Patents Examined by LaKaisha Jackson
  • Patent number: 10027235
    Abstract: A flyback converter includes a primary-side switch that controls conduction of current on a primary side of a transformer and a synchronous rectifier on a secondary side of the transformer. A synchronous rectifier driver controls the conduction of the synchronous rectifier by adaptively adjusting a turn-off threshold of the synchronous rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hangseok Choi, Lei Chen, Cheng-Sung Chen
  • Patent number: 10027233
    Abstract: A single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) circuit has at least a circuit input node and a circuit common node, and includes an inductor, a first coupling capacitor, an isolation transformer, a controllable switch, a second coupling capacitor, and a clamp diode. The inductor is electrically connected in series between the circuit input node and the first coupling capacitor. The first coupling capacitor is connected in series between the inductor and the first primary input terminal. The controllable switch is electrically connected in series between an internal circuit node and the circuit common node, and the internal circuit node is located between the inductor and the first coupling capacitor. The second coupling capacitor is electrically connected in series between the second primary input terminal and the circuit common node. The clamp diode is electrically connected in series between the internal circuit node and the second primary input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pandu Ranga Rao Somarowthu, Sunit Kumar Saxena, Deepak Bhimrao Mahajan
  • Patent number: 10020749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power converter including a transformer; a current doubler including a switch element and connected to a secondary side of the transformer to double a current of the transformer according to an operation of the switch element; and a voltage resonator connected to the switch elements, wherein the voltage resonator includes a switch element and a capacitor which are connected to each other in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chunfeng Jin, Joo Suk Kang, Jae Sam Lee, Jung Hwan Choi, Dong Young Huh
  • Patent number: 10001796
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a low dropout linear voltage regulator, including: an amplifier, configured to have a first input end receiving a reference voltage, a second input end configured to receive a feedback voltage, and an output end connected to a first node; an output transistor, having a control end connected to the first node, a first end connected to a first power source potential, and a second end connected to a second node and configured to provide an output voltage; a feedback circuit, connected to the second node and configured to provide the feedback voltage according to the output voltage; and a compensation circuit, comprising at least one of a first compensation amplifier, a second compensation amplifier and a first variable current source. The compensation circuit detects and suppresses a voltage transient generated when a load switching from light to heavy occurs at the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: EverDisplay Optronics (Shanghai) Limited
    Inventor: Che-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 9998015
    Abstract: An insulated synchronous rectification DC/DC converter is provided. A feedback circuit drives a light-emitting element of a first photocoupler such that the output voltage VOUT of the DC/DC converter approaches a target voltage. A primary side controller is coupled to a light-receiving element of the first photocoupler, so as to switch on and off a switching transistor according to a feedback signal VFB. A synchronous rectification controller controls a synchronous rectification transistor. Upon detecting the occurrence of a switching-incapable state in the synchronous rectification transistor, a protection circuit instructs the primary side controller to stop the switching operation of the switching transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Hagino, Hiroki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 9991782
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for voltage regulation are disclosed. For an embodiment, a voltage regulator includes a power source block configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage to supply current to an output load, a storage capacitor, and an active filter configured to transfer energy between the output load and the storage capacitor. A conversion ratio of the active filter is controlled by a parameter related to the output voltage, and a conversion ratio of the power source block is at least partially controlled by a parameter related to the voltage on the storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: R2 Semiconductor
    Inventors: Edward Paul Coleman, Eric Bernard Rodal, Jonathan Audy, David Fisher
  • Patent number: 9973075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing adaptive input current control in an electronic device are provided, where the method may include the steps of: before limiting an input current of a regulator of the electronic device to a target current value, monitoring the input current of the regulator according to a reference current, and decreasing the reference current, to make the reference current change starting from one of a plurality of predetermined reference current values, wherein the input current is obtained from a power source; detecting an input voltage of the regulator to generate a detection signal, to selectively trigger limiting output power of the regulator; and at a time point when the reference current becomes smaller than the input current, limiting the input current of the regulator to the target current value with a latest reference current value of the reference current being utilized as the target current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Nien-Hui Kung, Kuo-Chang Lo, Chia-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9973097
    Abstract: A power supply system and related method for providing a regulated DC output from an unregulated AC input includes a Vienna rectifier having power factor correction circuitry and a series resonant DC to DC converter to provide a regulated DC output. The power supply system further includes one or more compensator circuits coupled in feedback configuration to control the Vienna rectifier and/or the DC to DC converter and avoid a potentially dangerous over-voltage condition at the regulated DC output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Warren J. Wambsganss
  • Patent number: 9960680
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for controlling a switch-mode power supply, and a method of operating the same. In an embodiment, it is determined whether or not a current of an inductor of the switching power supply has become less than or equal to a predetermined value. In an embodiment, a variable reference voltage is adjusted based on the current of the inductor and an output voltage. In an embodiment, a switch is turned off based on the inductor current, the output voltage, and the variable reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Miyamae
  • Patent number: 9960688
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) power supply, including a plurality of first printed circuit boards (PCBs) disposed on a primary side of the DC power supply, a plurality of alternating current (AC)/DC converter circuits having different potentials, each formed on a different one of the plurality of first PCBs, a second PCB disposed on a secondary side of the DC power supply, and a plurality of DC/DC converter circuits having an equal potential disposed on the second PCB. The AC/DC converter circuits are electrically connected in series and connected to an AC input of the DC power supply. The DC/DC converter circuits are electrically connected in parallel and connected to a DC output of the DC power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Fujita, Ryuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 9948200
    Abstract: A first capacitor is connected between first and second power supply lines. A reactor is connected in series with the first power supply line or the second power supply line. A single-phase AC voltage is applied to a rectifying circuit. The rectifying circuit, which includes the first capacitor and the reactor, outputs a rectified voltage to the first and second power supply lines. A buffer circuit includes a second capacitor provided between the first and second power supply lines. The buffer circuit discharges the second capacitor at a controllable duty ratio. A booster circuit boosts the rectified voltage to charge the second capacitor. A DC current to be input to the booster circuit is reduced more as a voltage across the reactor is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9941814
    Abstract: Method for detecting an islanding condition of a grid connected energy conversion system and related DC/AC converter apparatus, adapted to optimize performance in terms of preservation of the power quality, provide synchronized perturbation for all the inverters of a plant, provide shut down capability within the time requested by utilities and safety standards and provide immunity to grid frequency fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Luca Farese, Sauro Macerini
  • Patent number: 9941813
    Abstract: A multi-level inverter having at least two banks, each bank containing a plurality of low voltage MOSFET transistors. A processor configured to switch the plurality of low voltage MOSFET transistors in each bank to switch at multiple times during each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilan Yoscovich
  • Patent number: 9935559
    Abstract: A flyback converter is provided with a synchronous rectifier (SR) controller including a pulse linear regulator (PLR) charging path and an LDO charging path. The SR controller is configured to monitor the switching period and/or duty cycle of a power switch in the flyback converter to select between the PLR and LDO charging paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTORS INC.
