Abstract: The flat noble-gas discharge lamp of the present invention includes an outer enclosure that has a rear-surface substrate and a light-extraction-side substrate that is positioned to confront the rear-surface substrate. A first fluorescent film and a second fluorescent film that emit visible light of different colors are formed on respective inner surfaces of the rear-surface substrate and the light-extraction-side substrate; a first electrode and a second electrode are formed at a distance from each other on the rear-surface substrate; and a third electrode that confronts both of the first electrode and second electrode is formed on the light-extraction-side substrate.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating devices including providing a getter layer in the penetration path of atmospheric elements. The getter layer serves as a barrier to potentially deleterious atmospheric components, such as moisture and gases, that penetrate the device. In one embodiment, the getter layer surrounds an active region where active component or components are formed.

Abstract: A light emitting diode, capable of accomplishing enlargement of emitted range of light and equalization of brightness of emitted light has a substrate (22), electrodes (23a, 23b), a light emitting element (24) mounted on the substrate (22) and connected electrically with the electrodes (23a, 23b), a resinous cover (26) for sealing the light emitting element (24) and electrodes (23a, 23b) and an uneven shaped light scattering part (30) provided on the surface of the cover.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an array substrate including a display area composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a sealing substrate disposed to be opposed to the array substrate. The display area includes a pixel switch that selects a pixel, a drive control device connected to the pixel switch, and an organic EL device driven by the drive control device. A support section is disposed in a frame shape on an outer peripheral portion of the display area such that a predetermined gap is provided between the array substrate and the sealing substrate.

Abstract: An indirectly heated cathode C1 comprises a heater 1, a double coil 2, a mesh member 3, and a metal oxide 10. An electrical insulating layer 4 is formed on the surface of heater 1. Heater 1 is inserted into and positioned at the inner side of double coil 2. Mesh member 3 is disposed along the length direction of double coil 2 at the outer side of double coil 2. Double coil 2 is grounded by being connected to the ground terminal of heater 1 via a lead rod 7. Metal oxide 10 is held by double coil 2 and disposed to be in contact with mesh member 3. Metal oxide 10 and mesh member 3 are exposed to the outer side of indirectly heated electrode C1 so that the surface of metal oxide 10 and the surface of mesh member 3 make up a discharge surface and mesh member 3 is in contact with the surface part of metal oxide 10.

Abstract: In a current fed electronic ballast multiple lamps are operated in a parallel circuit arrangement. The ballast provides pre-heating to the cathodes of the lamps for a period of time before an open circuit voltage is ramped up to the preferred starting voltage of the lamps. An open circuit voltage controller times coordinates the pre-heating and the operating voltage. After the pre-heating phase, current is removed from the cathodes of the lamps so that electricity is not wasted to the cathodes while the lamps are lit. A single switch is used to switch cathode pre-heating on and off, regardless of how many lamps the ballast operates. A decoupling array of diodes allows the single switch to coordinate pre-heating to all the lamps.

Abstract: A method for generating a plasma. A gas flows along a flow path having the displacement identical to the lines of magnetic force of the main magnetic field, and high frequency alternating current is applied to the gas, thereby generating a gas plasma. For example, a gas is flowed through a pipe in a first direction. Electricity is conducted through the pipe in substantially the first direction. And a magnetic field is applied along a second direction (e.g., perpendicular to the first direction) to the gas flowing in the pipe such that a plasma is induced in the pipe.

