Patents by Inventor Thomas Duerbaum
Thomas Duerbaum 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).
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Patent number: 7444530Abstract: The invention relates to a standby circuit, an electrical device with a standby circuit, a method for the control of the electrical device and a power supply assembly. Whereas the power supply unit and the control electronics are in permanent operation when conventional devices are in the standby mode and consequently have a high power consumption, the invention proposes a solution for saving energy while retaining convenience of operation by which the power supply unit is switched off in the standby mode. A standby circuit, preferably fed by an energy buffer element, remains active in the standby mode and monitors signal inputs for activation events. When an activation event occurs, the standby circuit switches on the power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Carsten Deppe, Peter Luerkens, Thomas Duerbaum, Matthias Wendt, Christoph Loef, Georg Sauerlaender
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Patent number: 7408270Abstract: Usually, power supplies are not capable of switching off part of the outputs of a main power supply during stand-by. Due to this, stand-by power supplies are used in addition to operation power supplies. Consistent with an example embodiment, a forward converter is provided, including switches in the rectifier circuit thereof. Due to this, the rectifier circuits may be selectively switched on and off. Advantageously, this may allow that the main outputs of such a forward converter are switched off while on stand-by.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Thomas Dürbaum, Georg Sauerländer, Cornelis Johannes Adrianus Schetters
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Publication number: 20080094017Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting solar power into an alternating 3-phase maims (M) comprises a converter (conv) for converting the power from a solar cell (sc) into an unipolar converter output voltage provided between a first and a second converter output terminal of the converter, the converter having a constant power output regulation. The conversion circuit further comprises an inverter (Inv) for cyclically switching one of 3 3-phase output terminals to the first converter output terminal, one to the second converter output terminal and one intermittently to the first and second converter output terminal. With this conversion circuit and method, high capacity energy storage components (such as a capacitor having a large capacitance) can be avoided in the conversion circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Peter Luerkens, Matthias Wendt, Thomas Duerbaum, Heinz Van Der Broeck
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Patent number: 7330046Abstract: Power conversion circuits often consist of several MOSFETs operating in parallel. Due to thermal cycling and mechanical operations. MOSFETs or the respective electric connections of the MOSFETs may fail. For certain implementations, a diagnosis circuit for a plurality of parallel MOSFETs predicts or determines a possible failure on the basis of at least one of temperatures of the MOSFETs or gate voltages of the MOSFETs. In some applications, the MOSFETs are monitored to facilitate early determination of failures of the MOSFETs.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Thomas Dürbaum
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Publication number: 20080001736Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic circuit for reading out a plurality of sensor elements while disadvantages like degradation of analog signal transfer is avoided. The electronic circuit comprises a plurality of sensor elements (1, 11, 1-2, . . . ), each having at least a first and a second state and an output that conveys a trigger signal when the sensor element (1, 1-1, 1-2, . . . ) switches from the first state to the second state, a plurality of registers (R-1, R-2, . . . ) that are coupled to the outputs of the sensor elements (1, 1-1, 1-2, . . . ), a counter (CNT) that in an active state conveys a counter signal that is changing with a given clock rate, means for storing the counter signal into one of the registers (R1) when the trigger signal of one of the sensor elements (1-1 Y is received, and means for uniquely assigning the stored counter signal to the triggering sensor element (1-1).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2005Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Roger Steadman, Thomas Duerbaum, Francisco Morales Serrano, Gereon Vogtmier
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Patent number: 7298197Abstract: An increasing number of phases in multiphase converters causes an increase in requirements with respect to the control IC. According to the present invention, instead of deriving a new PWM signal for every single phase of the DC-DC converter, the single phases are clustered into groups (22, 24, 26). Within each group, the converters are operated on the basis of one PWM signal (PW M1, PW M2 . . . PW MN). Advantageously, this may allow to reduce the requirements with respect to the control IC and thus may allow the application of cheaper and smaller control ICs.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Thomas Duerbaum, Reinhold Elferich, Tobias Tolle
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Patent number: 7259363Abstract: A control unit (2) of a remote control receiver sets the forward or reverse direction operating mode of the photodiode (1) as a function of the useful signal level of its output signal, and to be precise, during standby, the photovoltaic operating mode (forward mode), since in this mode no external bias current is required. If the useful signal level of the photodiode (1) exceeds a predefined threshold, the reverse mode is set, and this brings with it a higher sensitivity. A series circuit (A) of a number of identical photodiodes DA1 DAn the forward mode allows the realization of a controlled current source (6) having a transistor (T), since the permissible diode voltage (Ud) of the overall arrangement may have n times the value of the operating voltage of an individual photodiode. Thus at the same time the voltage across the individual diodes can be set to a very low value and a favorable operating range for the current source can be set.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Carsten Deppe, Thomas Dürbaum, Georg Sauerländer
