With Transistor Control Means In The Line Circuit Patents (Class 363/97)
-
Patent number: 7894224Abstract: A voltage drive system is provided having a plurality of modulators and a plurality of cascaded switching circuits which collectively generate a single-phase output signal to a load. Each modulator receives a phase current error and has an adder which generates a modulated phase current error based on the phase current error and based on a signal having a phase. For each respective modulator, the phase of the respective signal is different. Each respective modulator changes a respective gate input when the respective modulated phase current error changes from being within a predetermined current range to being outside of the predetermined current range. Each respective switching circuit receives the respective gate input and generates a respective output terminal voltage based on the respective gate input. The change in the respective gate input effectively causes a switching event of the respective switching circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: DRS Power & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James A Ulrich, Ashish R Bendre
-
Electrical power source, operational method of the same, inverter and operational method of the same
Patent number: 7889527Abstract: An electric power source in which a plurality of inverters operate on the same frequency and the plurality of inverters are connected in parallel so that a resistance value expressed by (1??·G)/(?·G) where ? is the output voltage feedback gain, ? is the output current feed forward gain, and G is the inverter current gain, is made to be the equivalent output impedance; and is an electrical power source in which the cross-current between the inverters are made to be an acceptable value or below by adjusting the output of each of the inverters by controlling the equivalent output impedance by modifying both or either one of the output voltage feedback gain ? or the output current feed forward gain ?.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Origin Electric Company, LimitedInventors: Masaaki Ohshima, Shuuichi Ushiki, Jirou Fukui -
Patent number: 7889522Abstract: A flyback switching power supply capable of regulating an operation frequency based on a current regulation mechanism is disclosed. The flyback switching power supply includes a transformer, a switch, a switch control circuit, and a regulation circuit. The transformer includes a primary winding for receiving an input voltage, a secondary winding for generating an output voltage, and an auxiliary winding. The switch is serially connected to the primary winding for controlling a current flowing through the primary winding. The switch control circuit has a frequency control port and functions to work around an operation frequency for controlling the switch. The operation frequency is under control by a frequency setting current flowing through the frequency control port. The regulation circuit is electrically coupled between the auxiliary winding and the frequency control port. The regulation circuit adjusts the frequency setting current based on an induced current generated by the auxiliary winding.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Leadtrend Technology Corp.Inventor: Chien-Liang Lin
-
Patent number: 7881083Abstract: A switch control device, a switch control method, and a converter using the same are disclosed. The converter includes: a switch; an energy transfer element that converts input energy into output energy according to a switching operation of the switch; and a switch control device that generates a first signal, which is maintained at a first level during a first interval starting from a first time at which the switch is turned on by using a feedback signal corresponding to the output energy and is then gradually lowered from the first level to the feedback signal during a second interval, and controls the switching operation of the switch by using a second signal corresponding to a current flowing at the switch and the first signal. A malfunction due to an LEC can be effectively prevented, and the converter and the converter controller can be implemented to be compact and low-priced.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventors: Jin-Tae Kim, Gwan-Bon Koo, Hang-Seok Choi
-
Patent number: 7881082Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a series circuit having a first switching element and a second switching element, the series circuit being connected to a DC power source in parallel, a resonant circuit including a capacitor and a primary winding of a transformer, the resonant circuit being connected to one of the first and second switching elements in parallel, an intermittent signal generator, a controller to control the start and stop of a switching operation of the first and second switching elements according to the intermittent signal, a current detector to detect a resonant current passing through the resonant circuit, and a timing generator to generate a timing signal when the detected resonant current satisfies a resonant condition. After the switching operation of the first and second switching elements is suspended according to the intermittent signal, the controller resumes the switching operation in response to the timing signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Sato
-