    Inventors: Pengju Kong, Xiaye Wang, Wenbo Liang, Jianming Yao
  • Patent number: 9935554
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a power supply system including a transformer comprising a primary, secondary, and auxiliary winding that are magnetically coupled. The system also includes a switch stage that generates a current through the primary winding in response to activation of a switch based on a control signal that is generated based on a feedback voltage associated with the auxiliary winding. The current can be induced in the secondary winding. The system also includes an output stage coupled to the secondary winding and that generates an output voltage based on the current induced in the secondary winding. The system further includes a feedback stage coupled to the auxiliary winding and comprising a discriminator configured to determine a zero-current condition associated with the current induced in the auxiliary winding based on monitoring a change in slope of the feedback voltage and to measure the feedback voltage during the zero-current condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard L. Valley
  • Patent number: 9923483
    Abstract: A method of operating a transformerless inverter connected on the input side to a generator and on the output side to a multiphase AC grid and comprising a multi-phase inverter bridge with a switch between a midpoint of a DC intermediate circuit on the input side and a terminal for a neutral conductor of the multiphase AC grid, includes feeding electric power from the DC intermediate circuit into the AC grid by the inverter bridge with the switch closed when first operating conditions are present, and opening the switch when there is a transition from the first operating conditions to second operating conditions different from the first operating conditions. The method further includes feeding electric power from the DC intermediate circuit into the AC grid by the inverter bridge with the switch open when the second operating conditions are present, and closing the switch when there is a transition from the second operating conditions to the first operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Sven Bremicker
  • Patent number: 9917519
    Abstract: A switching power converter is configured to control switching noise by implementing a plurality of pulse width modulation modes of operation. The peak current in each pulse width modulation mode of operation is controlled so that an output power for the switching power converter is continuous with regard to transitions between the pulse width modulation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventors: John Shi, John Kesterson, Cong Zheng, Kai-Wen Chin
  • Patent number: 9899918
    Abstract: In a DC/DC converter, a driving method thereof, and a power supply using the same, the DC/DC converter includes a plurality of power switches connected as a serial string between an input terminal and a ground terminal, a first capacitor connected to at least two power switches of the serial string in parallel, an inductor connected between an intermediate node of the serial string and an output terminal, a second capacitor connected between the output terminal and the ground terminal, and a plurality of drivers configured to generate a switching control signal for each of the plurality of power switches. A voltage having no correlation with a voltage of the input terminal is supplied to a power terminal of each of the plurality of drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-chan Lee, Sung-woo Lee, Sang-hee Kang, Jung-wook Heo
  • Patent number: 9891650
    Abstract: A current generation circuit including a first and a second bipolar transistors, a current distribution circuit that makes a first current and a second current flow through the first and second bipolar transistors, respectively, the first current and the second current corresponding to a first control voltage, a first NMOS transistor disposed between the first bipolar transistor and the first current distribution circuit, a second NMOS transistor disposed between the second bipolar transistor and the first current distribution circuit, a first resistive element, a first operational amplifier that outputs the second control voltage to the gates of the first and the second NMOS transistors according to a drain voltage of the first NMOS transistor and a reference bias voltage, and a second operational amplifier that generates the first control voltage according to a drain voltage of the second NMOS transistor and the reference bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Motozawa, Yuichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 9893622
    Abstract: A multi-level, step-up converter circuit includes an inductor including one terminal in communication with an input voltage supply. N transistor pairs are connected in series, where N is an integer greater than one. First and second transistors of a first pair of the N transistor pairs are connected together at a node. The node is in communication with another terminal of the inductor. Third and fourth transistors of a second pair of the N transistor pairs are connected to the first and second transistors, respectively. (N?1) capacitors have terminals connected between the N transistor pairs, respectively. An output capacitor has a terminal in communication with at least one transistor of the N transistor pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Serhii Mikhailovich Zhak, Mark Anthony Belch, Brett A. Miwa, David Harrington, Jonathan King