Patents Examined by Nguyen Tran
  • Patent number: 11735996
    Abstract: A method controls a converter assembly which has a line-commutated converter. The line-commutated converter has an alternating voltage terminal which can be connected via a phase conductor to an alternating voltage network. The converter assembly further has a switch module branch which is arranged serially in the phase conductor and which contains a series circuit of switch modules at each of the terminals of which bipolar voltages can be generated which add up to a branch voltage. A connection voltage to a connection point between the switch module branch and the converter is controlled by adjusting an amplitude of a positive sequence component of the branch voltage. The converter assembly is configured to carry out a control method for controlling the converter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sanad Al-Areqi, Adnan Chaudhry, Stefan Hammer, Volker Hussennether
  • Patent number: 11733725
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a voltage regulator includes a transistor having a load current path connecting an input node with an output node, wherein the input node is configured to receive an input voltage and the output node is configured to provide an output voltage. The voltage regulator further includes a main control loop coupled between the output node and a control electrode of the transistor and configured to control a voltage applied to the control electrode so that the output voltage matches a set-point. Furthermore, the voltage regulator includes a supplemental control loop that is coupled between the output node and the control electrode of the transistor and configured to detect a transient in the output voltage and to adjust the voltage applied to the control electrode in response to the detection of a transient. A corresponding method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Cristian-Valentin Raducan, Alina-Teodora Cirlescu, Marius-Georghe Neag
  • Patent number: 11726455
    Abstract: An interface arrangement for connecting at least one control device to a plurality of field instruments, includes: a carrier board having a plurality of signal channels, and a connector designed for electrical and mechanical connection to a second, complementary connector of a signal processing device, being arranged between a first and a second connecting device of each signal channel. Each signal channel has an electrical interface which is designed for releasable connection of respective surge protection modules, each interface electrically connected to an electrical resistor and to a surge arrester which is arranged at least partially on and/or in the carrier board and is designed for arresting surge voltages and/or surge currents which may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Klimmek, Felix Schulte
  • Patent number: 11709519
    Abstract: Provided is a reference voltage circuit configured to supply a reference voltage in which a variation in voltage with respect to a variation in power supply voltage is suppressed. The reference voltage circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit which includes an output line for supplying a generated reference voltage to an output terminal; and an output control circuit which includes an output transistor and a stabilization transistor, and is configured to control the supply of the reference voltage to the output terminal, the output transistor containing a gate to which a control voltage is to be provided, the stabilization transistor containing a gate to be connected to a source of the output transistor, and a source to be connected to a drain of the output transistor, and having a gate-source voltage that is equal to or more than a dram-source voltage in a saturation region of the output transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: ABLIC INC.
    Inventor: Yoshiomi Shiina
  • Patent number: 11709514
    Abstract: A voltage regulator is provided wherein electricity flows through a second transistor in an operating state in which a control unit) applies an operating voltage to a base of the second transistor. A Zener diode sets, in the operating state, a voltage of a second conductive path to a voltage corresponding to a voltage across the Zener diode. A current corresponding to an addition value obtained by adding a value of a current flowing through a second resistor portion in the operating state, a value of a current flowing through a third resistor portion in the operating state, and a value of a current flowing through the Zener diode in the operating state flows through a ground-side resistor portion. A control unit stops the output of the operating voltage when a voltage of the second conductive path is lower than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Shimamoto, Yuuki Sugisawa
  • Patent number: 11703899
    Abstract: A voltage regulator, including an amplifier, a voltage setting circuit and a power transistor, is provided. The amplifier includes a first current source and a second current source. The amplifier has two input terminals to respectively receive a reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The first current source is coupled between the operating power source and an output terminal of the amplifier, and provides a first current to the output terminal. The second current source is coupled between the output terminal and a reference ground terminal, and draws a second current from the output terminal. The voltage setting circuit is coupled to the output terminal, and increases a driving voltage on the output terminal according to the first current in a voltage bypass mode. The power transistor receives the driving voltage and generates an output voltage according to the driving voltage based on the operating power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ALi Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Hsu, Andrew Yang Lee
  • Patent number: 11695270
