the first power supply circuit and the voltage supplied to the second power supply circuit in accordance with properties of the load driving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuo Kato, Akira Takakura, Toshitaka Fukushima, Keisuke Tsubata, Hisao Nakamura, Tomohiro Ihashi, Yoshinori Sugai, Eriko Noguchi, Satoshi Sakai, Takanori Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20120049832
    Abstract: A power-supply controller circuit includes: a power-supply switch unit configured to output an ON-signal when manually operated; a switching unit configured to switch ON and OFF an output voltage to a controller unit in response to the ON-signal of the power-supply switch unit; a latching unit configured to latch an ON-state of the switching unit, when the power-supply switch unit outputs an ON-signal under a condition where the switching unit is in an OFF-state; and the controller unit configured to control an unlatching signal to unlatch the ON-state latched by the latching unit when the latching unit is in the ON-state and detects the ON-signal sent from the power-supply switch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki SHINYAMA
  • Publication number: 20120049831
    Abstract: A switching converter IC without a built-in power switching device includes a first terminal serving as a power supply positive connection, a second terminal serving as a power supply return connection, a third terminal serving as the switch-driving connection for controlling the switching duty of an external bipolar or MOSFET power switching device and also serving as a conduit for detection of current drawn by the power switching device to thereby provide overcurrent protection. Feedback information is derived from voltage between the first and the second terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Chiu-Sing Celement Tse, On-Bon Peter Chan, Chik-Yam Lee, Chi-Keung Tang, Chi-Ken Kenny Lee
  • Patent number: 8120348
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a power converter with improved line transient, comprising: a power stage circuit including at least one power transistor switch which operates to convert an input voltage to an output voltage; an error amplifier comparing a feedback signal with a reference signal to generate an error signal; an input voltage instant variation extraction circuit extracting an instant variation of the input voltage and generating a signal relating to the instant variation; and a PWM comparator generating a PWM signal according to at least a ramp signal, the error signal, and the signal relating to the instant variation, to thereby control the operation of the power transistor switch in the power stage circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chueh-Kuei Jan, Shui-Mu Lin
  • Publication number: 20120038343
    Abstract: A constant current source has a first current source circuit for outputting a first current; a second current source circuit for outputting a second current according to a reference voltage; a current comparison circuit for comparing magnitudes of the first and second currents; and a current adjustment unit for adjusting a current value of the first current output from the first current source circuit in accordance with a comparison result of the current comparison circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Takagi, Kazuo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8115469
    Abstract: A driver circuit raises an output transistor signal smoothly while suppressing decreases in voltage. A motor driver includes a transistor connected to a buffer of a pre-driver. An external terminal of the motor driver is connected to a regulator to supply first and second transistors with voltage. The gates of the first and second transistors are connected to the drain of the other one of the first and second transistors. The first transistor is connected to a third transistor, which receives an input signal. The second transistor is connected to a fourth transistor, which receives the inverted input signal. The external terminal is connected to the gate of a further transistor. The further transistor has a source connected via a fifth transistor to a buffer, and a drain connected to the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Konosuke Taki
  • Publication number: 20120025800
    Abstract: A voltage mode transmitter equalizer has high efficiencies, yet consumes substantially constant supply current from the power supply and provides constant back-match impedance. The voltage mode transmitter equalizer is configured such that the output voltage of the signal to be output on a pair of transmission lines can be controlled according to the input data, but its return impedance is substantially matched to the differential impedance of the transmission lines and it draws substantially constant supply current from the power supply regardless of the output voltage of the signal. Further, an equalizer for a voltage-mode transmitter provides fine-granularity equalization settings by employing a variable pull-up conductance and a variable pull-down conductance. Conductance is varied by selectively enabling a plurality of conductance channels, at least some of which have resistance values that are distinct from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne D. Dettloff, John W. Poulton, John M. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120019227
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting either a High VIN path or a Low VIN path from a voltage source to a low voltage circuit is disclosed. The apparatus has a clamped step down circuit operable to select the High VIN path when a voltage level from the voltage source is above or equal to a pre-determined voltage level and, a power supply control circuit operable to select the Low VIN path when the voltage level from the voltage source is below the pre-determined voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicants: PANASONIC SEMICONDUCTOR ASIA PTE., LTD., PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun Kiong Leslie KHOO, Ulysses Ramos LOPEZ, Gin Kooi LIM, Toru MATSUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20120019228
