Abstract: A system and method for automatically limiting or otherwise controlling the volume level within audio devices is provided. A sound level controlled amplification system is configured to sample audio signals for an audio device, and if above a predetermined limit, de-amplify the volume level to a safer level of sound, and control and maintain such safe level until the sample audio signal is within the predetermined limit of safe sound.

Abstract: A programmable AC/DC or DC/DC power supply adapted to compensate for voltage drop in a cable extending to a portable electronic device. The invention reduces the number and size of cable wires and tip components needed to remotely control an output voltage level and an output current limit. The voltage and current programming components are outside the compensation feedback loop.

Abstract: A power converter that gives priority to the high power output and only provides power to the low power output when the total potential output power is equal to or less than the rated power of the power converter. A specific power threshold is established, and when the high power output remains below this threshold for a period of time the low power output is allowed to turn on. If the high power output subsequently exceeds this threshold for a period of time, then an electronic circuit powers down the low power output in order to keep the total output power below the rated power of the power converter. Subsequently, the high power output is checked against the threshold to determine if the low power output can be turned on again. If the high power output is below the threshold, then the low power output is turned on.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a power converter system that is configured to provide power to an electronic device is provided. The power converter system comprises a power converter and a power controller. The power converter is configured to condition power from a power source. The power converter is also be configured to transmit power to the electronic device. The power controller is configured to selectively or removably couple to the power converter between at least one of the power source and the electronic device. The power controller is also configured to disengage the power to the electronic device in response to the electronic device operating under a predetermined operating condition.

Abstract: A power converter having an aircraft power source detector configured to limit the amount of power that can be drawn by the power converter when utilized in an aircraft. The power converter may detect an artifact of the aircraft power source, such as the 400 Hz ripple noise on an aircraft power line, or existing in the aircraft cabin, such EMI or aircraft lighting.

Abstract: A keyed power source connector and keyed device connector that are backwards compatible, ensuring that the power rated device connectors can only mate with power source connectors power rated at or above the device connector power rating. One connector is formed as a plug, and the other connector is formed as a socket. The connectors have are shaped having a profile that is a function of the respective connector power rating. A keyed portion of the power source connector plug will physically interfere with and not be receivable within a device connector socket when the device connector power rating exceeds the power source connector power rating. This connector system ensures target portable electronic devices coupled to the device connector can not draw power exceeding the rating of the power source connector.

Abstract: A method for cable resistance cancellation. A single remote sense line and a simple cable resistance cancellation network are leveraged in a power supply unit to compensate for the total cable voltage drop, while maintaining tight output accuracy. By completely compensating for the voltage drops, the wire gauge for the main power wires can be reduced, thereby allowing the use of smaller diameter cables.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power module during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power module is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one power output from a power input. A power module may include one or more power outputs and one or more power module circuits, with power input connected to the power outputs through the power module circuit(s). The power module circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at the power output. If current measuring system behavior indicates that a power output is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the power output.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power strip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power strip is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging an outlet from power input. A power strip may include two or more outlets and two or more outlet circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the outlet circuit(s), which may include a current transformer, a control circuit, and a switch. The current transformer secondary winding provides an output power level signal proportional to the outlet load. If behavior of the current transformer secondary winding indicates that the outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the current transformer primary from the outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a wall plate system during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a wall plate system is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input. A wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s). The wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. If behavior of the current measuring system indicates that an outlet is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power module during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power module is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one power output from a power input. A power module may include one or more power outputs and one or more power module circuits, with power input connected to the power outputs through the power module circuit(s). The power module circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at the power output. If current measuring system behavior indicates that a power output is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the power output.

Abstract: A method and circuit for reducing power consumption during idle mode to ultra-low levels, such as about 1/10th to 1/1000th or less of active power is disclosed. An ultra-low idle power supply comprises a primary circuit, a secondary circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit monitors behavior of the primary circuit and determines whether an idle state or no load condition exists, and if so the primary circuit is disengaged. The control circuit may monitor at least one of a ripple current in an energy storage circuit, temperature of lossy components in the primary circuit, or a current flow through switch circuits within the primary circuit. By disengaging the primary circuit, the power consumption of the ultra-low idle power supply is reduced to ultra-low levels.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a wall plate system during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a wall plate system is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input. A wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s). The wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. If behavior of the current measuring system indicates that an outlet is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power strip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power strip is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging an outlet from power input. A power strip may include two or more outlets and two or more outlet circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the outlet circuit(s), which may include a current transformer, a control circuit, and a switch. The current transformer secondary winding provides an output power level signal proportional to the outlet load. If behavior of the current transformer secondary winding indicates that the outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the current transformer primary from the outlet.