Abstract: Systems and methods of converting alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power at an intermediate DC voltage are disclosed. Briefly described, one system embodiment comprises a separated front end rectifier system that provides intermediate voltage, direct current (DC) power to a plurality of loads, comprising a modular alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) rectifier coupled to an AC power system that converts received AC power to DC power at a rectified DC voltage, a rectified DC voltage bus coupled to the AC/DC rectifier and at least one modular direct current to direct current (DC/DC) conversion unit coupled to the rectified DC voltage bus and to an intermediate DC voltage bus.

Abstract: A power module includes a plurality of converters having outputs for coupling to a supply voltage. The power module further includes a connector having a pin to provide a signal indicative of whether the power module is being disconnected from a system. A controller is responsive to the signal indicating that the power module is being disconnected by sequentially deasserting enable signals to the converters to disable the converters in a sequential order.

Abstract: Systems and methods of converting alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power at an intermediate DC voltage are disclosed. Briefly described, one system embodiment comprises a separated front end rectifier system that provides intermediate voltage, direct current (DC) power to a plurality of loads, comprising a modular alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) rectifier coupled to an AC power system that converts received AC power to DC power at a rectified DC voltage, a rectified DC voltage bus coupled to the AC/DC rectifier and at least one modular direct current to direct current (DC/DC) conversion unit coupled to the rectified DC voltage bus and to an intermediate DC voltage bus.

Abstract: A system comprises a converter to produce an output voltage from at least a first input voltage and a second input voltage, and a selector to select a first circuit path in the converter to produce the output voltage from the first input voltage, and to select a second circuit path in the converter to produce the output voltage from the second input voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a distributed front-end rectifier system in an electronics system and related methods are disclosed. One system embodiment comprises a first alternating current-to direct current (AC/DC) front end rectifier, a second AC/DC front end rectifier, and an AC power bus directly connected to the first AC/DC front end rectifier and the second AC/DC front end rectifier.

Abstract: A system comprises a converter to produce an output voltage from at least a first input voltage and a second input voltage, and a selector to select a first circuit path in the converter to produce the output voltage from the first input voltage, and to select a second circuit path in the converter to produce the output voltage from the second input voltage.

Abstract: A power module includes a plurality of converters having outputs for coupling to a supply voltage. The power module further includes a connector having a pin to provide a signal indicative of whether the power module is being disconnected from a system. A controller is responsive to the signal indicating that the power module is being disconnected by sequentially deasserting enable signals to the converters to disable the converters in a sequential order.

Abstract: An example airborne conductive contaminant handling system is described. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may include a handling circuit that is configured to selectively pass an electric current through a conductive contaminant. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may also include an attracting circuit that is configured to attract an airborne conductive contaminant towards the handling circuit, where it can be subjected to the electric current. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be employed to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electrical connector is constructed with at least one pin configured to provide different resistance values as the pin is engaged with a socket. When the connector is fully engaged with the socket the resistance of the connector is at a zero or minimal value. When the pin first contacts the socket, the pin includes a high series resistance minimizing the sudden inrush of current to an electrical device, and minimizing any arcing between the pin and the socket. As the pin engages the socket this series resistance decreases allowing the electronic device to utilize its full designed current with only minimal contact resistance between the pin and the socket.

Abstract: A power connector is configured to float on a computer backplane allowing bulk power supplies to be physically located adjacent to the backplane. This allows use of an EMI gasket between the bulk power supply and the backplane preventing high frequency noise from radiating out of the computer case. Standard electrical plugs may be used on one or both sides of the power connector allowing standard bulk power supplies and line cords to be used on one or both sides of the power connector.

Abstract: A male power connector features an integral, easy-access blade fuse receptacle. The connector includes a nonconductive housing, two pins extending from a first side of the housing for insertion into a power supplying female socket, two flexible conductors extending from a second side of the housing for supplying power to an electrical system, and two openings in the housing for receiving the blades of a blade-style fuse. The openings are configured to prevent the body of the fuse from entering the housing so that the fuse may be easily inserted and removed by hand. A first conductive path is provided between one of the pins and one of the conductors; but a second conductive path between the other pin and the other conductor is interrupted between the two openings. Insertion of the blade fuse completes the second conductive path.

Abstract: In a system having multiple power supplies with outputs connected in parallel, the number of supplies providing current is controlled to improve the overall system efficiency. For example, when the output current of individual power supplies falls below a threshold, one or more supplies may be placed into a standby mode. This increases the output current of the supplies that are in an operational mode, improving the efficiency of the supplies that are in an operational mode.

Abstract: An electrical connector is constructed including heat-spreading devices in order to reduce hotspots within the connector and to efficiently dissipate heat to the surrounding atmosphere, thus increasing the current carrying capability of the connector.

Abstract: A power connector is configured to float on a computer backplane allowing bulk power supplies to be physically located adjacent to the backplane. This allows use of an EMI gasket between the bulk power supply and the backplane preventing high frequency noise from radiating out of the computer case. Standard electrical plugs may be used on one or both sides of the power connector allowing standard bulk power supplies and line cords to be used on one or both sides of the power connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector is constructed including heat-spreading devices in order to reduce hotspots within the connector and to efficiently dissipate heat to the surrounding atmosphere, thus increasing the current carrying capability of the connector.

Abstract: In a system having multiple power supplies with outputs connected in parallel, the number of supplies providing current is controlled to improve the overall system efficiency. For example, when the output current of individual power supplies falls below a threshold, one or more supplies may be placed into a standby mode. This increases the output current of the supplies that are in an operational mode, improving the efficiency of the supplies that are in an operational mode.