Abstract: A multi-step, alternating current power supply that provides for a failed-operation redundancy safety system that compensates for a short-circuited power switch and maintains an AC regulated output voltage without introducing undesirable harmonic components. The firing and logic controller 33 senses a short-circuited power switch 46 within an inverter bridge 32 and disables all complementary power switches 48 within the faulted bridge and enables the remaining power switches 50 in the faulted bridge. The firing sequence is adjusted for the remaining healthy power switches 52 by increasing the phase shift of the individual waveforms 54. The generator voltage is increased as required to maintain the desired AC voltage output level 56.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing AC/DC conversion to provide a regulated DC output with reduced distortion of the AC supply waveform. An AC supply is filtered and rectified to provide a DC signal. A plurality of flyback circuits, each having a series connection of a switch and a first winding which is connected in parallel to the rectifier circuit, as well as a second winding which is inductively related to the first winding, are provided. The second winding from each flyback circuit is connected in parallel through ORing diodes to form an output. The switches in each flyback circuit are repeatedly enabled and disabled in sequence. The first winding in each flyback circuit is energized from the DC signal when the respective series switch is enabled. When the switch is disabled, the inductively related second winding is energized. The combined output from each of the second windings provides a regulated DC signal.

Abstract: A combination exciter/permanent magnet generator for a brushless generator system features a permanent magnet generator wound directly on the exciter structure, while allowing the permanent magnet generator and exciter to be functionally independent of each other. The arrangement is such that the permanent magnet generator provides sufficient voltage under a wide range of speed, load and temperature conditions to turn on power transistors included in a voltage regulator associated with the generator system and to insure adequate system self build-up to a required output voltage without increasing the size of the system as would otherwise be the case.