Patents by Inventor Ching-Chuan Kuo

Ching-Chuan Kuo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11689108
    Abstract: A controller includes a first sensing pin receiving a first sensing signal indicating a level of an input voltage of a resonant converter, a second sensing pin receiving a second sensing signal indicating a level of an input current of the resonant converter, a feedback pin receiving a feedback signal indicating a level of an output voltage of the resonant converter, and a first driving pin and a second driving pin controlling a high side switch and a low side switch of the resonant converter, respectively. The controller generates a compensated signal based on the first sensing signal, compares the compensated signal with a peak value of the second sensing signal to generate a first comparison result, compares the feedback signal with a threshold to generate a second comparison result, and controls the high side low side switches based on the first and the second comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Sin-Yan Wu, Sheng-Tai Lee, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20230136279
    Abstract: A controller includes a first sensing pin receiving a first sensing signal indicating a level of an input voltage of a resonant converter, a second sensing pin receiving a second sensing signal indicating a level of an input current of the resonant converter, a feedback pin receiving a feedback signal indicating a level of an output voltage of the resonant converter, and a first driving pin and a second driving pin controlling a high side switch and a low side switch of the resonant converter, respectively. The controller generates a compensated signal based on the first sensing signal, compares the compensated signal with a peak value of the second sensing signal to generate a first comparison result, compares the feedback signal with a threshold to generate a second comparison result, and controls the high side low side switches based on the first and the second comparison results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan KUO, Sin-Yan WU, Sheng-Tai LEE, Yung-Lin LIN
  • Patent number: 10757770
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit includes a rectifier operable for rectifying a voltage from a power source and providing a rectified voltage, a power converter coupled to the rectifier and operable for receiving the rectified voltage and providing an output current, and a light source module coupled to the power converter and powered by the output current. The light source module includes a first light source having a first color, a second light source having a second color, and a current allocation unit coupled to the first light source and the second light source. The current allocation unit is operable for adjusting a current through the first light source and a current through the second light source based on the output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventor: Ching Chuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20200084851
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit includes a rectifier operable for rectifying a voltage from a power source and providing a rectified voltage, a power converter coupled to the rectifier and operable for receiving the rectified voltage and providing an output current, and a light source module coupled to the power converter and powered by the output current. The light source module includes a first light source having a first color, a second light source having a second color, and a current allocation unit coupled to the first light source and the second light source. The current allocation unit is operable for adjusting a current through the first light source and a current through the second light source based on the output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 9888544
    Abstract: A method for powering a load by a light source driving circuit is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a first sensing signal indicative of an average current flowing through the load; generating a first temperature detecting signal indicative of an ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit; and adjusting the average current flowing through the load based on the first temperature detecting signal and the first sensing signal to make the average current flowing through the load to be inversely proportional to the ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit if the ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit is between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhe Su, Juan Zhao, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 9781793
    Abstract: A circuit for driving a light source includes a power converter coupled between a power source and the light source, and a controller coupled to the power converter. The power converter receives power from the power source and provides a regulated power to the light source. The controller receives a conduction status signal indicating a conduction state of a dimmer coupled between the power source and the power converter, and adjusts the brightness of the light source based on the conduction status signal. The controller also receives an operation indicating signal indicative of operation of an ON/OFF switch coupled to the dimmer, and adjusts color temperature of the light source based on the operation indicating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: 02Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiesheng Yan, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Ying-Chieh Su
  • Patent number: 9660539
    Abstract: A switching power supply includes a power converter which includes a transformer and a switch, a current sensor, a switch controller and a compensation resistor. The current sensor is operable for generating a current monitoring signal indicating a current through a primary winding of the transformer. The switch controller is operable for receiving a feedback signal indicating an output voltage of the power converter, generating a driving signal based on the feedback signal to control an input power and an output power of the transformer, receiving a line voltage signal indicating an input voltage of the power converter, and generating a compensation current corresponding to a peak value of the line voltage signal. The compensation resistor is coupled between the current sensor and the switch controller. A voltage of the current monitoring signal is inversely proportional to the input voltage under control of the compensation current and the compensation resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: 02Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Zhimou Ren, Ying-Chieh Su, Jun Ren, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yunning Xie, Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 9439255
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit for powering a first light source and a second light source by a DC voltage includes a first control circuitry and a second control circuitry. If the DC voltage is within a first range, then the first control circuitry controls a first switch and the second control circuitry controls a second switch to turn on the first light source and to regulate a current flowing through the first light source. If the DC voltage is within a second range, then the first control circuitry controls a third switch and the second control circuitry controls a fourth switch to turn on the first light source and the second light source and to regulate a current flowing through the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: 02Micro Inc
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Xueshan Liu
  • Publication number: 20160226388
    Abstract: A switching power supply includes a power converter which includes a transformer and a switch, a current sensor, a switch controller and a compensation resistor. The current sensor is operable for generating a current monitoring signal indicating a current through a primary winding of the transformer. The switch controller is operable for receiving a feedback signal indicating an output voltage of the power converter, generating a driving signal based on the feedback signal to control an input power and an output power of the transformer, receiving a line voltage signal indicating an input voltage of the power converter, and generating a compensation current corresponding to a peak value of the line voltage signal. The compensation resistor is coupled between the current sensor and the switch controller. A voltage of the current monitoring signal is inversely proportional to the input voltage under control of the compensation current and the compensation resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Zhimou REN, Ying-Chieh SU, Jun REN, Ching-Chuan KUO, Yunning XIE, Feng LIN
