Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a charging apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a power converter having a primary stage, a first secondary stage, and a second secondary stage. The primary stage is configured to receive an incoming voltage to generate a first input voltage. The first secondary stage includes a first plurality of electrical components configured to generate a first portion of an output voltage. The second secondary stage is in series with the first secondary stage and includes a second plurality of electrical components configured to generate a second portion of the output voltage. Each of the first plurality of electrical components and the second plurality of electrical components is rated to a voltage rating that is less than a total sum of the first portion and the second portion of the output voltage.

Abstract: A proximity detection circuit suitable for use with an on-board vehicle charger, such as but not limited to the type of chargers used within hybrid and electric vehicles, to facilitate current conservation during period of time when it is unnecessary or otherwise undesirable. The on-board charger can test for connection of a cordset or other electrical connection used to connect the on-board charger to a charging station or other current source. The on-board charger can be used to detect two different cordsets or vehicles using different charging circuitries.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a charging apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a power converter having a primary stage, a first secondary stage, and a second secondary stage. The primary stage is configured to receive an incoming voltage to generate a first input voltage. The first secondary stage includes a first plurality of electrical components configured to generate a first portion of an output voltage. The second secondary stage is in series with the first secondary stage and includes a second plurality of electrical components configured to generate a second portion of the output voltage. Each of the first plurality of electrical components and the second plurality of electrical components is rated to a voltage rating that is less than a total sum of the first portion and the second portion of the output voltage.

Abstract: A proximity detection circuit suitable for use with an on-board vehicle charger, such as but not limited to the type of chargers used within hybrid and electric vehicles, to facilitate current conservation during period of time when it is unnecessary or otherwise undesirable. The on-board charger can test for connection of a cordset or other electrical connection used to connect the on-board charger to a charging station or other current source. The on-board charger can be used to detect two different cordsets or vehicles using different charging circuitries.

Abstract: A ground-fault detection system and method for detecting loss of electrical isolation in a vehicle or other system that uses a high voltage (HV) power net. The loss of electrical isolation may be determined by charging HV capacitors, then connecting them at different times between the power-net HV wires and the ground (or vehicle chassis), and measuring their remaining charge after a fixed period. The HV system can be regarded as properly isolated from ground or not as a function of the energy lost by the aforementioned capacitors during their connection to the HV power net.

Abstract: A ground-fault detection system and method for detecting loss of electrical isolation in a vehicle or other system that uses a high voltage (HV) power net. The loss of electrical isolation may be determined by charging HV capacitors, then connecting them at different times between the power-net HV wires and the ground (or vehicle chassis), and measuring their remaining charge after a fixed period. The HV system can be regarded as properly isolated from ground or not as a function of the energy lost by the aforementioned capacitors during their connection to the HV power net.

Abstract: A switching control unit for the controlling the transfer of electrical power in a vehicle from at least one of a starter generator and a supercapacitor bank to/from at least one of a service battery and a plurality of electrical devices is provided. A switching device selectively connects/disconnects the at least one of the starter generator and the supercapacitor bank to/from the at least one of the service battery and the plurality of electrical devices. A switch controller is adapted to measure a voltage across the supercapacitor bank to generate a bank voltage signal, to measure a voltage across the service battery to generate a service voltage signal, and to control the switching device to connect/disconnect the at least one of the starter generator and the supercapacitor bank to/from the at least one of the service battery and the plurality of electrical devices in response to the voltage signals.

Abstract: A switching control unit for the controlling the transfer of electrical power in a vehicle from at least one of a starter generator and a supercapacitor bank to/from at least one of a service battery and a plurality of electrical devices is provided. A switching device selectively connects/disconnects the at least one of the starter generator and the supercapacitor bank to/from the at least one of the service battery and the plurality of electrical devices. A switch controller is adapted to measure a voltage across the supercapacitor bank to generate a bank voltage signal, to measure a voltage across the service battery to generate a service voltage signal, and to control the switching device to connect/disconnect the at least one of the starter generator and the supercapacitor bank to/from the at least one of the service battery and the plurality of electrical devices in response to the voltage signals.

Abstract: A system of managing power supply systems in automobiles, particularly a system of active equalization between power supply systems sharing a rechargeable electrical power storage device such as a spare battery.

Abstract: A system of managing power supply systems in automobiles, particularly a system of active equalization between power supply systems sharing a rechargeable electrical power storage device such as a spare battery.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method applicable to an electric assembly of an automotive vehicle, comprising a current acquisition step for acquiring the current circulating through at least one load and a step for processing and acting, by means of an electronic system based on one or more microprocessors, which provides the disconnection of the feed from said load and alarm signals, and which also comprises carrying out, by means of said electronic system, with a determined number of instantaneous current values or samples acquired by means of said acquisition step, the calculation of the average value thereof, the update of said average value for each new sample acquired and the calculation of a variable indicating an arc limit through the calculated average current value, the method thus being adapted proportionally to the load variations.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method applicable to an electric assembly of an automotive vehicle, comprising a current acquisition step for acquiring the current circulating through at least one load and a step for processing and acting, by means of an electronic system based on one or more microprocessors, which provides the disconnection of the feed from said load and alarm signals, and which also comprises carrying out, by means of said electronic system, with a determined number of instantaneous current values or samples acquired by means of said acquisition step, the calculation of the average value thereof, the update of said average value for each new sample acquired and the calculation of a variable indicating an arc limit through the calculated average current value, the method thus being adapted proportionally to the load variations.