Abstract: A power controller includes a plurality of power supply output circuits and a multi-level converter connected to the plurality of power supply output circuits to receive a plurality of sets of voltages. The multi-level converter is configured to supply power to a load from a plurality of output terminals. An observer module is operably coupled to the multi-level converter to selectively control multi-level converter common-mode voltage with respect to the plurality of power supply output terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing electrical power through two terminals to a load wherein a portion of a LC filter circuit is connectable to each of the terminals. A feedback circuit having a sense capacitor is operably couplable to both portions of the LC output filter. The feedback circuit provides a feedback signal when a frequency of AC voltage across the sense capacitor substantially reaches the resonant frequency of the LC output filter so as to actively damp the voltage across the load.

Abstract: Active damping of voltage across a LC output filter includes providing a feedback signal from a feedback circuit in relation to operation substantially at a resonant frequency of the LC circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for commutating a brushless direct current motor having a set of stator windings and a rotor movable relative to the set of stator windings includes sensing a position of the rotor relative to the set of stator windings with a position sensor and providing a sensor signal indicative of the position. The position signal is monitored with a commutation state machine and/or a hysteresis generator. The stator windings are commutated as a function of the commutation state. machine and/or the hysteresis generator and a position of the rotor.

Abstract: A system controller for a controllable system having an inherent time delay includes a delay module that receives a command input and provides a first output signal delayed in time from the command input. A feed-forward module also receives the command input, or a function thereof, and provides a second output signal intended to drive the system to a desired state. A first summer receives the delayed output signal and a feedback signal from the controllable system. The first summer combines the delayed signal and the feedback signal to provide a third output signal. A compensator module receives the third output signal and provides a fourth output signal. A second summer receives the second output signal and the fourth output signal. The second summer combines the second output signal and the fourth output signal to provide an input signal for the controllable system.

Abstract: A pulse-width modulated (PWM) circuit alternately applies voltage from a power supply across a load, and alternately establishes one or more non-powered, closed paths for freewheeling current. The circuit includes pairs of switches connected to the load and also connected to the power supply. PWM signals derived from a command signal drive the switches in such a manner as to create the freewheeling current paths in a desired pattern and sequence. The circuit effectively reduces ripple current in the load while also substantially reducing the amount of current flowing through the power supply filter capacitor. Thus, the size and rating of the power supply can be reduced. One can use the invention to drive a load in a multiple-phase environment, and also in the context of a three-phase trapezoidal drive.

Abstract: A pulse-width modulated (PWM) circuit alternately applies voltage from a power supply across a load, and alternately establishes one or more non-powered, closed paths for freewheeling current. The circuit includes pairs of switches connected to the load and also connected to the power supply. PWM signals derived from a command signal drive the switches in such a manner as to create the freewheeling current paths in a desired pattern and sequence. The circuit effectively reduces ripple current in the load while also substantially reducing the amount of current flowing through the power supply filter capacitor. Thus, the size and rating of the power supply can be reduced. One can use the invention to drive a load in a multiple-phase environment, and also in the context of a three-phase trapezoidal drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an amplifier regulates the current through a load according to a drive signal having first and second states and comprises switchless sensing means and polarity correction means. The switchless sensing means provides a sense signal continuously representative of the magnitude of the current through the load without the use of switching circuitry. The polarity correction means is directly coupled to the sensing means and receives the sense signal and is responsive to the status of the drive signal for providing an analog signal continuously representative of both the instantaneous magnitude and polarity of the current through the load.