Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a current-controlled pulse width modulated inverter for driving a polyphase AC load includes using partial current feedback information, obtained from the inverter lower phase-leg switches and flyback diodes only, to regulate current flow in each phase of the load by synthesizing an analog feedback signal from the partial current feedback information.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low cost solid state power supply for gas discharge or other devices including a resonant oscillator having a high voltage transistor and a switching circuit connected to the high voltage transistor adapted to rapidly turn-off such transistor. The switching circuit including transistors interposed to interrupt the emitter current path of the high voltage transistor to force rapid cut-off thereof. The switching circuit coupled to the oscillator output tank capacitance which functions additionally as a differentiator to actuate the switching circuit.

Abstract: A parallel resonant circuit for use in a series resonant converter. The parallel resonant circuit is located between the clamp diodes and the dominant series resonant capacitors of the converter. The parallel resonant circuit has a predetermined resonant frequency which is set to be above the telephone voice band. The circuit limits the operating frequency of the converter for light loads to be no lower than the parallel resonant frequency.

Abstract: An improvement in a constant current circuit comprising a metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) integrated circuit (IC) for providing a feedback voltage indicative of current flow as a control parameter for either on-off mode or linear feedback mode. The improvement comprises the usual drain, gate and source terminals with an additional feedback terminal and dual, parallel connected FET's formed into the MOSFET IC and connected in parallel to the drain and gate terminals. One of the FET's is much larger and has a much greater current carrying capability than the second one and the second one is connected serially with a resistor, the juncture of the second field effect transistor and resistor being connected with the feedback terminal to give a voltage indicative of current flow at the drain terminal.

Abstract: In a power converter switching system, the instantaneous blocking ability of semiconductor switching elements is determined by monitoring the reverse blocking ability of a control junction in each switching device. A gate firing circuit applies negative turn-off drive to the control junction. The control junction impedance is monitored and switch recovery is indicated by a change in the magnitude of the impedance. A switch recovery logic signal is then generated and used to initiate the firing of the next successive switch element. When switches are combined in multipulse groups, the recovery signals may be logically combined to provide proper switching coordination, emergency protection and diagnostic information.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical relay, particularly for automotive use, characterized by quietness of operation in which the armature coil, spring arm and contact elements are so arranged that the mating surfaces of the contact elements lie substantially in a single plane when in open position and are closed without audible noise by relative sliding movement in said plane.