    Abstract: The disclosure features circuits and methods for protecting transistors of a wireless power receiver, which can be controlled by gate drivers powered by an auxiliary power source. The circuit can include a comparator configured to generate a signal indicating a comparison of a value of the auxiliary power source to a predetermined threshold, and a fault latch coupled to the comparator. The fault latch can be configured to trigger based on the generated signal and transmit a signal to respective inputs of the gate drivers to cause a latched-on state of respective gates of the transistors. Switches respectively coupled to the gate drivers can be configured to disconnect respective outputs of the gate drivers from the respective transistor gates. Gate hold-up circuits respectively coupled to the respective transistor gates can be configured to maintain the latched-on state of the respective transistor gates for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Conor Rochford, Milisav Danilovic
  • Patent number: 11689101
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for adding a Current Mode signal into a Voltage Mode controller for fixed-frequency DC-to-DC power converters. A current-controlled voltage source (CCVS) generates a voltage proportional to the power converter output current, which voltage is combined with a comparison signal generated by comparing a target output voltage to the actual output voltage. The modified comparison signal generates a pulse-width modulation control signal that regulates the power converter output as a function of output voltage and some portion of output current. With the addition of an inductor current signal into the controller Voltage Mode feedback loop, the double pole predominant in constant conduction mode (CCM) mode can be smoothed over to improve stability, while discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) loop response is largely unchanged with or without the added Current Mode signal. Embodiments enable simplified compensation while covering a wider operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: pSemi Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Zanchi, Tim Wen Hui Yu, Gregory Szczeszynski
  • Patent number: 11687109
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for identifying defective components in a power integrated circuit. In one such system, a voltage regulator circuit is embedded in an integrated circuit device, wherein the voltage regulator circuit includes a control feedback loop having a compensation capacitor that is configured to maintain a stable output voltage of the voltage regulator voltage at a set value or range. Additionally, a test circuitry is embedded in the integrated circuit device, wherein the test circuitry comprises a voltage source that is configured to generate a cyclical test input signal that passes through the control feedback loop. Accordingly, the test circuitry is configured to provide a test output signal to an output pin of the integrated circuit device that indicates a performance level of the compensation capacitor in the control feedback loop of the voltage regulator circuit. Other systems and methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: William R Eisenstadt, Anurag Tulsiram
  • Patent number: 11687107
    Abstract: This application relates to voltage regulators and, particular, to low-dropout regulators (LDOs). The regulator (300) has an output stage (102) which receives an input voltage (Vin) and outputs an output voltage (Vout) and which includes at least one transistor (103) as an output device configured to pass an output current to the output, based on a drive voltage (V1). A differential amplifier (101) is configured to receive a feedback signal derived from the output voltage and also a reference voltage (REF) to generate an amplifier output to control the drive voltage (V1) to minimise any difference between the feedback signal and the reference voltage. A controller (301) is operable to selectively reconfigure the output stage to provide a change in output current in response to a load activity signal (ACT), which is indicative of a change in load activity that results in a change in load current demand for a load connected, in use, to the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Melanson, John P. Lesso
  • Patent number: 11689107
    Abstract: A high voltage power system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the high voltage power system includes a high voltage pulsing power supply; a transformer electrically coupled with the high voltage pulsing power supply; an output electrically coupled with the transformer and configured to output high voltage pulses with an amplitude greater than 1 kV and a frequency greater than 1 kHz; and a bias compensation circuit arranged in parallel with the output. In some embodiments, the bias compensation circuit can include a blocking diode; and a DC power supply arranged in series with the blocking diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Eagle Harbor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Ziemba, Ilia Slobodov, Alex Henson, Morgan Quinley, John Carscadden, James Prager, Kenneth Miller
  • Patent number: 11684060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a weed inactivation device, comprising at least one electrode, whereby at least one electrode is directed to the weed. The electrode is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical power supply, containing an h-bridge inverter for DC/AC conversion to create rectangular wave AC-current. The inversion takes place at frequencies above 1.0 kHz. The weed activation device enables weed control without utilization of poisonous herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Zasso Group AG
    Inventors: Sergio De Andrade Coutinho Filho, Jose Antenor Pomilio, Bruno Valverde, Diego Teruo Mendes De Souza
  • Patent number: 11683008
