Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. The system may have a high efficiency switching type power supply in parallel with a low frequency controllably conductive device. A control circuit may control the controllably conductive device. The control circuit may switch from the two wire mode of operation to the three wire mode of operation upon the detection of a zero cross detection signal. A detector circuit may be used to detect the presence of an output signal from a zero cross detector. Two separate zero cross detectors may be used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors may be monitored and used to automatically configure the electronic control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for designing a radio-frequency cavity, in particular to be used in a cyclotron, radio-frequency cavity (2) comprising a conductive enclosure or “liner” (3) connected by at least two essentially inductive elements or “stems” (4) to a capacitive electrode (2?), the method being characterised in that it comprises the following subsequent steps: A. subdividing the volume of said radio-frequency cavity (2) in a number of sub-cavities (10,20,30) corresponding to at least two stems (4), each sub-cavity comprising a respective (stem4); B. imposing a condition of magnetic orthonormality on the separation surfaces between said at least two sub-cavities (10,20,30); C. independently for each of said at least two sub-cavities (10,20,30), calculating the size and/or the position of the respective stem (4) with respect to the physical conditions at the boundaries.

Abstract: A position feedback device for a linear motor utilizes Hall sensors which are properly positioned to induct the magnetic field variation of a linear motor and processing the inducted information with the OP amplifiers and signal level regulators to output Sine and Cosine differential signals.

Abstract: A power system that provides power between an energy storage device, an external charging-source/load, an onboard electrical power generator, and a vehicle drive shaft. The power system has at least one energy storage device electrically connected across a dc bus, at least one filter capacitor leg having at least one filter capacitor electrically connected across the dc bus, at least one power inverter/converter electrically connected across the dc bus, and at least one multiphase motor/generator having stator windings electrically connected at one end to form a neutral point and electrically connected on the other end to one of the power inverter/converters. A charging-sourcing selection socket is electrically connected to the neutral points and the external charging-source/load. At least one electronics controller is electrically connected to the charging-sourcing selection socket and at least one power inverter/converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of material handling or logistic equipment, in particular, relates to turntables, which can be used especially for automation of production line, assembly assistance, linefeeding and synchronous manufacturing. A high precision positioning powered turntable and its controlling method are disclosed herewithin, based on slewing ring bearing having an integral gear on the inner ring, and positively driven by a gear motor. A plurality of sensors and sensor flags are installed for monitoring position of the turntable top structure for controlling acceleration, deceleration and stopping. A controller, such as a programmable logic controller, is used for monitoring the position of the turntable top structure through the plurality of sensors, and decides how it operates a motor drive, such as variable frequency drive, of the gearmotor for controlling the acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the turntable.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling any of a variety of permanent magnet motors includes normalizing motor parameters with respect to demagnetization current of a motor and developing a torque-per-current relationship using the normalized motor parameters at approximately maximum torque. Using the developed torque-per-current relationship, it is possible to control any of a variety of permanent magnet motors without the need for extensive configuration of a motor control unit for a specific motor.

Abstract: Provided is a wiper control device. The device includes a first output IC, a direct driving switch, a second output IC, and an MCU. The first output IC supplies a power source for a wiper operation control in IG2 OFF state. The direct driving switch directly drives wipers. The second output IC intermits the power source to a wiper motor. The MCU controls the second output IC to drive the wipers depending on the direct driving switch.

Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting solar power into an alternating 3-phase maims (M) comprises a converter (conv) for converting the power from a solar cell (sc) into an unipolar converter output voltage provided between a first and a second converter output terminal of the converter, the converter having a constant power output regulation. The conversion circuit further comprises an inverter (Inv) for cyclically switching one of 3 3-phase output terminals to the first converter output terminal, one to the second converter output terminal and one intermittently to the first and second converter output terminal. With this conversion circuit and method, high capacity energy storage components (such as a capacitor having a large capacitance) can be avoided in the conversion circuit.

Abstract: A motor controlling method according to the present invention involves causing rotation of a motor to commence by applying an initial power that can cause movement of an object to be transported to commence, to the motor; obtaining a position of the object to be transported after the motor has been controlled so as to cause the object to be transported to move to a target position based on a signal outputted in response to the rotation of the motor; and correcting an initial power to be used when movement of the object to be transported is caused to commence a next time in response to a difference between the target position and the obtained position of the object to be transported.

Abstract: A bidirectional buck-boost power converter 13 including a pair of inverter modules 14, 15 disposed at an output of a machine, and an inductor Lo connected between the pair of inverter modules 14, 15. A method for controlling a voltage output of a machine starter generator having an inverter rectifier and bidirectional buck-boost converter, includes outputting a dc voltage controlled by bidirectional buck-boost pulse width modulation (PWM) switching control, when the starter generator is in a generator mode.

