Abstract: A multiphase DC-DC converter includes multiple groups of first and second LLC power trains coupled in parallel which collectively provide an output voltage to a load. A voltage feedback control loop senses an output voltage for the LLC converter and generates an identical reference current signal for each of the multiple groups of power trains, the signals representing a reference current based on the sensed output voltage, wherein an active current sharing operation is provided between each of the groups. A local current control loop for each of the groups generates PWM control signals to each of the respective first and second power trains based on the reference current, the PWM control signals having an identical frequency but out of phase with respect to each other, wherein a passive current sharing operation is provided within each of the plurality of power groups.

Abstract: A slotted bobbin magnetic component device includes a bobbin having an elongated bobbin tube with transverse slots. One or more substantially flat electrically conductive winding inserts are inserted radially onto the bobbin tube via the transverse slots. At least one detent positioned on the winding insert secures the winding insert on the bobbin and prevents the winding insert from becoming misplaced relative to the bobbin. One or more flanges protruding from the bobbin engage one or more corresponding recesses on the winding insert to prevent angular movement of the winding insert relative to the bobbin. One or more primary conductive winding coils are disposed about the bobbin in the gaps between adjacent winding inserts, the coils being formed by axially winding numerous layers over each other in alternating axial winding directions.

Abstract: A slotted bobbin magnetic component device includes a bobbin having an elongated bobbin tube with transverse slots. One or more substantially flat electrically conductive winding inserts are inserted radially onto the bobbin tube via the transverse slots. At least one detent positioned on the winding insert secures the winding insert on the bobbin and prevents the winding insert from becoming misplaced relative to the bobbin. One or more flanges protruding from the bobbin engage one or more corresponding recesses on the winding insert to prevent angular movement of the winding insert relative to the bobbin. One or more primary conductive winding coils are disposed about the bobbin in the gaps between adjacent winding inserts, the coils being formed by axially winding numerous layers over each other in alternating axial winding directions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for bidirectional communications between a master device and one or more slave devices. Each slave device is coupled to first and second opto-isolators which are effective to provide galvanic isolation of the slave device from the master device. An encoder circuit is coupled between the master device and the first opto-isolators. A decoder circuit is coupled between the master device and the second opto-isolators. The master device generates transmissions to the slave devices along a first low logic path including the encoder and the first opto-isolators, wherein the decoder and the second opto-isolators are non-responsive to signals on the first path. The slave devices generate transmissions to the master device along a second low logic path including the second opto-isolators and the decoder, wherein the encoder and the first opto-isolators are non-responsive to signals on the second path.

Abstract: A trimmable inductor assembly is provided for optimal balancing of phase currents in a multi-phase resonant converter. A magnetic device includes first and second core portions defining an outer edge of the device having a first axis, and further defining a first air gap. A bracket is positioned proximate the outer edge of the device and a magnetic plate is coupled to the bracket, with the magnetic plate and the second core portion defining a second air gap. A positioning device is coupled to the bracket and is responsive to control signals based on a detected phase current imbalance to drive the bracket and the magnetic plate between a first position defining a minimum air gap for the assembly and a second position defining a maximum air gap for the assembly.

Abstract: A power conversion system and method includes a DC-DC converter and an auxiliary circuit configured to ensure that a minimum input voltage is provided to the DC-DC converter during power interruption and for at least a predetermined hold-up time period. The auxiliary circuit includes an energy storage device, an auxiliary energy source for charging the energy storage device, and a clamping circuit to limit the energy stored by the energy storage device to a threshold voltage. A discharge time of the energy storage device from the threshold voltage to the minimum voltage thereby exceeds the predetermined hold-up time, but is only incrementally greater such that the size of the energy storage device is substantially reduced. The auxiliary energy source may typically be a current source, with the clamping circuit being control logic effective to disable the current source as a voltage across the storage device approaches the threshold.

Abstract: A switch-mode modular power supply is provided with pluggable output connectors for improved safety and simplicity of installation. The power supply has a box-shaped housing with a first end and an opposing second end. A plurality of output modules are positioned proximate the second end of the housing, with each output module having an output connector with a connector housing and a plurality of pluggable contact terminals. The output connectors are arranged in parallel across the second end of the housing and accessible from outside of the housing. The pluggable contact terminals for each of the output connectors are effective to provide an output power from the associated output module.

Abstract: A power converter operable to draw an input current that is in phase with an input voltage of the power converter and proportional to a voltage of the input voltage of the power converter includes a drive switch, a waveform generator, and a current shaping circuit. The drive switch is connected between an input inductor and ground and draws current through the input inductor when turned on. The current shaping circuit provides an on-time of the drive switch for a next cycle of the drive switch as a function of an input current decay time, a switching period of the waveform generator, and an output voltage of the power converter. The waveform generator is responsive to the on-time provided by the current shaping circuit for selectively turning the drive switch on and off to cycle the drive switch as a function of the received on-time.

Abstract: An open loop half-bridge power converter is provided for effective zero volt switching during all operating conditions, the converter including: an oscillating inverter circuit having a pair of switches coupled to a load circuit; an inverter drive circuit effective to provide driver signals to the inverter circuit; and a control circuit for providing control signals to the drive circuit. The control circuit is configured to increase a switching frequency of the switching devices in response to a predetermined condition such as startup or short circuit conditions. The inverter as a result continues to operate at a full duty cycle in response to the increased switching frequency, and zero volt switching is ensured throughout the duration of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A modular power supply and power control system includes a digital controller coupled to each of a plurality of output modules via a single wire serial data bus having a default high logic state. A plurality of isolation transformers are each coupled on a primary side to receive an intermediate bus voltage, and further coupled on a secondary side to one of the output modules. Galvanic isolation circuits provide galvanic isolation on the serial data bus between each of the output modules and the digital controller. The digital controller further includes circuitry effective to pull a bus logic state from high to low for generating data transmission to the plurality of isolated modules. Each of the plurality of isolated modules further include circuitry effective to independently pull the bus logic state from high to low for generating data transmission to the digital controller.

