Abstract: A signal generating circuit includes: a first signal amplifying circuit arranged to generate a first amplified signal according to a first supply current, a reference signal, and an output signal of the signal generating circuit; a soft-start circuit arranged to generate a control signal according to a soft-start signal; a current controlled circuit arranged to generate the first supply current according to the soft-start signal; and a pass transistor arranged to generate an output signal according to an error amplified signal and the control signal. The error amplified signal is derived from the first amplified signal.

Abstract: An inverter circuit 40 with reduced loss in semiconductor elements when starting up, having switching elements Q1 and Q2 in series, and connected to both ends of a direct current power source circuit 30 having direct current power sources Psp and Psn in series, and including an alternating current output terminal U connected to a connection point of the switching elements, an alternating current output terminal V connected to a connection point of the direct current power sources, a bidirectional switch element S1, connected between the alternating current output terminal U and a terminal R of an alternating current power source 1, and a bidirectional switch element S2, connected between the alternating current output terminal U and a terminal S of the alternating current power source, causing the bidirectional switch elements to turn on and off when starting up.

Abstract: A soft start circuit includes an error amplifier for generating a control signal according to an input voltage, a feedback voltage and a reference voltage, a feedback circuit for generating the feedback voltage according to an output voltage, an internal voltage source for generating a soft start voltage, and a sink circuit including a first transformation module for generating a first transformation current according to the soft start voltage, a second transformation module for generating a second transformation current according to the feedback voltage, a comparison module coupled to the first transformation module and the second transformation module for generating a comparison result according to the first transformation current and the second transformation current, and an output module coupled to the comparison module for generating a sink current according to the comparison result, so as to control the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosure includes control methods and power controllers with load compensation adapted for a power supply powering a load. A disclosed power controller comprises a converter and a control circuit. The converter converts the load signal at a first node to output a load-compensation signal at a second node. The load signal corresponds to an output power provided from the power supply to the load, and the converter includes a low-pass filter coupled between the first and second nodes. The control circuit is coupled to an inductive device via a feedback node, for controlling the output power to make a cross voltage of the inductive device approach a target voltage, based on a feedback voltage at the feedback node. The higher the load-compensation signal the higher the target voltage.

Abstract: A startup circuit with reduced power dissipation, method of operating the same and a power converter employing the startup circuit. In one embodiment, the startup circuit for a controller includes a charge accumulation circuit having a resistor series-coupled to a capacitor and a first Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to the capacitor. The startup circuit also includes a second Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to an output of the first Schmitt trigger and configured to provide a bias voltage for the controller via the capacitor when an input voltage thereto exceeds a trip voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an input capacitor balancing circuit for a power supply is provided. The circuit includes an input capacitance operable to filter input power for the power supply. The input capacitance has a first capacitor and a second capacitor coupled in series between an input voltage and a first node. A voltage divider circuit is coupled to the input voltage and operable to generate a divided voltage therefrom. A buffer circuit is operable to receive the divided voltage and, if the first capacitor and the second capacitor are not balanced, to provide current to the input capacitance to balance the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

Abstract: A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) and a method of control thereof is described, wherein the SMPS is operable to apply a spread spectrum modulation to a switching driver signal to reduce EMI in the SMPS. The SMPS is operable to perform voltage and current monitoring in parallel to the spread spectrum modulation to provide variable limit threshold detection and shutdown capabilities for circuit protection.

