Abstract: There are provided an organic EL device and a method of fabricating the same. An effective display area on which an anode electrode, an organic luminescence layer and a cathode electrode are formed is sealed by means of a metal can, a glass cap or an organic/inorganic material. A power source is applied to the anode and the cathode electrodes through a power transferring part extended from the effective display area to a non-effective display area. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the oxidation of the cathode electrode of the organic EL device, thereby preventing the electrical contact characteristics of the cathode electrode from being deteriorated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a white color organic electroluminescence device including: a cathode; an anode; and one or more organic thin film layers including at least a light emitting layer, the one or more organic thin film layers being sandwiched between the cathode and the anode, in which the light emitting layer is constituted of a laminate of a bluish color light emitting layer and a yellow-to-reddish color light emitting layer, and the light emitting layer contains an asymmetric compound containing a condensed ring. This white color organic EL device realizes reduced chromaticity changes, excels in efficiency of light emission and thermal stability, and ensures strikingly prolonged lifetime.

Abstract: In an organic electroluminescence element, a stray light which is confined in the inside of a light emitting layer, an anode and a glass substrate receives the conversion of angle at an end portion of a pixel restricting portion and is eradiated and hence, a substantial light emitting region is expanded from an original light emitting region. When such an organic electroluminescence element is used in an exposure device, the resolution is substantially lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroluminescent display panel (2) comprising a substrate and a plurality of display pixels (3) including an electroluminescent material defined on or over said substrate. The display panel (2) further includes at least one microcontact printed hydrophobic layer (11) between adjacent display pixels (3). The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a display panel. The method avoids the need to apply photoresist barriers for containing the liquid electrolumi-nescent material.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device, comprising: first and second non-metallic transparent electrodes, and one or more layers of organic material formed between the first and second non-metallic transparent electrodes, the layers of organic material including one or more light-emitting layers; and one or more non-metallic reflective layers located on a side of either of the first or second non-metallic transparent electrodes opposite to the organic material layers; wherein the device further comprises a light transmissive scattering layer in optical contact with the organic material layers and the electrodes or wherein at least one of the one or more non-metallic reflective layers comprises a reflective scattering layer in optical contact with the organic material layers and the electrodes. Additionally, a low-index layer is preferably employed in various embodiments to improve device sharpness.

Abstract: A plasma display panel (PDP) includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other with a space therebetween being partitioned into a plurality of discharge cells, phosphor layers in the discharge cells, address electrodes extending in a first direction between the first substrate and the second substrate and corresponding to each discharge cell, first and second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing the first direction between the first substrate and the second substrate and formed opposite to each other with a discharge cell interposed therebetween, the first electrodes and the second electrodes expanding from the first substrate toward the second substrate, and third electrodes extending in the second direction between the address electrodes and the second substrate, the third electrodes being disposed between the first electrodes and the second electrodes and protruding toward the first substrate.

Abstract: A plasma display panel having an opposed discharge structure that can improve discharge efficiency is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a thin film capable of controlling separation of ionized organic material vapor by an electric field so that an organic material is deposited on a substrate and a method of depositing a thin film using the same are disclosed. The apparatus for depositing the thin film includes a vacuum chamber whose inside remains vacuous, a substrate holder for supporting a substrate on which a deposition material is to be deposited in the vacuum chamber, and a deposition source provided to face the substrate to accommodate, heat, and evaporate the deposition material. The deposition source includes an ionization device for ionizing the deposition material and electric field generating devices for separating the vapor of the ionized deposition material by an electric field. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of use of the deposition material and to deposit the organic material on the substrate at high speed.