Patent number: 7881080Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an inverter capable of enhancing reliability of current measurement by ensuring an optimal time for which effective voltage vectors are applied to detect a three-phase current according to a phase current and sizes of the effective voltage vectors, the apparatus comprising a space voltage modulator that generates and outputs effective voltage vectors based upon a voltage command value, and a low modulation determiner that determines whether the effective voltage vectors are located within a low modulation region, and outputs a low modulation switching control signal or a normal modulation switching control signal according to the determination.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sung-Min Park, Tae-Kyung Kim
-
Patent number: 7872887Abstract: A grounding wire from a commercial power system is connected to a series-connection end of a series connection between two capacitors connected in series between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A current detector monitors an output current of an inverter unit in which four switching elements and two diodes convert voltages at both ends of the series circuit of the capacitors at three levels. An operation control circuit controls a generation of a PWM signal to be applied to the four switching elements, to minimize a difference between a current value detected by the current detector and a target current value.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Naoki Nishio, Hirokazu Nakabayashi, Hiroshi Ito
-
Patent number: 7872881Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply includes a flyback transformer having a primary winding and at least two secondary windings. An output voltage is developed across a first one of the secondary windings. The power supply includes a transistor coupled to the first one of the secondary windings. The output voltage is regulated about a nominal output voltage by operating the transistor in a linear mode when current is flowing through the first one of the secondary windings and by operating the transistor in an off mode when current is not flowing through the first one of the secondary windings.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.Inventor: Randall L. Powers
-
Patent number: 7869232Abstract: An electric power converter apparatus having a function of converting a power source voltage into an AC voltage having an arbitrary frequency and maintaining an output voltage constant even on the power source variation, in which the electric power converter apparatus decreases the output voltage when the output voltage drops to equal to or less than a predetermined value, afterward, increases the output voltage in response to a predetermined rate of change when the power source voltage rises.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Koichiro Nagata, Toshiaki Okuyama, Shigetoshi Okamatsu, Koichi Miyazaki
-
Patent number: 7864549Abstract: The subject invention reveals a new coupled inductor boost converter which achieves zero voltage turn on switching for all four circuit switches. The coupled inductor of the circuit is fully clamped and thereby achieves excellent noise performance with neither snubbers nor clamps. The new coupled inductor boost converter is outstanding for isolated high voltage applications because the voltage stress of the secondary switches does not exceed the output voltage, it requires only one magnetic circuit element, and the average voltage stress of the secondary winding is equal to or less than half the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventor: Ernest Henry Wittenbreder, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7859865Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to regulate an output of a power converter. One example power converter controller circuit includes a line sense input to be coupled to receive a signal representative of an input voltage of a power converter. A feedback input to be coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter is also included. A drive signal generator is also included to generate a drive signal coupled to control switching of a switch to provide a regulated output parameter at the output of the power converter in response to the feedback signal. The drive signal generator is coupled to receive a plurality of inputs including the line sense input and the feedback input. The drive signal generator is coupled to latch the power converter into an off state in response to a detection of a fault condition in the power converter as detected by the plurality of inputs if the power converter input voltage is above a first threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Bäurle, Alex B. Djenguerian, Kent Wong
-
Patent number: 7859873Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation control circuit without using a photo-coupler. The operation control circuit controls the operation of an LED in a DC/AC inverter comprising a voltage conversion circuit, a DC/AC conversion circuit for converting output voltage of the voltage conversion circuit to two pieces of AC voltage each with an opposite phase, and an LED which is lit when AC voltage is outputted from the DC/AC conversion circuit. The operation control circuit comprising a rectifier circuit, capacitors connected between the input terminal of the rectifier circuit and the output terminal of the DC/AC conversion circuit, and a comparator circuit connected to the same ground level as the ground level connected to the LED for lighting the LED when voltage V1 outputted from the rectifier circuit is higher than a threshold Vref1.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Takayuki Ito, Masatoshi Hikosaka
