Abstract: The highest-power switches now available are based on thyristor-type devices: GTOs (Gate turn-off thyristors), MTOs (MOS controlled turn-off thyristors), IGCTs (Integrated gate commutated thyristors), and the new ETOs (Emitter turn-off thyristors). These devices handle kilovolts and kiloamperes for megawatt inverters/converters. Measurements by the inventors show that conduction losses of MOSFETs and switching losses of IGCTs are drastically decreased by cryo-cooling. IGCTs, ETOs, and MTOs, together with many small, low voltage MOSFETs for gate and emitter turn-off circuitry, are cryo-cooled to attain much higher switching speeds and a reduction in size, weight and cost of high-power (megawatt range) equipment.

Abstract: A control circuit generates signals for controlling the sequence in which selected input signals are carried across the terminals of a polyphase switching conversion circuit. The control circuit includes switching elements galvanically isolated from the selected input signals with the control signals electrically isolated from the switching devices. The control circuit for the conversion circuit is, in essence, electrically isolated from the conversion circuit. The control circuit is configured to have a topology analogous to that of the switching converter and includes conventional switching diodes as well as a light generating device optically coupled to a light sensor which, in response to detection of light from the optically coupled light generating device, provides a control signal to a corresponding switching device. The control circuit also includes a source of regulated and electrically isolated power to operate drive circuitry for the switching devices.

Abstract: A control circuit generates signals for controlling the sequence in which selected input signals are carried across the terminals of a polyphase switching conversion circuit. The control circuit includes switching elements galvanically isolated from the selected input signals with the control signals electrically isolated from the switching devices. The control circuit for the conversion circuit is, in essence, electrically isolated from the conversion circuit. The control circuit is configured to have a topology analogous to that of the switching converter and includes conventional switching diodes as well as a light generating device optically coupled to a light sensor which, in response to detection of light from the optically coupled light generating device, provides a control signal to a corresponding switching device. The control circuit also includes a source of regulated and electrically isolated power to operate drive circuitry for the switching devices.

Abstract: A control circuit generates signals for controlling the sequence in which selected input signals are carried across the terminals of a polyphase switching conversion circuit. The control circuit includes switching elements galvanically isolated from the selected input signals with the control signals electrically isolated from the switching devices. The control circuit for the conversion circuit is, in essence, electrically isolated from the conversion circuit. The control circuit is configured to have a topology analogous to that of the switching converter and includes conventional switching diodes as well as a light generating device optically coupled to a light sensor which, in response to detection of light from the optically coupled light generating device, provides a control signal to a corresponding switching device. The control circuit also includes a source of regulated and electrically isolated power to operate drive circuitry for the switching devices.

Abstract: Frequency-shift-keyed signals are detected by a receiver having an input which supplies the received signals to first and second mixers. A local oscillator produces signals at a frequency midway between the two frequencies of the frequency-shift-keyed signals. The oscillator signals are supplied to the first mixer at a first phase angle (sine), and are supplied to the second mixer at a second phase angle (cosine) displaced 90 degrees with respect to the first phase angle. The first mixer output is applied to a first lowpass filter which removes the high frequency (or sum) signals and passes only the low frequency (or difference) signals. The second mixer output is applied to a second lowpass filter which also removes the high frequency (or sum) signals and passes the low frequency (or difference) signals. The first filter signals are applied to a first 90 degree phase shifter, and the second filter signals are applied to a second 90 degrees phase shifter.

Abstract: An improved circuit is provided for a known amplifier having complementary input transistors in its power output stages for supplying oppositely phased signals in response to an input signal. Output transistors are connected to the input transistors to provide output signals for the amplifier. Normally conducting switching means are connected between one of the output transistors and one of the input transistors. Normally nonconducting switching means are coupled between the one output transistor and the amplifier input. During an overload or overdrive condition, the normally conducting switching means become nonconducting, and this in turn causes the normally nonconducting switching means to become conducting, and thereby limit the output from the amplifier.