Abstract: A laminated structure which can reduce defect by preventing deposition failure or holes of an insulating film, manufacturing method, and a display unit that employ same are provided. The laminated structure as an anode for organic light-emitting devices is provided on a flat surface of a substrate. In the laminated structure, an adhesive layer made of ITO, a reflective layer made of silver or an alloy containing silver, and a barrier layer made of ITO are layered in this order from the substrate side. A cross sectional shape of the laminated structure in the laminated direction is a forward tapered shape. A sidewall face of the adhesive layer, the reflective layer, and the barrier layer is totally covered by an insulating film, and deposition failure or holes of the insulating film is prevented. A taper angle made by the sidewall face and the flat surface is preferably from about 10° to about 70°.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an EL display device, which has a high operating performance and reliability. A third passivation film 45 is disposed under an EL element 203 which comprises a pixel electrode (anode) 46, an EL layer 47 and a cathode 48, to make a structure in which heat generated by the EL element 203 is radiated. Further, the third passivation film 45 prevents alkali metals within the EL element 203 from diffusing into the TFTs side, and prevents moisture and oxygen of the TFTs side from penetrating into the EL element 203. More preferably, heat radiating effect is given to a fourth passivation film 50 to make the EL element 203 to be enclosed by heat radiating layers.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (10) includes a red light emitting diode chip (12), a green light emitting diode chip (14), a blue light emitting diode chip (16), and a lens (18). The red light emitting diode chip emits red light. The green light emitting diode chip emits green light. The blue light emitting diode chip emits blue light. The lens encapsulates the red light emitting diode chip, the green light emitting diode chip and the blue light emitting diode chip such that the red light, the green light and the blue light are merged in the lens. The merged light passes through the lens and appears white to a human observer. The LED is capable of providing white light with a good performance in high brightness.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of manufacturing a self-emission unit including a self-emission module having self-emission elements formed on a substrate, and a frame for protecting the self-emission modules, without carrying out some troublesome steps, thus making it possible to manufacture the self-emission unit in a shortened time. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-emission unit capable of being attached to an attachment base with a high precision. The self-emission unit has a self-emission module and a frame. The frame is provided to cover a part or the whole of the self-emission module so as to protect the same. Further, the frame has fastening sections for attaching the self-emission module to an attachment base. The frame is formed integrally with the self-emission module so that it is possible to avoid some troublesome steps and thus shorten manufacturing time.

Abstract: In a PDP back surface plate comprising substrate and a rib pattern layer formed on the substrate and having a rib region that has ribs having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, and a non-rib region that occupies at least a part of a peripheral portion of the rib region, a thin film made of the same material as that of the ribs is formed to a predetermined thickness in the non-rib region.

Abstract: A plasma display panel having an enhanced brightness and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The plasma display panel includes a first substrate including barrier ribs, a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate, such that the second substrate defines a plurality of discharge cells, together with the first substrate, and lens structures formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, to condense light generated from the discharge cells such that the condensed light is outwardly emitted.

Abstract: A plasma display panel. The plasma display panel includes barrier ribs between a first substrate and a second substrate that divide a space between into a plurality of discharge cells. Address, sustain and scan electrodes are formed within the barrier ribs and encircle ones of the discharge cells. Grooves are formed in one or both of the inner surfaces of the substrates to correspond to the discharge cells. Phosphor material is formed only in the grooves on the substrates and not on the walls of the barrier ribs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display panel and more specifically to a plasma display panel in which metal and auxiliary metal electrodes are formed such that brightness and efficiency are improved. A plasma display panel according to the present invention includes transparent ITO electrodes and metal electrodes. The transparent ITO electrodes are spaced in parallel to each other at a predetermined distance within a discharge cell. The metal electrodes are formed on the transparent ITO electrodes and in parallel to the transparent ITO electrodes. Central portions of the metal electrodes are closer to a central portion of the discharge cell than central portions of the transparent ITO electrodes are.

Abstract: A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) includes a dielectric layer having a plurality of dielectric-layer perforated holes arranged in a matrix; and upper and lower electrode layers having electrode-layer perforated holes connected to the dielectric-layer perforated holes and arranged on both surfaces of the dielectric layer; the upper electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, the plurality of first electrodes surrounding a group of electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the first direction; and the lower electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the plurality of second electrodes surrounding a group of electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the second direction.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for the treatment of gases includes a dielectric housing having an interior area at least partially defined by an interior wall, the interior area being filled with a plasma-forming gas. A first conductor is coupled to the dielectric housing and at least partially extends into the interior area. Upon application of an electric potential to the first conductor, a conducting plasma is formed within the interior area. The conducting plasma contacts substantially all of the interior wall in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A lamp (10, 11) for a motor vehicle headlight is described. The lamp (10, 11) comprises a quartz bulb (3, 12, 17) narrowly enclosing a light source (1, 2) and possibly an outer bulb (4) surrounding said quartz bulb (3). Negative lenses (7, 8, 14, 15, 16) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (1.) of the lamp (10, 11) are present in or at the two lateral surfaces (6, 13) of the quartz bulb (12, 17) and/or of the outer bulb (4). These lenses (7, 8, 14, 15, 16) are designed such that the light source (1, 2) is optically reduced in size in at least one direction.