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Patent number: 7239114Abstract: Described herein is a DC/DC down converter which includes a synchronous rectifier, a switching element at its input side, an inductance at its output side and an auxiliary circuit which includes an auxiliary switching element, an auxiliary rectifier and an auxiliary inductance, the auxiliary circuit being coupled to the connection between the synchronous rectifier, the switching element at the input side and the inductance at the output side.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Dürbaum, Reinhold Elferich, Tobias Tolle
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Patent number: 7190596Abstract: In a switching DC converter with a resonant circuit output stage, the energy remaining in the resonant circuit for switching the switches of the converter in an inductive mode of operation is used to control the phase of switching. The turn-on phase of each switch is controlled to assure zero voltage switching, and the turn-off phase of each switch is controlled to assure that the resonant circuit has sufficient energy to provide this zero voltage switching.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Dürbaum, Georg Sauerländer
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Publication number: 20070030107Abstract: Conventional transformers with ractional turns have pre-manufactured cores usually with a complicated structure. According to the present invention, a method is provided of manufacturing a planar transformer where a ferrite polymer compound is laminated to a PCB for forming the core of the transformer. Advantageously, this may allow for the provision of a cheap and robust transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2004Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Thomas Dürbaum
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Patent number: 7141957Abstract: In known converter circuits switching losses occur, which are caused by reverse-recovery currents of a freewheeling diode. To reduce said switching losses it is proposed by the invention to drive the switching elements such that, upon switching from the second to the first switching element, the timing is controlled in such a manner that the shoot through currents and the conduction of the freewheeling diode are kept at a low value or, better still, are precluded. As regards the control mechanism, it is proposed to turn on the first switching element later if shoot through currents occur, and to turn on the first switching element sooner if conduction of the freewheeling diode occurs. Here, a time of overlap may be provided during which both switching elements are simultaneously conducting. For the control mechanism, the voltage across a switching element can be used as a measured input value.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Tobias Georg Tolle, Thomas Dürbaum, Reinhold Elferich
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Publication number: 20060209579Abstract: An increasing number of phases in multiphase converters causes an increase in requirements with respect to the control IC. According to the present invention, instead of deriving a new PWM signal for every single phase of the DC-DC converter, the single phases are clustered into groups (22, 24, 26). Within each group, the converters are operated on the basis of one PWM signal (PW M1, PW M2 . . . PW MN). Advantageously, this may allow to reduce the requirements with respect to the control IC and thus may allow the application of cheaper and smaller control ICs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2004Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Thomas Duerbaum, Elferich Reinhold, Tobias Tolle
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Patent number: 7103330Abstract: The invention describes a method of transmitting information between an information transmitter and an information receiver, the potential difference of which moves in cycles between a minimum value and a maximum value and is situated at the minimum value for regular intervals; having the steps: provision of information over the time interval or determining the time interval in which the potential difference between information transmitter and information receiver assumes its minimum value; closing of a switching means of the information transmitter in relation to an information memory assigned to the information receiver, only within the time interval; and transmission and storage of the information in the information memory.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Carsten Deppe, Thomas Dürbaum, Georg Sauerländer, Peter Lürkens, Tobias Georg Tolle
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Publication number: 20060187004Abstract: In a wire-bound network which comprises unshielded lines such as power supply lines, electromagnetic radiation is produced when transmitting data above the mains frequency. The device according to the invention comprises active means for reducing or eliminating the common-mode current (I-cm). To this end, these active means generate an artificial dissymmetry which is complementary to that of the network and is measured continuously or periodically.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2004Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: Thomas Vollmer, Thomas Duerbaum, Georg Sauerlaender
