Abstract: A method and system for detecting the end of a tape within a tape drive system, wherein the tape drive system includes a take-up reel and a supply reel upon which the tape is wound. The tape is driven through the tape drive system at a closed loop velocity. A tension transducer located in a path of the tape is utilized to monitor a tension associated with the tape while the tape is being driven through the tape drive system at the closed loop velocity. The tension transducer is utilized to detect the end of the tape. The take-up reel is then moved through a predetermined arc of rotation, in response to a cessation of the driving of the tape through the tape drive system. A confirmation is then provided that the end of tape has been detected, in response to a particular output of the tension transducer.

Abstract: A transducer position sensing system, in a electromechanical drive, for determining transducer position. A sensor is mounted with a non-adjustable position and without absolute position accuracy, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. The position of the transducer at which the sensor switches states is accurately determined in a manufacturing test fixture and recorded in a permanent memory used by a drive controller. The drive controller can then accurately determine transducer position during subsequent initialization procedures.

Abstract: An improved heroic data recovery technique in which the inventive mechanism initially calibrates data storage devices' read/write mechanism misalignment characteristics and then reduces such calibration to an off-track positioning table. The table reflects a histogram indicating statistically where the misalignment is most likely to be found based on measurement of the characteristics of the device. The device's off-track positioning mechanism uses this table to execute a series of off-track read attempts in statistical order of likelihood of recovering unreadable data. The read head moves first to the off-track position in the table where statistically the misalignment is most likely to be found, and then to the next most likely, and so on, until the data is either found and recovered, or the series embodied in the table is exhausted. If the table becomes exhausted, an alternative heroic technique must be applied.

Abstract: A method of producing a position error signal includes storing a normal position error value generated from a normal servo field and a quadrature position error value generated from a quadrature servo field, where the normal servo field is ninety degrees out of phase from the quadrature servo field. A position error numerator is created by arithmetically combining the normal position error value and the quadrature position error value. A position error denominator is created based on the normal position error value and the quadrature position error value. The position error signal is produced by dividing the position error numerator by the position error denominator.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for moving a plurality of heads in a disk drive is disclosed. The system comprises hard disks, read/write heads for reading from or writing to the hard disks, a voice coil motor for moving the plurality of heads, a voice coil motor driver for energizing the voice coil motor, a voltage clamp device for regulating a voltage across the voice coil motor, and a park voltage source. The voltage clamp device comprises a transistor, a switch, and a resistive divider network. During head parking, a park voltage source activates the voltage clamp device, which clamps the voltage across the voice coil motor to a fixed value, resulting in movement of the voice coil and heads towards a park location with fixed velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording-reproducing device in which an engagement portion of a cartridge is locked by a locking portion of a first slide member; therefore as first and second slide members and slide, the cartridge also slides to be loaded and unloaded. The loading and unloading of the cartridge, therefore, can easily be accomplished with extremely little force.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a disk cartridge is employed in a portable disk drive so as to move the disk cartridge accommodating a disk to a loading position. The loading apparatus includes a tray to receive the disk cartridge, a link mechanism to support and guide the disk cartridge at a predetermined inclined angle while the disk cartridge is initially inserted into the tray, a positioning unit to position the disk accommodated in the disk cartridge on a spindle motor by pushing an upper rear end portion of the disk cartridge as the disk cartridge is in the final stage of the movement to the loading position, a blocking unit to block the disk cartridge to prevent the disk cartridge, once positioned in the tray by the positioning unit, from being separated accidentally from the tray and a withdrawing unit to withdraw the disk cartridge from the tray.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head includes a recording gap layer, and lower and upper magnetic pole layers made of polycrystalline magnetic substances, deposited to sandwich the recording gap layer. An average particle size D of crystal substances at least in a region of the upper magnetic pole layer, near the recording gap layer with respect to a recording track width W is set to D≦W/20.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head includes an ABS and a three-layer pole tip structure located between the ABS and a position at a predetermined height from the ABS. The structure consists of a first pole, a recording gap layer and a second pole. The recording gap layer is made of a material having a etching rate equal to or higher than that of a material for making the first and second poles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the reliability of removable storage media by dynamically reducing particulate contaminants from magnetic disks. The apparatus and methods include using wipers which slidingly engage both sides of the magnetic disk as the disk rotates, in order to reduce particulates. In some embodiments, the wiper can be coupled to a swing-type actuator or to any resilient member which can be moved over the surface of the magnetic disk.

