Abstract: An energy storage device includes buck and boost switches that charge and discharge a charge storage element (e.g. a supercapacitor or ultracapacitor) over a broad voltage range. Integrated charge limiting prevents the storage element from sinking a potentially damaging level of current. Pulse-width modulated control signals are combined with higher-frequency signals to allow the resulting modulated control signals to pass through relatively small, inexpensive isolation transformers. Pairs of control signals may be combined to produce composite control signals that turn power switches on and off, or may be used to separately turn the power switches on and off.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: A transformer housing encompasses a core and both primary and secondary windings. The primary or secondary windings can be incorporated into the housing, and the housing itself can provide a center tap for the transformer.

Abstract: A transformer housing encompasses a core and both primary and secondary windings. The primary or secondary windings can be incorporated into the housing, and the housing itself can provide a center tap for the transformer.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: A two-stage high power converter produces a highly regulated DC voltage from unregulated DC input. The first stage, having a plurality of interleaved buck regulators connected in parallel, converts unregulated DC voltage into regulated DC current. The second stage comprises a bridge for receiving the regulated current from the first stage, and converting it into AC voltage, which is in turn applied a step-up transformer. The secondary voltage of the transformer is rectified and filtered to produce low noise DC voltage. A method of converting unregulated DC voltage into regulated DC voltage comprises paralleling a plurality of interleaved buck regulators, where each of the buck regulators includes a switch. Each of the switches is controlled to operate at the same set frequency equal to two times the bridge operating frequency divided by the number of interleaved buck regulators. The combined current from interleaved buck regulators is fed to the bridge.