    Abstract: A photovoltaic inverter, a photovoltaic system, and a method for controlling discharging are provided. The photovoltaic inverter includes a first DCDC converter, an inverter circuit, a first discharging circuit, and a controller. A port capacitor is connected between a positive input end and a negative input end of the first DCDC converter. The port capacitor includes an X capacitor and a first group of Y capacitors. The first discharging circuit is connected between a common terminal of the first group of Y capacitors and a direct current bus, where the common terminal of the first group of Y capacitors is grounded. The controller is configured to control, when receiving a rapid shutdown instruction, the first discharging circuit to operate. The first discharging circuit is configured to discharge electrical energy of the port capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xinyu Wang, Anying Jiang, Shun Ding, Yanfei Yu, Xiaoxun Li
  • Patent number: 11682973
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first timer configured to determine a turn-off time of a first high-side switch of a buck-boost converter, and a second timer configured to determine a turn-off time of a second low-side switch of the buck-boost converter based on a comparison between a first signal and a second signal, the first signal being proportional to an input voltage of the buck-boost converter, and the second signal being generated based on a signal proportional to an output voltage of the buck-boost converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: M3 Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Xiaoyu Xi, David Meng
  • Patent number: 11677320
    Abstract: Boot-strapping systems and techniques for circuits are described. One or more solid-state switches of a switched regulation circuit may be implemented using core transistors and the boot-strapping systems, rather than I/O transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Empower Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Oak, Timothy A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 11677231
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single-phase reclosing method, device and storage medium for AC/DC system. The method comprises: acquiring three-phase voltages at inverter-side AC bus close to the transformer, three-phase currents measured at the outlet of inverter-side AC line and three-phase voltages at inverter-side AC bus far from the transformer; calculating the energy calculation value and energy operation value of the fault line; identifying the fault nature of fault line within the maximum time delay, according to the energy calculation value and energy operation value of fault line and an energy criterion of transient/permanent fault; issuing a reclosing control signal based on the fault nature of fault line to realize effective reclosing of the fault line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NORTH CHINA ELECTRIC POWER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jing Ma, Chen Liu, Jiaming Zhang, Min Zhang
  • Patent number: 11670943
    Abstract: A control method of a power control device includes: receiving power from a power supply, distributing the power to at least one of a plurality of power conversion systems (PCSs), and transferring the power to a load using the at least one PCS. The power is distributed based on a load amount of power of each of the plurality of PCSs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seungwook Hyun, Sunyoung Park, Changjin Lim, Jungmin Kim
  • Patent number: 11671023
    Abstract: A power supply control circuit for a switch mode power supply converter, and a power supply control method using the control circuit. The control circuit includes an auxiliary boosting unit, a main control unit and an auxiliary winding unit. The main control unit is configured to control the power switch in a power stage circuit to turn on or to be off, and to supply power to the auxiliary boosting unit. The auxiliary boosting unit is configured to provide auxiliary power for the main control unit, and to self-adaptively adjust the auxiliary boosting unit's own average switching frequency based on a load state of the main control unit. The auxiliary winding unit is configured to couple energy by means of a magnetic element in the power stage circuit, to generate an output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Wuxi Chipown Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Tao, Haijun Zhou, Haisong Li, Yangbo Yi, Wei Gao, Hongxing Li
  • Patent number: 11669116
    Abstract: A low dropout regulator includes a proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) circuit, an amplification circuit, and an output circuit. The PTAT circuit outputs one current, and the amplification circuit outputs one or more currents. The one or more currents are outputted by the amplification circuit based on collector-emitter voltages associated with transistors of the PTAT circuit. Alternatively, the one or more currents are outputted by the amplification circuit based on the current outputted by the PTAT circuit and the collector-emitter voltages associated with the transistors of the PTAT circuit. The output circuit generates one or more output voltages based on at least one of a base-emitter voltage associated with a transistor of the PTAT circuit and a current of the one or more currents outputted by the amplification circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Sushil Kumar Gupta, Pankaj Agrawal
  • Patent number: 11664729
    Abstract: A power-supply module according to the present embodiment comprises a capacitor and a switching circuit. The switching circuit comprises a plurality of switching elements, and is configured to charge the capacitor by using an input voltage with a combination of connection and disconnection of the switching elements, and output an output voltage that is different from the input voltage. The capacitor is a silicon capacitor, and each of the switching elements is a transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Kameda