Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting system capable of preventing damage to an outer-tube resulting from an outer-tube discharge that often occurs at the end of useful life of a lamp. The lighting system includes: a metal halide lamp having an arc tube housed within an outer tube; and a lamp .lighting device for operating the metal halide lamp. The lamp lighting device includes: a power supply unit operable to supply an electric power to the metal halide lamp; a detecting unit operable to detect an electrical property of the metal halide lamp; a judging unit operable to judge, based on the detected electrical property, whether a currently occurring discharge is an outer-tube discharge; and an instructing unit operable to instruct the power supply unit to suspend or reduce the electric power supply to the metal halide lamp upon a judgment that the currently occurring discharge is an outer-tube discharge. The detection unit detects a lamp voltage.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a simple method and apparatus for converting DC power to AC power for driving discharge lamps such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), or a flat fluorescent lamp (FFL). Among other advantages, the invention allows the proper protection under short circuit conditions for applications where the normal lamp current is greater than safe current limit.

Abstract: A motor-driving circuit drives a plurality of motors of different types. The motor-driving circuit includes a plurality of H-bridge circuits for outputting driving signals to the motors, a controller for controlling the plurality of H-bridge circuits, a setting section for setting up the controller, and terminals for inputting setting data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive linear drive (10) for adjustable components of furniture. The electromotive linear drive is constructed in such a manner that the full function is guaranteed, for the smallest possible dimensions and for the smallest possible number of components. According to the invention, the output element of the rotation speed reduction gear (27, 28), is a toothed wheel or worm wheel (28) provided with a centrically inner threaded bore. The actuator is an adjusting spindle (29) which is in contact with the toothed wheel or the worm wheel (28) and prevented form rotating and can only move in the spindle's longitudinal direction. The housing (11) has recesses which are covered by a closing element (16), with an axis of the furniture arranged in the recesses. The inventive electromotive linear drive (10) is particularly suitable for the adjustable elements of a slatted frame.

Abstract: Introduced is a device to reduce disk drive power consumption during start-up. In one embodiment the device provides for (1) a speed control module associated with a disk drive motor; and (2) a controller coupled to the speed control module that incrementally increases the spindle rotational speed of the disk drive motor during start-up.

Abstract: An electric motor system includes a motor brake control circuit that uses current induced in the motor stator from generated back EMF to keep the motor brake energized and in its disengaged position, should electric power be lost to the motor system. When the motor has slowed sufficiently that the induced current is no longer sufficient to keep the motor brake energized, the motor brake will move to its engaged position, and prevent further motor rotation. The motor rotational speed at which the motor brake is no longer energized is sufficiently low that any potential degradation or other deleterious effects from motor brake engagement are minimized.

Abstract: A full bridge circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a first controller, a second controller, a first operational amplifier, a first multiplexer, a second operational amplifier, and a second multiplexer. The first controller includes a first output coupled to the first switch. The second controller includes a first output coupled to the third switch. The first operational amplifier includes a first input coupled to the first switch and the second switch, and a second input for receiving a first reference voltage. The second operational amplifier includes a first input coupled to the third switch and the fourth switch, and a second input for receiving a second reference voltage. The first multiplexer is coupled to the first operational amplifier, the first controller, and the second switch. The second multiplexer is coupled to the second operational amplifier, the second controller, and the fourth switch.

Abstract: To provide a solar circulation pump for connection to a photovoltaic panel device, comprising an electric motor which is electronically commutated and has a control device for supplying a periodic commutation signal, it is proposed that the control device be so configured that the commutation signal is varied with respect to the ratio of switch-on time to switch-off time.