Abstract: A light emitting display, and a method of driving the same, including a plurality of pixels arranged in regions partitioned by a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of compensating power source lines, which are supplied with compensating power sources, and a plurality of first power source lines. Each pixel includes a pixel circuit for outputting currents corresponding to the compensating power sources and data signals in a plurality of sub-frames included in a frame and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) that emits light corresponding to the current output from the pixel circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method and an electronic ballast (EVG) for operating a light-producing apparatus (L), for example a discharge lamp. In this case, an internal timing unit in the ballast (EVG) is corrected with the aid of time information (TM) received in external signals.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for a lamp (16) having an input circuit (10) having a connection to a voltage supply, an output circuit (14) having a connection for the lamp (16), and a voltage converter apparatus (12), which is arranged between the input and the output circuit (10, 14), the voltage converter apparatus including an input capacitor (C1) and an output capacitor (C2), between which a switching apparatus (T1) and a freewheeling diode (D1) as well as at least one damping element (L2), at least one trapezoidal capacitor (C3) and an inductance (L1) are arranged, the voltage converter apparatus (12) being designed to carry out commutation, in each case a main circuit being defined by the current flow prior to and following commutation, at least one damping element (L2) and at least one trapezoidal capacitor (L2) being connected in series, and such a series circuit being arranged in a secondary circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic ballast, in which an internal converter S1, S2, C1 continues to operate in the event of a lamp failure. An auxiliary power supply from control circuits can thus be maintained.

Abstract: An LCD apparatus includes a light source generating light, a driver circuit and an LCD panel. The driver circuit includes a driving voltage control section and a driving voltage generating section. The driving voltage control section senses an environmental temperature and outputs a control signal having a level which is adjusted based on a comparison of the environmental temperature to a reference temperature. The driving voltage generating section is electrically connected to the driving voltage control and generates a driving voltage based on the control signal. The LCD panel displays an image by using the light generated from the light source. Channeling that induces deterioration of display quality is prevented by adjusting an operating frequency of the light source according to the environmental temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic ballast for discharge lamps LA1, LA2 having preheatable electrodes which has a pump circuit D5/D7, D6/D8 for improving the power factor. In this arrangement, preheating is performed with a converter frequency, raised by comparison with continuous operation, and with the aid of a preheating transformer TR2.

Abstract: A control unit controls a vehicle having a body to allow its user to step on, a power generator arranged to generate power that drives the body, and a load sensor unit arranged to output a load value representing a load that has been applied to the body. The control unit preferably includes a first memory arranged to store a load threshold value, a second memory arranged to store a plurality of data, which respectively correspond to different types of control processing to control the power generator, and a processor arranged to change to a type of control processing among the different types of control processing according to a result of a comparison between the load value and the load threshold value. The processor controls the power generator based on one of the plurality of data corresponding to the type of control processing.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a switching circuit having an input node that receives a drive signal and a control node that receives a control signal. The switching circuit couples the input node to an output node responsive to the control signal. A bias element receives an input signal and is coupled to the output node of the switching circuit. The bias element automatically develops a bias voltage on the output responsive to the input signal. The drive circuit may be used, for example, in a motor control system to control the speed of a DC motor, such as in a power supply for a computer system.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a multi-phase machine having a stator with stator windings includes a controller, primary commutation switch pairs, a neutral terminal, and commutation control switches. Each switch pair includes first and second primary commutation switches connected at a node. Each commutation control switch is coupled to a winding so that a stator winding circuit is formed between the neural terminal and a respective one of the nodes. Each commutation control switch includes a first diode connected in parallel with a series switch circuit. Each series switch circuit includes a second diode and a series connected switch element. The controller is coupled to the switch elements and the primary commutation switch pairs to control an on time and an off time of the primary commutation switches relative to a point where a supply voltage is equal to the back emf.

Abstract: An electronic circuit arrangement for switching an electrical load disposed intermediate a power source and a ground includes a combinatorial logic block for receiving and processing at least one condition signal and for generating a first enabling signal. A biasing element generates a bias voltage upon receiving the first enabling signal. A first switch disposed intermediate the electrical load and the power source conducts upon application of the bias voltage enabling passage of an electrical supply current from the power source to the electrical load. A fail-safe circuit operation is achieved with the use of a microprocessor which generates a second enabling signal feeding into the biasing element and a second switch disposed intermediate the electrical load and the ground and which conducts upon application of a third enabling signal from the microprocessor thus enabling passage of the electrical supply current to ground.