-
Patent number: 7855906Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for supplying AC power to an AC power grid from a DC power source, such as a photovoltaic (PV) array are disclosed. The systems and methods can include a converter coupled to the DC power source that provides DC power to a DC bus at a DC bus voltage. The systems and methods can further include an inverter coupled to the DC bus for converting the DC power of the DC bus to an output AC power. The systems and methods can further include a control system configured to regulate the DC bus voltage of the DC bus to operate at a variable DC bus voltage setpoint. The control system can adjust the DC bus voltage setpoint based at least in part on the DC bus voltage and the output AC current of the inverter.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anthony Michael Klodowski, David Smith, Robert Gregory Wagoner, Sidney Allen Barker
-
Patent number: 7852646Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling varying alternating current (AC) to a load with varying resistance and inductance. A plurality of nested control loops may employ cascaded proportional controllers to provide desired control of a pulse width modulation (PWM) block to control an inverter that supplies AC power to the load. An AC feedback signal may be supplied to each proportional controller. An AC signal may be added to outputs of the proportional controllers.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Milan Rajne, Sukumar De, Ram Krishan Maheshwari
-
Patent number: 7852649Abstract: In a feedback circuit of a power supply, an electrical level of an output voltage is stabilized corresponding to changes of an electrical level of a pulse width modulation signal, and effects, which are caused by spikes, on passive elements are decreased to a lowest degree. The electrical level of the output voltage is stabilized by storing a voltage corresponding to a low-to-high electrical level of the PWM signal with a capacitor, by discharging the stored voltage with a high-to-low electrical level of said PWM signal, and by regulating a discharging path of the stored voltage with a diode, which is not conducted. The abovementioned disposition may be utilized on various power-consuming devices, a duty cycle of each of which is controlled with a PWM signal, for stabilizing output voltages of said power-consuming devices, and for reducing effects, which are caused by spikes, on passive elements inside said power-consuming devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Young Green Energy Co.Inventor: Chien-Chung Hsiao
-
Patent number: 7852648Abstract: A power supply control apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a controller outputting a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for supplying an electric power and a second PWM signal to be compared to the first PWM signal, a first PWM signal input unit converting the second PWM signal to a direct current (DC) signal, a second PWM signal input unit receiving the converted second PWM signal, a comparator comparing the first PWM signal and the converted second PWM signal, a switching unit generating a waveform having a voltage according to the comparison result of the comparator, a transformer transforming the voltage of the generated pulse waveform according to the switching result of the switching unit and a rectifier and voltage divider for rectifying and voltage-dividing the transforming result of the transformer, wherein the controller adjusts the second PWM signal by receiving the rectifying and voltage-dividing result of the rectifier & voltage divider.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-hwa Cho
-
Patent number: 7843140Abstract: A power supply for driving an EL panel includes an inverter that produces a polarity reversing voltage at a pair of output terminals. A switching circuit coupled to the output terminals and to at least one EL lamp applies alternating current to the at least one EL lamp in the on state and blocks current from the EL lamp in the off state. The switching circuit includes a first bidirectional switch connecting a first terminal of the EL lamp to a first output terminal and a second bidirectional switch connecting a second terminal of the EL lamp to a second output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Rogers CorporationInventors: Christopher Eric Papke, Harold Gee Yee, Robert Allen Kimball
-
Patent number: 7843713Abstract: When the three U-, V-, W-phase arms of a DC/DC converter are turned on, they are alternately turned on by gate drive signals. When the U-, V-, W-phase arms are alternately turned on, an upper arm switching device of the U-phase arm, for example, is turned on, and thereafter a lower arm switching device of the U-phase arm is turned on. Thereafter, an upper arm switching device of the V-phase arm which is next to the U-phase arm is turned on, and thereafter a lower arm switching device of the V-phase arm is turned on. The upper and lower arm switching devices are thus turned on in a rotation switching process.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Takenaka, Toshihiro Sone
-
