Abstract: Introduced is a power system chassis identification system. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a power system chassis rack holding a plurality of chassis, each housing a rectifier or a converter and (2) a label located on each chassis having symbols thereon identifying the chassis as housing a rectifier or a converter and its voltage input/output, which label is readable at a distance of not less than twenty feet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a site-adaptive current manager for use with a rectifier. In one embodiment, the site-adaptive current manager includes a current limit programmer configured to set an AC input current limit for the rectifier corresponding to a site-restricted current capability. The site-adaptive current manager also includes an input current sensor coupled to the current limit programmer and configured to determine an AC input current of the rectifier. The site-adaptive current manager further includes a rectifier current coordinator coupled to the current limit programmer and configured to restrict the AC input current based on the AC input current limit.

Abstract: A circuit for, and method of, changing transient response characteristics of a DC/DC converter module having an output rail pin and a trim pin and a distributed power conversion system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes a reactive component coupled to the output rail pin and the trim pin of the DC/DC converter module and configured to interact with at least one network internal to the DC/DC converter module to change the transient response characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soft-transition controller for use with a synchronous converter having primary and secondary rectifiers. In one embodiment, the soft-transition controller includes a primary driver configured to provide a primary drive signal to the primary rectifier operating in a synchronous mode, while the secondary rectifier is operating in a diode mode, to provide an output voltage of the synchronous rectifier. Additionally, the soft-transition controller also includes a complementary driver coupled to the primary driver and configured to provide a soft-transition drive signal during a transition period, which transfers the secondary rectifier from the diode mode to a synchronous mode while maintaining the output voltage within a predetermined voltage range.

Abstract: For use in a power converter having parallel power trains, a circuit for, and method of, reducing voltage spikes due to magnetizing current imbalances in the power trains and a power converter incorporating the circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the circuit includes: (1) a conductive bypass path coupling nodes between transformer secondary windings and inductors in each of the power trains and configured to provide an alternative path to redirect magnetizing current imbalances from the inductors and (2) a capacitor located in the conductive bypass path.

Abstract: For use with a power converter shelf having a rear wall, a floating power connector mount and a power converter rack incorporating the power connector mount. In one embodiment, the power connector mount includes a float housing having a recess therein configured to receive and capture a flange of a standards-based power connector between the float housing and the rear wall, the standards-based power connector enabled to float or move freely within the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PWB having a heat sink connected to the internal circuits of the PWB that allows for heat dissipation from those internal circuits. In one aspect, the PWB includes at least two insulating layers that are coupled together and that have a conductive layer located therebetween. A conductive interconnect is located on an edge of or through the PWB and is thermally coupled to the conductive layer and a heat sink. The conductive layer forms a thermal conductive path from the conductive layer to the heat sink and thereby allows for heat to be dissipated from within an internal portion of the PWB.

Abstract: Converter modules for providing and receiving electric power through a single telephone wire-pair and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, a converter module for providing electric power to a single telephone wire-pair includes: (1) a DC/DC boost converter configured to receive input power from an existing power supply and an existing distribution bus at a central office and further configured to provide output power to the single wire-pair and (2) a current-limiting converter controller coupled to the DC/DC boost converter and configured to limit a current output of the DC/DC boost converter to the single wire-pair.

Abstract: A vector controller for a polyphase synchronous rectifier, a method of vector-controlling a polyphase synchronous rectifier, and a synchronous rectifier incorporating the vector controller or the method. In one embodiment, the vector controller includes: (1) an input line voltage detector configured to detect voltages on at least two rectifier input lines and produce therefrom a neutral excursion vector and (2) a neutral excursion compensator, coupled to said input line voltage detector, that applies said neutral excursion vector to a partially compensated drive vector to yield an excursion-compensated drive vector suitable for generation of excursion-compensated pulse-width modulated drive signals for said synchronous rectifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phase voltage circuit. In one embodiment, the phase voltage circuit includes a line voltage stage coupled to at least three input voltage lines and configured to provide at least two corresponding line voltages. Additionally, the phase voltage circuit also includes a difference voltage stage coupled to the line voltage stage and configured to provide at least one phase voltage from the at least two corresponding line voltages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transition-isolating drive circuit for a synchronous rectifier. In one embodiment, the transition-isolating drive circuit includes drive switches coupled to a transformer winding and configured to provide drive signals for the synchronous rectifier. Additionally, the transition-isolating drive circuit also includes a conduction-inhibiting circuit, coupled to the drive switches, that increases a turn-off voltage of the drive signals to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A multiple output converter, and related method of operation thereof, that includes a primary output and at least one auxiliary output. In one embodiment, the multiple output converter includes a transformer having a primary winding and at least one secondary winding. The multiple output converter also includes a switch, coupled to the primary winding, that impresses an input voltage across the transformer. A first output voltage of the multiple output converter is produced at the primary output via a magnetizing inductance associated with the transformer. The multiple output converter still further includes an output inductor coupled to the at least one secondary winding. A second output voltage of the multiple output converter is produced at the auxiliary output via the output inductor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing battery power to a telecommunication system having a plurality of components mounted in an equipment rack that presents a standard width for receiving the components. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a housing configured for mounting above at least some of the plurality of components in the equipment rack and (2) at least one battery pack contained within the housing and consisting of sealed unit battery cells. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a housing configured for mounting anywhere in the equipment rack and (2) at least one battery pack contained within the housing and consisting of sealed unit battery cells that employ lithium battery technology.