Abstract: A high voltage generator includes a voltage converting device configured to increase a level of an input voltage and output an output voltage having a level higher than the level of the input voltage. The high voltage generator also includes a precharge controller configured to gradually increase the level of the input voltage up to a level of an external voltage based on a reference voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A power controller in a multi-chip module is disclosed. The power controller comprises a power controller die, an ultra-high voltage startup die, and a multi-chip module. The power controller die is operable to control a power switch when powered by an operation power source. The operation power source has a maximum voltage limit of tens volt. The ultra-high voltage startup die comprises an ultra-high voltage pad tolerable to receiving an input line voltage higher than one hundred volt. During a startup procedure the ultra-high voltage startup die charges the operation power source, and during a normal operation the ultra-high voltage startup die substantially performs an open-circuit. The multi-chip module packages both the power controller die and the ultra-high voltage startup die.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a semiconductor voltage controller comprising: a start-mode circuit associated with a start-mode; and an off-mode circuit associated with an off-mode, where the voltage controller can be configured to receive a feedback signal and an off-mode signal from a single input and provide an output voltage, where the voltage controller can be configured to be in the off-mode when the feedback signal is less than a skip level and the feedback signal is less than a HV control level, and where the voltage controller can be configured to be in start mode when the feedback signal is greater than HV control level and Vcc is below a Vcc-start.

Abstract: A method and system for extending the power output range of a power converter used for a lighting system is disclosed.

Abstract: For starting-up a power converter, an AC rectified voltage is generated upon power-up of the power converter. A depletion mode transistor generates a first voltage from the rectified voltage. The first voltage is inputted to a controller of the power converter to provide power for operation of the controller before an output stage of the power converter starts outputting power. A gate biasing voltage is generated from the first voltage and supplied to a gate terminal of the depletion mode transistor to bias the gate terminal of the depletion mode transistor.

Abstract: A startup circuit includes a MOSFET that is connected between a startup power source and an auxiliary power source made of a smoothing capacitor and passes a startup current from the startup power source to the smoothing capacitor, a JFET that has a drain terminal connected to a drain terminal of the MOSFET and a source terminal connected through a resistor to a gate terminal of the MOSFET, and a pinch-off voltage controller that controls a pinch-off voltage of the JFET to a first reference voltage at startup and to a second reference voltage, which is lower than the first reference voltage, after startup.

Abstract: The power conversion module includes a power converter coupled to provide a DC output voltage from an input voltage source. The power converter may have primary and secondary stages, and the power converter may also provide a DC output voltage that is electrically isolated from the input voltage source. Additionally, the power conversion module also includes a voltage controller configured to measure a pre-bias value of the output voltage prior to start-up of the power converter and provide a start-up control signal, wherein the start-up control signal corresponds to an initial output voltage that is greater than the pre-bias value of the output voltage. The initial output voltage includes a start-up voltage margin above the pre-bias value and is maintained for a margin hold time. A method of operating a power conversion module is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to auxiliary power supplies.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes a shared output bus and a plurality of power conversion units coupled to the shared output bus. Each power conversion unit includes a power converter having a converter output coupled to the shared output bus and a delay generator that generates a start-up delay for the power converter if a pre-bias value of a bus voltage on the shared output bus is greater than a predefined threshold. Each power conversion unit also includes a voltage controller that controls the converter output subsequent to the start-up delay and maintains a current sourcing condition of the converter output during start-up of the power converter. The power conversion system also includes a load that is coupled to the shared output bus. A method of operating a power conversion unit is also provided.

Abstract: Power conversion system and method. The system includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a plurality of diodes including a first diode, a second diode, a third diode, and a fourth diode. Additionally, the system includes a fifth diode including a first anode and a first cathode and a sixth diode including a second anode and a second cathode. Moreover, the system includes a primary winding, and a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding. The first anode is connected to a first input terminal, and the second anode is connected to a second input terminal. The first input terminal and the second input terminal are configured to receive an input voltage. The secondary winding is configured to generate an output voltage based on at least information associated with the input voltage.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a switching control system for controlling an isolated power supply. The system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching controller configured to generate at least one primary switching signal having a first duty-cycle for activating at least one primary-side switch of the isolated power supply. A synchronous rectifier (SR) switching controller is configured to generate at least one SR switching signal having a second duty-cycle for activating at least one SR switch of the isolated power supply to conduct an output current through a secondary winding of a transformer and an output inductor to generate an output voltage, the second duty-cycle being independent of the first duty-cycle in a soft-start mode.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit. The circuit includes a depletion mode transistor coupled to a power supply and a current path coupled with the depletion mode transistor in series to provide a current to charge a capacitor. The current path has a first resistance during a first stage, such as when the circuit initially receives power, and has a second resistance during a second stage when the capacitor is charged to have a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A protection method in a distributed power system including of DC power sources and multiple power modules which include inputs coupled to the DC power sources. The power modules include outputs coupled in series with one or more other power modules to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the string and produces output power. When the inverter stops production of the output power, each of the power modules is shut down and thereby the power input to the inverter is ceased.

