Abstract: An AC/DC input power converter including only a single input cable such that a user will never have to switch cabling, regardless if the cable is connected to an AC voltage source or a DC voltage source.

Abstract: A SEPIC converter having synchronous rectification, accommodating changes in the converter duty cycle, and the ringing conditions when the converter changes operation from a continuous mode to a discontinuous mode, and back. Conductive losses are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A platform having a raised support member including a plurality of spaced openings configured to securing receive device connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the raised member comprises an upwardly extending barrier shaped as a comb, formed by a plurality of slots adapted to selectively receive the connector. The connector has a predetermined power rating, and is keyed such that portable electronic devices configured to draw power at or below the power rating of the connector can be securingly and electrically coupled thereto. The platform may be angled upwardly to both support and present the portable electronic device to the user.

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 power converter reducing a maximum available output power during extreme operating temperature conditions. The output power is adapted to be reduced during higher operating temperatures to maintain the power converter housing within acceptable operating temperatures. The power converter may then increase the available operating power as the converter housing temperature is reduced such that an acceptable output power is available during higher operating temperatures, rather than simply turning off the power converter during the excessive temperature condition.

Abstract: A plenum (12, 60) having a plurality of heat fins (40, 72) and also a receptacle (20) for receiving a heat generating component (22) in a friction fit arrangement. The plenum has a plurality of passageways (14, 66) defined by the plurality of fins arranged in rows, and also includes a plurality of openings (50, 76) disposed between the fin. The receptacle frictionally receives a respective heat generating component (22), and wicks heat to the fins. Air communicating through the passageways defined by the fins removes heat from the fins, and also creates a venturi effect to remove heat from within a housing via the openings to further cool the portable electronic device.

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 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: 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 the 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 feedback circuit (26) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH1) controlling the AC-to-DC converter (22) and the other (PH3) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter (24), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Abstract: A power converter (10) adapted for receiving an AC input signal and a DC input signal and responsive thereto for providing a converted DC signal in which the converted DC signal has electrical characteristics which are selectable. The converter includes a programming circuitry (726) having a programmable memory (715) for storing a selection code, the programming circuitry (726) is cooperable for establishing the electrical characteristics of the converted DC signal based on the selection code.

Abstract: A peripheral power hub (PPH) (44) providing power to a plurality of outputs (46). The PPH provides multiple predetermined DC voltages which may be converted by an associated voltage converter circuit (28) to provide the power requirements to an associated mobile device (72). Alternatively, the voltage converter circuits (28) may be internal to the PPH. A programmable Ac/Dc converter (42) may provide a DC voltage to the PPH, which may be configured as an an accessory while powering another mobile device, such as a laptop computer (50). The voltage converter circuits (28) may be buck circuits or boost circuits depending on the application.

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.