Abstract: A method for rotating a printer paper-feed roller wherein the roller is driven by a DC (direct current) motor. A feedback-control signal is applied to the motor until the roller reaches a desired rotational position. The feedback-control signal is a function of an error signal, and the error signal represents the difference between the actual rotational position and the desired rotational position of the roller. When the roller reaches the desired rotational position, the applied feedback-control signal is removed from the motor, and a direct-control biasing signal is applied to the motor to reduce or prevent rollback of the roller when the feedback-control signal is removed from the motor. In one example, the signals are PWM (pulse-width-modulated) signals.

Abstract: An electric jack ground contact detection method and device for detecting ground contact of an electric motor-driven jack as the jack is being extended to adjust the attitude of a mobile platform. The device includes a controller that monitors the electrical power draw of an electric motor-driven jack while the jack is being extended for use in adjusting the attitude of a mobile platform. The controller recognizes jack ground contact when the monitored power draw value exceeds a ground contact power draw value consistent with jack ground contact. The controller calculates the ground contact power draw value as equaling the sum of a dynamically-adjusted threshold power draw value associated with jack extension before ground contact and a power draw increase value equaling an amount of additional power that the jack is known to draw as a result of jack ground contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for over current detection of a motor for use in a vehicle. This invention prevents the motor from burning out by more precisely detecting an over current of the motor within an overall drive area of the motor. This can be accomplished by setting, as an over current detection reference current, a predefined range between a normal current and a constraint current of the motor by drive input conditions of the motor, detecting a current of the motor flowing in a field effect transistor (FET) via a shunt resistor and a differential amplifier, and comparing the detected current with the over current detection reference current.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a power converter coupled to a polyphase power line. The method includes measuring at least two motor phase currents, obtaining a floating reference frame for the current Park vector, adjusting the reference frame based on an estimated rotor speed, and controlling the power converter via the floating reference frame to reinitiate power to a motor while a rotor is still moving.

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: A digital controller is easily implemented for variable speed or torque control of an electric motor or generator by using a comparator to determine a choice of control state outputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for driving a stepping motor, including a plurality of push-pull circuits each of which is capable of controlling a push state in which a current is supplied to a terminal and a pull state in which a current is drawn through the terminal and which are connected to coils to operate the stepping motor utilizing the bipolar driving. In the apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the push-pull circuits is connected to a common terminal having one ends of the coils of different phases connected thereto, thereby reducing the number of circuits and driving lines.

Abstract: Motor drives, motor speed controllers, motor speed estimation systems, and methods are presented for controlling motor startup speed and for estimating motor speed during startup, in which a speed estimate controller provides a rotor speed estimate based on a first error term from a torque-based MRAS component for a first range of motor speeds and based on a second error term from a rotor flux-based MRAS component for a second range of speeds.

Abstract: A multi phase motor includes a switching array for interconnecting a power source to each phase. A current sensor senses current supplied from the power source via the switching array to the winding and a controller generates offset PWM signals for controlling the switching array to supply power to each of the phases of the winding. The offset timing allows the individual phase currents to be determined from a single current sensor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing part in which a battery is housed and a body-side connector for connecting the battery housed in the housing part to an apparatus body. When a battery-side connector connected to the battery through a connecting cable is connected to the body-side connector, the battery is connected to the apparatus body. A label is affixed on the body near the body-side connector. Provided on the label is a connector-connection indication which indicates an orientation of the battery-side connector to be connected along with a battery-housing indication which indicates a shape and a housing orientation of the battery to be housed in the housing part. This provides a guiding indication easy to view and understand, allowing a smooth, correct connection between the battery and the apparatus body through the connectors.

