Abstract: An apparatus for driving a light source and a liquid crystal display device using the same is disclosed. The apparatus for driving a light includes: a light source unit including a plurality of lamps to emit light; and a light source driving unit that selectively drives the plurality of lamps in response to a luminance control signal and a selection signal.

Abstract: Power supply circuit for LCD backlight and method thereof are disclosed in the present invention. The power supply circuit includes a power bus, a boost converter, a buck converter and a controller. The power bus supplies power to a load. The boost converter and buck converter are coupled to the power bus respectively for storing the power from the power line and restoring the power to the load. A controller is further coupled to the buck and boost converter for enable them alternatively according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

Abstract: A preheat control device for modulating the voltage of a gas-discharge lamp is disclosed, which comprises: a pulse-width modulation (PWM) circuit, for controlling the voltage of the gas-discharge lamp while it is operating at a preheat state; a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) circuit, for controlling the frequency of the gas-discharge lamp while it is operating at a steady state so as to stabilize the current flowing through the lamp; and a timing unit, for determining a preheat period of the gas-discharge lamp.

Abstract: Provided is a backlight driving apparatus for a non-emissive display device which comprises an inverter (or lamp driver) (110) that converts a DC voltage to a preset voltage, a lamp (120) that emits light in response to the input of the converted voltage from the inverter (or lamp driver) (110), a detector (130) that detects electric current or brightness at the lamp, a controller (140) that controls the pulse width of a digital dimming signal in order to provide an adequate control of the electric current or brightness according to a lamp brightness command, a signal generator (150) that generates a signal with fixed frequency and fixed duty ratio for optimizing the operation of the inverter (or lamp driver) (110) and a digital dimmer (160) that generates an inverter driving signal from the logical intersection of the digital dimming signal generated by the controller (140) and the signal generated by the signal generator (150).

Abstract: The present solution described herein provides systems and methods to coordinate and control the lighting of areas of a display unit in manner desired based on the type, brand and other characteristics of the product presented for display via the display unit. A lighting control system may control the characteristics of light emanating from one or more light sources to cause a reaction or visual effect from light reactive material of the product or display unit. In some cases, the lighting control system may control the characteristics of light emanating from one or more light sources based on signals from detectors, such as sensing any state or condition of the ambient environment.

Abstract: The air circulation fan associated with a radiator of some machines may include an automatic reversing purge cycle that is utilized to dislodge material from the radiator and/or intake screen of the cooling system housing. The purge cycle is locked out when a person may be in the vicinity of the air intake screen of the machine. A controller determines that a person may be in the vicinity of the air intake screen when the machine is idle stationary, such as by determining that a parking brake is engaged. By locking out the purge cycle during machine idle stationary conditions, the risk of blowing dislodged dirt and/or debris onto a person, who may be servicing the machine or accessing an operator station, can be avoided.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller transmits a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions while the motor receives power from a power source. The motor receives power from the power source upon receiving the panel control signal. The sensor detects objects in the path without monitoring the motor. The sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the path of the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction, the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal in order to prevent the panel from entrapping an object. The controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN).

Abstract: A regenerative braking system includes a capacitor which is electrically connected to a stack and is charged by the stack, a traction motor, a motor control unit which control electric power input to the traction motor and electric power output from the traction motor, a chopper which is connected to the capacitor so as to be ON and OFF switched thereby limiting charging voltage of the capacitor, a braking resistor which consumes regenerative energy so as to serve as an auxiliary brake, and a hybrid control unit which turns on the chopper in case that a charging voltage limit of capacitor is exceeded so as to control overcharge of the capacitor and turns off the chopper in case that charging voltage of the capacitor descends. The capacitor is preferably a super capacitor.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method (10) for detecting an electrical short condition in a dynamoelectric machine are described. The method includes determining an operating parameter of a dynamoelectric machine (14) responsive to at least one output signal of the dynamoelectric machine and providing a transfer function (16) for predicting a field current of dynamoelectric machine. The method also includes obtaining a value for a predicted field current (18) of the dynamoelectric machine from the transfer function and the operating parameter and identifying a shorted turn condition of the dynamoelectric machine responsive to a difference between the value of the predicted field current and a value of an actual field current of the dynamoelectric machine (24).

Abstract: A raindrop detecting device includes a raindrop sensor, and a controller. The raindrop sensor is disposed in a wiping area of a wiper blade on a front windshield, and outputs a detection signal regarding a raindrop amount. The controller activates the wiper blade based on the detection signal, and sets a prohibition period for which the raindrop sensor is prohibited from determining the raindrop amount. The raindrop sensor outputs signals when raindrop collected by the wiper blade passes above the raindrop sensor in a reciprocating wiping operation. The controller calculates the prohibition period of a second reciprocating wiping operation based on the signals of a first reciprocating wiping operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system comprising a control unit (1), which is connected to drive units (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) via a data bus (2) for the exchange of data. According to the invention, one drive unit (3a, 3b) is connected to the drive motor (7a, 7b) in order to control the latter (7a, 7b) and an additional drive unit (3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) is connected to a magnetic bearing (11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g) of a magnetic spindle bearing arrangement (23) in order to control said bearing (11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g). The invention thus provides a drive system, in which a magnetic spindle bearing arrangement (23) is integrated.