Abstract: The magnetic head assembly including a magnetic head having a terminal composed of a conductive film and a supporting spring. The supporting spring has interconnecting patterns (lines) on the top thereof and a projective electrode. The terminal of the magnetic head is electrically connected to the projective electrode of the supporting spring by a solderless, direct contact connection. The magnetic head is fixed to the supporting spring by using a non-electrical bonding agent. This structure makes it possible to stabilize the position of the magnetic head assembly and the relative speed variation between the magnetic head element and the magnetic disk, thereby enhancing the reliability of the magnetic disk apparatus.

Abstract: A slider for supporting transducer elements for a data storage system including at least one pressure relief trench formed in the raised bearing proximate to a contact interface position of the slider and disc surface. The trench is sized to reduce capillary pressure of the meniscus relative to disjoining pressure of a lubricant film layer on the disc surface to limit the area or expansion of a film bridge or meniscus between the bearing surface of the slider and disc surface.

Abstract: A disk drive suspension comprising a load beam utilizing a piezoelectric microactuator has arcuate spring portion elements vertically to laterally disposed relative to the load beam that further curl or flatten in response to contraction or expansion of the piezoelectric microactuator to facilitate greater distance beam displacement at lower levels of voltage.

Abstract: High-performance amagnetic gap layers for electromagnetic transducers are thermally conductive and electrically insulative, as well as providing a dense amorphous surface for forming magnet resistive sensor elements. The amagnetic gap layers include nonmonocrystalline compounds of AIN, SiC, SiO2, Si3N4, BeO and Ta2O3. The layers provide greatly increased thermal conductivity and breakdown voltage as compared with alumina, and are particularly suited for giant magnetoresistive and spin-valve heads.

Abstract: A magnetic structure, such as a magnetoresistive sensor, having a continuous multi-region magnetic layer in which the magnetic and electrical characteristics of each region is locally defined. In the preferred embodiment, the continuous multi-region magnetic layer has high coercivity end regions separated by a low coercivity central region.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerator including a power supply unit, an inverter applying three-phase power to a compressor is disclosed. The compressor is driven initially for a predetermined period of time. If the RPM of the compressor is not within the range between a maximum and a minimum RPM, a controller determines a malfunction of the compressor or a disconnection between the inverter and compressor during the predetermined period of time. The controller increases the number of the malfunction by one whenever the malfunction is determined. If the increased number is greater than a given number, the controller stops the compressor and alerts user to the malfunction.

Abstract: A normally ungrounded power system for a oil well is provided which includes a power transformer above ground and a pump motor below ground. There is provided a signal system which includes a below ground sensor system and an above ground signal conditioning and monitoring unit where the sensor system utilizes the main power lines for carrying the sensor signals. A connectable high resistance grounding scheme is provided to the aforementioned floating system, so that in the event of a arcing ground fault or similar occurrence the system may be immediately grounded, thus compensating for the effects of the arcing ground fault and providing personnel safety and electrical equipment protection. When the high resistance grounding system is not utilized the aforementioned signals from the sensors are easily carried by the power conductors.

Abstract: A ground fault detection circuit is coupled to an AC circuit and to earth ground for detecting a flow of energy from the AC circuit to earth ground through a path external to the AC circuit. In one embodiment, the ground fault circuit includes a detection circuit coupled to a negative rail of an inverter, which forms part of the AC circuit, and a detection control circuit coupled to the inverter for disabling the AC circuit.

Abstract: A sensing terminal and a receptacle are installed in a charge battery and a charger, respectively. During charging, a charging circuit within the charger will detect whether the battery is pulled out from the charger. If the battery is pulled out, the power source will be turned off in a very short time so that no voltage will be sent from the terminal of the charger in order to protect the charger. As the charge battery is pulled out from the charger, no spark is generated and the battery is prevented from being burned out.

