Abstract: A glass composition for a plasma display panel (PDP) and its fabrication method are disclosed. The composition, including a ZnO—B2O3 group and alkaline earth metal oxide, is environment-friendly, has a high discharge efficiency and is used as various PDP dielectric materials. The fabrication method allows to compose the low melting point unleaded non-alkali glass composition at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma tube array including: plural light-emitting tubes; a front supporting member and a back supporting member which spread over the front and back of the light-emitting tubes; plural display electrode pairs provided on the surface of the front supporting member facing the light-emitting tubes; and plural signal electrodes provided on the surface of the back supporting member facing the light-emitting tubes. Each display electrode constituting the display electrode pair is a display electrode which is made of a metal thin wire, provided with plural openings formed in a distributed manner and includes a first metal thin wire facing a discharge slit and extending along the discharge slit, and the first metal thin wire is a metal thin wire thicker than a second metal thin wire which forms a region closer to a non-discharge slit side than the first metal thin wire.

Abstract: A plasma display panel is provided which evenly deposits a phosphorus layer by forming a buffer layer before forming the phosphorus layer within a discharge cell of a rear surface substrate. The plasma display panel includes a front substrate on which are formed common sustain electrode and scan sustain electrodes and through which light is emitted and a rear substrate on which discharge cells are formed by barrier ribs and address electrodes. The rear substrate may be bonded to the front substrate by frit glass.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a low-pressure mercury lamp having an improved luminous efficiency while maintaining the compactness and long life of the arc tube. This lamp comprises an arc tube formed by bending a glass tube. This arc tube is formed into a double-spiral structure comprising: a turning part located in substantially the midsection from both ends of the glass tube; a first spiral part starting from one of the ends and spiraling around the pivotal axis to reach the turning part; and a second spiral part starting from the turning part and spiraling around the pivotal axis to the other end. The glass tube has a circular shape in cross section with 7.4 mm inner diameter. This low-pressure mercury lamp is a 12 W lamp alternative to a 60 W incandescent lamp, and the bulb wall loading under steady state illumination is set at 0.103 W/cm2.

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp has a lamp bulb of silica glass encapsulating mercury, an inactive gas, and a mixed halogen gas containing at least two halogen gases, and at least a pair of electrodes disposed in the lamp bulb in confronting relation to each other. The type and content of a primary halogen gas whose content is the greatest in the mixed halogen gas are determined based on a bulb wall load.

Abstract: A light facility includes one or more batteries disposed in a housing, a processor device includes two power terminals coupled to the batteries and includes a switch terminal and a key terminal and three light terminals, a light device may be energized by the battery and includes a red light member, a green light member, and a blue light member coupled to the three light terminals of the processor device for being operated to generate red light, green light, and blue light, a switch is selectively coupled to either the switch terminal or the key terminal of the processor device for actuating the light device to generate lights, or gradually darkened light, or gradually brightened light.

Abstract: A compact matching network couples an RF power supply to an RF antenna in a plasma generator. The simple and compact impedance matching network matches the plasma load to the impedance of a coaxial transmission line and the output impedance of an RF amplifier at radio frequencies. The matching network is formed of a resonantly tuned circuit formed of a variable capacitor and an inductor in a series resonance configuration, and a ferrite core transformer coupled to the resonantly tuned circuit. This matching network is compact enough to fit in existing compact focused ion beam systems.

Abstract: A novel plasma reactor is provided that includes a discharge chamber with dimensional characteristics and configuration of dielectric and electrodes that optimize efficiency based on the characteristics of the corona discharge streamers generated. Upon application of a pulsed high voltage potential, the discharge chamber enables formation of plasma where surface streamers play a greater role in the overall energy density of the discharge chamber than gas streamers. The formation of gas streamers is constrained. Because surface streamers have a higher energy density, the present invention is able to achieve improved energy efficiency while preserving effectiveness for gas treatment.