Abstract: A power supply and its startup circuit are provided. The startup circuit includes a first transistor, a bias resistor, a pull-down switch, a voltage detector, and a discharging path generator. A first end of the first transistor receives alternating current (AC) input power. The bias resistor is serially coupled between a second end and a control end of the first transistor. The pull-down switch is turned on or turned off according to a detection result. The voltage detector generates the detection result by detecting a voltage on the second end of the first transistor. The discharging path generator provides a discharging path between the second end of the first transistor and a reference ground voltage according to the detection result.

Abstract: Systems, power modules (108), and methods (200) for using in controlling a converter (110) coupled between a power generator (104) and an electric grid (102) are provided. One of the power modules (108) includes the converter (110) configured to supply an output from the power generator (104) to the electric grid (102), and a controller (112) coupled to the converter (110). The controller (112) includes a phase-lock-loop (PLL) module (123) and at least one regulator (128, 130). The at least one regulator (128, 130) is configured to at least partially control the converter (110) as a function of at least one parameter.

Abstract: A damage limitation approach comprising determining that a voltage produced by a rectifier circuit is indicative of a fault and consequently controlling a switch operable to bypass a resistive element of a circuit via which the rectifier circuit is supplied.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply (SMPS) is disclosed in which a simple primary side controller is used to send a single pulse of energy to the secondary side to switch on an output voltage controller. The pulse is sent across the main power train and a filtering arrangement is provided on the secondary side to minimise the energy at the output of the SMPS while maximising the energy supplied to the output voltage controller. Advantageously, the SMPS is configured such that the maximum amount of energy transferred from the primary side to the secondary side during a start-up operation is inherently limited. Protection against short circuit conditions and malfunctions is therefore provided without requiring complicated circuitry.

Abstract: A power-supply device includes a rectifying unit configured to rectify a phase-controlled AC voltage; a current limiting unit including a current limiting resistor, which limits an input current flowing from the rectifying unit at rise of a rectified voltage outputted from the rectifying unit; and an adjustment unit configured to cause the current limiting unit to limit the input current flowing from the rectifying unit until a predetermined time period has elapsed after an input of the AC voltage to the rectifying unit is started.

Abstract: An AC/DC converting circuit and a starting method thereof are provided. An AC detection or a rectified AC voltage detection is disabled when the AC voltage or the rectified AC voltage not up to a start-up voltage is detected, so as to shorten a recovery time of a voltage of a power supply terminal of an AC/DC power conversion controller, and further shorten a starting time of the AC/DC converting circuit.

Abstract: A system including a switch and a control circuit. The switch is configured to receive a first voltage. The control circuit is configured to, during a rising portion of a half cycle of the first voltage, (i) turn on the switch in response to the first voltage reaching a first value, and (ii) turn off the switch in response to the first voltage reaching a second value, where the second value is greater than the first value. The control circuit is further configured to, during a falling portion of the half cycle of the first voltage, (i) turn on the switch in response to the first voltage reaching the second value, and (ii) turn off the switch in response to the first voltage reaching the first value.

Abstract: At least one embodiment provides a method for a nanopower boost regulator to startup from an ultra-low-voltage (such as 0.3V˜0.5V) for energy harvesting applications. The method does not necessarily require a special process or any external components such as mechanical switches. The startup circuit can include an asynchronous boost circuit to charge up an output with stacked power NMOS transistors, a ring oscillator, and/or a charge pump, along with accompanying circuitry.

