Patents by Inventor Sheng Tai Lee

Sheng Tai Lee has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11689108
    Abstract: A controller includes a first sensing pin receiving a first sensing signal indicating a level of an input voltage of a resonant converter, a second sensing pin receiving a second sensing signal indicating a level of an input current of the resonant converter, a feedback pin receiving a feedback signal indicating a level of an output voltage of the resonant converter, and a first driving pin and a second driving pin controlling a high side switch and a low side switch of the resonant converter, respectively. The controller generates a compensated signal based on the first sensing signal, compares the compensated signal with a peak value of the second sensing signal to generate a first comparison result, compares the feedback signal with a threshold to generate a second comparison result, and controls the high side low side switches based on the first and the second comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Sin-Yan Wu, Sheng-Tai Lee, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20230136279
    Abstract: A controller includes a first sensing pin receiving a first sensing signal indicating a level of an input voltage of a resonant converter, a second sensing pin receiving a second sensing signal indicating a level of an input current of the resonant converter, a feedback pin receiving a feedback signal indicating a level of an output voltage of the resonant converter, and a first driving pin and a second driving pin controlling a high side switch and a low side switch of the resonant converter, respectively. The controller generates a compensated signal based on the first sensing signal, compares the compensated signal with a peak value of the second sensing signal to generate a first comparison result, compares the feedback signal with a threshold to generate a second comparison result, and controls the high side low side switches based on the first and the second comparison results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan KUO, Sin-Yan WU, Sheng-Tai LEE, Yung-Lin LIN
  • Patent number: 10893591
    Abstract: A controller includes a voltage detection terminal, a current detection terminal and a voltage sensing terminal. The voltage detection terminal senses a second output voltage. The current detection terminal senses a current of a light source. The second output voltage is sensed prior to the current of the light source. The voltage sensing terminal receives a voltage sensing signal indicative of a first output voltage. The controller adjusts the voltage sensing signal based on the second output voltage, to enable the second output voltage in a preset voltage range; when the second output voltage is in the preset voltage range, the controller adjusts the adjusted voltage sensing signal based on a difference between the current of the light source and a target current value, to enable the current of the light source to maintain the target current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-tai Lee, Kaiping Ran
  • Publication number: 20200245432
    Abstract: A controller includes a voltage detection terminal, a current detection terminal and a voltage sensing terminal. The voltage detection terminal senses a second output voltage. The current detection terminal senses a current of a light source. The second output voltage is sensed prior to the current of the light source. The voltage sensing terminal receives a voltage sensing signal indicative of a first output voltage. The controller adjusts the voltage sensing signal based on the second output voltage, to enable the second output voltage in a preset voltage range; when the second output voltage is in the preset voltage range, the controller adjusts the adjusted voltage sensing signal based on a difference between the current of the light source and a target current value, to enable the current of the light source to maintain the target current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sheng-tai LEE, Kaiping RAN
  • Patent number: 10660176
    Abstract: A system for driving a light source includes a power converter and control circuitry coupled to the power converter. The power converter converts input power to an output voltage to power the light source. The control circuitry senses the output voltage and senses current of the light source. The control circuitry generates a control signal based on a voltage feedback signal indicative of a combination of said output voltage and said current of said light source, and controls the power converter by the control signal to adjust the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Chen, Sheng-Tai Lee, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20190254130
    Abstract: A system for driving a light source includes a power converter and control circuitry coupled to the power converter. The power converter converts input power to an output voltage to power the light source. The control circuitry senses the output voltage and senses current of the light source. The control circuitry generates a control signal based on a voltage feedback signal indicative of a combination of said output voltage and said current of said light source, and controls the power converter by the control signal to adjust the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Chen, Sheng-Tai LEE, Yung-Lin LIN
  • Patent number: 9497812
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit for powering a first light source and a second light source by a DC voltage includes a first current regulator, a second current regulator and a controller. The first current regulator controls a first switch coupled to the first light source based on a first current reference and a first sensing signal. The second current regulator controls a second switch coupled to the second light source based on a second current reference and a second sensing signal. The controller regulates the current through the first light source and the current through the second light source by controlling the first current regulator and the second current regulator. If the DC voltage is within a first range, then the controller turns on the first light source. If the DC voltage is within a second range, then the controller turns on the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai Lee, Ching-Shuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20160143095
    Abstract: A light source driving circuit for powering a first light source and a second light source by a DC voltage includes a first current regulator, a second current regulator and a controller. The first current regulator controls a first switch coupled to the first light source based on a first current reference and a first sensing signal. The second current regulator controls a second switch coupled to the second light source based on a second current reference and a second sensing signal. The controller regulates the current through the first light source and the current through the second light source by controlling the first current regulator and the second current regulator. If the DC voltage is within a first range, then the controller turns on the first light source. If the DC voltage is within a second range, then the controller turns on the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai LEE, Ching-Shuan KUO
  • Patent number: 9253843
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a power converter, a dimming controller and a current path coupled to the dimming controller. The power converter receives input power from a rectifier and provides output power to a light source. A power switch transfers power from an AC power source to the rectifier when the power switch is on. The dimming controller receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of the state of the power switch. An average current flowing through the light source has a first value if the power switch is on. The dimming controller is operable for adjusting the average current based on the switch monitoring signal. A current flows from the AC power source through the current path to ground when the power switch is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: 02Micro Inc
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai Lee, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 9030121