Abstract: A driving device for a CCFL circuit comprising at least one CCFL is provided. The driving device comprising at least one heating device controlling the temperature of the at least one CCFL, a power supply outputting a first voltage, and a switching device having a first input terminal receiving the first voltage and a first and second output terminal; wherein the first output terminal is coupled to the CCFL circuit outputting a second voltage when the first voltage is higher than a first level, and the second output terminal is coupled to the at least one heating device outputting a third voltage when the first voltage is lower than the first level. The driving device further comprises a controller controlling the power supply to output the first voltage higher than the first level to lighting up the at least one CCFL, and lower than the first level to control the temperature of the at least one CCFL.

Abstract: To provide an image display apparatus, including first to N-th electron-emitting devices; a spacer; a driving circuit for correcting each of the first to N-th driving signals for driving the first to N-th electron-emitting devices and outputting it; first to N-th light emission areas; in which the driving circuit has a correction circuit; and the correction circuit has a first circuit of calculating a correction value for correcting the driving signal; a second circuit of calculating a representative value by using a plurality of correction values for correcting the driving signal for driving each electron-emitting device of a group consisted of near M pieces of electron-emitting devices including first and second electron-emitting devices; a storage unit for storing the representative value; and a third circuit for correcting a driving signal for driving each electron-emitting device of the group by using the representative value.

Abstract: A primary side current value to be shunted from a DC power source (1) to the primary side of a DC power circuit (2) is detected by a primary side current detection resistor (5), and an output current value to be shunted to an inverter curcuit (3) and its downstream is detected by a current detection resistor (6). On the basis of those current values detected, the total current value to flow into a plurality of load curcuits such as the DC power supply circuit (2) and the inverter circuit (3) is detected by a total current detection unit (7). On the basis of the total current value detected, a control unit (8) controls a switching transistor (24) of the DC power circuit (2) to control an output power thereby to control an electric current (Ib) to be fed from the DC power cource (1).

Abstract: A circuit for sensing an open-circuit lamp is provided. The circuit includes a reference voltage output unit, a voltage sensor, and a comparator. The reference voltage output unit provides a reference voltage. The voltage sensor detects a sensed voltage corresponding to a status of a lamp. The status of the lamp includes an open-circuit status and a closed-circuit status. The comparator compares the sensed voltage with the reference voltage and outputs a result indicating the status of the lamp.

Abstract: System and method for driving a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. The system includes a control subsystem configured to generate one or more control signals, and a power supply subsystem configured to receive the one or more control signals and a DC input voltage, convert the DC input voltage to an AC output voltage, and send the AC output voltage to a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. If the DC input voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold, the system for driving the cold-cathode fluorescent lamp is turned off in response to the one or more control signals.

Abstract: An intellectual lamp unit able to be installed on a conventional lamp socket controlled by a wall switch includes a bypass connected in parallel with a wall switch and provided with a resistance or a diode for producing potential difference or power phase difference when the wall switch is turned off. An intellectual lamp to be installed on a conventional lamp socket consists of a lamp main body disposed therein with a power processing circuit, a detecting switch, a charging circuit, a charging battery, a driving circuit, a microprocessor and a lamplight source. When the wall switch is turned on or off under the condition of normal power supply, the lamplight source can be controlled to produce or extinguish lighting, and during blackout, the lamplight source can be started to produce emergency lighting immediately, supplied with power by the charging battery.

Abstract: The IRS21681D is a fully integrated, fully protected 600V ballast control IC designed to drive all types of fluorescent lamps. The IRS21681D is based on the popular IR2166 control IC with additional improvements to increase ballast performance. PFC circuitry operates in critical conduction mode and provides high PF, low THD and DC bus regulation. The IRS21681D features include programmable preheat and run frequencies, programmable preheat time, programmable ignition ramp, programmable PFC over-current protection, and programmable end-of-life protection. Comprehensive protection features such as protection from failure of a lamp to strike, filament failures, end-of-life protection, DC bus under-voltage reset as well as an automatic restart function, have been included in the design. The IRS2168D has, in addition, closed-loop half-bridge ignition current regulation and a novel fault counter. The IRS21681D, unlike the IRS2168D, ramps up during ignition and shuts down at the first over-current fault.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a vibration type actuator is disclosed, which can boost the power source voltage and can reduce the cost and the size of the apparatus. The driving apparatus comprises an inductor being connected to a power source, a pulse generation circuit generating a first and second pulse signals that have a phase difference; a first switching element switching a supply operation for supplying the energy accumulated in the inductor to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element according to the first pulse signal; and a second switching element switching a discharge operation for discharging the energy accumulated in the electro-mechanical energy conversion element according to the second pulse signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power device. The power device has a power source; timing circuitry powered by the power source for producing a current pulse output having a pulse width; a switch for triggering the current pulse output produced by the timing circuitry; an armature motor powered by the power source and in electrical communication with the timing circuitry for receiving the current pulse therefrom, the armature motor comprising: an electro-magnetic core; a first winding for carrying electric current to energize a magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core; a second winding for carrying current to reset the magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core, the first and second windings wound about the electro-magnetic core; and a swinging armature for providing movement in response to the energizing of the magnetic field about electromagnetic core. The first winding and the second winding are bifilar wound together about the electro-magnetic core.

