Abstract: A power converter with a voltage-modulating circuit, a controller, and a sensing circuit. The controller controls switches of a voltage-modulating circuit to provide a level of an output voltage (VOUT) based on an operational mode of the voltage-modulating circuit and a voltage measurement provided by the sensing circuit. The operational mode of the voltage-modulating circuit can be pass-through mode or voltage-modulating. The sensing circuit includes one or more externally programmable connectors configured to determine one or more boundaries of an output voltage window. In the pass-through mode, a level of VOUT will be provided without switching any of the switches when a level of an input voltage (VIN) falls within the output voltage window. In the voltage-modulating mode, a level of VOUT will be provided by switching one or more of the switches when the level of VIN falls outside of the output voltage window having only one boundary.

Abstract: A half-bridge power converter includes a transformer dividing the half-bridge power converter into a primary side and a secondary side. Disposed on the first side is a first capacitor bank and a second capacitor bank in series with the first capacitor hank, and also a bootstrap capacitor configured to be charged by current flowing through a charging current flowpath. The charging current flowpath extends at least through a pre-charging circuit located on the primary side, the pre-charging circuit being configured to reduce a voltage imbalance between the first capacitor bank and the second capacitor bank. The half-bridge power converter also includes a discharging current flowpath that extends at least through a primary winding of the transformer and the pre-charging circuit.

Abstract: A thermal management system/method allowing efficient electrical/thermal attachment of heat sourcing PCBs to heat sinking PCBs using reflow/wave/hand soldering is disclosed. The disclosed system/method may incorporate a combination of support pins, spacer pads, and/or contact paste that mechanically attaches a heat sourcing PCB (and its associated components) to a heat sinking PCB such that thermal conductivity between the two PCBs can be optimized while simultaneously allowing controlled electrical conductivity between the two PCBs. Controlled electrical isolation between the two PCBs is provided for using spacer pads that may also be thermal conductive. Contact paste incorporated in some embodiments permits enhanced conductivity paths between the heat sourcing PCB, a thermally conductive plate mounted over the heat sourcing PCB, and the heat sinking PCB. The use of self-centering support pins incorporating out-gassing vents in some embodiments allows reflow/wave/hand soldering as desired.

Abstract: A drive circuit includes a DC/DC converter, an outer control loop providing an output voltage representing a comparison between a load current and a reference voltage, a multiplier multiplying the outer control loop output voltage with a sample of the rectified output and provide an output current, a current amplifier comparing an input line current sample and the multiplier output current, a comparator driving the switch with a modulated output based on the current amplifier output and a sawtooth reference, and an upper voltage limit loop having an output in electrical communication with the outer control loop output, wherein the outer control loop output voltage is impacted by the upper voltage limit loop output during a zero load scenario. The drive circuit also includes a line voltage transformer and a lightning suppression circuit coupled to the voltage rectifier output.

Abstract: A drive circuit includes a DC/DC converter, an outer control loop providing an output voltage representing a comparison between a load current and a reference voltage, a multiplier multiplying the outer control loop output voltage with a sample of the rectified output and provide an output current, a current amplifier comparing an input line current sample and the multiplier output current, a comparator driving the switch with a modulated output based on the current amplifier output and a sawtooth reference, and an upper voltage limit loop having an output in electrical communication with the outer control loop output, wherein the outer control loop output voltage is impacted by the upper voltage limit loop output during a zero load scenario. The drive circuit also includes a line voltage transformer and a lightning suppression circuit coupled to the voltage rectifier output.

Abstract: A zero voltage switch half bridge converter comprises a first and second diode series diodes, parallel with a voltage source. A first terminal of an inductor is joined to the diode junction. A first semiconductor auxiliary switch connected in series between the voltage source and a third diode, which is in series with a fourth diode connected to a second semiconductor auxiliary switch. First and second semiconductor main switches are connected in series and in parallel with the voltage supply. A capacitive voltage divider connected across the voltage source, wherein a second terminal of the inductor is connected to junction of the main switches and a midpoint of the capacitive voltage divider. A control circuit is configured to provide respective control signals to at least the first semiconductor auxiliary switch and the second semiconductor auxiliary switch.