Abstract: A solar array system is described having a solar array 31 divided into sections 33, 35, 37, 39 connected by switches 43, 45, 47, 49 to an output bus 51. The switches can be opened and closed so the system operates at its maximum power point. The system can be used, for example, to power satellites.

Abstract: A switching current converter is connected in parallel with each controlled power switch in an electric circuit so that it is allowed to operate from the input voltage and transfer energy from input to output during the turn-on periods of the controlled power switch, whereby each power switch is allowed to be turned ON when a near-to-zero voltage is present across it. The switching converter serves as an active power switch stress relieving means, resulting in minimizing the switching loss in the power switch while providing the energy for operation of the power switch in a very efficient way.

Abstract: Two switching circuits are connected between the gate and the source electrode of a field effect transistor, each of said circuits comprising a controlled switch and a secondary winding of a pulse transformer. A first pulse generator produces at a predetermined rate a pulse having a first logic state for driving the controlled switch of a first of said switching circuits, said pulse being applied to a transformer primary winding, and a second pulse generator produces at a predetermined rate a pulse having a second logic state which is complementary to the logic state of the pulse produced by the first pulse generator, for driving the controlled switch of the second switching circuit, each primary winding being magnetically coupled with a secondary winding.

Abstract: A low dissipation shunt or series regulator apparatus is described comprising dump switching means coupled in parallel to each power source, which dump switching means is arranged for being responsive to a control signal produced by comparator means arranged for comparing the level of the error signal with a respective reference level. Each power source has its output connected to the reference level input of the corresponding comparator through feedback circuit means in order to set two operation thresholds for the comparator, thereby allowing each dump switching means to switch cyclically between two states, a first state serving to short the corresponding power source and a second state serving to allow the power source to provide current to the load.