Abstract: An electric drive system has a power source and a generator operatively connected to the power source. The electric drive system also has at least one energy storage device such as a capacitor configured to store a supply of power. The electric drive system further has a common bus configured to direct the power output to the capacitor. The electric drive system also has at least one motor configured to receive power from the common bus. A controller for the electric drive system is provided, having an article therewith having a computer readable medium with a control algorithm recorded thereon. The control algorithm includes means for compensating for a change in power demand on a DC bus of the electric drive system.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for electrically regulating a power transmission device between the heat engine and a pair of electrical machines and the drive wheels of a motor vehicle, the heat engine being connected to the two electrical machines via a mechanical assembly, while an electrical connection device located between the two electrical machines provides a direct passage for power from one machine to the other, the connection transferring electric power between the two electrical machines being carried out via two static converters connected to a bus whereof the two lines are connected to a bus whereof the two lines are connected by a capacitor. The invention is connected by a capacitor.

Abstract: Motor drives, motor speed controllers, motor speed estimation systems, and methods are presented for controlling motor speed and for estimating motor speed, 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 rotor position sensorless multiphase motor driving device includes a rotor; a plurality of phase windings; a common terminal to which one terminal of terminals at both ends of each winding is star connected; an upper-side drive transistor and a lower-side drive transistor connected to the other terminal of the winding; a commutation control unit operable to select two terminals other than the common terminal of the windings, and to turn on the corresponding pair of upper-side drive transistor and the lower-side drive transistor; a rotor position search pulse applying unit operable to apply a search pulse to the selected two terminals; and a comparing unit operable to detect a rotor position based on a response signal generated between the terminal which was unselected and the common terminal according to the search pulse application.

Abstract: A control unit for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, includes a microcontroller connected to a motor speed detector, motor current sensor or a sensor for determining forces exerted on or by the barrier. A user interface includes user actuatable switches for setting a first maximum force value to be exerted on or by the barrier when moving in one direction and the microcontroller automatically sets the value of a second maximum force to be exerted on or by the barrier when moving in the opposite direction. The second force value may be based on the force value set by the user or the second force value may be a preset value. Both force limits may be automatically set as a function of a maximum force exerted on said barrier during movement thereof, during a force learning operation.

Abstract: A driver comprises a direction-switching means which switches a rotation direction of a rotary driving source based on a direction instruction signal, a current amplifier/limiter which converts a voltage outputted from the direction-switching means into a corresponding current and which limits the current to a preset reference current IMAX (threshold value), a current sensor which detects the current supplied to the rotary driving source, and a current loop which feeds back a detection signal supplied from the current sensor to an upstream side of the current amplifier/limiter.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus which comprises: an angle detector for outputting a sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal corresponding to a rotor position of a brushless DC motor; and a torque detector for detecting a steering torque applied to a steering member, and which drives the brushless DC motor to assist steering based upon the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal which were outputted from the angle detector and the steering torque detected by the torque detector. A sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal are squared and added to each other, and whether or not abnormality has occurred in the angle detector is detected by whether the addition result falls within a predetermined range. It is possible to detect abnormality in the angle detector at an early stage.