Patent number: 7839667Abstract: In an adaptive leading-edge blanking circuit and method for a switching mode power converter, an inductor current of the converter is sensed and compared with a threshold to decide an end point of a leading-edge blanking time. Circuit and method are further provided for preventing the converter from entering pulse skipping mode, which employs a current trimming circuit in an oscillator for a PWM controller in the converter to reduce a charging current in the oscillator if the output voltage of the converter is excessively high, to thereby reduce the oscillator frequency and in turn lower the switching frequency of a high-side power switch of the converter.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.Inventors: Chia-Wei Liao, Jing-Meng Liu, Jwin-Yen Guo
-
Patent number: 7839661Abstract: An exemplary power supply control circuit (200) includes a first port (201), a second port (202), a third port (203), a controllable switch (280), and a control circuit (270). The first and second ports are configured to receive a power supply voltage signal. The second and third ports are configured to output the power supply voltage signal to a load circuit. The controllable switch includes a control member (281) and a switch member (282). The control circuit is configured to control a working state of the control member. When the load circuit stops working, the control circuit controls the control member to control the switch member to be disconnected, so as to cut off the power supply voltage signal from outputting to the load circuit. A liquid crystal display (400) using the power supply control circuit is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux CorporationInventors: Jie-Jian Zheng, Tong Zhou, Jian-Hui Lu, Hua Xiao, Kun Le
-
Patent number: 7835164Abstract: An AC power supply system modulates a high frequency switching signal with a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to produce a composite signal. The duty cycle of the PWM component of the composite signal is used to control the brightness of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp for backlighting a liquid crystal display.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Lyle, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20100264839Abstract: Provided is a discharge lamp lighting device, which can control a load precisely while improving the practicability. When the difference of a count number (Nn) becomes a predetermined threshold value or less, a predictor circuit (35) predicts the timing, at which a current value (iQ1) becomes a peak value, on the basis of the rate of change of the difference. A switch selecting circuit (38), which is driven with a clock frequency higher than the sampling frequency of a first converter unit (32), turns off a field effect transistor (Q1) at the turn-off timing, and turns on a field effect transistor (Q2). A plurality of A/D converters (37a) are subjected to a multi-rate control, thereby to correct the threshold value of the predictor circuit (35) on the basis of the peak value of a lamp current (iOUT).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: NAGASAKI UNIVERSITYInventor: Fujio Kurokawa
-
Patent number: 7813151Abstract: A converter control circuit applicable to various topologies of converters each employing two switching devices is disclosed. The converter control circuit includes an oscillator for generating a pulse signal and triangle-wave signal of a certain frequency, a switching control signal output unit for outputting a switching control signal to control ON/OFF of a plurality of switching devices based on a duty ratio determined from a feedback signal which is applied to a feedback terminal, a mode select signal generator for generating a mode select signal for determination of a control mode of a converter in response to the feedback signal applied to the feedback terminal, and a mode selecting unit for selecting the control mode in response to the mode select signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventor: Hang-Seok Choi
-
Patent number: 7800925Abstract: Mitigating the DC content of an AC output from an inverter is important for electrical system reliability. The inverter may be powered by unbalanced DC inputs while still mitigating the DC content of the AC output wavefrom. The present invention provides methods to mitigate the DC content in the output DC voltage by reshaping the PWM reference signals (carrier signals) according to the DC content in such a way that the DC content is canceled. These reshaped PWM reference signals may be, for example, unsymmetrical reference waveforms. Unlike conventional methods for providing an AC voltage from a DC voltage with an inverter, which may result in DC content in the output AC voltage when an unbalanced DC input voltage is supplied, the present invention provides methods for mitigating the DC content in an AC voltage, even if the inverter providing the AC voltage is supplied with unbalanced DC voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mohamed A. Eldery, Zheng Wang, You Zhou
-
Patent number: 7796412Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC). The method comprises performing system analysis on at least one of a DC current, DC voltage, or an AC voltage; utilizing the system analysis for selecting at least one conversion parameter; and converting DC to AC utilizing the at least one conversion parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.Inventor: Martin Fornage
-
