Abstract: A regulated switching power converter generates a converter output having first and second regulated output values under corresponding operating conditions. The converter output transitions between the first and second output values in response to transition of a trigger signal in a transition window between first and second trigger values. A transition step function is based on transition amplitude, transition interval and number of steps, the transition amplitude being a difference between the first and second regulated output values, and the transition interval being a difference between the first and second trigger values. The transition step function generates a step-like transition signal based on values of the trigger signal between the first and second trigger values. During operation in the transition window, the step-like transition signal is included in the regulation reference value to generate a step-like transition of the converter output between the first and second regulated output values.

Abstract: A switched-mode power supply in a set of parallel-connected switched-mode power supplies is operated to (1) monitor both output current and operating temperature, and (2) auto-tune an output voltage using two-dimensional control that employs a two-dimensional function of the output current and the operating temperature. The two-dimensional function is a sharing function whose use in each of the supplies effects a coordinated sharing of both load current and operating temperature across the set of supplies. Temperature sharing includes monitoring and controlling distribution of operating temperatures across the set of supplies to reduce undesirable temperature imbalance that can cause excessive thermal stress and reduce reliability.

Abstract: A power supply includes signaling circuitry coupled to output terminals for engaging in bidirectional communications with a load. A controller is capable of conducting the bidirectional communications and selecting among different operating modes for the power supply based on the communications. The modes may include a constant-current mode suitable for applications such as battery charging and power LED lamps, and a constant-voltage mode suitable for a variety of conventional uses such as powering electronic circuitry. The signaling circuitry may include a power switching transistor in series with the load, which is pulsed in a binary fashion to transmit communications to the load. A signal-forming resistor in parallel with the power switching transistor develops a signaling voltage monitored by the controller to receive communications from the load.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter for use in power supply applications employing multiple parallel-connected converters employs a digital controller referenced to the secondary or output side of an isolation boundary and having non-isolated direct connections to secondary side components. The controller directly monitors output voltage and output current and uses feedback control techniques to precisely control these values in a desired manner. The DC/DC converter can implement so-called “droop” current sharing with increased accuracy arising from the secondary-side digital control, so that a desired balanced sharing of current across multiple converters can be achieved. The converter uses calibration establish accurate set points, and any of a variety of additional functions/features to attain operational goals.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter for use in power supply applications employing multiple parallel-connected converters employs a digital controller referenced to the secondary or output side of an isolation boundary and having non-isolated direct connections to secondary side components. The controller directly monitors output voltage and output current and uses feedback control techniques to precisely control these values in a desired manner. The DC/DC converter can implement so-called “droop” current sharing with increased accuracy arising from the secondary-side digital control, so that a desired balanced sharing of current across multiple converters can be achieved. The converter uses calibration establish accurate set points, and any of a variety of additional functions/features to attain operational goals.

Abstract: A power supply for an LED lamp has a set of coupled coils, primary-side power circuitry including a converter power switch for conducting input power, and secondary-side power circuitry including a dimming power switch. Power control circuitry includes converter control circuitry which generates a converter control signal for the converter power switch to maintain a desired undimmed level of lamp current at a normal operating value of a lamp voltage. Dimming control circuitry generates a dimming control signal for the dimming power switch to pulse-width modulate the lamp current at a duty cycle corresponding to a desired dimming. Operation of the converter control circuitry is modified during dimming to prevent an automatic increase of the lamp voltage in response to a decrease in lamp current, avoiding undesirable overshooting of the lamp current and providing more accurate and effective control over dimming operation.

Abstract: An electrical device is produced by winding wires around a core. The device may be used as a transformer. Wires are inserted into, through and around a first hole and a first side of a core a desired number of times. Thereafter, the wires are extended along either a top or a bottom of the core and then passed through and around a second hole of the core. After the wires are wound around the second hole of the core and a second side of the core, the production of the device is complete.

Abstract: A modular connector plug for high speed applications includes a wire guide filter at least partially situated in the conductor-receiving cavity of the housing of the plug. The wire guide filter includes an impedance containing portion comprising a longitudinally extending body having a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways and an internal cable guide portion comprising a longitudinally extending body defining a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a digital power manager and multiple power blocks each conveying regulated power to a respective load. The power blocks include the power part of non-isolated DC/DC converters, signal sampling and conversion circuits to provide analog voltage signal representing output voltage, output current, temperature, etc., and driving circuits to receive pulse width modulation (PWM) signals and drive switching devices. Closed-loop voltage control and protection functions for the power blocks are integrated into the digital power. The digital power manager includes a non-volatile memory containing registers, including a digital power manager configuration register, a power block set-up register, and a power block monitor register, as well as a user-definable space.