Abstract: A device for limiting an alternating electric current includes a least one passive semiconductor configuration and a protection circuit. The semiconductor configuration is configured such that when a forward voltage is applied thereto, a forward current flows through the semiconductor configuration. The forward current increases monotonously with the forward voltage up to a saturation current at an associated saturation voltage. At a forward voltage above the saturation voltage, the forward current is limited to a limiting current that is smaller than the saturation current. The semiconductor configuration is further configured such that when a reverse voltage is applied, a reverse current flows through the passive semiconductor configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-terminal, transistor-PTC, circuit protection device that has a reduced size and weight and is particularly suitable for use, for example, in portable electronic devices and high density electronic circuits. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a circuit protection device comprises a positive coefficient temperature (PTC) element and a bipolar transistor having base, collector, and emitter terminals. The PTC element is connected between the base and collector terminals of the transistor. The PTC element may be thermally coupled to the transistor and packaged with the transistor as a hybrid device. An electrical load may be connected to the collector terminal of the transistor. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a circuit protection device comprises a PTC element and a Darlington circuit having base, collector and emitter terminals. The PTC element is connected between the base and collector terminals of the Darlington circuit.

Abstract: Surge suppressor apparatus comprising AC power line overvoltage protection, telephone voice line overvoltage and overcurrent protection, high speed data line overvoltage and overcurrent protection and coaxial transmission line overvoltage protection, all tied to a common ground.

Abstract: A two stroke cycle reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having horizontally opposed cylinders and pistons, scotch yokes and self adjusting sliding blocks for the interface between the scotch yokes and crankpins, and secondary cylindrical pistons to maintain the scotch yokes in perpendicular vertical alignment with the crankpins. The secondary cylindrical pistons also operate as valves to open exhaust ports. A supercharger forces air through intake ports and into the main cylinders, then into secondary cylinders, and scavenges the exhaust gases through the exhaust ports. There is no carburetor and no adjustable distributor but rather ignition signals within its operating range, at a certain angle before top dead center. In addition, a capacitive discharge ignition system using multiple transformer ignition coils for each cylinder and rail spark plugs with multiple sets of rails to ignite very lean air/fuel mixtures.

Abstract: The device comprises a three-pole lightning arrester, switch means having conductive blades, trigger means having a trigger fuse piece which is thermally connected to the lightning arrester, and conductor means which define input and output line terminals and a ground terminal. The conductor means provide links between the input terminals and the output terminals, between the line electrodes of the lightning arrester and the input terminals, and between a ground electrode of the lightning arrester and the ground terminal. The trigger piece maintains the blades in their first position until a heating limit temperature above which the piece melts and enables the blades to be resiliently returned to their second position. The trigger piece is made up of a recessed central body bearing against the lightning arrester, and of blade-retaining members positioned on either side of the central body so as to secure the blades to the trigger piece.

Abstract: A protected terminal block has a housing (10) having a plurality of test ports (18) and a plurality of electrical contact elements (40), each of which includes a test lead (48) which is accessible through a test port (18). The electrical contact elements are configured in the housing and connected to an exchange wire which is secured to a stub cable. A protection module retainer (140) is secured to a side of the housing (10) proximate the test ports (18) to form a plurality of retaining cups (142) adapted to receive a protection module (100). A grounding strip (150) is secured to ground and retained between the protection module retainer (140) and the housing (10) proximate the test ports (18), the grounding strip (150) having a plurality of integral ground connectors (158). A protection module (100) is provided having a protector (116) which is connected to a pair of terminal block contact elements (102) and a ground connector (160).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a circuit for driving the excitation coil of an electromagnetically driven reciprocating pump used as an injection device, characterized by a circuit for driving the rotor excitation coil (600) which is connected to a power transistor (601) which is grounded via a measuring resistor (602), whereby the output of a comparator (603) is hooked on to the control input of the transistor (601), e.g. to the transistor base, and whereby a current setpoint is applied to the non-inverting input of the comparator (603). This setpoint is e.g. obtained from a microcomputer and the inverting input of the comparator (603) is connected to the side of the measuring resistor which is connected with the transistor (601).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the recognition of an armature drop off in an electromagnetically actuated device supplies an on/off controlled switching current to the solenoid coil of the device. A high level of current is caused to flow through the coil for attracting the armature, and reduced level of current is applied to the coil for holding the solenoid armature in its on position. If the armature should be caused to drop off from its on position by a mechanical shock, a transitory expansion in the period of the switching current occurs, due to the sudden decrease in magnetic circuit inductance. This increased switching current period is detected and compared to a predetermined threshold value. If the detected period exceeds the threshold value, it is recognized as an armature drop off, and corrective action can be taken immediately. An alternate embodiment detects a sudden increase in the holding current amplitude as an indicator of armature drop off.

