Abstract: A system and apparatus for use in energy conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one power converter for producing power at a first level while receiving an indicium of proper operation and, upon not receiving the indicium of proper operation, producing power at a second level, where the second level is less than the first level.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for use in energy conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gateway remotely located from an inverter and having (i) a first terminal for coupling to AC wiring upon which the inverter couples AC power, wherein the AC power is generated by the inverter from DC power, and wherein the gateway obtains data pertaining to operation of the inverter via the first terminal, and (ii) a second terminal for coupling information related to the data to an external monitor, remotely located with respect to the gateway, via a communications network.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for use in energy conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one power converter for producing power at a first level while receiving an indicium of proper operation and, upon not receiving the indicium of proper operation, producing power at a second level, where the second level is less than the first level.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for use in energy conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gateway remotely located from an inverter and having (i) a first terminal for coupling to AC wiring upon which the inverter couples AC power, wherein the AC power is generated by the inverter from DC power, and wherein the gateway obtains data pertaining to operation of the inverter via the first terminal, and (ii) a second terminal for coupling information related to the data to an external monitor, remotely located with respect to the gateway, via a communications network.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power module for coupling to a DC power source via a DC bus, wherein the power module (i) converts a first power from the DC power source to a second power, and (ii) comprises a maximum power point tracking module unit for dynamically adjusting a load voltage of the DC power source; an AC bus; and a controller, physically separate from the power module and coupled to the power module via the AC bus, for operatively controlling the power module.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power module for coupling to a DC power source via a DC bus, wherein the power module (i) converts a first power from the DC power source to a second power, and (ii) comprises a maximum power point tracking module unit for dynamically adjusting a load voltage of the DC power source; an AC bus; and a controller, physically separate from the power module and coupled to the power module via the AC bus, for operatively controlling the power module.

Abstract: A replaceable photovoltaic inverter is mounted on each of a plurality of photovoltaic module for the conversion of direct current, produced by the photovoltaic cells, to alternating current. The inverter is coupled to a mounting bracket on the photovoltaic module such that is can be easily replaced. Replacement of an individual photovoltaic module inverter can occur during continuous operation of the photovoltaic module system with minimal impact on overall power production. The inverter is also mounted apart from the photovoltaic module to facilitate heat transfer generated by operation of the inverter.

Abstract: A system and method for converting DC from one or more sources to AC power utilizing a novel partitioning scheme are disclosed. This partitioning scheme is particularly well suited for photovoltaic (PV) microinverter applications. The primary goals are to make installation, operation and maintenance of the system safe and simple. Secondary goals are to improve reliability and lifetime of the converter in a cost effective manner. In one embodiment, the microinverters are placed in one-to-one proximity with the photovoltaic modules, each proximate microinverter incorporating a reduced number of functions and components. Remaining common functions and controls are implemented separately.

Abstract: A replaceable photovoltaic inverter is mounted on each of a plurality of photovoltaic module for the conversion of direct current, produced by the photovoltaic cells, to alternating current. The inverter is coupled to a mounting bracket on the photovoltaic module such that is can be easily replaced. Replacement of an individual photovoltaic module inverter can occur during continuous operation of the photovoltaic module system with minimal impact on overall power production. The inverter is also mounted apart from the photovoltaic module to facilitate heat transfer generated by operation of the inverter.

Abstract: A graphics interface circuit for connecting a serial output port of a video RAM to a RAMDAC to allow a user selectable color mode to be displayed wherein the selectable color modes allows one of 256, 32K, 64K or 16.7M colors to be displayed at one time. A host microprocessor addresses the video RAM as a linear, unfragmented address space in the selected one of these modes. The invention provides an improved utilization of the video RAM memory space, as well as improved memory bandwidth as compared with prior art techniques. A graphics interface module allows for 8, 16, 24 or 32 bit wide output on the data bus from the interface to a RAMDAC. A display system of the type in which the present invention may be utilized places data generated by a host processor, after processing by a graphic displays processor into a video memory. The display processor constantly updates the video memory based upon the data generated by the host processor.

Abstract: Window border generating circuitry in a bitmapped graphics workstation. The workstation includes a host processor, a raster scanned graphics display device and means for controlling the display of data in one or more windows on the screen of the display device. An individual bitmap is provided for each window. At any given time, display data is retrieved from one of the bitmaps associated with a window presently being refreshed. Circuitry detects when the screen raster is located at a position at which a border of a window is to be displayed. Other circuitry responds to this condition by substituting for the display data from the bitmaps predefined signals for generating the screen borders.

Abstract: A bitmapped graphics workstation comprising a host computer, window managing circuitry, a display memory, visual display device and multiplexing circuitry connecting the display memory to the display device. The window managing circuitry allows the display memory to be partitioned into plural individually contiguous bitmaps, each corresponding to a different displayed window. The window managing circuitry is divided into a common control section and individual window sections corresponding to each window that may be defined. The host computer writes data describing the parameters of each defined window into the individual window managing circuits. It also stores data to be displayed in the windows (including hidden data) in appropriate addresses of each of the bitmaps. As the display device is refreshed, the common and the window circuits of the manager cooperate to select window "winners", i.e., the foremost window at each pixel of the screen.