Abstract: Embodiments are provided that include a light emitting diode (LED) controller connectable to a matrix of LEDs. A start code is received via at least one input pin, and a selected curve profile is retrieved from a programmable local memory in response to receipt of the start code, wherein the programmable local memory stores a set of curve profiles, each of which is associated with a different start code. A set of coefficients of a polynomial calculator are initialized to a set of values defined in the selected curve profile, wherein the set of values represent a light output curve. A sequence of light intensity values are calculated according to the polynomial calculator, and at least one pulse width modulation (PWM) signal is generated based on the sequence of light intensity values, wherein the at least one PWM signal controls light output of at least one LED.

Abstract: An LED controller, for connecting to an LED string, comprising: an input terminal configured to receive a light-control-signal representative of a received-profile-identifier; a local memory configured to store a plurality of profile-data, wherein each of the plurality of profile-data defines an association between a plurality of light-values and a plurality of sequence-numbers; a processor configured to: determine one of the plurality of profile-data as selected-profile-data in accordance with the received-profile identifier; and determine a set of LED control signals for the LED string in accordance with light-values of the selected-profile-data for a set of sequence-numbers.

Abstract: An LED controller includes: an absolute value calculator to calculate an initial light intensity value for a desired light output curve; a fade-in calculator to calculate a first light intensity value; and a fade-out calculator to calculate a second light intensity value. The LED controller also includes processing logic configured to: select one of the fade-in calculator and the fade-out calculator as a selected incremental value calculator, based on a directional indicator that indicates whether a fade-in light output effect or a fade-out light output effect is requested, initialize coefficients of the absolute value calculator and the selected incremental value calculator with a set of coefficient values associated with the desired light output curve, and output a set of voltage levels to a set of pulse width modulation (PWM) generators that output a set of PWM signals, which control light output of a string of LEDs.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and systems are directed to battery-charging applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments discussed herein, a charging current for charging a battery is modulated, and the frequency of the modulated charging current is set based upon an impedance of the battery. Temperature of the battery is estimated based upon the impedance exhibited by the battery, while the battery is charged with the modulated charging current. In various implementations, the battery charging rate is controlled based on the estimated temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a diode circuit which uses a Schottky diode. A parallel bypass branch has a switch and bypass diode in series. The operation of the switch is dependent on the voltage across the Schottky diode so that the bypass function is only effective when a desired voltage is reached. The diode circuit can be used as a replacement for a single diode, and provides bypass current protection preferably without requiring any external control input.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller for controlling a string of N LEDs connected in series and each having a current bypass switch in parallel therewith and configured to be supplied from a current source connected in series with the string of LEDs and being supplied by a supply voltage, the controller comprising: a respective bypass switch controller for each bypass switch and configured to control the respective bypass switch such that the respective LED has an on-period and an off-period, according to a common duty cycle; a phase control unit configured to set a respective timing of each of the bypass switches such that the fraction of LEDs not bypassed corresponds to the duty cycle; and a duty cycle adjustor configured to adjust the duty cycle, in dependence on the supply voltage. Associated methods and circuits are also disclosed.

Abstract: An LED controller, for connecting to an LED string, comprising: an input terminal configured to receive a light-control-signal representative of a received-profile-identifier; a local memory configured to store a plurality of profile-data, wherein each of the plurality of profile-data defines an association between a plurality of light-values and a plurality of sequence-numbers; a processor configured to: determine one of the plurality of profile-data as selected-profile-data in accordance with the received-profile identifier; and determine a set of LED control signals for the LED string in accordance with light-values of the selected-profile-data for a set of sequence-numbers.

Abstract: A power converter, configured to convert AC mains power to a DC output voltage which is lower than the AC mains' peak voltage, is disclosed. It comprises: a capacitor configured to store charge at a voltage range which is intermediate the peak voltage and the DC output voltage; a gated rectification stage comprising a rectifier for rectifying an AC mains power, and at least one switch configured to supply the rectified AC mains power to the capacitor during only a low-voltage part of a half-cycle of the AC mains; and a switched mode DC-DC power conversion stage comprising at least one further switch and configured to convert power from the capacitor to the DC output voltage during only a high-voltage part of the half-cycle. A controller for use in such a converter, and a corresponding method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power receiver for inductively generating alternating current power in a wireless electrical power transfer system having a transmission resonant frequency, the receiver comprising a receiver resonator having a receiver resonant frequency, the receiver resonator constructed and arranged such that the receiver resonant frequency is detuned from the transmission resonant frequency.

