Abstract: The present application relates to a power supply module which is operable in a switch mode and in a linear mode. The power supply module includes a detector for detecting the presence of an inductor at an output node of the power supply module If an inductor is detected, the detector outputs a signal indicating the presence of the inductor, and the power supply module selects the switch mode as its operating mode. If no inductor is detected, the detector outputs a signal indicative of the absence of an inductor and the power supply module selects its linear mode as its operating mode.

Abstract: A power supply controller for a plurality of lighting components in a battery-powered apparatus. The power supply controller comprises a current source common to the lighting components, and a sequencer for coupling the current source sequentially to each of the lighting components with a repetition rate substantially faster than the flicker perception rate. Each of the lighting components comprises a respective array of lighting elements connected in series to receive the same current as the other lighting elements of the same lighting component.

Abstract: A controller system controls a plurality of lighting element arrays. The controller system comprises array selection module for selecting a lighting element array, voltage control module arranged to apply a voltage to at least the selected lighting element array, a common current source arranged to provide a current from the common current source to the selected lighting element array, and duty cycle control module arranged to control a ratio of the current to the selected lighting element array over a time sharing cycle.

Abstract: In the field of battery charging for electronic devices, it is known to employ a number of measures to avoid excessive power dissipation by a pass device in a charging system. However, many of these measures are either incompatible with linear charging regimes or add cost to the adapter and/or charging system. The present invention provides a power dissipation measurement circuit for controlling a control device that acts in series with another, but maximum current limiting, control device to control drive current to the pass device so as to limit the power dissipated by the pass device to a maximum threshold value.

Abstract: A power supply controller for a plurality of lighting components in a battery-powered apparatus. The power supply controller comprises a current source common to the lighting components, and a sequencer for coupling the current source sequentially to each of the lighting components with a repetition rate substantially faster than the flicker perception rate. Each of the lighting components comprises a respective array of lighting elements connected in series to receive the same current as the other lighting elements of the same lighting component.

Abstract: In the field of battery charging for electronic devices, it is known to employ a number of measures to avoid excessive power dissipation by a pass device in a charging system. However, many of these measures are either incompatible with linear charging regimes or add cost to the adapter and/or charging system. The present invention provides a power dissipation measurement circuit for controlling a control device that acts in series with another, but maximum current limiting, control device to control drive current to the pass device so as to limit the power dissipated by the pass device to a maximum threshold value.