Abstract: This compact fluorescent lamp comprises a discharge tube arrangement with at least one discharge tube. The tube is formed of glass, encloses a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas and has a fluorescent phosphor coating disposed on the inner surface of the tube. The tube forms a continuous arc path and the tube is provided with electrodes disposed at each end of the arc path. The lamp also comprises a ballast circuit connected to the electrodes for controlling the current in the tube and a lamp base for connecting said lamp to a power supply through a socket. The lamp is enclosed in an outer envelope comprising a substantially spherical portion enclosing the tube arrangement and an elongated end portion enclosing the ballast circuit. The end portion of the outer envelope is closed and sealed by a sealing means of the same material as the material of the outer envelope. The sealing means is connected to the envelope in a hermetically sealing way.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention allow every light string to connect multiple LED blocks, wherein each block has a bridge rectifier circuit to supply the power. For connecting many LEDs to a light string, the LEDs can be divided into multiple blocks that is best adapted to the situation with relatively low AC voltage. Moreover, every two of the adjoining bridge rectifier circuits share two rectifying diodes in common.

Abstract: Ballast for operating a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having two luminescent portions each radiating in a different color, said ballast comprising AC supply means for supplying an AC current to the lamp, wherein the ballast further comprises DC supply means for simultaneously supplying a DC current to the lamp, said DC supply means having means for changing the intensity and/or direction of said DC current.

Abstract: Even if a DC output voltage of a step-down chopper circuit (3) is lowered from a value in a non-lighted state or a no-load state due to a discharge occurring between conductors (105a) in a cable (104), the turn on detection circuit (26a) can discriminates between lighted and non-lighted states without erroneously determining such a discharge as a discharge in a discharge lamp (4). This allows an operation of the timer (29) to be continued, so that high-voltage pulses are intermittently applied to prevent continuous discharge between the conductors (105) and abnormal heat generation in the cable (104). Further, even if a discharge occurs in an outer tube of the discharge lamp (4), the turn on detection circuit (26a) never erroneously discriminates this discharge as the lighted state. Thus, the lighting device of the present invention can suppress abnormal heat generations in the components and a socket (102).

Abstract: The present invention is, in a control apparatus for (a) a vehicular drive system including: a continuously-variable transmission portion operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission and having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle; and a transmission portion constituting a part of the power transmitting path, characterized by including: (b) a differential-state limiting device provided in the differential mechanism, and operable to limit a differential function of the differential mechanism, for limiting an operation of the continuously-variable transmission portion as the electrically controlled continuously variable transmission; and (c) electric-motor control means operable to reduce a rotational speed of the engine by using the first electric motor and/

Abstract: A safety circuit for providing protection against failures that impact safety of an inverter circuit driving a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) including high and low side switches connected in a bridge and driven by a gate driver circuit during operation of the PMSM in a field weakening mode, the gate driver circuit including stages for driving the high and low side switches, the safety circuit comprising a main power supply and a back-up power supply for supplying voltage to the gate driver circuit driving the switches of the bridge of the inverter circuit, wherein if the main power supply fails to deliver adequate power to the gate driver circuit, the back-up power supply provides power to the gate driver circuit to allow the gate driver circuit to turn ON the low side switches and turn OFF the high side switches.

Abstract: The maximum frequency and the minimum frequency are extracted from frequencies corresponding to respective axle speeds. The minimum frequency is subtracted from the maximum frequency to achieve a first frequency deviation, and also the first frequency deviation is input as a primary delay system to achieve a second frequency deviation. Furthermore, the second frequency deviation is subtracted from the first frequency deviation to achieve an idle running detection setting deviation, and also an idle running detection set value for judging the idle running of the wheels at the frequency level is achieved. The idle running frequency deviation and the idle running detection set value are compared with each other to output an idle running detection signal, and also a torque correction amount of an AC electric motor is calculated on the basis of the idle running detection signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system includes a motor driving circuit connected between a power supply and a ground for driving a multi-phase motor, PWM signal generating unit for generating an each-phase PWM signal for controlling a current flowing through each of phases of the multi-phase motor and feeding the each-phase PWM signal to the motor driving circuit, a single current sensor connected between the motor driving circuit and the power supply or the ground, and each-phase current value computing unit for finding an each-phase current value flowing through each of the phases of the multi-phase motor on the basis of an output of the current sensor. The PWM signal generating unit shifts the fall or rise timing of a carrier wave of the each-phase PWM signal by a predetermined phase shift amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring phase angle difference between two conductors uses a hot stick, a field unit, and reference unit. Voltage is sensed at a conductor, and the voltage is passed through an automatic gain control which adjusts the voltage input to a voltage detector to a level which prevents saturation of the voltage detector. Non-saturation of the voltage detector enables detection of all of the data in a detected sine wave. Pulse width modulation and pulse width modulation RF transmission are used to provide for data transmission from a hot stick to a field unit.