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving light sources, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a lamp includes a rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the switch is controlled linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching Chuan Kuo, Sheng Tai Lee
  • Publication number: 20150022109
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a power converter, a dimming controller and a current path coupled to the dimming controller. The power converter receives input power from a rectifier and provides output power to a light source. A power switch transfers power from an AC power source to the rectifier when the power switch is on. The dimming controller receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of the state of the power switch. An average current flowing through the light source has a first value if the power switch is on. The dimming controller is operable for adjusting the average current based on the switch monitoring signal. A current flows from the AC power source through the current path to ground when the power switch is off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Sheng-Tai LEE, Ching-Chuan KUO, Yung-Lin LIN
  • Patent number: 8564219
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a bridge rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a first switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the first switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the first switch is controlled linearly. The circuit further includes a current path coupled in parallel with the LED light source and an illuminated switch coupled between the AC power source and the bridge rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng Tai Lee, Yung Lin Lin, Chuan Chiung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8508142
    Abstract: A portable lighting device includes a controller, a power source that provides a voltage, and a load that includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The controller receives the voltage and regulates a current of the LED light source based on a sensing signal indicating the voltage of the power source. The controller regulates the current of the LED light source to a first current level if the voltage of the power source is greater than a first voltage level, and to a second current level if the voltage of the power source is less than a second voltage level. The second voltage level is less than the first voltage level. The controller regulates the current of the LED light source to vary according to the sensing signal if the voltage of the power source is between the first voltage level and the second voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Sheng-Tai Lee
  • Patent number: 8456101
    Abstract: A power system includes a switching circuit, a resonant tank, a feedback circuit, and controller circuitry. The switching circuit including a first switch and a second switch provides a first AC signal. The resonant tank coupled to the switching circuit receives the first AC signal and generating a second AC signal for powering a load. The feedback circuit coupled to the load monitors an electrical condition of the load and provides a feedback signal. The controller circuitry coupled to the converter controls the switching circuit according to the feedback signal so as to control the power to the load. The controller circuitry is integrated in a first die. The first switch is integrated in a second die, and the second switch is integrated in a third die. The first die, said second die and said third die are mounted on and electrically interconnected to a platform compatible with through-hole technology. The platform and the resonant tank are further assembled on a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ren Wang, Sheng-Tai Lee, Da Liu, Chuan-Chiung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8232738
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a bridge rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a first switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the first switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the first switch is controlled linearly. The circuit further includes a current path coupled in parallel with the LED light source and an illuminated switch coupled between the AC power source and the bridge rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc
    Inventors: Sheng Tai Lee, Yung Lin Lin, Chuan Chiung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120176066
    Abstract: A portable lighting device includes a controller, a power source that provides a voltage, and a load that includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The controller receives the voltage and regulates a current of the LED light source based on a sensing signal indicating the voltage of the power source. The controller regulates the current of the LED light source to a first current level if the voltage of the power source is greater than a first voltage level, and to a second current level if the voltage of the power source is less than a second voltage level. The second voltage level is less than the first voltage level. The controller regulates the current of the LED light source to vary according to the sensing signal if the voltage of the power source is between the first voltage level and the second voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Yung Lin LIN, Sheng-Tai LEE
  • Publication number: 20120126710
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving light sources, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a lamp includes a rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the switch is controlled linearly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Yung Lin LIN, Ching Chuan KUO, Sheng Tai LEE
  • Publication number: 20120091816
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a power system includes a first power source having a first voltage, a second power source having a second voltage, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the first power source and the second power source. The controller compares the first voltage with the second voltage, controls the first power source to charge the second power source via a first switch and a second switch in a charging mode when the first voltage is greater than said second voltage, and controls the second power source to power a load such as a light-emitting diode (LED) light source via the second switch and a third switch in a load-powering mode when the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Da LIU, Sheng-Tai LEE, Ju-Yuan HSIAO, Chang-Yi LIN
  • Patent number: 8143800
    Abstract: A circuit for driving a load includes a power line, converter circuitry, and a controller. The power line is operable for providing an input current and an input voltage. The converter circuitry coupled to the power line is operable for converting the input voltage to a regulated voltage to drive the load, and for providing a current detection signal indicating whether a converter current flowing through the converter circuitry drops to a predetermined level. The controller coupled to the converter circuitry is operable for correcting a power factor of the circuit based on the current detection signal and the input voltage such that a waveform of the input current follows a waveform of the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Da Liu, Ching-Chuan Kuo, Sheng-Tai Lee
  • Patent number: 8058809
    Abstract: A circuit comprises a power tank, a pair of transformers and multiple loads. The power tank converts a DC input voltage to an AC voltage. The pair of transformers comprise a pair of primary windings and a pair of secondary windings and transform the intermediate AC voltage to an output AC voltage. The pair of primary windings are coupled to the power tank for receiving the intermediate AC voltage, and the pair of secondary windings provide the output AC voltage. The loads are coupled to the pair of secondary windings for receiving the output AC voltage. The pair of secondary windings are serially coupled to each other through the series-coupled loads to achieve current balance among the loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Youling Li, Sheng Tai Lee, Yingpeng Hu