Patent number: 7796405Abstract: A device including a full bridge, a half bridge, a first inductor, and a second inductor. The full bridge has a first pair of transistors being activated when a load applied to the device is above a predetermined level and deactivated when the load applied to the device is below the predetermined level, and a second pair of transistors being continuously activated. The half bridge has a third pair of transistors that are activated when the load applied to the device is below the predetermined level and deactivated when the load applied to the device is above the predetermined level. The first and second inductors are connected between the outputs of the full and half bridges are adapted to cooperate with each other to provide a zero voltage switching of the device at a light load. The first and third pairs of transistors are activated at different times.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Lucian Popescu, Padmanabh Gharpure
-
Patent number: 7787266Abstract: The method relates to the operation of a frequency converter of a generator in particular of a wind energy turbine, in the event of a substantial grid voltage drop, wherein the frequency converter (10) comprises an AC/DC converter (20), to be connected to the generator (14), a DC/AC converter (22) to be connected to the voltage grid (18), and a DC link circuit (24) for connecting the AC/DC converter (20) to the DC/AC converter (22). The method comprises the step of reducing an output voltage of the DC link circuit (24) for increasing an output current of the DC/AC converter (22) and/or reducing the operation frequency of electronic switches (28) of the DC/AC converter (22) for increasing the output current of the DC/AC converter (22).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wilhelm Janssen, Detlef Menke
-
Patent number: 7782636Abstract: A switched mode converter is disclosed that includes mode logic for switching between a voltage mode and a current mode. The converter includes circuitry for sensing current on the primary side of the transformer, load current on the secondary side, and output voltage. When the load current is less than a predetermined value, the output voltage of the voltage mode controller is used to control the duty cycle of a PWM controller. When the load current is greater than a predetermined value, the primary current is used to control the PWM controller. During a light load the converter is voltage controlled and there is no minimum load needed to stabilize the control loop. In a current-mode, the control loop will have a relatively faster transient response and avoid flux imbalance in push-pull topology. The converter provides the advantages of both known voltage controlled and current controlled switched mode converters.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Schumacher Electric CorporationInventor: Xiaoping Chen
-
Patent number: 7777455Abstract: A switching circuit coupled to one or more input sources and having one or more switching elements controlled to produce an output for charging a battery. A first control circuit is responsive to current of the switching circuit for producing a first control signal to drive the switching element so as to control the current. A second control circuit is responsive to voltage at the battery for producing a second control signal to drive the switching element so as to control voltage developed across the battery. A selector circuit is responsive to the first and second control signals for selectively controlling the switching element.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Steven Leo Martin, Trevor Wayne Barcelo
-
Patent number: 7773375Abstract: A computer assembly having a processor integrated circuit, a hard disk drive electrically connected to the processor units and a power supply assembly, powering the processor integrated circuit and hard disk drive. These components are sealed in an liquid-tight case defining fluid channels. Electrical connectors permit connection of the processor to outside devices. Finally, a fan in the liquid-tight case, adapted to drive fluid through the fluid channel, thereby facilitates the movement of heat through the computer assembly and creates a monolithic thermal structure. In one embodiment, the computer assembly is powered by a raw DC power supply input and self manages this power input source to provide consistent and reliable power to the computer assembly without burdening the raw DC power supply during transient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: APlus Mobile Inc.Inventor: Tim Faucett
-
Publication number: 20100195359Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a rectifying unit for outputting a rectified input voltage, a transformer for receiving the voltage and outputting an induced voltage based on the input voltage, a first smoothing unit for smoothing the induced voltage to output a first output voltage, a detecting unit for outputting an error signal corresponding to the difference between the first output voltage and a reference voltage, and an insulating unit for receiving the error signal and outputting a signal corresponding to the error signal. The input and output terminals of the insulating unit are insulated. The circuit also includes a controlling unit for outputting a control signal for selectively inputting the input voltage into the transformer on basis of the signal from the insulating unit, and also includes a switching unit connected to the transformer for selectively inputting the input voltage into the transformer, based on the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Motoi YAMAKI
-
