Abstract: In an embodiment, during an overload or short circuit condition, a current limit circuit of an inverter is utilized in a pulse-by-pulse manner, which in turn causes the AC output of the inverter to operate in a hiccup mode (e.g., pulse-by-pulse based on and off dependent upon the output current) and automatically recover once the operating parameters (e.g., output current) are within the proper ranges. The pulse-by-pulse current limit circuit is configured to protect the switching circuits of the inverter from shorting or device failure during any peak operating voltage conditions by ensuring on/off timing accuracy of the inverter.

Abstract: A voltage transient protection utilizes Zener diodes, resisters, and a power MOSFET to clamp down the DC spike or surged voltage at the input and prevent damage to the inverter's DC power and control section. The input reverse polarity protection utilizes blocking diodes and a switch to cut off reverse voltage and prevent damage to the DC power and control section of the inverter. Once the surge voltage and/or reverse voltage conditions have been removed, the inverter will automatically recover and power on. In addition, an AC output interlock protection circuit is in place to provide safety protection to the external load. The AC output interlock protection circuit utilizes interlock jumpers on the mating connectors, which when detected (or in response to a control signal), it will activate the internal power relays and enable the AC output voltage to the terminals coupled to the external load.

Abstract: Techniques for high performance inverter charger systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a power supply system includes, but is not limited to, an inverter to generate an AC (alternating current) output based on a DC (direct current) input, a current sensing circuit coupled to the inverter to sense an amount of current drawn from the inverter, and a microcontroller coupled to the inverter and the current sensing circuit to reduce the AC output of the inverter according to a predetermined algorithm stored within the microcontroller, in response to a detection that the amount of current drops below a predetermined threshold. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a battery capacity are described. According to one embodiment, an exemplary method includes generating virtual calibration data of the battery based on one or more characteristics of the battery, determining a virtual open circuit voltage (Voc) of the battery while the battery is being used, and estimating the capacity of the battery based on the determined virtual open circuit voltage of the battery and the virtual calibration data of the battery, while the battery is being used.