  • Patent number: 9402286
    Abstract: A circuit includes a bridge circuit, a converter, and a controller. The bridge circuit receives power from first and second power lines of a switch and generates a rectified voltage. The switch is capable of operating in a first state in which the switch conducts power to the first power line but not the second power line, a second state in which the switch conducts power to the second power line but not the first power line, and a third state in which the switch conducts power to both the first and second power lines. The converter converts the rectified voltage to an output voltage to drive a light source, and controls a current through the light source according to a driving signal. The controller monitors the operation state of the switch and generates the driving signal based on the operation state to control brightness/dimming of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Tiesheng Yan, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 9386653
    Abstract: A driving circuit for driving a light source having an adjustable color temperature is provided. The driving circuit includes a power converter, coupled between a power source and the light source and operable for receiving power from the power source and for providing a regulated power to the light source; and a color temperature controller, coupled to the power converter and operable for receiving a switch monitoring signal indicative of an operation of a power switch coupled between the power source and the power converter, and for adjusting the color temperature of the light source based on the switch monitoring signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Feng Lin, Ying-Chieh Su
  • Publication number: 20160192456
    Abstract: A method for powering a load by a light source driving circuit is disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a first sensing signal indicative of an average current flowing through the load; generating a first temperature detecting signal indicative of an ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit; and adjusting the average current flowing through the load based on the first temperature detecting signal and the first sensing signal to make the average current flowing through the load to be inversely proportional to the ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit if the ambient temperature of the light source driving circuit is between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Xinhe SU, Juan ZHAO, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Publication number: 20160143096
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit for powering a first light source and a second light source by a DC voltage includes a first control circuitry and a second control circuitry. If the DC voltage is within a first range, then the first control circuitry controls a first switch and the second control circuitry controls a second switch to turn on the first light source and to regulate a current flowing through the first light source. If the DC voltage is within a second range, then the first control circuitry controls a third switch and the second control circuitry controls a fourth switch to turn on the first light source and the second light source and to regulate a current flowing through the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Yung Lin LIN, Ching-Chuan KUO, Xueshan LIU
  • Publication number: 20160088697
    Abstract: A circuit for driving a light source includes a power converter coupled between a power source and the light source, and a controller coupled to the power converter. The power converter receives power from the power source and provides a regulated power to the light source. The controller receives a conduction status signal indicating a conduction state of a dimmer coupled between the power source and the power converter, and adjusts the brightness of the light source based on the conduction status signal. The controller also receives an operation indicating signal indicative of operation of an ON/OFF switch coupled to the dimmer, and adjusts color temperature of the light source based on the operation indicating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Tiesheng YAN, Ching-Chuan KUO, Ying-Chieh SU
  • Patent number: 9253843
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a power converter, a dimming controller and a current path coupled to the dimming controller. The power converter receives input power from a rectifier and provides output power to a light source. A power switch transfers power from an AC power source to the rectifier when the power switch is on. The dimming controller receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of the state of the power switch. An average current flowing through the light source has a first value if the power switch is on. The dimming controller is operable for adjusting the average current based on the switch monitoring signal. A current flows from the AC power source through the current path to ground when the power switch is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: 02Micro Inc
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai Lee, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 9232591
    Abstract: A dimming controller can operate in a first mode or a second mode to control dimming of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. The dimming controller can include a voltage control terminal and a current control terminal. The voltage control terminal provides a pulse signal when the dimming controller operates in the first mode to operate a control switch in either a first state or a second state. A first current flowing through the LED light source increases when the control switch is in the first state and decreases when the control switch is in the second state. The voltage control terminal provides a control signal to the control switch to cut off the first current when the dimming controller operates in the second mode. The current control terminal conducts a second current through the LED light source when the dimming controller operates in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yung Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 9030122
    Abstract: A driving circuit for controlling power of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a transformer, a switch controller, and a dimming controller. The transformer has a primary winding that receives input power from an AC/DC converter and a secondary winding that provides output power to the LED light source. The switch controller coupled between an optical coupler and the primary winding receives a feedback signal indicative of a target level of a current flowing through the LED light source from the optical coupler, and controls input power to the primary winding according to the feedback signal. The dimming controller coupled to the secondary winding receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of an operation of a power switch coupled between an AC power source and the AC/DC converter, and regulates the output power by adjusting the feedback signal according to the switch monitoring signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiesheng Yan, Feng Lin, Youling Li, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 9030121
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving light sources, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a lamp includes a rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the switch is controlled linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching Chuan Kuo, Sheng Tai Lee
  • Publication number: 20150022109
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a power converter, a dimming controller and a current path coupled to the dimming controller. The power converter receives input power from a rectifier and provides output power to a light source. A power switch transfers power from an AC power source to the rectifier when the power switch is on. The dimming controller receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of the state of the power switch. An average current flowing through the light source has a first value if the power switch is on. The dimming controller is operable for adjusting the average current based on the switch monitoring signal. A current flows from the AC power source through the current path to ground when the power switch is off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai LEE, Ching-Chuan KUO, Yung-Lin LIN
  • Patent number: D778708
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ruei-Jie Jeng, Ching-Chuan Kuo