Abstract: An integrated motor monitoring system includes a housing and a motor disposed within the housing, the motor being configured to provide a power output. The integrated motor monitoring system also includes at least one monitoring device communicatively coupled to the motor and configured to monitor an operational aspect of the motor and generate a data signal associated with the operational aspect. The integrated motor monitoring system further includes a controller, disposed within the housing and in communication with the at least one monitoring device, and configured to energize a plurality of field conductors of the motor and receive the data signal from the at least one monitoring device over at least one of the plurality of field conductors.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a production unit in a production installation are specified, controlling referring to the controlling and monitoring of speeds of rotation or angles of rotation of individual drives (20-22) such that the movements of these are monitored in respect of a synchronous value (37) and/or a limit value (33). The monitoring in respect of the limit value (33) results in a safely limited speed of the individual drives. The monitoring in respect of the synchronous value (37) permits detection of asynchronies. The monitoring can be carried out in normal operating mode and/or in setup mode, and, in setup mode, it serves particularly to protect the operating personnel from drives (20-22) that start up suddenly or are running too fast.

Abstract: This deadbeat control method of controlling an asynchronous rotary electrical machine consists of: a) a step of establishing a set point current that is adapted to achieve at the end of the interval T both the mechanical force set point and a set point magnetic flux and is established on the basis of a relationship between the set point current, the set point magnetic flux and initial current and magnetic flux values at the beginning of the interval T; and b) a step of calculating an average control vector to be applied continuously during the interval T to obtain at the end of the interval T a current equal to the set point current established during the step a).

Abstract: A detecting switch which is turned on/off in accordance with whether or not primary batteries have been attached to a primary battery holder is provided. In a normal state where no primary battery is attached, terminals (a, c) of a charge change-over switch are connected by a detection signal of the detecting switch, so that a voltage supplied from an external charger is inputted to a DC/DC converter. A secondary battery is charged by a predetermined value output of the DC/DC converter. When the primary batteries are attached, the detecting switch is turned on and terminals (b, c) of the charge change-over switch are connected, so that an output voltage of the primary batteries is inputted to the DC/DC converter. The secondary battery is charged by the predetermined value output of the DC/DC converter. Even when there is no charger, the secondary battery can be charged by the primary batteries and charging power sources are automatically switched.

Abstract: A NiH/NiCd (nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium) battery charger with the function of emergency power supply unit having a main body with a charging chamber and a charging circuit positioned within the main body to allow an electric connection to the charging chamber and the power input interface. This charging control circuit is controlled by an electrical switch which divides the charging chamber into two or more parts. When the power input interface is connected, the electrical switch shuts off automatically to make the batteries in the charging chamber to be charged in groups. This is the function of charger. When the power input interface is switched off, the batteries in different circuit are joined in series to supply power as an emergency power supply unit. Therefore, with the design principle of “separate charging and common sharing”, it can protect the rechargeable batteries and provide power in lacking of power supply unit outdoors.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular alternator can improve its reliability and reduce its cost by attenuating a field current of a rotor coil with a simple circuit. The apparatus includes an armature coil, a rectifier circuit, a rotor coil and a voltage control circuit. The rectifier circuit has an AC input terminal, a positive and a negative output terminal. The voltage control circuit controls a generation voltage to be substantially constant by interrupting a field current when a generation voltage exceeds a first predetermined voltage, while passing the field current when the generation voltage is equal to or lower than the first predetermined voltage. A circulation circuit comprising a diode and a current attenuation element serves to circulate the field current upon interruption thereof. A short-circuiting circuit short-circuits the current attenuation element. A short-circuit control circuit opens the short-circuiting circuit when the generation voltage exceeds a second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: The multiple-output DC-DC converter comprises an inductor (L) and a main switch (S0) which periodically couples a DC-input voltage (Vin) to the inductor (L). Each one of a multitude of loads (L1, L2, L3) is coupled to the inductor (L) via one of a multitude of output switches (S1, S2, S3). One of a multitude of output voltages (V1, V2, V3) is present across each of the loads (L1, L2, L3). A controller (CO) controls the main switch (S0) and the output switches (S1, S2, S3) in sequences (SE) of cycles (CY). Each one of the cycles (CY1, CY2, CY3) contains an on-phase of the main switch (S0) followed by an on-phase of one of the multitude of output switches (S1, S2, S3). The cycles (CY1, CY2, CY3) have either a predetermined first (minimum) duty cycle (D1) or a second (maximum) duty cycle (D2) which is larger than the first duty cycle (D1).