Abstract: A Platen, generally indicated at (10), comprises a ceramic body (11) and a workpiece support surface (12) and a base (13). Embodied within the body (11) are an electrostatic chuck electrode (40), an RF electrode (15), a heater (16), a ground plane electrode (17), an embedded thermocouple (18), and a stainless steel support (19). This combination provides a platen which can be RF driven, but has a screen to prevent unwanted plasma beneath the platen. The chuck can also be utilized as an electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating non-uniform wafer processing in a plasma processing chamber. The plasma processing chamber has an electrostatic chuck for clamping a wafer. The electrostatic chuck has one or more layers. A first wafer is processed on an electrostatic chuck in a first plasma processing chamber by exposing the first wafer to a plasma. Then, non-uniformity characteristics of the processed first wafer are determined. Based on the non-uniformity characteristics, one or more layers of the electrostatic chuck are configured to substantially compensate for the non-uniformity characteristics. A second wafer is then processed on the configured electrostatic chuck to produce substantially uniform process results.

Abstract: A multilayer capacitor whose equivalent series inductance is reduced includes a capacitor main body having a generally rectangular parallelpiped shape with two principal surfaces in a face-to-face relationship with each other and four side surfaces connecting the principal surfaces. A capacitor unit is formed in the capacitor main body by a respective pair of first and second internal electrodes disposed in the main body in a face-to-face relationship with a dielectric material layer interposed therebetween. At least three first external electrodes are located on respective ones of the side surfaces of the capacitor main body, with at least one of the first external electrodes being located on each of at least three of the side surfaces. The first internal electrode has at least three first lead electrodes, each of which extends to and is electrically coupled to a respective one of the first external electrodes.

Abstract: A compact solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor element having a positive electrode and a negative electrode which are respectively connected electrically to a first lead and a second lead and a casing of a resin material surrounding the capacitor element. A low melting-point metal layer serving as a fuse, which will quickly melt under an abnormal condition, is inserted between and electrically connects the capacitor element and the second lead and an arc-extinguishing material capable of absorbing the melted metal of the low melting-point metallic material fills a throughhole through the second lead where the latter contacts the low melting-point metal layer. The low melting-point metal layer may be in the form of a flat ribbon of thickness only about 50-100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A power distribution apparatus includes an electronic chassis, a power distribution member and a first power supply. The electronic chassis includes a front wall, a back wall and first and second side walls. The power distribution member is positioned within the electronic chassis between the first and second side walls. The first power supply is mounted to an outer surface of the first side wall. Power is distributed from the first power supply to the power distribution member.

Abstract: A display panel for a portable computer includes an LCD device, a cover and a frame joined together to receive the LCD device, a plurality of first screws fastening together the cover and the frame, and a plurality of second screws fastening the LCD device to the cover. The cover has a plurality of first screw holes disposed adjacent to a first rear end wall to receive the first screws. Each of opposite first side end walls has a recessed outer face formed with a plurality of second screw holes for receiving the second screws. The second screw holes open at and extend inwardly from the recessed outer face. The frame has a plurality of third screw holes disposed adjacent to a second rear end wall and aligned with the first screw holes to receive the first screws. Each of opposite second side end walls has a flap member projecting into the recessed outer face of a corresponding one of the first side end walls to cover the second screws.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus in which a whole information processing apparatus system including a display device is compacted by making full use of thin and light characteristics of a liquid crystal display device, whereby space efficiency is improved and an ease of use is also acquired.

