Patents by Inventor Felix Weidner
Felix Weidner 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).
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Patent number: 11656294Abstract: A method for providing battery diagnostics includes: measuring a first voltage across a first battery cell of a rechargeable battery via a first measurement path of a network using a first measurement circuit, measuring the first voltage including taking at least one first voltage sample during a first time period using the first measurement circuit; measuring a second voltage across the first battery cell via a second measurement path of the network using a second measurement circuit, measuring the second voltage including taking at least one second voltage sample during the first time period using the second measurement circuit, where the second measurement path of the network is different from the first measurement path of the network; comparing the measured first voltage with the measured second voltage; and generating a diagnostic output signal based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Felix Weidner, Jesus Ruiz Sevillano, Maximilian Hofer
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Patent number: 11561247Abstract: A device configured to monitor a voltage at a voltage rail for driving a motor includes processing circuitry configured to receive an indication of a switching signal for a phase of a plurality of phases of the motor. Inverter circuitry associated with the device is configured to electrically couple the phase to the voltage rail or to a reference rail associated with the voltage rail based on a driving signal that is generated based on the switching signal. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a measurement time to measure the voltage at the voltage rail based on the switching signal and generate, using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a set of measured voltage values based on the voltage at the voltage rail during the measurement time.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Michael Krug, Felix Weidner, Christian Walther
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Publication number: 20220334155Abstract: A device configured to monitor a voltage at a voltage rail for driving a motor includes processing circuitry configured to receive an indication of a switching signal for a phase of a plurality of phases of the motor. Inverter circuitry associated with the device is configured to electrically couple the phase to the voltage rail or to a reference rail associated with the voltage rail based on a driving signal that is generated based on the switching signal. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a measurement time to measure the voltage at the voltage rail based on the switching signal and generate, using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a set of measured voltage values based on the voltage at the voltage rail during the measurement time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Michael Krug, Felix Weidner, Christian Walther
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Patent number: 11418061Abstract: Techniques for wireless power transfer are disclosed. An example of an apparatus for receiving power in a wireless power transfer system includes a power receiving element, a tuning and current doubler circuit operably coupled to the power receiving element, a power flow controller circuit operably coupled to the tuning and current doubler circuit, and a controller operable coupled to the power receiving element and the power flow controller circuit and configured to detect a signal in the power receiving element and to synchronize the power flow controller circuit based on the signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Martin Pavlovsky, Felix Weidner, Nicholas Athol Keeling
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Publication number: 20210132156Abstract: A method for providing battery diagnostics includes: measuring a first voltage across a first battery cell of a rechargeable battery via a first measurement path of a network using a first measurement circuit, measuring the first voltage including taking at least one first voltage sample during a first time period using the first measurement circuit; measuring a second voltage across the first battery cell via a second measurement path of the network using a second measurement circuit, measuring the second voltage including taking at least one second voltage sample during the first time period using the second measurement circuit, where the second measurement path of the network is different from the first measurement path of the network; comparing the measured first voltage with the measured second voltage; and generating a diagnostic output signal based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Felix Weidner, Jesus Ruiz Sevillano, Maximilian Hofer
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Patent number: 10901045Abstract: A method for providing battery diagnostics includes: measuring a first voltage across a first battery cell of a rechargeable battery via a first measurement path of a network using a first measurement circuit, measuring the first voltage including taking at least one first voltage sample during a first time period using the first measurement circuit; measuring a second voltage across the first battery cell via a second measurement path of the network using a second measurement circuit, measuring the second voltage including taking at least one second voltage sample during the first time period using the second measurement circuit, where the second measurement path of the network is different from the first measurement path of the network; comparing the measured first voltage with the measured second voltage; and generating a diagnostic output signal based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Felix Weidner, Jesus Ruiz Sevillano, Maximilian Hofer
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Publication number: 20200303960Abstract: Techniques for wireless power transfer are disclosed. An example of an apparatus for receiving power in a wireless power transfer system includes a power receiving element, a tuning and current doubler circuit operably coupled to the power receiving element, a power flow controller circuit operably coupled to the tuning and current doubler circuit, and a controller operable coupled to the power receiving element and the power flow controller circuit and configured to detect a signal in the power receiving element and to synchronize the power flow controller circuit based on the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Martin PAVLOVSKY, Felix WEIDNER, Nicholas Athol KEELING