Abstract: When an output voltage of a secondary battery cell E1 is obtained, only SW1 and SW2 are turned on. As a result, a capacitor C1 is charged by a secondary battery cell E1. With a delay of a time period ÄT, SW1 and SW2 are turned off. SW4 and SW5 are turned on. As a result, electric charges of the capacitor C1 are moved to a capacitor C2. Those operations are repeated until the potential of the capacitor C2 becomes almost equal to the output voltage of the secondary battery cell E1. When the potential of the capacitor C2 becomes almost equal to the output voltage of the capacitor C2, the potential of the capacitor C2 is detected by the voltage detector 11. A first terminal of the capacitor C2 is connected to a ground potential. As a result, the voltage of the secondary battery cell E1 can be stably detected. When the secondary battery cell E2 is detected, only SW5 is turned on. As a result, the capacitor C2 is charged by the secondary battery cell E2.

Abstract: A rechargeable multiple cell battery pack has an application associated therewith that draws power from the battery pack. While the battery pack is in operation, voltage, current, state-of-charge (SOC), and impedance data are collected on a per-cell basis and an algorithm is performed to determine a state-of-charge for each individual cell of the battery pack consistent with predetermined criteria. The individual cells are charged to the respective, determined state-of-charge (SOC) levels.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and balancing state of charge among plural series connected electrical energy storage units is provided. State of change of a selected storage unit in a string of storage units is determined by (i) applying a non-dissipative load to the selected storage unit, resulting in an energy transfer between the selected storage unit and the string of electrical energy storage units through the non-dissipative load and (ii) determining the state of charge of the selected unit from voltage and current data of the selected storage unit resulting from the energy transfer. When the state of charge of the selected unit is different than a target state of charge, energy can be transferred between the selected unit and the string of storage units, such that the state of charge of the selected unit converges toward the target state of charge.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an arrangement charges equipment batteries, for example, while the equipment is being towed by a towing vehicle. In this example application, the towing vehicle has a primary battery and a rearward-located hitch for towing a trailer that carries the equipment batteries. The arrangement includes a charging circuit that automatically alternates a power connection from the primary battery to each of the equipment batteries, one battery at a time.

Abstract: To provide a method of controlling charge and discharge of a secondary battery for automatic guided vehicle that can decide the timing of refresh charge and discharge accurately and minimize the frequency of refresh charge and discharge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two techniques, neutral point switching and field voltage boost, that will increase the output of today's 12 volt automotive electrical systems in vehicle idle conditions solely by the addition of circuitry. Neutral point switching enables the flow of a third harmonic current, which does not normally flow at low speeds, but only at high speed. Boosting the field voltages can be obtained by integrating a field voltage boost circuit and voltage regulator to increase the field voltage, and consequently the field current, above the level obtained from the battery. Furthermore, the transient response of the alternator to a change in load is improved by temporarily increasing the field voltage above the level needed to sustain the load. These two techniques are compatible, and thus may be implemented together, or may be implemented independently. No changes to a standard alternator are required to accommodate the proposed additional circuitry.

Abstract: An inductor in a series path of a DC converter having a buck or boost configuration is constituted by a transformer with windings in series with switches of the converter. A transformer turns ratio facilitates matching switch voltage and current stresses to characteristics of MOSFETs forming the switches. A high side MOSFET can have its source at a constant voltage to facilitate driving this switch. One switch can be replaced by a diode. A transformer leakage energy removal circuit can provide an auxiliary output voltage, greater than the input voltage for a buck configuration.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes a transformer circuit, a filter, and a controller. The transformer circuit is coupled to the filter, and the controller is coupled to the transformer circuit and the filter. The transformer circuit includes an input port and an autotransformer coupled to the input port. The voltage converter receives an input signal at the input port and generates a transformer output signal from a transformer output port. The filter receives the transformer output signal on a filter input port and the filter generates an output signal at an output port. The controller receives the output signal from the filter and provides one or more control signals to the transformer circuit to control the output signal.

