Abstract: An emitting device in which a lower electrode pattern is formed on a substrate, an emitting layer pattern is formed on the lower electrode pattern, and a transparent electrode is formed on the emitting layer pattern and an emitting body having a structure in which an organic thin film emits light when an application current is applied to it are disclosed. The pattern of the transparent electrode is larger than that of the lower electrode. The pattern of the transparent electrode is formed over the entire area of the pattern of the lower electrode. The pattern of the transparent electrode is made larger than that of the luminous layer. The pattern of the transparent electrode is formed over the entire area of that of the luminous layer.

Abstract: Drive circuit for operating at least one lamp in an associated load circuit, in which terminals for the lamp are arranged, having two switches in a half-bridge arrangement, each switch including a cascode circuit of a bipolar transistor having a control, a working and a reference electrode, and a field-effect transistor having a control, a working and a reference electrode. The center point of the half-bridge arrangement is coupled to the load circuit, and each cascode circuit has an input circuit, in which a diode and a secondary winding of a transformer, connected in series, are arranged in parallel with the control electrode of the bipolar transistor and the reference electrode of the field-effect transistor, the primary winding of the transformer being arranged in the load circuit such that the load circuit current flows through it when operating the lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent-lamp driving apparatus and a compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp, when a blowout occurs at the electrodes of the arc tube, swiftly and assuredly stop a glow discharge at the electrodes of the arc tube, therefore have heightened security. In the compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp 1, a switching device (nMOS-FET56) is mounted to the lighting unit 50 so that the entire device main body of the switching device faces the choke coil 52, with the print substrate 51 therebetween. Thus structured lighting unit 50 forms a heat transmission path between the nMOS-FET56 and the choke coil 52, and the heat generated at the choke coil 52 will be swiftly and assuredly transmitted to the device main body of the nMOS-FET56.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high frequency induction circuit of the advertisement lamp box, comprising a transformer connected to the local power supply; a rectifier circuit connected to the transformer; a high frequency generation circuit powered by the rectifier circuit for generating high frequency signals; and a plurality of induction plates used to receive the high frequency signals generated by the high frequency generating circuit, and a plurality of light emitters provided on the induction plate for receiving the induction signals and emitting the lights. As such, it can fulfill the users' requirements and rapidly changing the arrangement positions of a plurality of the light emitters to achieve the effects of cost saving and rapidly changing the advertisement panel displays.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a driving device, for a light-emitting component, which can be universally used and is user-friendly. The driving device for a light-emitting component, particularly for a laser, includes an interface device for inputting a control signal selecting an operating mode of the component. It further includes a control device connected to the interface device, which drives the component with a predetermined operating-mode and temperature-dependent bias current and/or a predetermined operating-mode and temperature-dependent modulation current depending on the operating mode selected and depending on the temperature present at the component or on a temperature proportional thereto.

Abstract: The current through the components of a half-bridge of an electronic ballast is intended to be limited during the starting phase. For this purpose, the gate of a half-bridge transistor (T2) is driven by a current limiting circuit (D1, D2, D3, T3, C3) in such a way that the current through the transistors (T1, T2) is limited during the starting phase, whereas it remains unlimited during the glow phase and burning phase of the lamp (LA).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic ballast and to a controller which drives this ballast, in which two communication protocols are provided for the digital drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp driving apparatus of a liquid crystal display capable of simplifying a structure of the liquid crystal display and in addition preventing a leakage current of the lamp driving apparatus. The lamp driving apparatus of the liquid crystal display comprises: a plurality of lamps; and an inverter block having a plurality of inverters that supply a drive current to the lamps wherein adjacent lamps have a different phase from one another.