Abstract: A motor drive unit includes a controller, a voltage inverter, and a speed estimator. The controller is operable to generate at least one command signal for controlling a motor associated with the motor drive unit. The voltage inverter is operable to generate motor drive signals to be applied to the motor based on the command signal. The speed estimator is operable to estimate a speed of the motor when the voltage inverter is not providing the motor drive signals. The speed estimator is further operable to receive two-axis voltage measurements associated with the motor, determine flux angles for the motor based on the two-axis voltage measurements, and estimate the speed based on the determined flux angles.

Abstract: An object is to provide a driving device capable of smoothly shifting from a starting state to a sensor-less vector control, in a case where the device drives a motor by the sensor-less vector control, and the device includes a voltage detecting circuit which detects an induced electromotive voltage of the motor. A control circuit starts the motor by rectangular wave control. A magnetic pole position of a rotor is detected based on an induced electromotive voltage of one remaining phase of the motor detected by the voltage detecting circuit. The control circuit controls a main inverter circuit based on the detected magnetic pole position, and accelerates the motor by the rectangular wave control. In a case where a predetermined shift revolution speed is reached, the control circuit shifts to vector control by the sensor-less in which the magnetic pole position detected during the rectangular wave control is used as an initial value.

Abstract: An object is to provide a driving device capable of detecting a current of a motor without any trouble even in a low rotation speed/low load state to continue a sensor-less vector control, in a case where the motor is driven by the sensor-less vector control, and the driving device comprises: a main inverter circuit for applying a pseudo alternating voltage to a permanent magnet type motor M to drive the motor; a current sensor 6 which detects the current flowing through the motor; and a control circuit which controls the main inverter circuit. Based on an output of the current sensor, the control circuit separates the current flowing through the motor into a torque current component and a field current component to control commutation of the main inverter circuit by the sensor-less vector control.

Abstract: A method of providing ride-through capability in a chiller/refrigeration system employs a variable speed drive with an active converter stage, a DC link stage and an inverter stage for providing variable frequency and voltage to power at least one motor. An induction motor is coupled to the output of the inverter stage for driving a compressor in the chiller/refrigeration system. The ride-through method comprises operating the active converter to regulate the DC link voltage of the DC link stage to a predetermined voltage level until the current through the active converter equals a predetermined current limit, then transferring regulation of the DC link to the inverter upon reaching the current limit of the converter. The compressor is unloaded, and the power flow through the inverter is reversed to maintain the voltage level of the DC link stage. Pre-rotation vanes, slide valve, or check valve are used to unload the compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable charger adapted for use with wireless devices. Integrated circuitry controls the amount of current charge delivered to the primary power source of a wireless device through an adaptor. The current charge is delivered by a power source located within an attractive housing. A light emitting diode coupled to the integrated circuit indicates whether the wireless device is actively being charged.

Abstract: In an energy storage device comprising a series network of n storage elements C1, . . . Cn, able to provide a continuous voltage across its terminals, a system for equilibrating the elements is envisaged comprising a plurality of charge transfer modules Mi,j, each module Mi,j ensuring a bidirectional transfer of charge linear to first order between two storage elements Ci and Cj of the said network. Each energy storage element is connected to p modules, p?n?1, each of the p modules pairing the said element with another element of the network. The time required for reequilibrating is thus reduced.

Abstract: A charging system (108) supplies a source voltage (Vco, FIG. 5) and a source current (Ico, FIG. 5) to a plurality of battery cells (110). The charging system operates according to a method (200) including the steps of determining (202) a capacity for each of the plurality of battery cells (120 and 130), determining (204) a desired cutoff current (Ico1, FIG. 5) for a select one of the plurality of battery cells (120) having the smallest capacity, determining (206) an optimal source cutoff current according to the capacity of the select one of the plurality of battery cells, adjusting (208) the source current according to the optimal source cutoff current, and upon the source current reaching the optimal source cutoff current, switching out the select one of the plurality of battery cells to allow continued charging of another cell until it is fully charged.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rechargeable battery pack, in particular, for use with an electrical hand tool device, comprising a rechargeable battery housing, rechargeable battery cells which are disposed in the rechargeable battery housing and connected in series, and an electronic unit which is connected to the rechargeable battery cells for determining the voltage of the rechargeable battery cells. The invention also concerns a method for determining the voltages of individual rechargeable battery cells which are disposed in series in a rechargeable battery pack as well as an electrical hand tool device.

