Abstract: A keyed power source connector (32) and keyed device connector (14) 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 peripheral contoured body portions (16, 34) having a profile being a function of the respective connector power rating. A keyed portion (41, 62, 72, 82) 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 (10) ensures target portable electronic devices coupled to the device connector can not draw power exceeding the rating of the power source connector.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having integral programming circuitry for signaling a power converter connected thereto to provide suitable power signals. Integrating the programming circuitry into the portable electronic device reduces the manufacturing cost and size of the power converter cable connector that is directly coupled to the portable electronic device. Many embodiments of the present invention are provided, including integrating the programming circuitry as part of the portable device electronics, or, onto the portable electronic device connector itself. This programming circuitry can comprise of at least one electrical component that may be passive or active.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12, 14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the power converter (10) also advantageously includes dual output voltage terminals (16/18) to allow for multiple mobile devices of varying power requirements to be powered, simultaneously, by a single converter.

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 dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12, 14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the power converter (10) also advantageously includes dual output voltage terminals (16/18) to allow for multiple mobile devices of varying power requirements to be powered, simultaneously, by a single converter.

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: 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. By disengaging the primary circuit, the power consumption of the ultra-low idle power supply is reduced to ultra-low levels.

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. By disengaging the primary circuit, the power consumption of the ultra-low idle power supply is reduced to ultra-low levels.

Abstract: A method and circuit for reducing power consumption during idle mode to ultra-low levels, such as 1/10th to 1/1000th of active power, is disclosed. An ultra-low idle power supply may include a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a switch, and a feedback channel. The secondary circuit is in communication with the primary circuit, and in addition provides feedback to the primary circuit via the feedback channel. The switch receives feedback through the feedback channel and controls the state of the primary circuit. The secondary circuit monitors the output power provided to the electronic device. If the electronic device is drawing little or no power from the ultra-low idle power supply, the secondary circuit facilitates disengaging of the primary circuit. By disengaging the primary circuit, the power consumption of the ultra-low idle power supply is reduced.

Abstract: A modular power converter including a first housing enclosing a converter circuit, and a selectively detachable second housing enclosing a retracting power cable. In a first orientation, the detachable second housing is secured to the first housing to form a unitary housing. In a second orientation, the second housing is detached from the first housing such that a first end of the extended power cable may tether to the first housing output a selectable distance therefrom. The cable also has a second end extendable from the second housing a predetermined distance. This modular power converter forms a single compact device when the power cable is not extended from the second housing.

Abstract: A power converter including a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of heat conductive layers configured to sink heat generated by the power converter electronics. Each of these heat conductive layers are comprised of thermally conductive material configured as planar sheets, each of these heat conductive layers being coupled to at least one wire to sink heat therefrom, such as via a wire of an input cable and/or output cable. Advantageously, a more compact power converter is realized having improved power output while operating within safety guidelines.

Abstract: A modular power converter including a first housing enclosing a converter circuit, and a selectively detachable second housing enclosing a retractable power cable. In a first orientation the detachable second housing is secured to the first housing to form a unitary housing. In a second orientation, the second housing is detached from the first housing such that a first end of the extended power cable may tether to the first housing output a selectable distance therefrom. The cable also has a second end extendable from the second housing a predetermined distance. This modular power converter forms a single compact device when the power cable is not extended from the second housing.

Abstract: A power converter having an aircraft power source detector adapted 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 power converter including a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of heat conductive layers configured to sink heat generated by the power converter electronics. Each of these heat conductive layers are comprised of thermally conductive material configured as planar sheets, each of these heat conductive layers being coupled to at least one wire to sink heat therefrom, such as via a wire of an input cable and/or output cable. Advantageously, a more compact power converter is realized having improved power output while operating within safety guidelines.

Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.