Abstract: Provided is a soft-start circuit which is capable of reducing the current consumption after the output of a switching power supply apparatus having been raised. It comprises a soft-start generation unit 30 for generating a soft-start voltage Vss gradually raised from 0V by charging an external capacitor Css connected thereto; a power supply unit 20 for detecting the termination of a soft-start for supplying power to the soft-start generation unit 30; and a power supply judgment unit 40 for causing the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the soft-start generation unit 30 to be shut down. The power supply judgment unit 40 causes the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the soft-start generation unit 30 to be shut down after the soft-start voltage Vss having reached the reference voltage Vref.

Abstract: The resonant converting circuit comprises a resonant circuit, a current detecting circuit and the resonant controller. The resonant controller controls a power conversion of the resonant circuit for converting an input voltage into an output voltage and the resonant controller comprises an over current judgment unit and an over current protection unit. The over current judgment unit determines whether the resonant current is higher than an over current value according to a current detecting signal generated by the current detecting circuit. The over current protection unit generates a protection signal in response to a determined result of the over current judgment unit and an indication signal indicative of an operating state of the resonant controller. The resonant controller executes a corresponding protecting process in response to the protection signal.

Abstract: An input circuit connected to a semiconductor circuit is configured to receive a voltage indicating an on/off operation state of a power supply and to output a voltage that is lower than a breakdown voltage of the semiconductor circuit. The input circuit includes a first nMOS transistor and a resistor element. The first nMOS transistor has a drain receiving an outside voltage, a gate receiving a bias voltage higher than a power supply voltage inputted to a semiconductor circuit, and a source connected to the semiconductor circuit. The first nMOS transistor has a breakdown voltage higher than the power supply voltage inputted to the semiconductor circuit. One end of the resistor element connects with the source of the first nMOS transistor, while the other end connects with a reference potential of the semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: Integrated AC regenerative motor drives and operating methods are presented in which a precharging circuit is provided with an IGBT, a diode and a parallel current limiting component in an intermediate DC circuit between a switching rectifier and an output inverter, and the drive is operated in one of three modes for motoring, regenerating and precharging.

Abstract: An AC-DC power converter includes a rectifying unit for generating a rectified voltage, an output stage for converting the rectified voltage into a DC voltage for a load, a controller for controlling the output stage, and a start-up circuit. The start-up circuit includes a start-up voltage generator coupled to the rectifying unit and configured to generate a start-up voltage from the rectified voltage and to output the start-up voltage to the controller to provide power for operation of the controller before the output stage starts outputting power. The start-up voltage generator includes a first depletion mode transistor having a first terminal configured to receive the rectified voltage, a second terminal configured to output at least partially the start-up voltage, and a gate terminal which is grounded.

Abstract: A circuit includes a transformer configured with a primary winding and a secondary winding that are driven from a voltage supplied by a thermoelectric generator (TEG). The circuit includes a bipolar startup stage (BSS) coupled to the transformer to generate an intermediate voltage. The BSS includes a first transistor device coupled in series with the primary winding of the transformer to form an oscillator circuit with an inductance of the secondary winding when the voltage supplied by the TEG is positive. A second transistor device coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer enables the oscillator circuit to oscillate when the voltage supplied by the TEG is negative. After startup, a flyback converter stage can be enabled from the intermediate voltage to generate a boosted regulated output voltage.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first control output adapted to couple to a control terminal of a first transistor and a second control output adapted to couple to a control terminal of a second transistor. The circuit further includes a feedback input for receiving a signal and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to independently control first and second on-times of control signals applied to the first and second control outputs, respectively, in response to receiving the signal to limit a current at an output node.

Abstract: A starter of the grid-connected inverter and a control method thereof are disclosed. The starter comprises a controller, and a first switch and a first resistor connected in parallel. The controller includes an input end, and first and second output ends. The input end inspects the DC voltage signal from the inverter. When the DC voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold, the first output end sends a first control signal to turn on the first switch, and the second output end sends a second control signal to make the grid-connected inverter enter into a chopping mode. There is a delay period between the send time of the first control signal and that of the second control signal.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a switching power supply; a control device; an auxiliary power supply circuit, which is connected in parallel with the switching power supply with respect to an AC power supply, which includes an electricity storage unit for storing electricity by charging current fed from the alternating current power supply, and which feeds power to the control device; and a first switching unit for switching a connection state of the auxiliary power supply circuit to the alternating current power supply. The control device is configured to, upon starting up the switching power supply, switch the first switching unit into a state where the auxiliary power supply circuit is separated from the alternating current power supply.

