Abstract: An energy storage module includes a number of cells coupled in series between two end terminals, and intermediate terminal or terminals providing access to one or more junctions between individual cells of the module. Voltages of the module's cells are balanced by an intra-module voltage balancer. Two or more such modules are connected in series. To balance voltages of the modules, inter-module voltage balancers are used. In one embodiment, an inter-module voltage balancer is connected to a junction of two modules and to intermediate terminals of the two modules. The inter-module balancer attempts to balance voltages of one or more cells of one of the two modules against one or more cells of the other module. Through operation of the intra-module balancers of each module, voltages of both modules are balanced.

Abstract: A dry process-based electro-chemical device and method for making a self-supporting dry electrode film for use therein is disclosed. Cost effective manufacture of electrochemical devices such as batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells is enabled.

Abstract: A method of making an electrode structure, and a double layer capacitor including the electrode structure, the method includes the steps of: applying a first slurry including conducting carbon powder and a binder to a current collector plate; curing the applied first slurry to form a primary coating; applying a second slurry that includes activated carbon powder, a solvent and a binder to the primary coating; and curing the applied second slurry to form a secondary coating, thereby forming a first electrode. In variations, additional primary and secondary coatings may be formed on both sides of the collector plate.

Abstract: Electronic circuits couple energy storage devices, such as double layer capacitors or rechargeable battery cells, to a power supply output, thereby improving noise suppression and extending ride-through capability of the power supply. In a typical circuit, an energy storage device is coupled in series with a switch that controls the charging current into the energy storage device. The switch is controlled by a comparator that receives a signal related to the voltage level of the power supply. In some embodiments, the comparator also receives a feedback signal related to a charging current flowing into the energy storage device. The circuit is configured so that the switch limits the charging current to a predetermined current level, or does not allow the charging current to flow until the output voltage of the power supply reaches a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: Composite electrodes are constructed with pressure-bonding techniques instead of an adhesive. A current collector is made from aluminum foil roughed on both surfaces. The surfaces of the collector can be treated to enhance adhesion to the surfaces. Layers of film that includes active electrode material, such as activated carbon, are fabricated and pressure-bonded to the current collector using a calender with heated rollers. The resulting composite sheet is then processed to shape electrodes, which can be used in electrical energy storage devices, including double layer capacitors.

Abstract: Self-oscillating, current controlled switching power supplies, used for example, as energy storage device charging circuits, and related methods are provided herein. In one implementation, a switching power supply comprises a power transformer having a primary and a secondary, a switching element that switches a voltage source to the primary, and a control circuit that controls the operation of the switching element in response to the measured primary current and secondary current. The switching element disconnects the voltage source from the primary when the primary current reaches a first threshold, causing the secondary current to conduct. The switching element switches back to the primary when the secondary current drops to second threshold. The switching power supply oscillates between charging and discharging the power transformer. In one embodiment, a high value energy storage capacitor is coupled to the secondary and is charged with the secondary current.

Abstract: A double-layer capacitor is provided in a battery form factor sized housing.

Abstract: A method for making an electrode including a particle based film is disclosed in which the film is coated and/or impregnated with veins of conductive material. A support backing is placed adjacent to one side of the film to provide support and prevent damaging the film while the conductive material is applied onto the opposite side of the film. The film is bonded directly to a current collector of an energy storage device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for making two sided Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs) that will allow most commercially available integrated circuits to meet the thermal and radiation hazards of the spacecraft environment using integrated package shielding technology. The invention describes the technology and methodology to manufacture MCMs that are radiation-hardened, structurally and thermally stable using 3-dimensional techniques allowing for high density integrated circuit packaging in a radiation hardened package.

Abstract: A high reliability radiation shielding integrated circuit device comprising a plurality of package layers; a radiation shielding lid or base coupled to the plurality of package layers; wherein the circuit die are shielded from receiving an amount of radiation greater than the total dose tolerance of the circuit die. An integrated circuit device for use in high reliability applications. The integrated circuit device is designed to be highly reliable and protect integrated circuit die from failing or becoming unreliable due to radiation, mechanical forces, thermal exposure, or chemical contaminates.

Abstract: A long life double layer capacitor and method of making the same including a case and a first terminal with an electrically insulating hermitic seal interposed between the first terminal and the case. A first current collector foil is electrically coupled to an interior portion of the first terminal and a first electrode comprising carbon which is juxtaposed against the first current collector foil. A porous separator is then juxtaposed against the first electrode comprising carbon and separating the first electrode from a second electrode comprising carbon. A second current collector foil is juxtaposed against a side of the second electrode and is electrically coupled to the second terminal.

Abstract: An energy storage system is described for use in, for example, electronics systems such as a bank of computers. The disclosed energy storage systems allows the use of an efficient energy source, such as ultracapacitors, while providing a desired voltage level for an extended period of time. One embodiment of the energy storage system provides power to a load. The system includes a power module including at least one ultracapacitor adapted to store and discharge energy. The power module provides an output voltage as the ultracapacitor discharges energy. The system also includes a voltage regulator for boosting the output voltage of the power module. The voltage regulator may include a voltage converter. The voltage converter may be adapted to boost the output voltage when the output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The voltage converter may include a plurality of interleaving inductor circuits, each of the circuits including a switch and an inductor.