Abstract: A module and method incorporated thereby is provided for maintaining the float voltage of a battery cell at an optimum fully charged condition while being continuously charged by a float current. The module preferably includes a mechanism for measuring the actual float voltage of the cell, and a circuit is established for variably bypassing the float current directed to the cell. A device is provided for calculating and establishing a predetermined relationship between a desired cell float voltage and a bypass current required to maintain the desired cell voltage. A mechanism then determines a desired bypass current by comparing the measured actual float voltage of the cell with the predetermined relationship. A system compares the actual bypass current with the desired bypass current, and then a mechanism adjusts the actual bypass current to equal the desired bypass current.

Abstract: Power supply apparatus, especially for the active circuits of a portable radio communication device. The power supply supplies a direct voltage to a load that is connected to a first terminal, is comprising a rechargeable battery for connection to a second terminal, and a voltage generator for recharging the battery and supplying power to the load. The power supply includes first control means for controlledly supplying current from the voltage generator to the first terminal so as to control supply of current from the voltage generator to the load and for preventing reverse flow of current from the first terminal to the voltage generator, and second control means for controlledly supplying current between the first and second terminals so as to control supply of current from the voltage generator through the first control means to the battery and from the battery to the load.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing battery health information to users of portable information handling systems. Battery health information is displayed to a user along with information concerning the limited life of a rechargeable battery. The battery health information may include, for example, a good condition indicator, a critical condition indicator and one or more intermediate condition levels. In addition, battery health information, customer battery usage information and other battery health related data can also be logged for later use in troubleshooting by users or remote technicians or for other desired purposes.

Abstract: A multiple mode electronic device (102) and a method for indicating a remaining battery capacity level are disclosed. The method includes commencing operation using a first operation mode and determining a first remaining battery capacity level (504). The first remaining battery capacity level is displayed (506) using a remaining battery capacity status indicator (304). On commencing a second operation mode (508), a corresponding second remaining battery capacity level is determined (510). The remaining battery capacity status level is displayed (512) by visually altering the remaining battery capacity status indicator without altering the display of the first remaining battery capacity level.

Abstract: A system and method for providing constant-frequency electrical power from variable-speed mechanical power are disclosed. The system includes a wound-rotor induction machine generator (WRIMG), a first power converter, e.g., an inverter or a bridge rectifier, that provides power from the stator assembly of the WRIMG to the load, and a second power converter, e.g., an inverter or a bridge rectifier, that provides power from the rotor assembly of the WRIMG to the load. A controller controls the output stator-current based on comparisons between measured DC load bus data and a reference DC load bus voltage value, measured machine shaft angular position and reference rotor frequency data, and measured stator-current data that is fed-back to the stator-current controller by the power converter device(s).

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a semiconductor device having conversion units which change the reference potential of an input signal to a first or second reference potential and outputs the input signal to a first drive unit or second drive unit, change the reference potential of a first control signal output from the first drive unit to the second reference potential and outputs the first control signal to the second drive unit, and changes the reference potential of a second control signal output from the second drive unit to the first reference potential and outputs the second control signal to the first drive unit, wherein the conversion units increase currents flowing through the conversion units on the basis of a time when the input signal changes.

Abstract: A multi-phase buck converter comprising a first switch set, a second switch set, a capacitor, a first power storing and coupling unit, and a second power storing and coupling unit is provided. The first and the second switch sets are for providing an input voltage and a low voltage. One end of the capacitor is coupled to the low voltage, and the other end generates an output voltage. The first and the second power storing and coupling units are respectively coupled between the capacitor and the first switch set and between the capacitor and the second switch set. The first power storing and coupling unit comprises a primary coil and a first inductance. The second power storing and coupling unit comprises a secondary coil and a second inductance. During a first, a second and a third period, the first inductance and the second inductance respectively store, release, and store power.