Abstract: A method for driving a gas discharge lamp (1) is described, wherein electric first DC power is provided at a relatively high voltage and a relatively low current. Said first power is converted down to second DC power at a relatively low voltage and a relatively high current. Said second power is fed to a gas discharge lamp, preferably via a commutator. The conversion of said first power to said second power is performed in at least two steps, a first one of such steps including the step of converting down said first power to an intermediate DC power at an intermediate DC voltage lower (VM) than said first DC voltage but higher than said second DC voltage. A downconverter device (30) for use in a driving apparatus (10) for a gas discharge lamp (1) is described. The downconverter device comprises at least two downconverter units (31, 32) connected in series, for converting down said intermediate DC power to said second power.

Abstract: An LED lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes means to calibrate the light temperature and intensity between multiple modules in one system, or to calibrate the light temperature and intensity against a known reference standard. The lighting system may be used in many illumination applications, including the cabin sections of aircraft and watercraft.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: The motor driver having a plurality of output circuits each having two switching elements connected in series includes: a phase switch circuit for putting a switching element on one side of one output circuit among the plurality of output circuits in the ON state during a time period corresponding to a predetermined electrical angle, and performing switching operation for switching elements on the other side of plural output circuits among the remaining output circuits; and an conduction period control section. The conduction period control section generates a signal for controlling the switching operation so that when the number of times of switching operation performed during the time period corresponding to the predetermined electrical angle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a switching element corresponding to a phase for which the magnitude of the current should be decreased is turned OFF in the time period corresponding to the next predetermined electrical angle.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus comprises an inverter circuit for converting an output voltage of a power supply into a three-phase AC and outputting the same to the brushless motor; a rotor position estimation unit for estimating a rotor position of the brushless motor; and an inverter control unit for controlling the inverter circuit so that the brushless motor is driven by a current based on the estimated rotor position. The inverter control unit determines an advance angle of the current supplied to the brushless motor with respect to the estimated rotor position so as to minimize a deviation between a command rpm and an actual rpm. Therefore, it is possible to perform stable weak field control for the brushless motor, independently from the input voltage of the inverter circuit, without using predetermined control variables such as table values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the asymmetrical phases of a spindle motor in a disc drive are provided. With the apparatus and method, compensation values are learned by sampling speed data during a period of operation of the disc drive where the speed is stable and only one control operation is performed per revolution of the disc. The sampled speed data is used to generate the compensation values for each of the phases of the spindle motor. The compensation values are stored in a compensation mechanism which is used by the spindle motor speed controller to provide compensation for the asymmetrical phases of the spindle motor. During Normal operation, the actual speed output of the spindle motor is measured and is subtracted from a reference speed to generate a difference speed value. Based on the corresponding electrical phase, the correct compensation value is fetched and is subtracted from the difference speed value to obtain a compensated difference speed value.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus including a regeneration control function and a power storage device for accumulating a regenerative current and for supplying an inverter section with electric power during acceleration. The inverter section is connected to a converter section by a DC link to which regeneration start detecting means and the power storage device are connected. When the regeneration start detecting means detects that a voltage at the DC link reaches a regeneration control start voltage, a controller controls switching elements and starts regeneration control. The regenerative current is accumulated in the capacitor through a diode. When a motor is in a power running state, the switching elements are turned on to apply the voltage at the power storage device to the DC link, and the charged power is utilized for motor acceleration.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus applicable to various types of motor driving apparatuses and having a power storage section for storing a regenerative current and supplying power to an inverter section at the time of acceleration. The motor driving apparatus further comprises a converter section, a DC link, and an inverter section, thereby driving a motor. Connected to the DC link is the power storage section including a capacitor, a charging circuit, a discharging circuit and a diode. The regenerative current produced at the motor deceleration is stored in the capacitor through the diode. The power stored in the capacitor is outputted to the DC link by turning a switching element of the discharging circuit ON at the motor acceleration. Furthermore, the charging circuit has a boost switching regulator circuit for charging the capacitor to the given upper limit voltage equal to or larger than voltage of the DC link and a current limitation circuit for limiting a charging current to the given upper limit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a driver circuit including electronic switches operable to deliver voltage and current to a polyphase motor; and a control circuit operable to provide driver control signals to the driver circuit to commutate the electronic switches, the control circuit (i) producing the driver control signals using a first pulse width modulation (PWM) mode when the polyphase motor produces a substantially non-zero acceleration torque; and (ii) producing the driver control signals using a second PWM mode when the polyphase motor produces a substantially zero acceleration torque.