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Publication number: 20060164049Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the power supply to at least one power consumer which is connected via a voltage regulator (2) to a voltage output of a DC voltage source (1) at which a supply voltage (U0) is present. To minimize power losses, it is proposed that (a) a regulation signal is generated for the voltage regulator (2) which regulation signal depends on at least one input voltage (Uin) present at the voltage regulator (2) and on a reference value (Vref) which is specific of the voltage regulator (2), and (b) the supply voltage (U0) of the DC voltage source (1) is regulated in dependence on the regulation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventor: Thomas Duerbaum
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Patent number: 7076206Abstract: The invention describes a system for electrical transmission in the field of garments and a corresponding transmitter for this. Electrical circuits in garments are coupled, preferably inductively in a wireless manner with electrical devices and/or electrical circuits in other garments, wherein electrical energy is transmitted via the coupling. Energy transmission in both directions is preferably possible, wherein a distributed system results with sources and devices that can be coupled with each other. The efficiency of the inductive energy transmission is increased by regulation of the frequency, preferably using resonance. In addition, means for information transmission are proposed.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Reinhold Elferich, Georg Sauerlaender, Thomas Duerbaum
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Patent number: 7023314Abstract: The invention relates to a transformer (10, 10?) with a core (11) which has a center piece (11a) with a first and a second flange (11b, 11c), in which a first and a second winding (12, 13) of the transformer (10, 10?) are wound on the center piece (11a). To produce a transformer as compact as possible which allows simple adaptation to limit leakage currents, it is proposed that the winding end pieces (12a, 12b) of the first winding (12) guided out of the winding body are guided through at least one recess in the first flange (11b) and that winding end pieces (15a, 15b) of the second winding (13) guided out of the winding body are provided which form at least partly loose line ends. Alternatively, the winding end pieces (12a, 12b) of the first winding (12) guided out of the winding body are guided immediately about the edge of the first flange (11b) and connected with connecting elements (14a, 14b) which are arranged on the side of the first flange (11b) opposite the center piece (11a).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Tobias Georg Tolle, Thomas Duerbaum, Hendrikus Johannes Jacobus Domensino, Pieter Jan Mark Smidt
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Patent number: 7023710Abstract: In the case of known switched-mode power supplies with integrated preconditioner, the control curves are largely congruent, but deviate from one another in low-load operation, whereby the unregulated intermediate circuit voltage increases. To improve efficiency in low-load operation, closed-loop control of the burst cycle is effected on the primary side of the voltage transformer. The intermediate circuit voltage is limited to a permissible limit value. The closed-loop control device in the switching stage taps the intermediate circuit voltage at a voltage divider which is arranged between the preconditioner functional unit and the switching stage. An assembly additionally monitors the output voltage, for example by means of an optocoupler. Burst mode comprises one or more burst cycles. A burst cycle is started when the intermediate circuit voltage reaches its limit value. At this time, the voltage transformer is switched off. A burst cycle ends when the output voltage reaches a minimum value.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Dürbaum, Christoph Loef, Carsten Deppe
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Patent number: 6829151Abstract: A resonant converter includes an inverter for generating an AC voltage which is fed to a resonant arrangement with a capacitor and a transformer. The circuit provides two types of secondary units, each having a secondary winding of the transformer and at least one rectifier element. Secondary units of the first and second type are then distinguished by opposite orientation. At least two output voltages are delivered on the output, a first output voltage of which being supplied as a direct output of a first-type secondary unit and a second output voltage as a “stack output” of a first-type secondary unit and a second-type secondary unit. The two output voltages can be regulated separately and independently of each other with a regulating device by suitably choosing frequency and duty cycle of a pulse width modulated voltage generated by the inverter driven by the regulating device.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Reinhold Elferich, Thomas Duerbaum, Hubert Raets
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Publication number: 20040233601Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the power supply for two or more power consumers, wherein at least two of the power consumers are connected to a direct-voltage source (1) via at least a respective voltage regulator (21a, 21b, 22, . . . 2n) and wherein each voltage regulator (21a, 21b, 22, . . . 2n) is supplied with an input voltage (Uin,a, Uin,1b, Uin,2, . . . , Uin,n) by the direct-voltage source (1) and supplies one of the power consumers with a steady voltage (Uout,1a, Uout,1b, Uout,2, . . . Uout,n). In order to optimize the voltage supply and to avoid high power losses and heat losses, it is proposed that a) for each voltage regulator (21a, 21b, 22, . . . 2n) a control signal is generated that is dependent at least on the applied input voltage (Uin,1a, Uin,1b, Uin,2, . . . Uin,n) and on a specific reference value (Vref,1a, Vref,1b, Vref,2, . . . , Vref,n) for the voltage regulator (21a, 21b, 22, . . . 2n) and b) the input voltages (Uin,1a, Uin,1b, Uin,2, . . .Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Thomas Duerbaum