Abstract: Presented is a harmonic regulator that regulates a plurality of individual harmonics in a system having periodic torque disturbances to commanded values, including zero. For each harmonic being regulated, a feedback signal having at least one harmonic component due to the harmonic being regulated is transformed from a source reference frame to a harmonic reference frame of the harmonic being regulated to form a qd feedback signal. The qd feedback signal is subtracted from the commanded value to form a qd signal and regulated. The regulated qd signal is transformed to a destination reference frame to form a compensation signal and the compensation signal is added to a control signal to form a qd control signal that drives each harmonic being regulated towards the commanded value.

Abstract: An AC power controller system applies three-phase AC operating power to an induction motor that drives a non-linear mechanical load. A primary low pass filter is connected in series between branch phase conductors and a power controller of the type that uses gate-controlled switching thyristors for controlling power to the motor. KVAR capacitors connected between the power controller and the induction motor phase windings form a secondary low pass filter across the controller output terminals. The primary and secondary low pass filters isolate the power controller and induction motor with respect to spurious noise and harmonics generated by local as well as remote sources, and also improve real power transfer efficiency from the power generating source to the induction motor by transforming the effective impedance of the power source and induction motor load.

Abstract: An insulation-resistance degradation detecting device capable of selecting one of a plurality of motors and detecting its insulation-resistance degradation. A power source unit is connected with a plurality of motor drive amplifiers which drive two motors, individually. The motor is selected by selecting means, and a contactor S1 or S2 is turned on. When a smoothing capacitor C of the power source unit reaches a predetermined voltage after an electromagnetic contactor is turned off, contactors SW1 and SW2 are turned on, whereupon one end of the smoothing capacitor C, contactor SW2, resistors R1 and R2, contactor S1 or S2, coil of the motor, insulation resistor Rx of the motor, grounds G2 and G1, contactor SW1, and the other end of the smoothing capacitor C form a closed circuit. The voltage of the smoothing capacitor C is applied to this closed circuit. A potential difference across the detection resistor R1 is obtained and compared with a reference voltage to detect insulation-resistance degradation.

Abstract: A method for controlling an alternating current (AC) motor includes choosing a pulse sequence based on a ripple current in the AC motor at a sampling instant; and providing a voltage to the AC motor based on the pulse sequence.

Abstract: A power supply circuit of dual purpose chargeable accumulator includes a solar cell circuit comprising a plurality of solar energy boards, and a plurality of solar cells, wherein the solar cell circuit is connecting with an output detecting circuit, and the output detecting circuit is capable of detecting an output voltage of the solar cell; an alternating current (AC) circuit; a power selective circuit connecting with the solar cell circuit and the AC circuit; a charge battery; a charge control circuit connecting with the charge battery; a battery voltage detecting circuit connecting between the power selective circuit and the charge battery for detecting a voltage of the charge battery to select or not select the AC circuit to charge the charge battery; and a control circuit for controlling the power selective circuit to select the solar cell circuit or the AC circuit.

Abstract: Solar cells are integrated into a portable device. Multiple cells are arranged on the surface of the device such that a number of solar cells may always be functional and produce a desired voltage even if the rest is obstructed. Information regarding solar cells' functions or performances can be displayed either on the device's main display or on top of the solar cells. Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials. These layers are glued with shock absorbent materials. Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns. This stack of layers may be attached to the device's frame through a shock absorber.

Abstract: A battery pack charging system comprises a charger configured to be removably coupled to at least two different battery packs each having a different regulation charge voltage associated therewith, and a charger controller configured to cause the charger to charge the at least two different battery packs to the respective regulation charge voltages based on a signal received from each of the respective battery packs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-contact charging system. The non-contact charging system detects a portable terminal, a battery pack or a foreign object that is placed on the pad of a non-contact charger, and effectively monitors and controls its charging state through the detection, thus preventing such a foreign object placed on the pad from being heated by induction heating, and further causes anions to be generated during the charging of the portable terminal or the battery pack, thus sterilizing bacteria on a terminal and keeping ambient air thereof fresh.