Abstract: The invention provides a DC-DC converter capable of being started up in a state in which an input voltage is low and capable of being structured without increasing a circuit size. A back-gate voltage (Vsb) is outputted from a back-gate voltage generating circuit (VBGN), and is inputted to a back gate of a transistor (FET1). During a period during which an output voltage (Vout) is lower than a reference voltage (e0), an oscillation signal (OS1) is inputted to a gate of the transistor (FET1), and the back-gate voltage (Vsb) is set at a grounded voltage. Therefore, the transistor (FET1) has a reference threshold voltage (Vto). On the other hand, during a period during which the output voltage (Vout) is higher than the reference voltage (e0), a pulse signal (PS) is inputted to the gate of the transistor (FET1), and the back-gate voltage (Vsb) is set at an output voltage of a charge pump portion (5). Therefore, the transistor (FET1) has a threshold voltage higher than the reference threshold voltage (Vto).

Abstract: A power converter employing a tapped inductor and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power converter includes first and second tapped inductors including a tapped winding having a first section and a second section with a tap therebetween. The power converter also includes first and second active phase legs including a main switch series-coupled with an input node of the power converter and the first section of the tapped windings of the first and second tapped inductors, respectively. The first and second active phase legs also include an auxiliary switch interposed between the second section of the tapped windings of the first and second tapped inductors, respectively, and an output node of the power converter.

Abstract: A step-up/step-down switching regulator control method for a regulator having an inductor with first and second leads, a first switch for controllably coupling the first lead to a source of power, a first device between the first lead and a circuit ground, a second switch for controllably coupling the second lead to the circuit ground, and a second device between the second lead and a regulator, the method comprising operating the switches in a sequence of phases when the source of power has a voltage exceeding the regulator output and in the same sequence of phases when the source of power has a voltage less than the regulator output, the phases being phase 1 with the first and second switches closed, phase 2 with the first switch closed and the second switch open, and phase 3 with both switches open. The first and second devices may be switches or diodes. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A power converter, and an associated method, for converting input power into output power. The power converter is capable of converting direct current input power as well as alternating current input power into direct current output power available for use to power an electrical load device, such as a consumer electronic device. The power conversion is performed at improved levels of efficiency, and less input power is dissipated as thermal energy.

Abstract: An improved circuit and method for increasing the stability of switch-mode power supplies via frequency fold-back is disclosed. For example, a circuit for increasing the stability of a switch-mode power supply using the compensation signal to control the frequency of the oscillator is disclosed, which includes an operational amplifier that functions to scale the compensation signal. Thus, the switching frequency of the power supply involved is decreased as the load is reduced. This novel use of the compensation signal to control the switching frequency of a switch-mode power supply significantly increases the stability of the power supply as compared to prior switch-mode power supplies. Therefore, the switch-mode power supply may be used for those applications where relatively high stability is desired.

Abstract: An actuation circuit for a switch element regulating the power consumption of an inductive energy storage element in a switching converter, used to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, is described. The circuit includes a pulse width modulator circuit configured so as to provide a pulse-width-modulated actuating signal for the switch element depending on a regulating signal dependent on the output voltage and a current measurement signal dependent on a current across the inductive storage element.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a diode that is disposed in the path of a main current that is a subject of power control. The diode includes a substrate; a gallium-nitride buffer layer formed on the substrate; a gallium-nitride layer formed on the gallium-nitride buffer layer; and an n-type aluminum-gallium-nitride layer formed on the gallium-nitride layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller has a variable frequency oscillator that is used for controlling a PWM controller. The power supply controller varies a frequency of the variable frequency oscillator.

Abstract: An improved method of canceling a RHPZ of a switching regulator can include detecting a predetermined error signal provided to a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit, wherein the predetermined error signal is associated with the RHPZ. Once a RHPZ is detected, a ramp waveform provided to the PWM circuit can be temporarily lengthened, thereby canceling the RHPZ. Notably, temporarily lengthening the ramp waveform can be based on adjusting an RZ*CZ time constant. In one embodiment, the ramp waveform can be lengthened to create a left half-plane zero (LHPZ), which improves stability.