Abstract: A synthetic nervous system (10) capable of rudimental learning and self-organization for robotic applications having a control circuit (190) and servo actuators (224) using oscillating continuously variable analog voltages to mimic natural bio-neural processes. Simple oscillators (1-8) capable of being modulated in frequency, phase, amplitude, and DC offset act as analog processing elements or oscillating infinite state machines. A central pattern generator (140) utilizing periodic, quasi-periodic, or chaotic oscillators or phase shifters, or a combination thereof, along with a basic motor neuron circuit (314) enables multiple servos to coordinate their behavior to enable bio-inspired locomotion such as walking, swimming, flapping, crawling, and the like. Sensors (200) interfaced to the control circuit (190) provide a wide range of adaptive behavior such as following a light source, avoiding an obstacle, and shifting balance point.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile robot (10) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode (51) and a random bounce mode (49). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling (45), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control system, and various escape behaviors are used to ensure full coverage.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motor speed for a fan assembly includes receiving a duty cycle value at a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives a measured fan speed from a speed sensor. An expected fan speed is determined, where the expected fan speed corresponds to the duty cycle value. The measured fan speed is compared with the expected fan speed. A duty cycle of a motor driving signal is reduced if the measured fan speed is less than a predetermined fraction of the expected fan speed.

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 arrangement 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: A control apparatus and a semiconductor apparatus of AC motors capable of reducing torque ripple with a comparatively simple circuit corresponding to a high withstand voltage and capable of driving a motor at high efficiency even when the rotational speed or load has changed. The control apparatus detects first phase signals fixed in relative phase to induced voltages of the motor and current polarity signals, recognizes phase differences between them, generates second phase signals so as to make the phase differences approach zero to drive the motor at high efficiency, generates modulation wave signals having quasi-sinusoidal waveforms or trapezoidal waveforms on the basis of the second phase signals, compares the modulation wave signals with a carrier wave signal, and conducts PWM control on an inverter.

Abstract: A method for controlling a calendering system having a first roll having a first roll speed controller and a second roll having a second roll speed controller is disclosed. An exemplary method comprises the steps of: (a) setting the first roll at a desired process speed with the first roll speed controller; (b) determining a target torque of the first roll; (c) contactingly engaging the first and second rolls; (d) determining an actual torque of the first roll; (e) comparing the target torque and the actual torque; and, (f) adjusting a speed of the second roll with the second roll speed controller to maintain the target torque of the first roll according to the comparison of the target torque and the actual torque.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-reliability IGBT drive device that is capable of avoiding an accident such as an upper/lower arm short circuit when a malfunction occurs due to a potential change at a connection point between series-connected IGBTs. High- and low-voltage side IGBTs are complementarily ON/OFF controlled before and after dead time. A reset pulse that turns OFF the high-voltage side IGBT is generated during the dead time as described in the following example. The reset pulse is generated (1) immediately before an ON instruction for the low-voltage side IGBT, (2) in such a manner as to have a period that begins immediately before the ON instruction for the low-voltage side IGBT and overlaps with the ON instruction, (3) continuously during the dead time, (4) continuously during dead time immediately before the low-voltage side IGBT turns ON, or (5) in such a manner as to invalidate the ON instruction for the low-voltage side IGBT when an ON state of the high-voltage side IGBT is observed.

Abstract: A circuit for optimizing power transferred from an inverter circuit to a motor, the circuit using an open loop method to start-up the motor and have it reach a minimum speed, each phase of the motor receiving voltage from the inverter circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell-based powerpack for use with an electronic device that requires multiple voltages is provided. The power pack includes an interface between a direct oxidation fuel cell and one or more rechargeable batteries coupled to supply power to the electronic application device. The interface is connected to receive the output of the fuel cell and includes one or more DC-DC converters that not only boost power to said one or more batteries, but are further coupled to the electronic device such that the fuel cell can be used to directly provide one or more subvoltages, at required voltage rails, directly to said electronic device. The output voltage can also be linearly regulated if needed in a particular application.

Abstract: A jump starter is provided. The jump starter may be designed as a versatile, portable jump starter addressing the most common needs of power for a consumer. The jump starter may provide DC power, AC power, portable battery charging capability, and other power providing capabilities.

Abstract: A charger unit for an electronic device that includes a housing, a plurality of charging contacts provided on the housing, and a recess provided in the housing, preferably on a rear face thereof. A plug having a plurality of prongs may be selectively attached to and detached from the housing for electrically connecting the charger unit to a source of charging current. When attached to the housing, one or more of the prongs of the plug are electrically connected to a respective one of the charging contacts. In addition, a plurality of storage sockets are provided in the housing within the recess. Each of the storage sockets are adapted to receive and hold therein a respective one of the prongs of the plug to enable the plug to be safely and securely stored when not in use.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of unit batteries and barriers which are interposed between the unit batteries. The barriers have front surfaces which contact the unit batteries and which are curved to bend elastically. The barriers have side surfaces which interconnect the front surfaces, and which have pathways through which a heat transfer medium flows. Connecting rods and nuts interconnect end plates of the battery module so as to press the unit batteries and the barriers together.