Abstract: A power controller (10) includes a controller (11) and a trigger circuit (12). When the voltage of a power supply received at terminals T1 exceeds a threshold, for example 120 V RMS, reverse-connected Zener diodes Z1 to Z3 conduct and switch on a transistor Q1. This results in a transistor Q2 being switched off and a normally open relay SW1 remaining open. The switching or triggering phase angle of a triac THY1 thus is determined by the speed at which a capacitor C4 is charged to a triggering voltage by current flowing through resistors R6, R7, R8 and VR1. In this situation, the triggering phase angle is such that a 240 V AC input supply provides an effective 110 V AC output at terminals T3 when VR1 is at maximum power setting (zero Ohms). When the voltage of the received power supply is less than the threshold, the transistor Q1 is switched off and the relay SW1 is activated.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter has an inverter, an inductor, a voltage sensor, a comparator, a clock generator, a driver and an output capacitor. The inverter converts an input voltage into a square-wave voltage. The inductor is electrically connected to an output of the inverter. The voltage sensor is electrically connected to the inductor and derives a sense voltage. The comparator compares the sense voltage and a reference voltage. The clock generator generates a reference clock pulse. The driver is triggered by the reference clock pulse and switches the inverter according to an output of the comparator. The output capacitor is electrically connected between the voltage sensor and the ground.

Abstract: A voltage converter having a controller capable of maintaining stable operation of a voltage converter over multiple modes of operation. The voltage converter provides a feedback signal to an error signal generator. One or more controllers, which are selectively established as part of the feedback loop, process the error signal to generate a voltage converter charging cycle control signal. A pulse width modulator may be utilized to generate a voltage converter switch control signal that controls the charge cycle. A detector or comparator monitors one or more aspects of operation of the control circuit or the voltage converter to detect changes in the mode of operation. Upon detection of a change, the detector or comparator generate a multi-mode control signal to selectively switch one or more sub-controllers into or out of the feedback loop to thereby maintain desired stability, loop bandwidth, and response time.

Abstract: The recharging device for portable electronic devices includes at least one protective case for a portable electronic device in the process of being recharged, at least one electrical power supply for a battery of a portable electronic device in the case, a case management device capable of controlling on the one hand the power supply for the battery of a portable electronic device placed inside a case and, on the other hand, the access to each case. In production models, at least one protective case includes recharge connectors of different shapes that fit the recharge connectors of portable electronic devices. In production models, the management device includes a user interface which includes a user identification device.

Abstract: A device corrects the power factor in forced switching power supplies and includes a converter and a control device to obtain a regulated voltage on an output terminal. The control device comprises an error amplifier having an inverting terminal (Vout) and a non-inverting terminal receiving a reference voltage. The device includes first and second resistances coupled in series with a conduction element positioned between the first resistance and the inverting terminal of the error amplifier and a fault detector suitable for detecting the electrical connection of the conduction element with the output terminal and suitable for detecting an output signal of the second resistance. The fault detector is suitable for supplying a malfunction signal upon detecting an electric disconnection of the conduction element from the output terminal or when the output signal of the second resistance tends to zero.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for converting an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage has a switch element which is turned ON/OFF by a drive signal, a reference voltage source for outputting a first reference voltage when the switch element is ON or outputting a second reference voltage when the switch element is OFF, a capacitive element having one terminal connected to the reference voltage source, a charge/discharge circuit for discharging the capacitive element when the switch element is ON and charging the capacitive element when the switch element is OFF, a switch circuit for short-circuiting the capacitive element when the switch element is turned ON and OFF, and a comparison circuit for comparing the output DC voltage or a voltage at which the output DC voltage is detected with a voltage at the other terminal of the capacitive element and generating the drive signal.

Abstract: A series regulator for supplying a stable output voltage to a load has a differential amplifier circuit and an output stage. The output stage has an output control transistor that supplies the output voltage in accordance with a control signal, and a voltage divider circuit that divides the output voltage and outputs the divided voltage. The differential input stage includes a differential pair (source-coupled pair) of two NMOS transistors, an NMOS transistor, and a current mirror circuit formed by PMOS transistors. The differential input stage detects a differential voltage between a reference voltage and the divided voltage output from the voltage divider circuit. The differential amplifier circuit also has an amplification stage including a PMOS transistor that has a resistor connected between its gate and drain and that has its drain connected to a node, and an NMOS transistor that supplies a current proportional to a constant current to the PMOS transistor.