    Abstract: A synchronous boost DC/DC conversion system comprises an input for receiving a DC input voltage, an output for producing a DC output voltage, a power switch controllable to adjust an output signal of the conversion system, and an inductor coupled to the input. A synchronous rectifier is configurable to create a conduction path between the inductor and the output to provide the inductor discharge. A control circuit is provided for controlling the synchronous rectifier as the input voltage approaches the output voltage, so as to adjust average impedance of the conduction path over a discharge period of the inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Christopher Canfield, David Charles Salerno
  • Patent number: 8102165
    Abstract: A power factor correction (PFC) circuit includes an inductor, a diode, a storage capacitor, a switch and a control unit. The input power has a voltage fluctuation V1. The storage component absorbs a first voltage fluctuation and a switch regulation circuit absorbs a second voltage fluctuation V2. Thus output voltage from the PFC circuit is not a conventional constant voltage but a voltage of a great ripple. The PFC circuit further has a harmonic regulation unit. The harmonic regulation unit generates a voltage signal containing 3rd harmonic. The control unit receives a feedback signal and the voltage signal containing 3rd harmonic to generate a reference to the inductor current. Therefore, the inductor current contains 3rd harmonic. Thus power fluctuation absorbed and released by the capacitor is smaller. As a result energy storage capacitance can be reduced significantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignees: FSP Technology Inc., Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    Inventors: Linlin Gu, Ming Xu, Xinbo Ruan, Kai Yao
  • Publication number: 20120007574
    Abstract: Provided is a switching circuit with high withstand voltage. The switching circuit switches whether two terminals are electrically connected to each other, according to a switching signal input thereto. The switching circuit comprises a first switching section that switches whether the two terminals are electrically connected to each other; a first control section that is electrically insulated from the first switching section and controls the first switching section according to an input current; a second switching section that switches whether the input current is input to the first control section; and a second control section that is electrically insulated from the second switching section and controls the second switching section according to the switching signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidenori SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20120007575
    Abstract: An example controller for a power converter includes an input voltage sensor, a current sensor, an oscillator, a timing and multiplier circuit, and a drive signal generator. The input voltage sensor receives an input signal representative of an input voltage and the current sensor senses a current in a power switch. The oscillator generates a signal having a switching frequency and the timing and multiplier circuit adjusts the switching frequency of the signal to be proportional to a value that is the input voltage multiplied by a time it takes the current in the power switch to change between two current values. The drive signal generator drives the power switch into the on state for an on time period and an off state for an off time period in response to the current in the power switch and in response to the signal having the switching frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: POWER INTEGRATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex B. Djenguerian, Erdem Bircan
  • Publication number: 20120001611
    Abstract: A DC/DC converter comprising: a switching element; a driving unit configured to turn on/off the switching element based on a pulse width of a control signal; a control unit configured to generate the control signal based on a voltage signal; and a generation unit configured to generate the voltage signal by connecting a detection unit having a resistor corresponding to a temperature and a resistance element in series, and dividing a reference voltage by the detection unit and the resistance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Publication number: 20110316914
    Abstract: A device has an output circuit arranged to receive a voltage pulse, a body diode associated with the output circuit, and a detection circuit electrically coupled to the voltage pulse and the output circuit, such that when the voltage pulse transitions from high to low, the detection circuit is configured to activate the output circuit to reduce current in the body diode. A circuit to control parasitic power dissipation in an integrated circuit has a P-channel FET having a source electrode coupled to a high voltage signal source and a drain electrode coupled to a load, a body diode associated with the P-channel FET such that the body diode conducts current on a falling edge of a high voltage pulse from the high voltage signal source, and a detection circuit electrically coupled to the P-channel FET arranged to cause the P-channel FET to turn on when the body diode conducts current so as to reduce the current and lower parasitic power dissipation caused by the body diode conducting current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: DAVID L. KNIERIM
  • Publication number: 20110316513
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a single board energy-saving device, which includes: a power calculation module, configured to detect the input current of the single board, and calculate the real-time power of the single board according to the detected input current and a previously measured and obtained input voltage of the single board; a single board energy-saving control module, configured to determine the load condition of the single board according to the real-time power of the single board and send a voltage adjustment command according to the load condition; a power supply adjustment module, configured to receive the voltage adjustment command and adjust the bus voltage of the single board according to the voltage adjustment command. The corresponding embodiments of the present invention also disclose a single board energy-saving method and a single board. Through the foregoing technical solutions, energy-saving is realized for the single board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qingyin Fang