Abstract: The invention relates to a system for charging and for holding a battery-powered vehicle (20, 30).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a transistor includes: switching the transistor on and off based on a control signal; monitoring a voltage of a collector node of the transistor; detecting whether the voltage of the collector node of the transistor is above a first threshold; and after detecting the voltage of the collector node of the transistor above the first threshold, regulating a voltage across a load path of the transistor to a first target voltage.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a transistor includes: switching the transistor on and off based on a control signal; monitoring a voltage of a collector node of the transistor; detecting whether the voltage of the collector node of the transistor is above a first threshold; and after detecting the voltage of the collector node of the transistor above the first threshold, regulating a voltage across a load path of the transistor to a first target voltage.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a transistor includes: switching the transistor on and off based on a control signal; monitoring a voltage of a collector node of the transistor; detecting whether the voltage of the collector node of the transistor is above a first threshold; and after detecting the voltage of the collector node of the transistor above the first threshold, regulating a voltage across a load path of the transistor to a first target voltage.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a transistor includes: switching the transistor on and off based on a control signal; monitoring a voltage of a collector node of the transistor; detecting whether the voltage of the collector node of the transistor is above a first threshold; and after detecting the voltage of the collector node of the transistor above the first threshold, regulating a voltage across a load path of the transistor to a first target voltage.

Abstract: According to an exemplary implementation, an electronic ballast includes an input filter coupled to a resonant tank. The resonant tank is configured to generate a resonant current. The input filter is configured to receive an AC input voltage and to generate an AC input current from the resonant current by smoothing the resonant current. The electronic ballast also includes a half-bridge configured to feed the resonant tank so as to generate the resonant current and to receive a supply voltage that is in phase with the AC input voltage. The electronic ballast can also include a controller configured to control a power factor of the electronic ballast by switching the half-bridge. The controller can be configured to adjust a shape of the AC input current by adjusting switching of the half-bridge to thereby adjust a power factor of the electronic ballast.

Abstract: According to an exemplary implementation, an electronic ballast includes an input filter coupled to a resonant tank. The resonant tank is configured to generate a resonant current. The input filter is configured to receive an AC input voltage and to generate an AC input current from the resonant current by smoothing the resonant current. The electronic ballast also includes a half-bridge configured to feed the resonant tank so as to generate the resonant current and to receive a supply voltage that is in phase with the AC input voltage. The electronic ballast can also include a controller configured to control a power factor of the electronic ballast by switching the half-bridge. The controller can be configured to adjust a shape of the AC input current by adjusting switching of the half-bridge to thereby adjust a power factor of the electronic ballast.

Abstract: A circuit uses a single control input to an oscillator of an electronic ballast to program the parameters of soft-start frequency, pre-heat frequency, ignition ramp time, and ballast run frequency. The output frequency of the oscillator is based on an electrical parameter at the control input node. A resistor-capacitor network may be used to program the soft-start ramp time and ignition ramp time. The resistive element of the restive-capacitance network may be used to program the pre-heat frequency. A switchable impedance may be used to program the ballast run frequency. A look-up table circuit may also be used in the alternative to implement a single control input for the oscillator of an electronic ballast.

Abstract: An end of life (EOL) detection circuit for a gas discharge lamp. The circuit includes a comparator for comparing an input voltage to first and second threshold voltages and providing an EOL signal; a sensing circuit for sensing a DC offset in the lamp-voltage during the EOL of the lamp; and a reference voltage setting circuit responsive to the DC offset including a reference diode for setting an adjustable reference voltage as said input voltage to the comparator.

Abstract: An end of life (EOL) detection circuit for a gas discharge lamp. The circuit includes a comparator for comparing an input voltage to first and second threshold voltages and providing an EOL signal; a sensing circuit for sensing a DC offset in the lamp-voltage during the EOL of the lamp; and a reference voltage setting circuit responsive to the DC offset including a reference diode for setting an adjustable reference voltage as said input voltage to the comparator.

Abstract: A method and system for interactively comparing extended warranty products of various providers. Initially, the system receives and saves extended warranty product information relating to at least two competing extended warranty products. Upon receipt of a user request to compare extended warranty products for a particular application, the system receives test case product data. The system then analyzes the received test case product data and retrieves, from the saved extended warranty product information, the particular extended warranty cost information that corresponds to the received test case product data for each of the at least two competing extended warranty products. The system then identifies the extended warranty product having the lower cost for the particular test case application. This information is then displayed to the user.