Abstract: A battery module is constructed with a plurality of unit batteries, and barrier ribs including bands mounted on each of the unit batteries and forming gaps to enable a heat conductive medium to circulate the unit batteries.

Abstract: A portable power storage device for powering electronic devices especially those configured for receiving power from a 9 volt DC adapter source and configured to generate its own power through a fully self-contained, manually operable power generator. A switch-controlled flashlight utilizing a LED is also provided. The internal rechargeable battery may be recharged through either the power generator or DC power source coupled to the device through respective input connectors. Indicators provide the charging status of the power backup source. The flashlight, in another embodiment, is configured to be turned on responsive to a motion sensor as well as being configured to turn on under control of an ambient light sensor. Audio and visual alarms may also be utilized. An SOS mode is provided to generate an SOS alarm which is set to operate over a given time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting battery pack voltage is disclosed. The voltage detection apparatus includes a plurality of selectors for providing a cell voltage of a predetermined cell, a detector buffer for receiving the cell voltage of the predetermined cell and supplying an intermediate voltage, a data process circuit for processing the intermediate voltage to acquire a voltage value indicative of the cell voltage of the predetermined cell, wherein each selector includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of level shifters, each switch being controlled by one of the plurality of level shifters to operate with a safe gate-source voltage, source-bulk voltage and reverse-biased body diode.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a positive terminal, a charging switch, and a negative terminal. The plurality of battery cells are connected in series and include a first battery cell and a last battery cell. The charging switch is electrically coupled between the positive terminal and a positive node of the first battery cell and is configured to open when the battery cells are substantially charged. The negative terminal is electrically coupled to a negative node of the last battery cell.

Abstract: A portable terminal and power supply control method are provided. The portable terminal having a power supply control feature includes a main battery for supplying power to the portable terminal, an auxiliary battery for supplying power to the portable terminal independently of the main battery, a switch module for controlling the power supply of the main battery and auxiliary battery, and a power unit controller for controlling on-off settings of the switch module and for disconnecting, when a battery level of the main battery is higher than that of the auxiliary battery, the auxiliary battery from the main battery. The battery levels of the main battery and auxiliary battery are measured and are controlled to prevent charging of the auxiliary battery with a charge current from the main battery through switch settings.

Abstract: A leakage detection circuit for an electric vehicle includes a battery pack, first and second leakage detection switches, a controller, a leakage detection resistor, a voltage detector, and a calculator. The first and second leakage detection switches are connected to the high and low voltage sides of the battery pack, respectively. The battery pack includes a plurality of batteries that are connected in series. The midpoint of the leakage detection resistor is connected to the ground via the first and second leakage detection switches. The controller alternately turns the first and second leakage detection switches ON. Thus, the voltage detector detects leakage voltage values that are generated in the leakage detection resistor. The controller turns the first and second leakage detection switches ON and OFF, respectively, to detect a first leakage voltage value of the leakage voltage values.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for balancing voltages of a serially connected plurality of cells in a battery pack provided with the plurality of cells. In this method, the voltages are balanced by: connecting a pair of a resistor and a switch, which are serially connected with each other, in a parallel relationship to one of the plurality of cells; switching the switch from an open state to a closed state when a voltage of the one cell increases to a prescribed balance operation starting voltage; and maintaining a state where the cell is charged by a voltage of the same magnitude as a voltage that is applied to both ends of the pair after switching of the switch to the closed state.