Patent number: 7768806Abstract: A DC/AC inverter and method thereof are disclosed. The DC/AC inverter for driving a load includes a DC power supply for supplying a DC input voltage, a converter circuit coupled to the DC power supply which converts the DC input voltage into an AC signal used to drive the load, and a control circuit coupled to the converter circuit which sets a frequency of the AC signal. The control circuit is further capable of operating the DC/AC inverter in a fixed frequency mode and in a variable frequency mode in accordance with the DC input voltage and the load condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventors: Yung-Lin Lin, Da Liu
-
Patent number: 7764522Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a circuit for controlling a start-up cycle of an integrated circuit in a circuit system. The method and circuit determine whether or not an input power of the circuit system and a bias voltage power of the integrated circuit have reached a normal operating voltage range to control the bias voltage power to produce a start-up cycle of the integrated circuit. The method and circuit also provides a protection mechanism for an overload of the circuit system overload, so that the integrated circuit can moderate surges and prevent damages.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: FSP Technology Inc.Inventor: Kuo-Fan Lin
-
Patent number: 7764521Abstract: A power converter has a transformer including a primary winding connected between a power input and a power switch, the power switch is switched to deliver power from the power input to a power output, an auxiliary winding provides an induced voltage in such a manner that when the power switch is at a first switch state, the induced voltage reflects an input information of the power converter, and when the power switch is at a second switch state, the induced voltage reflects an output information of the power converter. Two detection signals are generated from the input and output information, respectively, to implement multiple functions and protections.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.Inventors: Tzu-Chen Lin, Pei-Lun Huang
-
Patent number: 7764519Abstract: Control circuit and method for controlling a switching power supply, which regulates its output voltage using pulse-width modulation (PWM) that switches on and off a main switch with a PWM signal (VCONT) at an adjusted ON-period ratio of the main switch. The control circuit includes an error signal amplifier circuit that compares the output voltage with a reference voltage and outputs an error signal VE based on the comparison. The control circuit also includes an ON-period adjusting circuit that starts generating a PWM signal (VCONT) in every cycle based on a pulse VPULSE, the period thereof being fixed, and adjusts the HIGH-period of the PWM signal (VCONT) based on the output voltage of the error signal VE. As a result, the control circuit widens the HIGH-period ratio range or the LOW-period ratio range of the PWM signal greatly.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Fuji Electric Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Sugahara
-
Patent number: 7760518Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to detect a fault in the feedback circuit of a switching power supply while the power supply operates in a mode where the output is below its regulated value. The power supply delivers maximum power at a given switching frequency without a feedback signal while the output is below its regulated value. A fault protection circuit substantially reduces the average output power if there is no feedback signal for the duration of a fault time. When there is no feedback signal, the power supply increases the maximum output power by increasing the switching frequency before the end of the fault time to increase the output to a regulated value. The presence of a feedback signal when the output reaches a regulated value restores the original switching frequency and returns the output to its unregulated value. The absence of a feedback signal at the end of the fault time engages the fault protection circuit to substantially reduce the output power.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Bäurle, William M. Polivka
-
Patent number: 7751210Abstract: The inverter device contains three sets of series circuit formed by connecting two switching elements (2) in series between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of DC power supply (1). Connecting points of the two switching elements are connected to motor (11). DC voltage of DC power supply (1) is switched by PWM 3-phase modulation so that a sinusoidal wave-shaped AC current is fed to the motor. Upper-arm switching elements connected to the positive terminal of the DC power supply increase or decrease an ON period equally in all phases for a carrier cycle in the PWM 3-phase modulation so as to provide two conducting period in the carrier cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Naomi Goto
-
Patent number: 7746050Abstract: A controller for a power converter is disclosed. An example circuit controller according to aspects of the present invention includes an input voltage sensor to be coupled to receive an input signal representative of an input voltage of the power converter. A current sensor is also included and is to be coupled to sense a current flowing in a power switch. A drive signal generator is to be coupled to drive the power switch into an on state for an on time period and an off state for an off time period. The controller is coupled to adjust a switching cycle period of the power switch to be proportional to a value of the input signal multiplied by a time period. The time period is the time it takes for the current flowing in the power switch to change between two current values when the power switch is in the on state.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Alex B. Djenguerian, Erdem Bircan