Abstract: A sonde includes an elongate flexible ferromagnetic core and a coil surrounds an intermediate segment of the core. A housing surrounds and supports the coil. An electronic drive circuit is mounted in the housing for supplying the coil with an electric signal that will induce the core to emit electromagnetic signals at a predetermined strength and frequency that can be remotely detected. Self-contained battery powered float-type and pill-type sondes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Particle detection and characterizing apparatus has an insulating tube along which the particles flow. Five electrodes spaced along the outside of the tube are connected via amplifiers to a processor arranged to measure the charge on the particles. The apparatus also includes a laser and photomultiplier tube arranged to measure the size of the particles so that the nature of the particles can be characterized from their electrical charge and size.

Abstract: Methods and systems of detecting one or more characteristics of a load are disclosed. One or more characteristics of a first signal may be detected at the output of a Radio Frequency (RF) power generator. The first signal may have a fundamental frequency. The one or more characteristics of the first signal may be sampled at a sampling frequency to produce a digital sampled signal. The sampling frequency may be determined based on a function of the fundamental frequency of the first signal. One or more characteristics of a load in communication with the RF power generator may then be determined from the digital sampled signal.

Abstract: A measurement instrument is provided with an FFT module providing a frequency domain output; and a power calculator connected to the frequency domain output to measure power statistics for a test signal of arbitrary length. In some embodiments, a spectrum integration module is provided to calculate the power contained within a frequency band. In an embodiment, a filter/averaging module is provided to compute signal power statistics over an arbitrary time period. Accumulators may be provided to store data related to maximum power, minimum power, average power, or peak to average power. A CCDF module may be provided in some embodiments to calculate CCDF related measurements. Also provided are methods of making power statistic measurements.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting whether an intermittent clock waveform signal of 50 MHz is received or not includes an offset receiver, a charge pump, a capacitor and a hysteresis comparator. A circuit for detecting whether a random data waveform signal of 500 MHz is received or not includes an offset-less receiver, a transition counter, a delay circuit and an AND circuit. An OR circuit outputs as a signal detection signal a signal indicating the OR operation result of respective outputs of the hysteresis comparator and the AND circuit.

Abstract: A current sensor comprises an outer shielding means (4), a toroidal inner core and inner shield means (1). A combined driving and sensing winding (3) is wound around the inner core. First and second ends of the winding (3) are connectable to a sensor head. The inner shield means (1) has a gap (1A) formed in it.

Abstract: A Hall effect generator chip is mounted between adjacent ends of an annular, horseshoe spacer of nonmagnetic material. The generator is sensitive to the flux density (B field) tangential to its top and bottom surfaces. The spacer and generator are sandwiched between ferromagnetic rings, each having a small air gap overlying/underlying the generator. A circuit including the generator supplies an output linearly proportional to the current of an adjacent conductor with reduced hysteresis and small variability over a temperature range.

Abstract: A system and method for current sensing includes a conductor configured to receive current flow therethrough and generate magnetic flux thereabout. The current sensor system also includes an anti-differential current sensor configured to monitor magnetic flux about the conductor. The anti-differential current sensor includes a pair of current sensors in opposing positions and disposed in the flux concentrating recesses of the conductor, and a processing component configured to receive feedback from each of the current sensors. The processing component is further configured to output a value indicative of the amount of current flow in the conductor.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an electrical-energy meter comprises a transformer for producing an electrical output proportional to an electrical current in a conductor of electrical energy, a circuit board electrically coupled to the transformer for facilitating the calculation and displaying of a cumulative amount of electrical energy passing through the conductor of electrical energy, a first optical transmitter, a second optical transmitter, and an optical receiver. The first and second optical transmitters and the optical receiver are coupled to the circuit board. The first optical transmitter and the receiver facilitate optical communications between the electrical-energy meter and a first type of external device. The second optical transmitter and the receiver facilitate optical communications between the electrical-energy meter and a second type of external device.