Abstract: Sate-of-life for an electrical energy storage device is predictively determined based on electrical current, state-of-charge, and temperature of the electrical energy storage device during active and quiescent periods of operation.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicular powertrain includes an electrical energy storage device. A method is disclosed effective to account for the effects that temperature during periods of vehicle inactivity has upon the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicular powertrain includes an electrical energy storage device. State-of-life for the electrical energy storage device is predictively determined based on electrical current, state-of-charge, and temperature of the electrical energy storage device during active and quiescent periods of operation.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery protection method and device controls an externally connected circuit to charge/discharge a rechargeable battery so as to prevent the rechargeable battery from over charging/discharging. The lithium-ion-ion battery protection device includes an abnormality detection circuit, a light coupling circuit, a balancing circuit, and a recognition circuit. The abnormality detection circuit is to detect the voltage of the lithium-ion-ion battery and output a detection signal. The battery continues to charge/discharge if the signal is normal, and terminate to charge/discharge if the signal is abnormal. Then, the balancing circuit determines whether the detection signal is an overcharged signal, and if yes, the rechargeable battery is discharged accordingly.

Abstract: A electrical energy storage device may experience quiescent periods of operation. A method is disclosed effective to account for the effects that temperature during quiescent periods has upon the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: An electric drive system having a power source which provides power to an electric motor through an electric motor control. Discharging of stored capacitor energy of a capacitor coupled between the power source and the electric motor controller is provided by controlling energy transfer from the capacitor to the electric motor.

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 buck topology that provides voltage step up and polarity change is disclosed. In one embodiment a converter includes an input for receiving an input voltage, a switching circuit coupled to the input for receiving a first driving signal, a floating voltage source coupled to the switching circuit for producing an offset voltage, and an output coupled to the floating voltage source for generating an output voltage. The output voltage exhibits a voltage level that is directly proportional to a duty cycle of the first driving signal.

Abstract: An electrical system according to various aspects of the present invention includes a supply configured to provide a signal at a desired level. The supply monitors the output signal and compares the output signal to multiple thresholds. If the signal crosses a coarse-adjustment threshold, the supply coarsely adjusts the output to the load to quickly drive the signal toward the target level. If the signal crosses a fine adjustment threshold, the supply finely adjusts the output.

Abstract: A switching regulator utilizing on/off control that reduces audio noise at light loads by adjusting the current limit of the switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator includes a state machine that adjusts the current limit of the switching regulator based on a pattern of feedback signal values from the output of the power supply for a preceding N cycles of the drive signal. The state machine adjusts the current limit lower at light loads such that cycles are not skipped to reduce the operating frequency of the switching regulator into the audio frequency range until the flux density through the transformer is sufficiently low to reduce the generation of audio noise.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a regulator having a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller to generate a PWM control signal based on a voltage level of a load coupled to the regulator, a driver to provide a drive signal to a switching element of the regulator responsive to the PWM control signal, and a power saver coupled between the PWM controller and the driver to receive the PWM control signal and to output the PWM control signal to the driver at a reduced rate during an idle mode of the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control circuit to avoid a reverse current of a synchronous rectifier. A switching signal is applied to charge an inductor of a power converter. A predication circuit generates a timing signal in response to the switching signal. The timing signal is used to turn off the synchronous rectifier for preventing the reverse current occurred in light load and no load conditions.

Abstract: A method capable of sensing a heavy load and a short circuit of a low dropout regulator includes providing a ramp pulse signal to the low dropout regulator, providing a square waveform, comparing a feedback signal of the low dropout regulator with the square waveform, and determining the low dropout regulator is a heavy load or a short circuit if a duration that the feedback signal is greater than a low voltage level of the square waveform and lower than a high voltage level of the square waveform is not greater than a pulse width of the square waveform. The method includes determining the low dropout regulator is a light load if the duration that the feedback signal is greater than the low voltage level of the square waveform and lower than the high voltage level of the square waveform is greater than the pulse width of the square waveform.

Abstract: A multi-output type DC/DC converter including: a reactor connected to a direct-current power supply; a first switching circuit to apply a current to the reactor; a second switching to switch an output from the reactor to any one of output terminals; output voltage detection units to detect voltages of the output terminals; comparison circuits to compare outputs of the output voltage detection units with a waveform signal of a predetermined frequency; and an output selection unit to receive outputs of the comparison circuits as inputs, the output selection unit selecting an output of a comparison circuit, the output having an earlier rise or an earlier fall, to generate a plurality of control signals pertaining to on and off of the first switching circuit and/or the second switching circuit, the output selection unit treating the plurality of control signals in accordance with a predetermined priority order when the outputs of the plurality of comparison circuits change almost at the same time, wherein a curre