Abstract: An electronic triggering device for a two-motor wiper system with two electric motors is proposed, in which the triggering device includes a parallel circuit of three half bridges; one of the three half bridges intended for triggering both electric motors in common. A method for triggering such a triggering device is also proposed.

Abstract: A security gate operating system and method are disclosed, which may comprise a security gate capable of motion between a closed position and an open position; a drive mechanism attached to the security gate and adapted to provide a driving force to the security gate to move the security gate between the closed position and the open position; and electrical drive motor having a drive shaft connected directly to the drive mechanism without a reduction gear between the drive motor and the drive mechanism. The method and system may also comprise the drive motor being a reluctance motor including a switched reluctance motor, and including also a three phase switched reluctance motor. The method and system may also comprise a drive chain operatively connected to the security gate; and a drive sprocket attached directly to the shaft of the drive motor, with the drive sprocket in operative connection to the drive chain.

Abstract: An alignment device is provided that includes (1) a first pusher adapted to contact an edge of a substrate supported on a stage and to laterally translate along a first path; (2) a second pusher adapted to contact the substrate edge and to laterally translate along a second path that is at an angle to and intersects the first path; (3) a frame, to which the first and second pushers are movably coupled, adapted to maintain the first and second pushers at an elevation of the substrate edge; (4) a first biasing element coupled between the first pusher and the frame and adapted to bias the first pusher against the substrate edge; and (5) a second biasing element coupled between the second pusher and the frame and adapted to bias the second pusher against the substrate edge independent of the biasing of the first pusher. Other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In an index signal generator for generating an index signal for use in a direct-drive motor having a rotation axis and comprising a stator and a rotor, a particular at least one of M magnetized elements is used as an index detection magnet having magnetic force which is different from those in remaining ones of the M magnetized elements. Wound around one of a specific one of particular three cores in the stator, an index detection coil detects variations of the magnetic force generated by the ring-shaped permanent magnet to produce a detected signal. On the basis of the detected signal, the index signal is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive actuator and a corresponding circuit in order to replace a pneumatical actuator system in a simple manner by an electric system.

Abstract: In an electric motor control apparatus including an electric motor 4 for driving a load machine, a rotation detector 3 for detecting a rotating angle of the electric motor 4, and a servo control device 2 for controlling the electric motor 4, a calculating device 1 automatically calculates protruded shapes to be a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency from frequency characteristics obtained from an operation command signal 8 and a rotation detector signal 9, and furthermore, calculates errors of frequency characteristics calculated by frequency characteristic equations 20 for a 2-inertia model and a rigid body model from a frequency characteristic obtained by a measurement, and compares the minimum values of calculated values in the frequency characteristics of the 2-inertia model and the rigid body model and measured values respectively, thereby automatically modeling the characteristic of the machine.

Abstract: Electric motor for driving members that rotate at speeds of greater than 40 000 revolutions per minute, includes a stator housing induction coils, a rotor supporting multiple permanent magnets and located coaxially inside the stator, and multiple Hall sensors integral with the stator and capable of detecting the position of one or more points on the rotor as it rotates in order appropriately to time the injection of the induction currents into the coils as a function of the position of the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus includes a single-phase rectifier circuit having an input connected to a single-phase AC power supply, an inverter circuit that is connected to the single-phase rectifier circuit and applies a current and a voltage to the motor 2, and an inverter control unit for controlling the inverter circuit. The inverter control unit controls the current applied to the motor, i.e., the output of the inverter circuit, so that the inverter input voltage becomes equal to the absolute value of the voltage of the single-phase AC power supply 1.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit utilizes a comparator to compare first and second input voltages to generate a control signal when the difference between the first and second input voltages exceeds a threshold. The threshold voltage is generated by injecting a known current into a resistance in series with one of the inputs. The voltage detection circuit utilizes a first level of injected current when the input differential voltage differs from the threshold by a predetermined voltage level. The injected current rises to a second level as the second input voltage approaches the first input voltage in order to obtain a more accurate voltage comparison.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a feedback circuit receives a signal, the signal corresponding to a proximity of an existing operation point of a system to a resonant operation point of the system, and determines if a self-impedance of the system should be changed based on the signal.