Abstract: A design and method for controlling the initial inductor current in a DC/DC switching regulator. The Ton or Toff time, depending upon implementation, is gradually increased such that power applied to a load is initially constrained until the system reaches a stable state, at which time normal power is connected to the load. In an embodiment, the on or off time is limited by a circuit which controls a pair of complementary transistors. The states of the transistors are controlled by the use of a startup-phase voltage and a reference voltage, which are then compared in an error amplifier. The result of the comparison is compared to a sawtooth signal in a comparator, the output of which controls the state of complementary transistors.

Abstract: A power converter configured to control an electrical load including a supply DC bus, a bus capacitor, a pre-charging circuit of the bus capacitor provided with a limiting resistor, a switched-mode power supply, and a starter assembly of the switched-mode power supply. The power converter includes a selection mechanism configured to connect the supply DC bus either, in a first state, to the starter assembly of the switched-mode power supply or, in a second state, to the bus capacitor to short circuit the limiting resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a switching mode power supply (SMPS) controller to a rectified line voltage. The apparatus includes a high-voltage startup transistor configured to provide a charging current during a startup phase of the SMPS controller and to provide substantially no current during a normal operation phase of the SMPS controller. A switch coupled to the high-voltage startup transistor. The switch receives a control signal from the SMPS controller, for turning off the switch during the startup phase and turning on the switch during the normal operation phase. A biasing device is connected in series with the switch and maintains the startup transistor in an off state when the SMPS controller is in the normal operation phase. A standby current in the apparatus is substantially lower when the SMPS controller is in the normal operation phase than the charging current in the apparatus when the SMPS is in the startup phase.

Abstract: A power supply device including a rectifying unit, a supplying unit, a controlling unit, a conversion unit and a detection unit is disclosed. The rectifying unit processes an alternating current (AC) voltage to generate a direct current (DC) voltage. The supplying unit generates an operation voltage according to an input voltage. The controlling unit receives the operation voltage and generating an enabling signal. The conversion unit transforms the DC voltage to generate an auxiliary voltage according to the enabling signal. The auxiliary voltage is not equal to the operation voltage. The detection unit detects the auxiliary voltage. When the auxiliary voltage is generated, the detection unit de-activates the supplying unit to stop generating the operation voltage.

Abstract: In some aspects of the invention, a switching power supply can include a control circuit that conducts feedback control of a pulse width of a driving signal for switching the switching element according to an output voltage and settle the output voltage to a specified voltage level; a frequency reducing circuit that is disposed in the control circuit and reduces a frequency of the driving signal for switching the switching element upon detection of an overload state and limits an output current; and an initial state setting circuit that sets the control circuit to an overload detecting state for a predetermined period of time in a startup period of the control circuit. The initial state setting circuit can pull down a control voltage for a soft start signal for soft starting to the ground potential to inhibit generation of the driving signal and pulls up a feedback voltage signal.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus is provided. The power conversion apparatus includes an AC to DC adapter, an input port, a power conversion control unit, and a restart circuit. The AC to DC adapter converts an AC input voltage into a DC output voltage according to an external signal of an electronic apparatus and provides the DC output voltage to the electronic apparatus. The input port receives the AC input voltage through an AC input terminal. If the power conversion apparatus does not output the DC output voltage to the electronic apparatus, the power conversion control unit turns off the power conversion apparatus. If the restart circuit detects that an insertion action occurs on the input port, the restart circuit transmits a trigger signal to turn on the power conversion control unit in an off mode.