-
Patent number: 7742321Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the output currents of a frequency converter, preferably a vector-controlled frequency converter, which comprises a mains bridge (10) connectable to an alternating-current network and a load bridge (11) connectable to an alternating-current load and between these a direct-voltage intermediate circuit, by using current samples obtained from a current measuring sensor in the intermediate voltage circuit, wherein a sample is taken from the signal of the current measuring sensor substantially simultaneously with a point of change of the output voltage vector and upon the lapse of a predetermined delay after the point of change after the switching effects have settled.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Vacon OYJInventors: Risto Komulainen, Hannu Saren, Jaakko Ollila
-
Patent number: 7742320Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an operational amplifier configured to receive a current sense voltage (VCS) at a first input and an offset voltage at a second input. A comparator is coupled to the operational amplifier and adapted to receive at a first input an output voltage signal (VOUT) of the operational amplifier. A voltage limiting circuit is configured to receive a regulation voltage. A fold back correction circuit is coupled to the voltage limiting circuit and to a second input of the comparator. A pulse width modulator circuit is coupled to the comparator and is adapted to receive the output of comparator.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Jing Hu, Kok Kee Lim, Meng Kiat Jeoh, Xiao Wu Gong, Yi He
-
Patent number: 7738265Abstract: A control arrangement for a voltage converter includes a first input electrically connected to a device configured to sense a first current in a primary side of a transformer and a first output electrically connected to a control terminal of a transistor. The transistor is electrically connected with the primary side of the transformer and the first output is configured to supply a control signal to the control terminal. The control arrangement also includes a computing unit configured to adjust the control signal so that the transistor has a low resistance value during a switched-on phase and a high resistance value during a switched-off phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AGInventor: Peter Trattler
-
Publication number: 20100142237Abstract: A system for controlling a grid connected power generating system is provided. The system includes a wind turbine, a converter, a first controller and a second controller. The wind turbine supplies electrical power to a power grid and the converter couples the wind turbine to the power grid. The first controller calculates voltage commands to emulate a phasor back electromotive force behind an inductance. The controller further generates converter switching commands from the voltage commands. The voltage commands include a voltage magnitude reference and an internal frequency reference calculated from a power imbalance between an active power reference and the electrical power. The second controller is used to limit a converter current.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoming Yuan, Allen Michael Ritter, Haiqing Weng, Robert William Delmerico
-
Patent number: 7733673Abstract: A controller for use in a power supply regulator is disclosed. One controller includes a feedback circuit coupled to generate an equivalent switching frequency signal in response to a sense signal from a power supply regulator output. A comparator is coupled to compare the equivalent switching frequency signal with a reference signal. A period modulation circuit is coupled to the feedback circuit to generate a period modulation switching signal in response to the equivalent switching frequency signal. A multi-cycle modulator circuit is coupled to the output of the comparator. The multi-cycle modulator circuit is coupled to enable or disable a switch signal from the controller, which is to be coupled to a switch of the power supply regulator. A group of two or more consecutive switching cycles is separated from a next group having two or more switching cycles by a time of no switching.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Arthur B. Odell
-
Patent number: 7733670Abstract: A bidirectional active power conditioner includes a DC side, a bidirectional DC/DC power converter, a DC/AC inverter and an AC side. The DC side electrically connects with a DC source while the AC side electrically connects with a load and an AC source. The bidirectional DC/DC power converter is controlled via high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) switching so as to generate a predetermined DC voltage or DC current while the DC/AC inverter is controlled to convert the predetermined DC voltage or DC current into a predetermined AC voltage or AC current.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Ablerex Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ya-Tsung Feng, Chin-Chang Wu, Hung-Liang Chou
-