Abstract: A power supply system includes an adapter to receive power from a power source, and output a regulated output voltage (Vout). A tip receives Vout from the adapter, and output Vout to an electronic device. The tip includes active circuitry to adjust a programming voltage (Vprog). Vprog is fed back to the adapter to control a magnitude of Vout.

Abstract: Consumption current is reduced for a voltage regulator in sleep mode. In normal operation mode, a sub-regulator circuit is ceased from operating according to a power-down signal, which allows an operation amplifier to compare between a reference voltage outputted from a reference voltage circuit and a monitor voltage generated by a voltage-dividing circuit. Based on a detection voltage as a comparison result, a PMOS is controlled to regulate an internal power voltage such that the monitor voltage becomes equal to the reference voltage. In sleep mode, the reference voltage circuit and operational amplifier is ceased from operating, to start up the sub-regulator circuit. A slight current, restricted by a resistance, flows through a PMOS of the sub-regulator circuit. The same magnitude of current is supplied from the PMOS constituting a current mirror to a PMOS, etc. of a threshold-voltage output circuit.

Abstract: A DC converter with a halt mode setting is disclosed for preventing the occurrence of over-current while alleviating the increase in the size of circuits, along with a method for setting up such a halt mode. The DC converter includes a semiconductor switch, a clock generator for outputting a clock signal to a gate of the semiconductor switch to be utilized for controlling an on/off time of the semiconductor switch such that a predetermined power is output from the generator, and a drive circuit for switching the semiconductor switch to the continuous-on state according to a halt mode setting requirement regardless of the clock signal, when the semiconductor switch, normally repeating on/off operations responsive to the clock signal, is in its off-state.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a control circuit and a control method for a current mode control type DC—DC converter capable of preventing a subharmonic oscillation even if an on-duty is not less than 50% and capable of preventing a switching frequency from fluctuating depending on an input voltage. When a high-level output signal Vo1 is inputted to a reset input terminal R of a flip-flop FF, a transistor FET1 is turned off. A phase comparator FC outputs a comparison result signal CONT in accordance with a phase difference between a delay signal FP and a reference signal FR. A delay circuit DLY outputs a high-level delay signal FP after the passage of a delay time DT adjusted in accordance with the comparison result signal CONT from the turn-off of the transistor FET1. The transistor FET1 is turned on in accordance with an input of the high-level delay signal FP.

Abstract: A bandgap reference voltage circuit is provided, in which an additional resistor as well as a transistor is utilized to prevent the source-drain voltage of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor electrically connected to an output terminal of the bandgap reference voltage circuit from falling into the triode region. Through the provided bandgap reference voltage circuit, the temperature compensation effect is able to be normally executed, so as to supply a stable bandgap reference voltage.

Abstract: A current driver that can control variation in the consumed current in conjunction with variation in the setting value of the driving current. The mirror current of transistors Q2-0 to Q2-7 at each of output circuits 10-1 to 10-160 keeps flowing through output terminal To1 or node N8 irrespective of the setting value of the pixel data. Also, the mirror current of transistor Q4D keeps flowing in the series circuit of transistors Q4D and Q5D irrespective of the setting value of the pixel data. Consequently, even when the setting value of the driving current varies in various ways, the current consumed in each output circuit can still be kept constant. As a result, it is possible to prevent variation in the voltage of the power supply line in conjunction with variation of the consumed current, and it is possible to reduce fluctuation in the driving current between output channels.

Abstract: A load control circuit having first and second terminals for connection in series with a controlled load comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch for switching at least a portion of both positive and negative half cycles of an alternating current source waveform to the load. The bidirectional semiconductor switch has a control electrode. The load control circuit includes a phase angle setting circuit, including a timing circuit, which sets the phase angle during each half cycle of the AC source waveform when the bidirectional semiconductor switch conducts. The phase angle setting circuit includes a voltage threshold trigger device connected in series with the control electrode of the switch.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a sensing device that includes a sensing circuit and a mode selection input device. The sensing circuit senses the presence of an object beneath a surface. The mode selection input device allows a user to select, using a single button, a desired mode from among at least three sensitivity modes without first accessing another sensitivity mode. In another embodiment, a sensing device includes a sensing circuit and a display. The sensing circuit senses the presence of a live electrical wire beneath a surface. The display includes an optical element and a light source to indicate the sensed presence of the live electrical wire.