Abstract: A modular connector plug for high speed applications includes a wire guide filter at least partially situated in the conductor-receiving cavity of the housing of the plug. The wire guide filter includes an impedance containing portion comprising a longitudinally extending body having a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways and an internal cable guide portion comprising a longitudinally extending body defining a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways.

Abstract: A power supply for an LED lamp has a set of coupled coils, primary-side power circuitry including a converter power switch for conducting input power, and secondary-side power circuitry including a dimming power switch. Power control circuitry includes converter control circuitry which generates a converter control signal for the converter power switch to maintain a desired undimmed level of lamp current at a normal operating value of a lamp voltage. Dimming control circuitry generates a dimming control signal for the dimming power switch to pulse-width modulate the lamp current at a duty cycle corresponding to a desired dimming. Operation of the converter control circuitry is modified during dimming to prevent an automatic increase of the lamp voltage in response to a decrease in lamp current, avoiding undesirable overshooting of the lamp current and providing more accurate and effective control over dimming operation.

Abstract: An electrical device is produced by winding wires around a core. The device may be used as a transformer. Wires are inserted into, through and around a first hole and a first side of a core a desired number of times. Thereafter, the wires are extended along either a top or a bottom of the core and then passed through and around a second hole of the core. After the wires are wound around the second hole of the core and a second side of the core, the production of the device is complete.

Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for interfacing between the line side and the circuit side of a communication channel, such as an Ethernet port, includes a transformer having a primary winding connected to the line side of the channel and a secondary winding connected to the circuit side of the channel. The primary winding is fortified to provide differential mode electrical surge protection on the line side. The transformer design having parasitic L, C and R and, saturation during the surge event, acting to suppress the coupling of the electrical surge to the secondary winding. A voltage limiting device is connected in the circuit side of the channel to limit any voltage surges on the circuit side to a safe level. A pair of voltage limiting devices connected in series with the connection therebetween connected to ground may be used to also provide common mode surge protection.

Abstract: A method and system for terminating a cable into a plug using a plug assembly system. Wires of the cable are exposed and dressed on to a shield. A plug body is placed over the shield. The wires are fed into wire insertion holes of the plug body. A contact holding member is placed on the plug body. A crimping tool crimps the contacts in the contact holding member through the plug body into and through the wires to achieve mechanical and electrical connection between the wires and the contacts. A cover may be used to cover the plug body, shield and wires. A crimp ferrule may be used to crimp the wires to the shield.

Abstract: A multiport connector which includes a housing having at least two aligned compartments, each compartment being structured and arranged to receive respective plugs. A multilayer printed wiring board separates the two compartments, the printed wiring board having circuit patterns on opposite sides of opposed non-conductive layers and a metal shielding layer intermediate the non-conductive layers. A first plurality of conductive contact fingers is disposed in one of the compartments, the first plurality of fingers having first portions for making electrical contact with one of the plugs and second portions for making contact with the circuit pattern on one of the non-conductive layers of the multilayer printed wiring board.

Abstract: A jack capable of handling both Category 6 and Category 7 speed communications. The jack includes a shield, a housing disposed in the shield and a contact block disposed in the housing. The contact block includes a base member and a plurality of contacts carried by the base member. Each contact includes a contact portion effective to touch a corresponding contact of a plug when the plug is inserted into the jack, a first end portion effective to be inserted into a circuit board, and a second end portion. A flexible substrate is connected to the second end portion, the substrate including a compensation circuit for the jack.

Abstract: A high speed jack capable of handling Category 7 communications. The jack comprises a shield and a housing inside the shield. The housing defines four distinct chambers for holding at least a first, second third, and fourth contact block, each contact block including at least two contacts. The contact blocks may be disposed symmetrically about a central axis of the housing. A horizontal shield and a vertical shield are disposed in the housing and shield the contacts from one another.

Abstract: An RJ-45 jack having a groove to accommodate the width of an RJ-11 plug to allow the plug to rise upward and away from the outer contacts of the RJ-45 contacts upon inadvertent insertion of an RJ-11 plug into the RJ-45 jack.

Abstract: An RJ jack includes a housing having an interior chamber with a plurality of contacts which are deflectable upon insertion of a plug into the chamber. A plurality of projections is provided for limiting the extent of the deflection of selected contacts. In a preferred embodiment, the RJ jack is an RJ45 and the projections are fins located beneath the outermost contacts of the RJ45 jack.

Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for a LAN, such as an Ethernet network, includes a transformer having a first winding connected to the line side of the LAN and a second winding connected to the circuit side of the LAN. Each of the first and second windings has two output ports and one of the windings has a center tap port A 3-wire common mode choke having a center winding and two outer windings, the center winding of a 3-wire common mode choke is connected to the center tap of the one winding and the outer windings of the 3-wire common mode choke are respectively connected to the output ports of the one winding.