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Patent number: 10727697Abstract: Techniques for wireless power transfer are disclosed. An example of an apparatus for receiving power in a wireless power transfer system includes a power receiving element, a tuning and current doubler circuit operably coupled to the power receiving element, a power flow controller circuit operably coupled to the tuning and current doubler circuit, and a controller operable coupled to the power receiving element and the power flow controller circuit and configured to detect a signal in the power receiving element and to synchronize the power flow controller circuit based on the signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Martin Pavlovsky, Felix Weidner, Nicholas Athol Keeling
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Patent number: 10680457Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses implementing hybrid symmetric and asymmetric control for soft switching in wireless power transfer applications are provided. An apparatus for wirelessly transferring charging power is provided. The apparatus comprises a wireless power coupler. The apparatus comprises driver circuit. The apparatus comprises a control unit configured to instruct a driver circuit to drive the wireless power coupler with a first voltage waveform when transferring wireless charging power less than a first amount. The first voltage waveform includes a positive portion having a first duration and a negative portion having the first.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Felix Weidner, Martin Pavlovsky
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Publication number: 20190285699Abstract: A method for providing battery diagnostics includes: measuring a first voltage across a first battery cell of a rechargeable battery via a first measurement path of a network using a first measurement circuit, measuring the first voltage including taking at least one first voltage sample during a first time period using the first measurement circuit; measuring a second voltage across the first battery cell via a second measurement path of the network using a second measurement circuit, measuring the second voltage including taking at least one second voltage sample during the first time period using the second measurement circuit, where the second measurement path of the network is different from the first measurement path of the network; comparing the measured first voltage with the measured second voltage; and generating a diagnostic output signal based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Felix Weidner, Jesus Ruiz Sevillano, Maximilian Hofer
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Patent number: 10411525Abstract: Systems and methods for setting an operating frequency for wireless charging systems. The wireless charging system comprises a transmitter circuit configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a current having an operating frequency and driving the transmitter circuit, and a receiver circuit configured to receive power via the magnetic field. The transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit are separated by an offset distance that contributes to a level of detuning between the transmitter and receiver circuits. To reduce a level of detuning, a level of coupling between the transmitter and receiver circuits is determined based upon a measured current or voltage value associated with the receiver circuit. From the determined level of coupling, the offset distance can be estimated. The offset distance may be used to determine a desired operating frequency for reducing the level of detuning between the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventor: Felix Weidner
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Patent number: 10315526Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of switched-capacitor power ramping for soft switching. In some aspects, a resonant circuit of a wireless power transmitter includes a portion of capacitance that is switchable. This portion of capacitance can be disconnected from the resonant circuit to detune the resonant circuit, which may affect voltage or current flow in the resonant circuit. For example, when ramping transmitted power up or down, detuning the resonant circuit may enable an inverter of the wireless power transmitter to continuously soft switch through the power ramping process. By so doing, hard switching of the inverter can be avoided and the inverter can be implemented with lower-power or less expensive components.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Edward van Boheemen, Felix Weidner
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Publication number: 20180262065Abstract: Systems and methods for setting an operating frequency for wireless charging systems. The wireless charging system comprises a transmitter circuit configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a current having an operating frequency and driving the transmitter circuit, and a receiver circuit configured to receive power via the magnetic field. The transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit are separated by an offset distance that contributes to a level of detuning between the transmitter and receiver circuits. To reduce a level of detuning, a level of coupling between the transmitter and receiver circuits is determined based upon a measured current or voltage value associated with the receiver circuit. From the determined level of coupling, the offset distance can be estimated. The offset distance may be used to determine a desired operating frequency for reducing the level of detuning between the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventor: Felix Weidner
