Abstract: A configuration and a method for generating a negative voltage for a high-side switch in an inverter by providing at least one negative bias voltage for an inverter, wherein a simple and safe provision of the negative voltage becomes possible, and the switching costs as well as the costs and expenses for the production of such an inverter are reduced. A secondary winding generating a negative base voltage is arranged on a flyback transformer, wherein a first terminal of the secondary winding is connected to the HV+ potential and a second terminal of the secondary winding is connected via a rectifier diode to the first terminal for outputting the negative base voltage, wherein a bootstrap diode is arranged between the first terminal and a second terminal for outputting a negative base voltage (NEG BIAS A), and wherein a bootstrap capacitor is arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A configuration and a method for generating a negative voltage for a high-side switch in an inverter by providing at least one negative bias voltage for an inverter, wherein a simple and safe provision of the negative voltage becomes possible, and the switching costs as well as the costs and expenses for the production of such an inverter are reduced. A secondary winding generating a negative base voltage is arranged on a flyback transformer, wherein a first terminal of the secondary winding is connected to the HV+ potential and a second terminal of the secondary winding is connected via a rectifier diode to the first terminal for outputting the negative base voltage, wherein a bootstrap diode is arranged between the first terminal and a second terminal for outputting a negative base voltage (NEG BIAS A), and wherein a bootstrap capacitor is arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus that provides a regulated power supply for in-cylinder ionization detection by harvesting the excess ignition coil leakage and magnetizing energy immediately following the turn off of the ignition coil IGBT. It uses an additional energy storage capacitor which replaces a first capacitor as the primary energy storage device. Thus, this feature of the present invention uses a two step method for charging the ionization detection circuit, as opposed to just one stage. The second capacitor is charged first, typically up to 400 Volts DC, and is then used as a reservoir to charge the first capacitor.

Abstract: This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus that provides a regulated power supply for in-cylinder ionization detection by harvesting the excess ignition coil leakage and magnetizing energy immediately following the turn off of the ignition coil IGBT. It uses an additional energy storage capacitor which replaces a first capacitor as the primary energy storage device. Thus, this feature of the present invention uses a two step method for charging the ionization detection circuit, as opposed to just one stage. The second capacitor is charged first, typically up to 400 Volts DC, and is then used as a reservoir to charge the first capacitor.

Abstract: A drive circuit for terminators in a SCSI (Small Computer Standard Interface) system comprises a bipolar transistor operating in saturated condition to keep the voltage drop to less than 200 millivolts. A second transistor serves to detect when, due to overcurrent conditions, the first transistor goes out off saturation and turns it off. Also provided is means for ensuring that the first transistor turns on before the second transistor on power-up.

Abstract: A heating unit includes two tubular tungsten-halogen lamps, each having a tungsten filament. The lamps are supported within a ring of ceramic fibre material and the unit is preferably mounted beneath an infra-red-transmissive cooktop to define a hotplate area of a cooking hob. A control circuit provides a range of discrete power outputs of the lamps, each power output corresponding to a power control setting set by a user of the cooking hob. The circuit includes a phase control circuit for switching power to the lamps at a predetermined phase angle to achieve one or more of the lower power outputs.

Abstract: A microwave oven consists of an oven cavity containing a turntable, a source of microwave energy and a waveguide for directing microwave energy into the oven cavity. Two lamp units accommodate tungsten-halogen lamps for browning food cooked by the microwave energy. To inhibit arcing through the lamps due to exposure to the microwave energy, support coils supporting the filament of each lamp are each formed from an incomplete turn of the coil to inhibit arcing between adjacent regions thereof. Other modifications to the lamps and/or the units may also be provided to protect the lamps from exposure to the microwave energy.

Abstract: An electric cooker or cooking hob has a ceramic plate 2 on which there are a number of hot plate areas each heated by a respective annular heating element 4 disposed within an insulating housing 7. A temperature dependent resistor 9 is disposed below the hot plate area at the center of focus of a reflector 8 which is arranged to focus radiant energy from the hot plate area onto the resistor 9 while at the same time shielding the resistor 9 from direct radiation from the electric heating element 4. The signal derived from the resistor 9 is a measure of the temperature of the hot plate and can be used to provide a thermal tripping function to prevent over-heating of the hot plate area and/or to carry out closed loop control of the temperature of the hot plate area. The reflector 8 may be replaced by a shield which shields the resistor 9 from direct heating by the heater.