Abstract: In a TEDS system, a data transmitting and receiving apparatus is provided and a signal transmitted from a TEDS memory to an apparatus side is logically inverted without using a transformer, and further a sneak signal is prevented. Inverters 28, 30 and zener diodes 32, 34 connected in parallel between the TEDS memory and a data driver of the apparatus are provided. Data transmitted from the TEDS memory to an apparatus 18 side is logically inverted by the inverter 28, and the logical voltage attenuates by a predetermined amount at the zener diode 32 to be supplied to the data driver. Since a sneak signal 100 whose logical voltage attenuates by a predetermined amount again by the zener diode 34 is supplied to the inverter 30, the transmission of a logic value is prevented by setting the threshold of the inverter 30 appropriately.

Abstract: There is provided a test apparatus for testing a device-under-test, having a reference clock source for generating reference clock for controlling operations of the device-under-test, a clock regenerating circuit for generating, based on a phase adjusting signal to be inputted, regenerated clock whose frequency is equal with the reference clock and having a phase difference from the reference clock corresponding to the phase adjusting signal, a timing comparator for obtaining a value of an output signal outputted from the device-under-test based on the regenerated clock, a first phase comparing section for outputting the phase adjusting signal that converges the phase difference into a reference phase difference set in advance to the clock regenerating circuit based on the comparison result of the phases of the output signal and the regenerated clock and a storage section for sequentially storing the phase adjusting signals outputted from the first phase comparing section.

Abstract: An open-loop current sensor comprising a magnetic circuit having an air gap, a magnetic field detector disposed in the air gap, and a primary conductor having one or more turns surrounding the magnetic circuit, the current to be measured flowing in the primary conductor, the sensor being characterised in that the turns of the primary conductor are disposed close to the air gap, on each side of the air gap.

Abstract: A measuring transformer compares a current flowing through a conductor to a reference current. In one embodiment, the measuring transformer includes a magnetic circuit formed by a toroidal core, a conductor through which the current to be measured flows and which is enclosed by the toroidal core, a secondary winding arranged on the toroidal core, and a magnetic field measuring element which is arranged in a gap of the toroidal core and which is sensitive to the magnetic field in the gap. In order to be able to reliably detect even high-frequency deviations from the reference current, the measuring transformer includes a reference presetting unit for acting on the secondary winding with the reference current. According to one embodiment, the measuring transformer is used for measuring an output current of an inverter for a wind power installation.

Abstract: A monitor system and method are described for sensing voltage changes in a plurality of transistors of a multiphase circuit comprising a sensor connected to each one of the plurality of transistors for measuring a voltage drop across the each one, a difference detector for comparing the voltage drop to a previous voltage drop attributable to the each one of the plurality of transistors, and a driver circuit for controlling a state of the plurality of transistors, wherein the driver circuit deactivates one or more of the plurality of transistors when the voltage drop varies from the previous voltage drop by a predefined amount.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element includes a meandering X-axis array that is constituted by X-axis segments alternately connected, and a meandering Y-axis array that is constituted by Y-axis segments alternately connected. When rotated 90°, the Y-axis array has the same layout as the X-axis array. Such a structure cancels the electrical resistance change due to the AMR effect, thus reducing the waveform distortion of output voltage.

Abstract: A target activated sensor including a magnet, a magnetic field sensing element located proximate the magnet and a single ferrous pole located proximate the sensing element. The sensing element senses a change in magnetic field caused by the presence of a target. The magnet, sensing element and single pole piece may be combined in a single package.