Abstract: An apparatus configured to, in respect of an electronic device comprising a battery for powering the electronic device and a charger configured to receive a mains power supply and, when connected to the electronic device, provide a power output to charge the battery, based on a determination of a failure of a request to increase the power output of the charger to the battery of the electronic device, the failure comprising where at least a requested increase of the power output of the charger by a first predetermined amount fails to yield an increase in the power output of the charger equal to the first predetermined amount within a threshold amount, provide an indication to the electronic device that the charger is disconnected from the mains power supply for causing the electronic device to indicate that the charger is disconnected from the mains power supply to a user of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to, in respect of an electronic device comprising a battery for powering the electronic device and a charger configured to receive a mains power supply and, when connected to the electronic device, provide a power output to charge the battery, based on a determination of a failure of a request to increase the power output of the charger to the battery of the electronic device, the failure comprising where at least a requested increase of the power output of the charger by a first predetermined amount fails to yield an increase in the power output of the charger equal to the first predetermined amount within a threshold amount, provide an indication to the electronic device that the charger is disconnected from the mains power supply for causing the electronic device to indicate that the charger is disconnected from the mains power supply to a user of the electronic device.

Abstract: Consistent with an example embodiment, a resonant converter comprises a signalling transformer that is used to transfer information between the secondary winding and primary winding of the converter whilst maintaining mains isolation between the two sides. In the embodiment, according to the disclosure, the use of a signalling transformer (in addition to a switching, or resonant, transformer) eliminates the need for an opto-coupler to transfer information and so allows for the construction of a simpler, more reliable and/or cheaper resonant converter. Other embodiments described herein may be suitable for use in dimmable LED driver applications, for example.

Abstract: Consistent with an example embodiment, a resonant converter comprises a signalling transformer that is used to transfer information between the secondary winding and primary winding of the converter whilst maintaining mains isolation between the two sides. In the embodiment, according to the disclosure, the use of a signalling transformer (in addition to a switching, or resonant, transformer) eliminates the need for an opto-coupler to transfer information and so allows for the construction of a simpler, more reliable and/or cheaper resonant converter. Other embodiments described herein may be suitable for use in dimmable LED driver applications, for example.

Abstract: A lamp is operated with main and auxiliary amalgams. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a lamp includes an auxiliary amalgam-based material that releases mercury at an elevated temperature that is above an operating temperature of the lamp, and that absorbs mercury at temperatures below the elevated temperature. During a start-up period, the auxiliary amalgam-based material is heated to cause the material to release mercury for generating light in the lamp. After the start-up period, the auxiliary amalgam-based material is allowed to cool below the elevated temperature and absorb mercury, while the lamp continues to operate for generating light using a main amalgam.

Abstract: A half bridge resonant topology ballast for use with a fluorescent lamp includes a resonant tank and a resonance inductor having a secondary winding. The secondary winding is arranged for series connection to the fluorescent lamp, and the secondary winding provides a voltage that reduces the resonant tank voltage.

Abstract: A lamp is operated with main and auxiliary amalgams. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a lamp includes an auxiliary amalgam-based material that releases mercury at an elevated temperature that is above an operating temperature of the lamp, and that absorbs mercury at temperatures below the elevated temperature. During a start-up period, the auxiliary amalgam-based material is heated to cause the material to release mercury for generating light in the lamp. After the start-up period, the auxiliary amalgam-based material is allowed to cool below the elevated temperature and absorb mercury, while the lamp continues to operate for generating light using a main amalgam.