Abstract: A linear regulator circuit includes an input terminal for receiving an input voltage and an output terminal for providing an output voltage. A pass device, coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal, generates an output current. A feedback circuit is coupled to the pass device and the output terminal. The feedback circuit increases the output voltage as the output current decreases and decreases the output voltage as the output current increases.

Abstract: A switching regulator having an active droop voltage generator that is responsive to a drain-to-source current of a current sense element within the switching regulator. A droop signal affects the duty cycle of a pulse-width modulated signal generated by control loop. The pulse width modulated signal is fed back to the input of the switching regulator to control the amount of droop. The droop voltage generator is programmable, having a selectable gain-setting resistor.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a plurality of synchronizable oscillators is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a respective output signal of each synchronizable oscillator, each output signal having a respective frequency, generating a synchronization signal based on the output signal having the highest frequency of all of the output signals, and providing the synchronization signal to all of the synchronizable oscillators.

Abstract: A low cost, multiple output buck converter is provided using a single inductor, a single pulse width modulator integrated circuit, and two MOSFETs plus one additional MOSFET and capacitor for each voltage output.

Abstract: Method and circuitry for clamping outputs of inactive error amplifiers in battery chargers eliminate delays and prevent oscillatory tendencies. By clamping the output of, for example, an inactive current loop amplifier in response to the output of an active voltage loop amplifier in a battery charging circuit, the inactive amplifier is prevented from saturating, such that it can take over as the controlling loop with minimal delay.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting the current flow in a "pluggable" circuit during start-up or circuit fault conditions employs a MOSFET in conjunction with a feedback system, wherein a source terminal of the MOSFET is connected to a power supply bus and a drain terminal of the MOSFET is connected to the circuit to be current limited, respectively. A gate terminal of the MOSFET is controlled by a pair of op amps, wherein the first op amp amplifies the voltage across a current sensing resistor between the MOSFET and the circuit and outputs this pre-amplified voltage into the second op amp, and the second op amp amplifies the difference between this pre-amplified voltage and a first reference voltage. The output of the second op amp is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET, thereby varying the voltage at the gate terminal, as the output of the second op amp varies.

Abstract: An interleaved power converter is constructed so as to substantially equalize the power output of individual converter slices or phases. In an embodiment of the invention an interleaved power control system (110) includes a power bus (114) having a battery (116) coupled thereto and a plurality of slices (112) operating in a phased relationship with one another for causing the battery to source current to the power bus or to sink current from the power bus. Each of the slices includes an inductor (L) that is switchably coupled to the power bus and a controller (146) for controlling the switching of the inductor. The switching of the inductor is controlled as a function of (a) a difference between a magnitude of a voltage potential (V.sub.B) of the power bus and a predetermined voltage potential magnitude (Voltage Setpoint); (b) a difference between a magnitude of a current flowing through the power bus (I.sub.

Abstract: A bilateral power converter (10) for a satellite power system comprises a battery (12), an inductor (14), a switching means (18, 20), and a controller (16). The battery (12) preferably has a first and second terminals. The inductor (14) is coupled to the first terminal of the battery (12) and the switching means (18, 20). The switching means (18, 20) selectively couples the second end of the inductor (14) to a bus (28) or to ground ill response to a control signal. The controller (16) monitors the bus (28) voltage, current flow to the battery (12) and the current flow through the switching means (18, 20). The controller (16) also receives control signals from the satellite's computer (13) and automatically regulates the voltage on the bus (28) by adjusting the duty cycle of the signal output by the controller (16) to the switching means (18, 20).

Abstract: A bilateral power conversion circuit (30) includes a current sensor that includes a resistance (R.sub.s) coupled in series between a first terminal of a switch (SW2) and a ground potential. The current sensor has an output for providing an over-current signal to an input of a control circuit (24) during a time that the circuit is sinking current from a load and also during a time when the circuit is sourcing current to the load.

Abstract: Electronic circuit apparatus for actively clamping high frequency ringing on a semiconductor switch due to leakage inductance. The apparatus includes a capacitor having first and second capacitive plates, the first capacitive plate being connected between the leakage inductance and one side of the switch and a bipolar transistor which is connected at its base to the second capacitive plate and at its collector to the first capacitive plate at the junction between the leakage inductance and one side of the switch. The emitter of the bipolar transistor is connected to the other side of the switch.

Abstract: Oxygen generation by means of electrolysis is used for underwater swimming. The apparatus includes a back-pack containing an oxygen generator, a battery, a storage tank and a purifier, plus breathing equipment, including hoses and mask. The generator comprises a cylindrical housing in which an electrolytic cell is rotatably mounted in such a manner that its center of gravity always maintains the electrode of the electrolytic cell in a vertical attitude irrespective of the pitch or diving position of the swimmer in the water.