Abstract: A slim battery charger includes: a main charging body having a plug at the bottom end thereof; two charging grooves adapted to accommodate batteries, the charging grooves being disposed at the left and the right side of the main charging body; and a charging control circuit board having a front portion in contact with the plug via conducting spring strips for obtaining the AC current. The rear end of the charging control circuit board is electrically coupled to two first terminals. Contact surfaces of the first terminals are extended at the rear end of the left and the right charging groove. A second terminal with the telescopic and conducting function is disposed at an end opposite to each of the first terminals. The external end of the second terminals projects at the front end of the charging groove. In this way, the whole charger is smaller and thinner than a pack of cigarettes, thereby ensuring a convenient carrying.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and a system for determining cell imbalance condition of a multi-cell battery including a plurality of cell strings. To determine a cell imbalance condition, a charge current is applied to the battery and is monitored during charging. The charging time for each cell string is determined based on the monitor of the charge current. A charge time difference of any two cell strings in the battery is used to determine the cell imbalance condition by comparing with a predetermined acceptable charge time difference for the cell strings.

Abstract: A monitor and control circuit optimizes batteries' efficiency, monitors and provides for variable loads, and protects batteries from interacting negatively with each other. For example, the monitor and control circuit monitors the voltage and output of each of three AA-sized lithium batteries connected in parallel, connecting batteries to and disconnecting them from the load with a timed control function to maximize battery efficiency and safety.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there are systems and methods for predicting end of life of a Li-ion battery. The method can include at least one of partially charging and partially discharging a battery, measuring an open circuit voltage of the battery before and after at least one of partial charging and partial discharging, and determining a state of charge value of the battery corresponding to the open circuit voltage measured before and after at least one of partial charging and partial discharging. The method can also include correlating at least one of a charge energy and a discharge energy with a change in the state of charge value and extrapolating to get a full battery capacity, tracking the full battery capacity as a function of time, and performing trend analysis of the full battery capacity over time to predict the battery's end of life.

Abstract: A disclosed circuit module includes: a substrate; a protection circuit mounted on the substrate for protecting a battery; and a charging circuit disposed on the substrate for controlling charging and discharging of the battery.

Abstract: A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.

Abstract: There is provided a battery condition detecting apparatus which comprises: means for detecting a discharging and charging current from the battery; means for detecting whether or not a negative acceleration of charging current changes in its sign from negative to zero during charging of the battery based on a result of detecting the discharge current; means for calculating an integrated charged capacity of the battery by integrating an instantaneous charging current during charging of the battery; means for controlling an alternator mounted in an automotive vehicle so as to control an output electric power generated by the alternator such that a discharging current from the battery is kept to be constant; and means for determining that the charge polarization is cancelled, if the integrated discharged capacity becomes to be equal to the integrated charged capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating discharge and charge power of battery applications, including battery packs used in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV). One charge/discharge power estimating method incorporates voltage, state-of-charge (SOC), power, and current design constraints and works for a user-specified prediction time horizon ?t. At least two cell models are used in calculating maximum charge/discharge power based on voltage limits. The first is a simple cell model that uses a Taylor-series expansion to linearize the equation involved. The second is a more complex and accurate model that models cell dynamics in discrete-time state-space form. The cell model can incorporate a inputs such as temperature, resistance, capacity, etc. One advantage of using model-based approach is that the same model may be used in both Kalman-filtering to produce the SOC and the estimation of maximum charge/discharge current based on voltage limits.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery by using a charge power supply that charges the rechargeable battery at constant voltage is provided. A pulse charge operation is performed at a charge process start. The charge process is stopped when current in the pulse charge operation is not greater than a predetermined value and it is determined that the rechargeable battery is in a full-charge state. On the other hand, the rechargeable battery is charged at constant voltage when the current in the pulse charge operation is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: In the field of battery charging for electronic devices, it is known to employ a number of measures to avoid excessive power dissipation by a pass device in a charging system. However, many of these measures are either incompatible with linear charging regimes or add cost to the adapter and/or charging system. The present invention provides a power dissipation measurement circuit for controlling a control device that acts in series with another, but maximum current limiting, control device to control drive current to the pass device so as to limit the power dissipated by the pass device to a maximum threshold value.

Abstract: A charger includes input terminals whereto positive and negative voltages from a power source unit are applied, output terminals generating an output charging a secondary battery, upon being applied with the voltage from the input terminals via positive and negative power source lines, a first field effect type transistor and a second field effect type transistor having a region between a drain and a source inserted in at least one of the positive and negative power source lines, and having a first parasitic diode with a polarity reverse against charge current, and a second parasitic diode with a polarity forward direction with charge current respectively, a first detection circuit and a second detection circuit having series connections of a plurality of resistors inserted between the positive and negative power source lines, the first circuit is between the input terminals and the first transistor, and the second circuit is between the first transistor and the second transistor, and a charge control unit su

Abstract: A control apparatus controls power generation of an electric generator and communicates with an external control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a receiver, a controller, an initialization state detector, and a transmitter. The receiver receives a command signal transmitted by the external control apparatus. The controller controls power generation of the electric generator according to the command signal received by the receiver. The initialization state detector detects an initialization state of the control apparatus. The transmitter transmits, when the initialization state of the control apparatus is detected by the initialization state detector, an informing signal to the external control apparatus, thereby informing the external control apparatus that the control apparatus is in the initialization state.