Abstract: A charge balancing circuit is configured to provide charge balancing for a bank of series connected charge storage devices. One embodiment of the charge balancing circuit comprises a voltage divider, an amplifier, and a negative feedback resistor connected between every two capacitors. The circuit is configured to monitor the voltage in each of the capacitors and, if the voltage in one of the capacitors is higher than the other, the circuit transfers energy from the higher charged capacitor to the lower charged capacitor until the capacitors are balanced. A current limiting resistor can be included for limiting the output current of the amplifier to a safe value and for providing feedback information regarding the health of the capacitor. An additional gain stage can also be included for increasing the output current of the amplifier for banks of large charge storage devices. The circuit can be used in bi-polar applications.

Abstract: A rapid charging circuit for charging a power module is disclosed. The power module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The power module is charged using an energy source connected to the power module. The charging circuit includes a control circuit adapted to maintain a constant power level at the power module during charging as the voltage level across the power module increases. The control circuit includes a pulse-width modulator and an inductor connected in series with the power module. The pulse-width modulator can control a charge level of the inductor. The charge level may correspond to a current level which is in accordance with a desired power level at the power module and an instantaneous voltage level across the power module. The inductor may be adapted to limit a current level through the power module to a predetermined peak level.

Abstract: A radiation shielded and packaged integrated circuit semiconductor device includes a lid secured to a base to enclose an integrated circuit die within, wherein the lid and the base are each constructed from a high Z material to prevent radiation from penetrating therethrough. Another embodiment includes a die attach slug constructed from a high Z material disposed between the integrated circuit die and the base, in combination with a high Z material lid to substantially block incident radiation.

Abstract: A method of making a double layer capacitor, in accordance with one embodiment, includes coupling a top collector disk to a proximal end of a double layer capacitor electrode assembly; electrically coupling a bottom collector disk to a distal end; heating a can; inserting the double layer capacitor electrode assembly into the can; cooling the can, wherein a peripheral edge of the bottom collector disk is coupled to the can as the diameter of the can is decreased; forming a bead around an exterior of the can; heating a lid; placing a concave structure of the lid in juxtaposition with a convex structure on the top collector disk; cooling the lid, wherein the concave structure is coupled to the convex structure as the diameter of the can is decreased; creating a seal between the lid and the can; and placing an electrolyte solution into the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A charge balancing circuit is disclosed that is configured to provide charge balancing for a bank of series connected charge storage devices such as capacitors. One embodiment of the charge balancing circuit comprises a voltage divider, an operational amplifier, and a negative feedback resistor connected between every two capacitors. The circuit is configured to monitor the voltage in each of the capacitors and, if the voltage in one of the capacitors is higher than the other, the circuit transfers energy from the higher charged capacitor to the lower charged capacitor until the capacitors are balanced. A current limiting resistor can be included for limiting the output current of the operational amplifier to a safe value and for providing feedback information regarding the health of the capacitor. An additional gain stage can also be included for increasing the output current of the operational amplifier for banks of large charge storage devices such as capacitors.

Abstract: A charge balancing circuit is disclosed that is configured to provide charge balancing for a bank of series connected charge storage devices such as capacitors. One embodiment of the charge balancing circuit comprises a voltage divider, an operational amplifier, and a negative feedback resistor connected between every two capacitors. The circuit is configured to monitor the voltage in each of the capacitors and, if the voltage in one of the capacitors is higher than the other, the circuit transfers energy from the higher charged capacitor to the lower charged capacitor until the capacitors are balanced. A current limiting resistor can be included for limiting the output current of the operational amplifier to a safe value and for providing feedback information regarding the health of the capacitor. An additional gain stage can also be included for increasing the output current of the operational amplifier for banks of large charge storage devices such as capacitors.

Abstract: The fault-tolerant or self-correcting computer system is disclosed. The computer system that is provided with various sets of protections against failures that may be caused by space radiation, for example. Improved reliability of the system is achieved by scrubbing of the components on a regular schedule, rather than waiting for an error to be detected. Thus, errors that may go undetected for an extended period are not allowed to propagate and further damage the system. Three or more processors are provided to operate in parallel, and a controller is provided to receive signals from the processors and, using a voting logic, determines a majority signal value. In this manner, the controller can detect an error when a signal from one of the processors differs from the majority signal. The system is also provided with a scrubbing module for resynchronizing the processors after a predetermined milestone has been reached.

Abstract: Self-oscillating, current controlled switching power supplies, used for example, as energy storage device charging circuits, and related methods are provided herein. In one implementation, a switching power supply comprises a power transformer having a primary and a secondary, a switching element that switches a voltage source to the primary, and a control circuit that controls the operation of the switching element in response to the measured primary current and secondary current. The switching element disconnects the voltage source from the primary when the primary current reaches a first threshold, causing the secondary current to conduct. The switching element switches back to the primary when the secondary current drops to second threshold. The switching power supply oscillates between charging and discharging the power transformer. In one embodiment, a high value energy storage capacitor is coupled to the secondary and is charged with the secondary current.