Patent number: 7733672Abstract: A control system that controls a switching circuit having a switching element and an inductive element coupled to an output of the switching element. The control system includes a switching control circuit that controls the switching element to operate the switching circuit in a first conduction mode of operation, such as a boundary conduction mode (BCM), in which current in the inductive element is maintained at a non-zero level during a first time period within each switching cycle. A conduction mode control circuit is configured for switching the switching circuit into a second conduction mode of operation, such as a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), in which current in the inductive element is maintained at a non-zero level during a second time period within each switching cycle. The first time period differs from the second time period.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventor: Xigen Zhou
-
Patent number: 7733674Abstract: A power conversion apparatus for converting direct current from a power source to polyphase alternating current includes a plurality of carrier signal generators, a plurality of gate signal generators, and a plurality of legs. The carrier signal generators are configured and arranged to independently generate and transmit a plurality of carrier signals, respectively. The gate signal generators are operatively coupled to the carrier signal generators, respectively, to receive the carrier signals, each of the gate signal generators being configured and arranged to generate an on/off signal by comparing a command value of each phase of the polyphase alternating current and corresponding one of the carrier signals. The legs are connected to the gate signal generators. Each of the legs is operated based on the on/off signal transmitted from corresponding one of the gate signal generators to convert the direct current to each phase of the polyphase alternating current.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoya Imazu, Yukio Mizukoshi, Yuki Nakajima
-
Patent number: 7729136Abstract: In an isolated DC-DC converter, an on-period control circuit generates an off-timing signal when the output voltage of an isolated DC-DC converter exceeds a reference voltage. A signal reception/power switch driving circuit causes a first switching device to be turned on based on a pulse signal for switching that is output from a PWM control circuit, and causes the first switching device to be turned off based on an off-timing signal transmitted by an off-timing signal transmission unit. A bootstrap circuit boosts a control voltage of the first switching device with the pulse signal for switching that is output from the PWM control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadahiko Matsumoto
-
Patent number: 7719866Abstract: A control circuit for a switching DC/DC Converter comprising: an input for an indicator signal indicative of an output current level from said converter; a peak detector for detecting and storing a maximum value of said indicator signal; a comparator element for comparing an instantaneous value of said indicator signal with said stored maximum value, and for generating a switching signal when said instantaneous value becomes less than a predetermined fraction of said stored value; reinitializer means for reinitializing said peak detector in response to said switching signal; and means for generating a control signal that switches between a state in which it increases over time and a state in which it decreases over time in response to said switching signal. A control module for photovoltaic generator, the module including such a control circuit, and a photovoltaic generator system comprising a plurality of such modules, each controlling a respective photovoltaic generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventor: Pablo Rueda Boldo
-
Patent number: RE41908Abstract: A single input pin (48) provides multi-functional features for programming a power supply (10). By connecting the appropriate interface circuit (92, 100, or 112) to the single input pin (48), the power supply (10) is programmed for specific behaviors during power up and toggling of an on/off switch (96, 108). In one mode of operation a light emitting diode (106) in the interface circuit (100) is optically coupled to a microprocessor for signaling the closure of the on/off switch (108), allowing the microprocessor to control the power supply (10) through an opto-coupler (102). In another mode of operation, the single on/off switch (96) controls the power supply (10). In yet another mode of operation, Zener diode (118) in the interface circuit (112) controls the power supply (10) during brown-out and black-out conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Jefferson W. Hall, Jade H. Alberkrack
-
Patent number: RE41965Abstract: This invention is a multi-port power converter where all ports are coupled through different windings of a high frequency transformer. Two or more, and typically all, ports have synchronized switching elements to allow the use of a high frequency transformer. This concept and type of converter is known. This invention mitigates a number of limitations in the present art and adds new capabilities that will allow applications to be served that would otherwise not have been practical. A novel circuit topology for a four-quadrant AC port is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage boost capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage buck capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit for a high efficiency, high frequency, bi-directional, AC semiconductor switch is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Xantrex Technology Inc.Inventor: Richard T. West