Abstract: Three-phase system comprising a three-phase power source and a three-pole switch, through which the phase terminals of the three-phase power source can be connected to a load network. A reference time detector is present for determining a reference point in time. A drive control circuit is provided for controlling the poles of the switch. The poles of the three-pole switch are switched at controlled times at different intervals with respect to the reference time. The time of the contact touch of the first pole is after 185° plus the maximum anticipated pre-ignition time increased by n times 180° after the zero crossing of the voltage between the first and second pole.

Abstract: A shunt voltage regulator for a processor is disposed on the processor package. The shunt voltage regulator responds to AC transients. One embodiment includes a DC power converter voltage regulator that is disposed off the processor package, and that is optimized for DC power conversion. Another embodiment includes a method of improving fabrication yield for a packaged processor.

Abstract: A buck/boost converter having an input and an output, a switching cell with a switch between the input and the output, and a selector selectively configuring the switching cell into at least two configurations from among the following: a parallel chopper configuration, a series chopper configuration, or an inductive-storage chopper configuration, the cell using the same switch in all the configurations. The converter has a single switch for various modes of operation of the converter.

Abstract: A power conditioner 10 is provided with a maximum power follow-up control portion 12 for setting a DC operating voltage of a power converter 11, which converts output power of a power generator 2 into AC power, for making a power point corresponding to the output level of the power generator follow up with a maximum power point, and comprises an approximate function memory 25 for storing approximate functions related to the maximum power point, a follow-up control portion 34 for making the present power point reach proximate of the maximum power point on the basis of the approximate function, and a hill-climbing method follow-up control portion 35 for making the present power point reach the maximum power point by using a hill-climbing method when the present power point has reached proximate of the maximum power point.

Abstract: A voltage transformer for the conversion of an input d.c. voltage into a three-phase a.c. voltage (UR, US, UT) in the mains frequency range having at least one inductor (L1, L2) and having multiple switches (S1, . . . , S9) controlled by a drive circuit (AST) in which a first transformer element is provided (S1, D1, L1, S2) to produce positive output voltage portions and a second transformer element (S3, L2) is provided to produce negative output voltage portions and the output of the first transformer element is connected to the three phase outputs (R, S, T) via one each of first longitudinal phase circuit breakers (S4, S5, S6) and the output of the second transformer element via one each of second longitudinal phase circuit breakers (S7, S8, S9).

Abstract: A power converter unit comprises a transformer (10) mounted on one side of a PCB (11), with the control circuitry on the other side of the PCB. The circuitry excludes any components which require scaling for different power ratings, or which are excessively radiation emitting or sensitive; such components must be added externally to the unit. The transformer is mounted with its aperture perpendicular to the PCB, so that the unit has a fixed footprint regardless of its rating; only its heights varies with rating. The transformer is wound with the high voltage/high frequency windings inside the other windings, which act as a shield for radiation from the former windings. The PCB also incorporates a Faraday shield.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a current control circuit that forces current sharing among paralleled power converters. Each power converter has an associated current control circuit, which includes a current amplifier and a coupling circuit. The current amplifier outputs a feedback signal to a voltage regulation error amplifier when the power converter output current falls below a predetermined threshold level. The error amplifier causes an increase in the power converter output voltage, forcing an increase in output current. Therefore, each power converter in a paralleled arrangement is regulated to provide a minimum level of output current, based on a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a control signal is generated to reduce resonance of a circuit at an operation point, a characteristic of the control signal based on a proximity of an existing operation point to the operation point. Generation of the control signal may include sensing of a current associated with an input voltage signal, generation of a current-based signal based on the sensed current, and generation of the control signal based on a phase difference between the current-based signal and the input voltage signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a series chopper comprising:

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for digital power processing operating with zero-voltage switching, which enables to achieve the zero-voltage switching in the condition that the frequencies are not constant or the load currents are different. Two switching components are connected with the power supplies and are in parallel connection with a capacitance and in reverse parallel connection with a diode, respectively, which switching components, together with their auxiliary components, constitute up side and down side of a semi-circuitry which connects to a output of the converter via an inductance. The frequencies of the control signals of this converter can be variable, thus the converter can achieve the zero-voltage switching under the condition that the frequencies are not constant. And the switching consumption can be reduced to less than 5%, meanwhile, since the consumption is reduced, the switching frequency can be raised greatly so that the working frequency range is broadened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching regulator for controlling the overshoot voltage which is generated during transition from power ON, when soft start activates, to normal operation, when the load side output is maintained at the output setting voltage by the feedback circuit. A clamp circuit is disposed between a soft start circuit and an error amplifier, an upper limit value from the output of the soft start circuit (SS) to the output of the error amplifier (FB) is set, so that the rise of voltage of the output of the error amplifier (FB) is controlled when power is turned ON, and time until the output of the error amplifier (FB) is stabilized is decreased, by which the overshoot voltage generated in the load side output (VOUT) is controlled.

Abstract: A high shunt regulator provides precise voltage over process, temperature, power supply, and foundries. The HV level is settable by a digital control bits such as fuse bits. A filter network filters out the ripple noise and charge transient. A tracking capacitor divider network speeds up response time. A fractional band gap reference provides fractional bandgap voltage and current, and operates at low power supply and has superior power supply rejection. It is unsusceptible to substrate hot carrier effect. It exposes very little to drain induced barrier lowering effect. The bandgap core has better than conventional transient response and stability. One embodiment has adjustable level control. Complementary TC (temperature coefficient) trimming allows efficient realization of zero temperature coefficients of current and voltage. Higher order curvature correction of voltage and current is integrated. Replica bias for the control loop is presented.

Abstract: In a constant voltage generating circuit and a reference voltage generating circuit, a band-gap circuit operates by using, not a power source voltage, but a constant voltage generated in a constant voltage circuit as a power supply voltage. The constant voltage circuit is equipped with a con stant voltage circuit having transistors connected in series and a capacitor, and a transistor is equipped between a constant current circuit and the constant voltage circuit. Furthermore, transistors are added to prevent an early effect of the transistors in the constant current circuit.

Abstract: A high shunt regulator provides precise voltage over process, temperature, power supply, and foundries. The HV level is settable by a digital control bits such as fuse bits. A filter network filters out the ripple noise and charge transient. A tracking capacitor divider network speeds up response time. A fractional band gap reference provides fractional bandgap voltage and current, and operates at low power supply and has superior power supply rejection. It is unsusceptible to substrate hot carrier effect. It exposes very little to drain induced barrier lowering effect. The bandgap core has better than conventional transient response and stability. One embodiment has adjustable level control. Complementary TC (temperature coefficient) trimming allows efficient realization of zero temperature coefficients of current and voltage. Higher order curvature correction of voltage and current is integrated. Replica bias for the control loop is presented.