Abstract: A portable drug information computer (10) having a housing (12) which has a housing top (12T), a housing bottom (12B), a housing right side (12R), a housing left side (12L), a housing front (12F), and a housing back (12A). The portable drug information computer (10) further has a battery (16) contained within the housing (12) and a microchip (20) positioned within the housing (12). The microchip (20) has a memory storage means having drug name and drug information contained therein selected from a group consisting of indications, actions, pharmokinetics, contra indications & precautions, adverse reactions, route & dosage, availability, time action, nursing & medical implications, and drug interactions. The portable drug information computer (10) further has at least one functional button positioned within the housing front (12F) and electrically connected to the microchip (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a mass storage subsystem such as a RAID array. The invention includes a housing which defines first and second cavities with the first cavity housing an array controller such as a RAID controller. The second cavity houses a plurality of substantially conventional IDE drives conforming to the 3.5″ form factor. The array is configured to maximize cooling of the array controller and the drives within the extremely small space defined by the housing.

Abstract: A docking station having an electrical connector for mating with the electrical connector of the portable computer when the portable computer is operably coupled to the docking station. The docking station electrical connector is movable with respect to the housing between at least two mating positions to accommodate for variations in location of portable computer electrical connectors of different portable computer types. The docking station electrical connector extends out from a slot in a back wall of the docking station housing. The docking station electrical connector can be manually moved or moved by a motor. With some docking stations according to the present invention, the docking station electrical connector is moveable between mating positions at different elevations. For some docking stations, the slot that the docking station electrical connector extends out from has at least two levels each at a different elevation.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a main body having a bay, and a peripheral device which can detachably be loaded to the bay. The peripheral device includes a cooling unit, which is accommodated in the bay with the peripheral device loaded to the bay.

Abstract: A cooling structure for an electric vehicle includes a battery box provided with at least one battery, a blower fan supplying air to cool the batteries, a wind box disposed on the battery box and provided with at least one electric component to be cooled. The wind box is formed with an air passage having a substantially U-shape when viewed from the top, on which the electric component is disposed. The wind box includes an air inlet connected to the blower fan and an air outlet communicating with one end of the battery box, so that the air from the blower fan is supplied to the battery box via the wind box.

Abstract: A novel and apparatus for cooling, supporting, and packaging power electronics. An elongated heat exchanger having a rectangular cross-section may carry and cool plural electronic devices. Plural heat exchangers may be arranged to form a chassis for two-sided cooling. Electronic devices on the heat exchangers may be interconnected and configured using circuitry bonded to a power pack cover. Circuitry on the cover, e.g., for reducing internal inductance, CTE mismatch and preventing voltage overshoot at turn-off, may be cooled through physical connections with electronic devices carried by the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A memory module having a packaging cover to encapsulate a board having multiple separate chips, which dynamically generate varying amounts heat. The packaging cover provides localized heat dissipation among the multiple separate memory chips. The separate chips are interconnected to the board via a set of solder balls. The packaging cover further provides a rigid encapsulation of the board and chips. In one embodiment, the memory module includes a thermally conductive substance displaced within the packaging cover to conduct heat from the separate chips to the packaging cover. In one embodiment, the packaging consist of a two separate metal covers. In one embodiment, a first cover of the packaging cover includes a first set of finger wraps and a second cover of the packaging cover includes a second set of finger wraps that interlace with the first set of finger wraps to secure a coupling between the first cover and a second cover of the packaging cover.

Abstract: A protective device for a central processing unit contains a supporter disposed on a central processing unit (CPU), wherein a window is formed in the central portion of the supporter; a plurality of predetermined support spring pieces are formed around the window for holding a heat sink to contact the CPU in a stable manner so that the heat produced by the CPU can be efficiently conducted to the heat sink.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package has a printed circuit board, a die mounted on the printed circuit board, and a heat spreader attached to the printed circuit board to cover the die and contact with the backside of the die. The heat spreader is formed by a piece body and a plurality of supporting leads extended downward from the periphery of the piece body. The supporting leads of the heat spreader are attached to the printed circuit board by surface mounting technology. The piece body of the heat spreader abuts on the backside of the die so that heat from the die can be conducted both upward to the outer environment and downward to the printed circuit board through the heat spreader, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency.