Abstract: A switch mode power converter configured for operation with a plurality of outputs is disclosed. The switch mode power converter includes an inductive element and a resistance in series with the inductive element. The resistance is series with the inductive element is used for determining a current through the inductive element. The resistance is a resistance between the main terminals of a switch in an on-state. The switch have two main terminals and a control terminal and being arranged for directing current through the inductive element to a one of the plurality of outputs.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and systems are directed to battery-charging applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments discussed herein, a charging current for charging a battery is modulated, and the frequency of the modulated charging current is set based upon an impedance of the battery. Temperature of the battery is estimated based upon the impedance exhibited by the battery, while the battery is charged with the modulated charging current. In various implementations, the battery charging rate is controlled based on the estimated temperature.

Abstract: A multi-output DC to DC converter can have complex control requirements in CCM mode because of the differing load requirements of the outputs. A multi-output DC to DC converter having a single coil or inductor and a freewheel switch is described. A controller measures the duration of the freewheel phase. The controller increases the current supplied to the DC to DC converter in the following duty-cycle if the duration is less than a first value, and decreases the current supplied to the inductor in the following duty-cycle if the duration is greater than a second value.

Abstract: The invention provides a cascode transistor circuit with a depletion mode transistor and a switching device. A gate bias circuit is connected between the gate of the depletion mode transistor and the low power line. The gate bias circuit is adapted to compensate the forward voltage of a diode function of the switching device. The depletion mode transistor and the gate bias circuit are formed as part of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a current driver for controlling a current source controlled by an alternating current (AC) signal, including: a current sensor configured to measure an output current from the current source; a threshold detector configured to detect when the measured current is below a threshold value; and a controller configured to control the current source using a duty cycle of the AC signal when the measured current is below the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a diode circuit which uses a Schottky diode. A parallel bypass branch has a switch and bypass diode in series. The operation of the switch is dependent on the voltage across the Schottky diode so that the bypass function is only effective when a desired voltage is reached. The diode circuit can be used as a replacement for a single diode, and provides bypass current protection preferably without requiring any external control input.

Abstract: The invention provides a cascode transistor circuit with a depletion mode transistor and a switching device. A gate bias circuit is connected between the gate of the depletion mode transistor and the low power line. The gate bias circuit is adapted to compensate the forward voltage of a diode function of the switching device. The depletion mode transistor and the gate bias circuit are formed as part of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A switch mode power converter configured for operation with a plurality of outputs is disclosed. The switch mode power converter includes an inductive element and a resistance in series with the inductive element. The resistance is series with the inductive element is used for determining a current through the inductive element. The resistance is a resistance between the main terminals of a switch in an on-state. The switch have two main terminals and a control terminal and being arranged for directing current through the inductive element to a one of the plurality of outputs.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a current driver for controlling a current source controlled by an alternating current (AC) signal, including: a current sensor configured to measure an output current from the current source; a threshold detector configured to detect when the measured current is below a threshold value; and a controller configured to control the current source using a duty cycle of the AC signal when the measured current is below the threshold.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly is disclosed which comprises a string formed from a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic generators, and a hierarchical structure of power-exchange units, which each exchange power between neighboring photovoltaic generators or groups of photovoltaic generators. The photovoltaic generators may be individual solar cells or a plurality of series-connected solar cells arranged as a segment. To compensate for differences in output between segments for instance due to partial shading, power-exchange units, such as DC-DC converters, are arranged across neighboring segments, such that each power-exchange unit effectively sources or sinks current between neighboring segments to current-match the string. To avoid unnecessary “rippling” of power matching along many power-exchange units and the associated power loss due to many power-exchange units operating at less than 100% efficiency, the power-exchange units are arranged in a hierarchical structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC to DC converter system (100), which comprises converter means (110) and control means (120). The switching sequence of the first, second and third switching means (S1, S2, S3) is controlled by the control means (120) in such a manner that, during the on-time of the second switching device (S2), the first current (II) that flows through the inductive storage element (L) of the converter means (110) can be indirectly measured through the first voltage (VC1) across the capacitive storage element (C1), which is being charged with a second current (12) proportional to the input voltage (Vin) of the converter means (110) and provided by the current source (CS). Thus, the on-time of the second switching means (S2) varies inversely proportional to the input voltage (Vin).