Abstract: A one cycle control power factor correction control circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a first input operable to receive a signal indicative of an input voltage to the voltage converter, a second input operable to receive a signal indicative of an inductor current in an inductor of the voltage converter and an amplifier operable to amplify the signal indicative of the inductor current, wherein a gain of the amplifier is based on the signal indicative of the input voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switch capacitor controller (20) is configured to use a drive signal (45) to drive the switched capacitor (26) with a signal having a time dependent transition time.

Abstract: Mobile devices have limited power sources. In some cases, such as camera flash operations in cell phones or digital cameras, the power required to provide bright illumination is significant and exceeding the battery voltage level. In order to supply burst power or continuous high power to light sources, such as white LEDs (light emitting diodes), mobile devices typically employ charge storage functioning as energy reservoir that can supply the required power. One such charge storage is a supercapacitor that can supply the needed power repeatedly by discharging and recharging. Various embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for providing the charge energy and controlling the charge and discharge operations.

Abstract: A power source system (1) operable to supply a load circuit (10) with electrical power, including a power-supplying source (2) including a plurality of power source terminals (3) and (4) that differ in output voltage from one another, in which the power-supplying source is operable to supply the electrical power through the plurality of power source terminals (3) and (4), a power source terminal-selecting unit (5) operable to select either one of the plurality of power source terminals (3) and (4), a plurality of voltage converting units (6) and (7) connected to the power source terminal-selecting unit (5) and operable to convert electrical voltage, and a voltage converting unit-selecting unit (8) operable to select either one of the plurality of voltage converting units (6) and (7). The power source system provides the proper supply of the electrical power in accordance with a status of the load circuit (10).

Abstract: Circuits and methods to achieve a regulated analog switch being capable to provide an output-voltage not exceeding a defined limit are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment a car battery provides a supply voltage up to 40 Volts, wherein a load must not have an output voltage higher than 22 Volts. The drain-source ON-resistance of the switch, realized by a high-voltage MOSFET, is kept to a minimum. The voltage regulation of the preferred embodiment is performed by a single stage operational amplifier and a two-stage amplifier having Miller compensation.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with output accelerated recovery circuit is disclosed, which is substantially a low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) having a comparator and a pull-down transistor, both being connected between the positive feedback input node of its operational amplifier (OP) and the ground end thereof. In a preferred aspect, the comparator is used for detecting the voltage variation of a reference node, whereas the reference node is defined to be a node located between a first feedback resistor and a second feedback resistor. Operationally, as the voltage detected at the reference node is larger than a predetermined voltage, the pull-down transistor is forced to turn on so as to sink the output voltage rapidly for returning the same back into regulation.

Abstract: A power converter provides power across an isolation barrier, such as through the use of coils. A coil driver has transistors connected in a positive feedback configuration and is coupled to a supply voltage in a controlled manner by measuring the output power and opening or closing a switch as needed between the power supply and the coil driver. An output circuit, such as a FET driver, can be used with or without isolation to provide power and a logic signal.

Abstract: A lower-cost and more precise control methodology of regulating the output voltage of a flyback converter from the primary side is provided, which works accurately in either continuous voltage mode (CCM) and discontinuous mode (DCM), and can be applied to most small, medium and high power applications such cell phone chargers, power management in desktop computers and networking equipment, and, generally, to a wide spectrum of power management applications. Two highly integrated semiconductor chips based on this control methodology are also described that require very few components to build a constant voltage flyback converter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to reset or override a soft-start reference signal responsively to the output voltage decreasing to a value that is less than a desired regulated value of the output voltage.

Abstract: A PWM modulator for generating a PWM control signal for operating transistor switches of a phase of a multi-phase converter including a plurality of ramp generators, each ramp generator receiving a dedicated clock input signal corresponding to a phase of the multi-phase converter and providing a ramp signal starting when the dedicated clock signal is received by the ramp generator, one of the plurality of ramp generators being dedicated to provide the PWM control signal; a plurality of comparators, each comparator associated with a respective ramp generator for terminating the ramp signal when a predefined inequality exists between an error amplifier output of a feedback loop of the multi-phase converter and an output of the associated ramp generator; a plurality of current generator circuits, each current generator circuit associated with a respective ramp generator for providing current to the dedicated ramp generator to control the slope of the ramp signal of the dedicated ramp generator, the dedicated ram

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference current generator circuit that suppresses variations in the production of parts and attains a voltage reduction, thereby suppressing power consumption. The reference current generator circuit comprises current generating circuit parts, differential amplifying circuit parts, output circuit parts that output first and second reference currents respectively, and a resistor for converting a reference current to a reference voltage. Since respective voltages are kept at the same potential, respective PMOSs are operated in a linear region by means of the differential amplifying circuit parts.