Abstract: A printed wiring board assembly includes a pallet that is coupled to the bottom surface of a printed wiring board. An insert is provided having a first portion that is slidably mounted to the pallet and a second portion that is bonded to the bottom surface of the printed wiring board so that the insert is movable, relative to the pallet, in a plane parallel to the PWB. In one embodiment, the pallet includes an opening having a first portion and a second portion that is larger than the first portion, and the first and second portions of the insert fit at least partially in the respective first and second portions of the pallet opening. In another embodiment, the insert has a thickness that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the pallet.

Abstract: The smart card has a card body and a plurality of contact areas exposed on a flat surface of the card body. The contact areas are fabricated from electrically conductive material and are electrically connected to contact terminals, which are assigned to an electronic circuit formed on the semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor chip. The contact areas are fabricated as a structured coating on a main surface of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip, after fabrication with the contact areas is inserted and fixed in a receptacle opening in the card body of the smart card in such a way that the contact areas extend essentially flush with the outer face of the card body. In order to ensure sufficiently high mechanical flexibility, the thickness of the silicon substrate of the chip is preferably less than about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An expandable housing for plug-in protectors for accommodating printed wiring board of varying length. The improved housing comprises a shell unit and a base unit. Both the shell and base units have a hollow longitudinally extending body with an opening at the front and rear portions, respectively. On at least one of the inner sidewalls in the cavity of the body of the shell unit is a first set of teeth running horizontally to the longitudinal axis of the body. On at least one of the outer sidewalls on the body of the base unit is a corresponding second set of teeth running horizontally to the longitudinal axis of the body. The cavity of the base unit supports and receives a portion of a printed wiring board containing surge protective devices, which is connected to pins extending from the front portion of the body of the base unit.

Abstract: A flexible integrated circuit mounting apparatus and method for mounting a chip on a printed circuit board directed to the reduction of stresses within the mounting or interconnection medium, caused principally by a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the chip circuit and the printed circuit board, and thus reduction of the likelihood of interconnection failure between the chip and the particular surface or device to which an interconnection is made.

Abstract: A contact bridge arrangement in a housing of an electronic assembly provides a simplified electrical interconnection of circuit boards while avoiding the need of electrical plugs, sockets and connector cables for connecting the circuit boards. The contact bridge includes an insulating block provided on the floor of the housing, and a plurality of conducting connectors embedded in the insulating block. First electrical contacts, such as contact pads with holes therein, are provided on the circuit boards, and engage the second electrical contacts in the form of contact pins provided by the free ends of the conducting connectors protruding from the insulating block. Assembling the arrangement simply requires pressing the circuit boards onto the contact pins of the contact bridge. The insulating block of the contact bridge may have a step configuration providing two offset flat support surfaces on which two circuit boards may be supported one above the other with a spacing therebetween.

Abstract: A power supply circuit including a first rectifying smoother for generating a DC output when connected to an AC power source. A standby power source that provides a plurality of DC outputs when supplied with the DC output from the first rectifying smoother. A second rectifying smoother converts the AC input into a DC output, which is converted by the main power source into a desired DC voltage. On the primary side of the main and standby power source, a relay controller, supplied with power by one of the DC outputs from the standby power source, responds to an actuation of a main switch. A relay switch connects the AC power source to the second rectifying smoother upon actuation of the relay controller. The standby power source also supplies power to the control means, which is disposed on the secondary side of the main and standby power source.

Abstract: A small-sized DC power supply apparatus adapted for receiving input commercial AC voltages of different value includes an AC-to-DC converter 4 which converts an input commercial AC voltage to a first DC voltage. The first DC voltage is converted to a high-frequency voltage in an inverter 10 including IGBTs 10a-10d which are rendered conductive when a conduction control signal is applied thereto. A transformer 12 transforms the high-frequency voltage, which is, then, converted to a second DC voltage in a high-frequency-to-DC converter 16 for application to a load 22. The conduction control signal with a pause period disposed therein is generated in a controller 14. The conduction control signal occurs at a fixed period. The pause period disposed between the successive occurrences of the conduction control signal becomes longer as the input commercial AC voltage is higher.