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Patent number: 10046660Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle. In one aspect, a method for transferring power via a magnetic field in a wireless power transfer system is provided. The method includes outputting an alternating electric current to a wireless power transmitter, generating, at the wireless power transmitter, the magnetic field in response to being driven with the alternating electrical current, receiving a value indicative of an electrical characteristic of the wireless power transmitter, and adjusting an operating characteristic of the wireless power transmitter to trigger a change in an electrical current in the receiver, the amount of adjustment selected to cause adjustment of an amount of reactive power in the wireless power transfer system based on changes in the receiver that automatically occur to maintain the output power substantially constant in response to the change in the electrical current in the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Martin Pavlovsky, Felix Weidner
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Publication number: 20180212463Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of switched-capacitor power ramping for soft switching. In some aspects, a resonant circuit of a wireless power transmitter includes a portion of capacitance that is switchable. This portion of capacitance can be disconnected from the resonant circuit to detune the resonant circuit, which may affect voltage or current flow in the resonant circuit. For example, when ramping transmitted power up or down, detuning the resonant circuit may enable an inverter of the wireless power transmitter to continuously soft switch through the power ramping process. By so doing, hard switching of the inverter can be avoided and the inverter can be implemented with lower-power or less expensive components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Edward van Boheemen, Felix Weidner
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Patent number: 10000133Abstract: The present disclosure described herein relates to wireless power transfer systems and methods that efficiently and safely transfer power to electronic devices. In an aspect of the disclosure, a method for wirelessly transmitting power is provided. The method includes during a first time period, transmitting power at a first power level from a wireless power transmitter to the wireless power receiver. The method further includes determining a frequency for transmitting power at a second power level based on a ratio of a current level of the wireless power receiver to a current level of a wireless power transmitter at the first power level. The method further includes during a second time period, transmitting power at the second power level and at the frequency, the first power level lower than the second power level.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Felix Weidner, Nicholas Athol Keeling
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Patent number: 9969282Abstract: Invention described herein relates to wireless power transfer systems and methods that efficiently and safely transfer power to electronic devices. In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiver circuit comprising a receiver coil configured to receive wireless power from a wireless power transmitter via a magnetic field sufficient to charge or power a load of the apparatus. The receiver circuit further comprises a ferrite material having a first side coupled to the receiver coil. The apparatus further comprises a first heat exchanger coupled to a second side of the ferrite material.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Edward van Boheemen, Simon Islinger, Felix Weidner, Michael Werner
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Publication number: 20180080999Abstract: Techniques for determining power electronics feasibility in a wireless power transfer system with a transmitting element and a receiving element are provided. An example apparatus includes a processor configured to receive FEM simulation results for offset positions between the transmitting element and the receiving element, calculate a total real input current variation for the offset positions based on the FEM simulation results, calculate an indication of a difference between an ideal transmitting element current value and a real transmitting element current value for each of the offset positions based on the FEM simulation results, determine a maximum difference value based on the indication of the difference for each of the offset positions, and determine the power electronics feasibility based on the total real input current variation as compared to a total real input current variation threshold value, and the maximum difference value as compared to a maximum difference threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Felix Weidner, Wojciech Chlebosz, Daniel Kuerschner, Michael Werner, Martin Pavlovsky
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Publication number: 20180076667Abstract: Techniques for wireless power transfer are disclosed. An example of an apparatus for receiving power in a wireless power transfer system includes a power receiving element, a tuning and current doubler circuit operably coupled to the power receiving element, a power flow controller circuit operably coupled to the tuning and current doubler circuit, and a controller operable coupled to the power receiving element and the power flow controller circuit and configured to detect a signal in the power receiving element and to synchronize the power flow controller circuit based on the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Martin PAVLOVSKY, Felix WEIDNER, Nicholas Athol KEELING
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Patent number: 9917480Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for receiving wireless power. The apparatus includes a power receiving circuit and a processing circuit. The power receiving circuit is configured to couple to a magnetic field generated by a power transmitter during an alignment check. The processing circuit is configured to identify a first operation point of the power receiving circuit and a second operation point of the power transmitter based on the magnetic field during the alignment check. The processing circuit is further configured to adjust a duty cycle of an active component of the power receiving circuit based at least in part on one of the identified first operation point and second operation point.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventors: Felix Weidner, Nicholas Athol Keeling, Joshua Lee