Abstract: A CMC-type switching regulator is disclosed that includes: a switching element switching to control outputting of input voltage; a smoothing circuit outputting the smoothed output voltage of the switching element to an output terminal; a voltage divider dividing the output voltage; an error amplifier amplifying the difference between reference voltage and the divided voltage; a slope voltage generator generating slope voltage according to the reference voltage, correcting the slope of the slope voltage in accordance with the input-output voltage difference, detecting current flowing through the switching element and generating voltage according to the detected current, and outputting the generated voltage and the corrected slope voltage; a pulse generator outputting a pulse signal having time width according to the output voltages of the error amplifier and the slope voltage generator; and a switching controller controlling the switching of the switching element in accordance with the output signal of the pul

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for converting an input voltage and generating an output voltage. The DC-DC converter includes an adjustment resistor. A control circuit generates a control signal and includes an external terminal to which the adjustment resistor is externally connected. A switching transistor is connected to the control circuit and turned on or off in accordance with the control signal. The control circuit includes an oscillator that generates an oscillation signal. The control circuit generates the control signal based on the oscillation signal and a signal that is in accordance with an output voltage or output current of the DC-DC converter. The oscillator monitors a first amount of current flowing through the external terminal of the control circuit and generates the oscillation signal in a cycle that is accordance with the monitoring result.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a voltage regulator uses a first current to charge a by-pass capacitor for a first time period and uses a second current after the first time period.

Abstract: A DC power supply control apparatus monitors respective terminals supplying positive and negative DC supply voltages to a utility device. The voltage at the negative terminal is compared with a target value for that voltage to produce an offset current representative of any voltage differential therebetween. This offset current is used to produce an offset voltage, that is added to or subtracted from a target value of the positive supply voltage to produce an error amplifier reference voltage. This reference voltage is compared with the voltage at the monitored positive terminal, to produce an error voltage, in response to which the power supply's modulator loop adjusts the power supply's positive output voltage, as necessary, to maintain the intended DC voltage differential between the positive and negative DC supply voltages.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for preventing through current from causing erroneous operation of an ideal diode. A first transistor for receiving input voltage is connected to an ideal diode, which includes a second transistor and a comparator for detecting current flowing through the second transistor and generating a detection signal. A control circuit generates a switching signal for turning the first transistor on and off so as to keep the output voltage constant. A pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal for turning off the second transistor before the first transistor is turned on and keeping the second transistor turned off for a predetermined period from when the first transistor is turned on. An erroneous operation prevention circuit generates a control signal for keeping the second transistor turned off from when the second transistor is turned off to when the first transistor is turned on.

Abstract: Provided is a probe microscope for measuring a surface potential of a sample, including a contact electrification mechanism (circuit (C)) for bringing an electroconductive probe device into contact with a surface of the sample and applying a voltage in the contact state to induce electrification on the surface of the sample, and a potential measuring mechanism (circuit (K)) for measuring the surface potential of the sample caused by the contact electrification mechanism in a non-contact state of the electroconductive probe device and the surface of the sample, wherein the electrification induced by the contact electrification mechanism and the measurement of the surface potential by the potential measuring mechanism alternate in time series while the voltage applied during the contact is gradually changed, thereby measuring a correlation between the applied voltage and the surface potential.

Abstract: A system for conducting performing real-time harmonics analysis of an electrical power distribution and transmission system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine is configured to store and process patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output, forecasting harmonic distortions in the electrical system subjected to a simulated contingency event.

Abstract: According to the methods of the invention, a further delayed DLL signal is compared to the reference clock and a delayed reference clock signal is compared to a DLL signal. These two comparisons are performed on the 360° signal and on the 180° signal. The delay introduced by the methods of the invention is preferably adjustable based on the results of a process monitor test. The process monitor test can be run continuously and accounts for process, voltage and temperature. The methods of the invention can also be used to test for clock skew in a clock tree on a chip.

Abstract: A method and system acquires a set of samples of a periodic signal at a constant sample rate in a primary memory, calculates a variance between the set of samples and an ideal set of samples to create a variance data set, stores the variance set into a secondary memory, concatenates each variance data set to create a concatenated data set, statistically processes the concatenated data set, and presents the statistically processed data.