Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise an output controller configured to generate a control signal, a power mode controller, and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a multiple switch segments coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the output controller and the power mode controller and connected to the switch segments. The driver circuit controls the switch segments according to the control signal to activate the switch segments in the switch circuit. The driver circuit also disables one or more of the switch segments according to the power mode signal to permit reduced power delivery and demand states.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise an output controller configured to generate a control signal, a power mode controller, and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a multiple switch segments coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the output controller and the power mode controller and connected to the switch segments. The driver circuit controls the switch segments according to the control signal to activate the switch segments in the switch circuit. The driver circuit also disables one or more of the switch segments according to the power mode signal to permit reduced power delivery and demand states.

Abstract: A power semiconductor module includes a power semiconductor die, a metal substrate, a patterned metallization layer, a plurality of padless electrical connections, a plurality of vias and an inductor. The power semiconductor die has a top surface, an opposing bottom surface and a plurality of sides extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The metal substrate is attached to the bottom surface of the die. The patterned metallization layer is disposed above the top surface of the die. The plurality of padless electrical connections are at the top surface of the die and connect the patterned metallization layer to the die. The plurality of vias are disposed adjacent one or more of the sides of the die and electrically connected to the patterned metallization layer at a first end of the plurality of vias and to the metal substrate at a second end of the plurality of vias.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise a controller configured to generate a control signal and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a segmented switch coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the controller and connected to the switches. The segmented switches may be parallel devices with separate gates, which may be activated independently. The driver circuit controls the switches according to the control signal to sequentially activate the switches in the switch circuit. For example, the driver circuit may activate a second switch following a predetermined period after activating a first switch, and the first switch and second switch may be activated sequentially and remain activated simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise a controller configured to generate a control signal and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a multiple switches coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the controller and connected to the switches. The driver circuit controls the switches according to the control signal to sequentially activate the switches in the switch circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise an output controller configured to generate a control signal, a power mode controller, and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a multiple switch segments coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the output controller and the power mode controller and connected to the switch segments. The driver circuit controls the switch segments according to the control signal to activate the switch segments in the switch circuit. The driver circuit also disables one or more of the switch segments according to the power mode signal to permit reduced power delivery and demand states.

Abstract: An investment casting method using a pattern material with substantially spherical filler particulates is used to produce investment cast components with iproved surface quality, reduced finishing costs, and reduced core breakage. The pattern material comprises substantially spherical particles within the particle size range of about 10 microns to about 70 microns particle diameter, the use of which reduces the number of random, localized surface depressions and pits to improve pattern surface texture and uniformity. Patterns so formed inpart the same improvements to the surface of subsequent investment cast components. The resulting castings exbibit improved as-cast surface finish and reduced random, localized surface pitting, thereby reducing or eliminating expensive post casting surface finishing operations. Moreover, the spherical morphology of the filler particulates reduces injection pressures to fill a pattern die cavity as compared to non-spherical filler particulates.

Abstract: An investment casting method using a pattern material with substantially spherical filler particulates is used to produce investment cast components with improved surface quality, reduced finishing costs, and reduced core breakage. The pattern material comprises substantially spherical particles within the particle size range of about 10 microns to about 70 microns particle diameter, the use of which reduces the number of random, localized surface depressions and pits to improve pattern surface texture and uniformity. Patterns so formed impart the same improvements to the surface of subsequent investment cast components. The resulting castings exhibit improved as-cast surface finish and reduced random, localized surface pitting, thereby reducing or eliminating expensive post casting surface finishing operations. Moreover, the spherical morphology of the filler particulates reduces injection pressures to fill a pattern die cavity as compared to non-spherical filler particulates.

Abstract: The pattern material with substantially spherical filler particulates is used to produce investment cast components with improved surface quality, reduced finishing costs, and reduced core breakage. The pattern material comprises substantially spherical particles within the particle size range of about 10 microns to about 70 microns particle diameter, the use of which reduces the number of random, localized surface depressions and pits to improve pattern surface texture and uniformity. Patterns so formed inpart the same improvements to the surface of subsequent investment cast components. The resulting castings exhibit improved as-cast surface finish and reduced random, localized surface pitting, thereby reducing or eliminating expensive post casting surface finishing operations. Moreover, the spherical morphology of the filler particulates reduces injection pressures to fill a pattern die cavity as compared to non-spherical filler particulates.