Abstract: The previously known methods for generating an output voltage comprise a high operating current consumption. With the new method, an output voltage is generated, in that an initializable current source, which is transferred into a current-conducting state by an initializing unit, provides current to a voltage-limiting element. Thereby, a small operating current consumption can be achieved with a large supply voltage range.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is provided with a reference voltage generation circuit for generating a voltage to be a reference, a function circuit that is operated using an output voltage of the reference voltage generation circuit, and a reference voltage stabilization capacitor for stabilizing the output voltage, which is connected to an output terminal of the reference voltage generation circuit. During standby, the function circuit stops operating while the reference voltage generation circuit continues operating to prevent discharging of the reference voltage stabilization capacitor, thereby realizing reduction in power consumption of the function circuit such as an analog circuit as well as high-speed recovery from the standby state to the normal operation state.

Abstract: Surface potentials of a number of patterned conducting and insulating self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were measured by scanning surface potential microscopy (SSPM) as part of a study in molecular electronics. Differences in surface potential were measured for insulating and conducting molecule SAMs on gold. The SAMs were patterned by microcontact printing.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for detecting and rejecting high impedance failures in chip interconnects use monitoring circuitry on a chip to provide accurate and pro-active prediction of interconnect failures. The apparatus may include a resistance continuity monitoring circuit (RCMC), and a signal path connecting a representative set of pins to the RCMC. The RCMC measures the resistance of a connection of the representative set of pins with a circuit board during system operation and outputs a measured resistance data. The apparatus further includes additional analog-to-digital (A/D) hardware to perform an analog to digital conversion of the measured resistance data. Additional on-chip circuitry and/or microcode may be used to perform an algorithm on the digital resistance data to generate an interconnect status signal. For example, the method may output a failure signal when the measured resistance data exceeds a threshold resistance value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device, especially for positioning a test head (40) on a testing device, comprising a holder (30) for a test head (30) and a column (10). Positioning means (20) which are adjustable in a vertical direction are connected to the test head (40) on said column (10). The inventive handling device has a simple and compact structure and is characterized by an exactly reproducible, smooth movement of the test head (40), the reason therefor being that the positioning means (20) are provided with at least one pair of interspaced articulated arms (21a, 22a, 22b) whereby one end thereof is respectively articulated on the holder (30) and the other end thereof is articulated on a carriage which can be displaced in a horizontal direction. The a arms (21a, 22a, 22b) can be pivotably arranged around a vertical axis. The carriages (23a, 23b) can move independently from each other.

Abstract: A switched reluctance drive is controlled without using a physical rotor position detector. The control method estimates the standing flux-linkage associated with the phase and uses this estimate to improve its subsequent estimate of rotor position. The method works robustly regardless of whether the current is continuous or is discontinuous.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing impedance presented to a write driver device in a write head assembly for use with an electromagnetic storage product includes: (a) a test impedance unit coupled with the write driver device; and (b) a measuring unit coupled with the test impedance unit. The measuring unit receives a measured parameter associated with the test impedance unit and compares the measured parameter with a reference parameter. The measuring unit indicates a result of the comparing.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring changes in a magnetic field using a magneto-resistive device situated in the field includes a first and second input locus coupled with the magneto-resistive device. An amplifier means for amplifying electrical signals has input terminals and output terminals. A first input terminal is coupled with the first input locus with a first capacitor coupled in series between the first input locus and the first input terminal. A second input terminal is coupled with the second input locus with a second capacitor coupled in series between the second input locus and the second input terminal. The apparatus receives a bias current at the first input locus that cooperates with the magneto-resistive element to affect electrical potential at the first input locus. The amplifier device presents at least one output signal at the output terminals indicating changes in the magnetic field.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, in order to suppress generation of artifacts when a linear or non-linear phase error is generated during sampling of the echo signals, a first sequence for acquiring a plurality of echo signals by radiating a radio-frequency magnetic field pulse to an object to be examined, performing phase encoding, while alternating the polarity of a readout gradient magnetic field, and a second sequence for acquiring a plurality of echo signals by repeatedly applying the readout gradient magnetic field while reversing its polarity to that in the first sequence at the same phase encoding direction are performed. Signal processing means performs complex addition of the echo signals having the same phase encoding amount respectively obtained in the first sequence and the second sequence, and reconstructs an image.