Abstract: A demultiplexed nanowire sensor array for detecting different chemical and biological species are provided, comprising a sensor array and a demultiplexer array. Methods of detecting at least two chemical and/or biological species are also provided, using the demultiplexed nanowire sensor array.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit for accurately detecting a voltage that is unaffected by fluctuation due to variations in transistor characteristics and threshold voltage. The voltage detection circuit includes a reference current generating section and a detecting section. The reference current generating section includes a voltage-controlled current source that includes a control terminal, a reference terminal and an output terminal. The reference current generating section generates an output current that serves as a reference current and output to a current mirroring circuit. The detecting section includes a number of voltage-controlled current sources each with the same configuration as the voltage-controlled current sources in the current generating section. A potential to be detected is input into the detecting section. A target potential is calculated as the set potential multiplied by the number of voltage-controlled current sources in the detecting section.

Abstract: In a test circuit, an oscillation signal is generated based on a design rule pattern of a chip formed on a wafer. The oscillation signal is counted using a counter, and an N-bit signal is generated from the counting of the oscillation signal. The N-bit signal is serialized and output. In a test method, an oscillation signal is generated based on a design rule pattern of a chip formed on a wafer. The oscillation signal is counted, and an N-bit signal is generated based on the counting of the oscillation signal. The N-bit signal is serialized and output.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell state monitor apparatus and method wherein detection errors can be reduced in a stable manner even when the ambient temperature fluctuates. The present invention includes temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of fuel cells, state value detection means for detecting the state values indicating the specific state of the fuel cells, calibration value determination means for determining calibration values corresponding to the state values dependent on temperature on the basis of the detected ambient temperature, and correction means for correcting the state values on the basis of the determined calibration values. Standard calibration values stored in memory are appropriately compensated for temperature.

Abstract: A chopped Hall effect sensor topology includes a switched Hall plate, an amplifier responsive to an output of the switched Hall plate and a filter stage responsive to the output of the amplifier and including an anti-aliasing filter and a selective filter that is tuned to the modulation frequency. The switched Hall plate includes a Hall element and a Hall plate modulation circuit that modulates the Hall offset signal component or the magnetic signal component. In embodiments in which the Hall offset signal component is modulated by the switched Hall plate, the amplifier, if chopped, includes an even number of additional modulation circuits. In embodiments in which the magnetic signal component is modulated by the switched Hall plate, the amplifier contains an odd number of modulation circuits. The described topology provides a low noise, fast response time Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: A device and an associated method for detecting a voltage level of a battery are disclosed. The device employs an analog-to-digital converter or digital-to-analog converter to accurately detecting the voltage level. In one embodiment, the device includes a digital-to-analog converter, a comparison circuit, and a microprocessor. The digital-to-analog circuit outputs a plurality of reference levels according to a setting signal. The comparison circuit is for comparing the output voltage of the battery with the reference levels and outputting a comparison signal. The microprocessor then determines the voltage level of the battery according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position (location and orientation) in the six degrees of freedom of a receiving antenna with respect to a transmitting antenna utilizing transmitter charge quantization. The transmitting component consists of a transmitting antenna of known location. The transmitting antenna is driven by a pulsed excitation. The receiving antenna measures the transmitted magnetic field. A computer then provides the correct position and orientation output.

Abstract: In a magnetic rotor, a rotatable shaft is received through a holder. A positioner is made of a magnetic material and is fitted into at least one of an outer peripheral wall of the rotatable shaft and an inner peripheral wall of the holder to position the holder relative to the rotatable shaft in a circumferential direction. An annular magnet is fixed to the holder and surrounds the rotatable shaft. The annular magnet has two magnetic poles of different polarities, which are magnetized in a magnetization direction that coincides with a radial direction of the annular magnet. The positioner is displaced around a rotational axis of the rotatable shaft from the magnetization direction of the annular magnet by about 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A magnetic film sensor comprises a magnetic film for generating a magnetostriction, and a magnetostrictive structure for generating a magnetostriction in the magnetic film. The magnetostrictive structure is constructed so as to generate a magnetostriction by curving the magnetic film, for example. The magnetostrictive structure is obtained, for example, by providing a depressed insulating layer having a surface formed with a depression and forming the magnetic film across the depression.