Abstract: An AC/DC power converter has an AC input and a DC output, with an input rectifier circuit coupled to the AC input. The input rectifier circuit includes a passive half-bridge rectifier circuit functional to provide passive rectification of an AC input power sign and at least one current shaper circuit. The current shaper circuit includes an input inductor coupled between the AC input and a switch node in the input active rectifier circuit. The input current shaper circuit is functional to shape an AC input current signal associated with an AC input power signal to a substantially sinusoidal current signal. A bulk capacitor circuit is coupled to the input active rectifier circuit. A DC/AC converter circuit is coupled to the bulk capacitor circuit. A resonant circuit is coupled to the DC/AC converter circuit and an output rectifier circuit may be coupled between the resonant circuit and the DC output.

Abstract: A resonant power converter is provided with auxiliary circuit branches and control circuitry for switchably coupling the auxiliary branches to resonant circuit components during holdup times. Auxiliary branches are coupled in parallel with any one or more of a resonant inductor, a resonant capacitor, and a magnetizing inductive winding via respective switches. When a holdup time condition is detected in accordance with, for example, a drop in the mains line voltage, the switches are controlled to adjust the corresponding inductance or capacitance for the duration of the holdup time condition or otherwise for a predetermined duration. The power converter in normal operation is configured for high efficiency and in a holdup time operation is configured to produce sufficient holdup time.

Abstract: A microinverter is provided for converting DC energy from a PV panel into a grid-compatible AC signal. A first plurality of switching elements is coupled between a DC energy source and a primary winding of a transformer. A second plurality of switching elements is coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer. Current sensors sense real time converter parameters including a DC input, an AC output, and a primary current. A digital controller determines an operating mode for the converter based on a DC input signal, with the controller further including a switch signal generator circuit configured to adjust switching states. The switch state adjustments are based on the operating mode, real time converter parameters which include the DC input signal, an AC signal for output to a grid, a primary current, and a desired shape for the AC output signal waveform.

Abstract: A power supply includes circuitry for gradually enabling switching rectifiers during a startup condition without drawing current from a pre-biased power supply output. A driver provides a control signal to synchronous rectifier. A driver supply circuit is coupled across the driver and has a first input receiving pulse signals provided by a pulse modulation controller, an output providing supply voltage to the driver, a second input receiving driver supply input voltage, and circuitry defining a time constant. The circuitry includes a first switching element that turns on when pulse signals are provided and a second switching element connected to the output. The time constant is associated with a rise time for the power supply, and defined by selected component values, such that the second switching element only becomes fully conductive after elapsing of the time constant.

Abstract: A power subsystem is actively optimized to improve total subsystem efficiency in a way that is responsive to changes in load requirements, power supply variations, and subsystem temperature variations. Detailed, multidimensional power loss models are developed for constituent devices which are then combined into a power subsystem containing a controller and circuity for measuring device operating parameters such as input and output voltage, output current, and temperature. Operating parameters are continually monitored, and set points are correspondingly changed based on the detailed power loss models to achieve maximum overall efficiency for the instantaneous operating state of the system.

Abstract: A power control system comprises at least one POL regulator, at least one auxiliary device, a serial data bus operatively connecting the POL regulator and the auxiliary device, and a system controller adapted to exchange digital data with the POL regulator and auxiliary device via the serial data bus. The auxiliary device may include a power regulation device, a switching device, a motor control device, a temperature control device, and/or a peripheral device. At least one auxiliary device controller may be operatively coupled between the auxiliary device and the serial data bus. The auxiliary device controller may be integrated with the system controller, or may be external to the system controller. The auxiliary device controller may further comprise at least one register adapted to store the programming data, with the programming data including at least one of turn-on delay, turn-off delay, polarity of input/output signals, fault configuration, and group membership.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch-mode power converter including a bias circuit. A power converter power transformer includes a magnetic core. The switch-mode power converter power transformer also includes an initial bias primary winding and an initial bias secondary winding, both wound on the magnetic core, wherein the initial bias secondary winding shares at least one magnetic path in common with the initial bias primary winding. A driver is configured to drive the initial bias primary winding with high frequency pulses when enabled by an enable signal. A rectifier and capacitor are configured to provide a voltage to power a control circuit during a power converter start-up. A method provides an initial bias power for a power converter output side referenced controller, powering the output side referenced controller from the initial bias windings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, aggregating, and analyzing data associated with the performance of systems. Energy systems, specifically renewable energy generation systems, are used as examples. The aggregated data serve as the basis for a variety of services that facilitate the adoption and deployment of these systems. Services are provided that aid in enhancing energy educational activities. The services represent the quantity of energy generation as energy demands that the students may appreciate. Furthermore, the services are interactive and may allow the students to change System Parameters so that they more fully understand the influence of these parameters on the energy generation efficiency.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: A power control system comprises at least one programmable voltage regulator, at least one non-programmable auxiliary voltage regulator, and a system controller operatively connected to the at least one programmable voltage regulator and to said at least one auxiliary voltage regulator via a common serial data bus. The at least one programmable voltage regulator is adapted to provide a corresponding output voltage having characteristics defined by received programming data and to provide monitoring data reflecting operational status of the at least one programmable voltage regulator. The at least one non-programmable auxiliary voltage regulator is adapted to provide a corresponding output voltage in response to an enable signal. The system controller is adapted to send the programming data and receive the monitoring data via the serial data bus.