Abstract: A switching power-supply apparatus includes: a control circuit that controls on-and-off switching of a switching element; a first rectifying-and-smoothing circuit that smoothes a voltage generated in a secondary winding; and a second rectifying-and-smoothing circuit that smoothes a voltage generated in a tertiary winding as a power supply voltage, a starting circuit that supplies: a first constant current to the control circuit when the power supply voltage is equal to or lower than a first threshold voltage, which is lower than a starting voltage of the control circuit, and is larger than the starting voltage of the control circuit, as a starting current; and a second constant current, which is greater than the first constant current, to the control circuit when the power supply voltage is larger than the first threshold voltage and is equal to or lower than the starting voltage, as the starting current.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is removed from a power supply apparatus and that can be certified by detecting a secondary-side transformer coil by a no-load detecting unit. The no-load detecting unit is configured to turn off an output switch unit and a power factor correction and pulse width modulation controller. An intermittent driving unit is configured to drive a start unit once a pre-determined time. The start unit is configured to drive the power factor correction and pulse width modulation controller. A load detecting unit is configured to detect that the electronic apparatus is connected to the power supply apparatus. The load detecting unit is configured to drive the intermittent driving unit. The intermittent driving unit is configured to drive the start unit. The start unit is configured to drive the power factor correction and pulse width modulation controller.

Abstract: A multilevel converter for converting between an AC voltage and a DC voltage and a method of starting up such multilevel converter are provided. The multilevel converter has an AC terminal and a DC terminal for connecting the multilevel converter to either an AC power source or a DC power source, respectively, which supplies the voltage to be converted. The multilevel converter further comprises at least one converter leg, the DC terminal comprising a first and a second DC terminal, the converter leg comprising plural converter cells connected in series between the first and second DC terminals. The AC terminal of the multilevel converter is electrically coupled to an electrical link between two of said converter cells of said converter leg.

Abstract: In a switching control circuit, a length of a soft start period is set by a time constant of an external circuit that is connected to a soft start terminal of a switching control IC. After a voltage of the soft start terminal has reached a predetermined voltage at the termination of the soft start period, the on-pulse period of a first switching device is limited by a maximum value. When a Zener diode is connected between the soft start terminal and ground, the upper limit voltage of the soft start terminal is a Zener voltage and, hence, the maximum on-pulse period is limited by this voltage. As a result, the switching control circuit and a switching power supply apparatus, which have a soft start function and a power limiting function, are reduced in size and cost by limiting the number of terminals.

Abstract: A controller for use in a power converter includes a control circuit coupled to control switching of a power switch coupled between a positive input supply rail of the power converter and an energy transfer element input of the power converter. A sampling circuit is coupled to the control circuit and is coupled to receive a signal across the energy transfer element input during an off time of the power switch to provide a sampled output of the converter. The sampled output of the power converter is disabled from being resampled by the sampling circuit during an on time of the power switch. A switch conduction scheduling circuit is included in the control circuit and is coupled to the sampling circuit such that the control circuit is coupled to switch the power switch in response to the sampled output of the power converter.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus driving circuit, at startup, an input voltage of a switching power supply is used as a driving power supply, and loss generated in a starting circuit is reduced. The starting circuit and the driving circuit are configured as a single driver. A control IC generates a switching control signal to control a first switching element and a second switching element. A driving circuit in a high breakdown voltage driver IC generates gate drive voltage signals for the first switching element and the second switching element based on the switching control signal inputted from the control IC. A starting circuit supplies the partial voltage of a voltage inputted to a starting power supply terminal, to each of the driving circuit in the high breakdown voltage driver IC and the control IC that is externally provided, and shuts off a switching element after startup.

Abstract: An AC-DC power converter includes a rectifying unit, an output stage, a controller and a soft-start circuit. The rectifying unit is configured to rectify an AC voltage to a rectified voltage. The output stage is coupled to the rectifying unit and configured to convert the rectified voltage into a DC voltage for a load. The controller is coupled to the output stage and configured to control the output stage. The soft-start circuit is coupled to the rectifying unit to receive the rectified voltage. The soft-start circuit is configured to detect whether the rectified voltage is at or below a predetermined level, and to enable the controller if the rectified voltage is detected to be at or below the predetermined level.