Abstract: A system, method, and article for protecting a power source for a machine from sudden changes in load. In one embodiment, energy is wasted in a winding of a motor in response to a decrease in a load presented to the power source.

Abstract: A charging system includes a first thermoelectric module (TEM) connectable to a power source, and a second TEM connectable to a rechargeable battery. The first TEM is configured as a Peltier device to receive power from the power source and provide a temperature gradient between two surfaces of the second TEM. The second TEM is configured as a Seebeck device to charge the rechargeable battery in response to the temperature gradient. A controller is configured to reverse polarity of the power source in response to passage of a predetermined period of time or in response to detection that the temperature gradient is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A DC transformer system comprises a power-generating device, a power storage device, and a DC boost circuit. The power-generating device transforms natural resources such as solar power and wind force into direct current power source. The direct current voltage outputted from the power-generating device can be stepped up directly from 6-12 volts to high voltage of 200-680 volts by the DC boost circuit. As a result, in the entire boost process, it is not necessary to perform the DC to AC conversion process before performing the boost step. Accordingly, the conventional energy conversion process, which causes 20 percent energy loss, can be improved by the present invention so as to provide the energy saving benefit.

Abstract: A charging system for a wireless mouse and charging method are disclosed. The system comprises a transceiver unit having a first charging module and a circuit, and a wireless mouse body having a second charging module and a control circuit. When the wireless mouse is in normal operation, the transceiver unit is electrically connected to a port of a computer to charge power from the port by using the first charging module and to transfer data between the computer and the wireless mouse via the circuit. Alternatively, when the operation of the wireless mouse is done, the transceiver unit is plugged or snapped in the wireless mouse body to charge the second charging module with power by discharging the charged first charging module. Furthermore, when the power of the wireless mouse is used up, the second power storage unit of the second charging module of the wireless mouse body is directly replaced with the charged first power storage unit of the first charging module of the transceiver unit.

Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for charging a battery in a power management unit include a power regulator having an input power supply and a processor that regulates a charging rate of the battery based on measured parameters of the power regulator and the battery. The processor is programmed to perform exemplary methods that include receiving an output voltage signal and a battery temperature signal from the power regulator, and comparing the output voltage to a first threshold to determine a charge level of the battery. An exemplary method includes selecting a charging mode based on the comparison, and sending a first control signal to the power regulator to adjust a charging rate of the battery based on the battery temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging device for a battery-powered hearing aid, with said charging device having a housing with a cover and a holder for the hearing aid, with a contact element of a hearing aid being pressed, by a preload, against a charging contact of the charging device during charging, characterized in that the cover includes the charging contact.

Abstract: A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: A system includes a control module, a network interface module, and a charging module. The control module stores a first set of charging parameters for charging a battery in a vehicle. The network interface module transmits the first set of charging parameters to a utility company and receives a reply from the utility company. The control module generates a charge control signal based on the reply and the first set of charging parameters. The charging module charges the battery of the vehicle based on the charge control signal.

Abstract: In order to shorten a period of time necessary for charging a battery, and further, to prevent a temperature of a mobile terminal from raising, the mobile terminal 100 is comprised of a case 102 in which electronic parts are arranged, a battery 104 mounted in the case 102, a battery-charging circuit 106 supplying a current to the battery 104, a charge controller 108 allowing the battery-charging circuit 106 to charge the battery 104 or stopping the battery-charging circuit 106 from charging the battery 104, and a temperature sensor 112 detecting a temperature in the case 102, wherein the charge controller 108 controls the current to be supplied to the battery 104, in accordance with a temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112.

Abstract: A two-step charger includes an AC/DC power supply, a transformer, a compensator, a controller, a comparator and an isolating controller. The comparator detects whether a battery is connected to the transformer. If so, a command voltage of the charger is set at a high level. Since the battery voltage is lower than the command voltage, the controller orders the compensator to send out a compensating current. The current entering the primary side of the transformer is increased to promote the output current from the secondary side of the transformer. Once the comparator detects that the battery reaches as high as the charger, the command voltage is adjusted to a low level. The controller orders the compensator to stop outputting the compensating current. Therefore, a larger current can speed up battery charging. Once the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage is lowered to avoid high temperature.

Abstract: A power device for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a voltage converter, and a charge-storing device. The housing carries the voltage converter and the charge-storing device. The voltage converter includes a circuit that converts a power signal having a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The charge-storing device electrically couples with the voltage converter and stores the power signal having the second voltage level.

Abstract: A method of controlling a battery charge level of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: monitoring a quantity of current accumulated for a predetermined time based on a battery charge/discharge current value; calculating a regenerative charge derating constant; calculating a correction coefficient based on the quantity of current accumulated and a battery state of charge; multiplying the regenerative charge derating constant by the correction coefficient to calculate a final regenerative charge derating constant; and multiplying the final regenerative charge derating constant by a charge power to calculate a final charge power, and selectively restricting the battery charge level based on the final charge power.

Abstract: An active voltage management device and a method for actively managing a voltage level of an energy storage device are provided. The active voltage management device comprises: a pair of input terminals adapted to be connected to the energy storage device; a reverse polarity protection circuit coupled to the pair of input terminals; a voltage comparator circuit adapted to compare a second voltage associated with the voltage level of the energy storage device to a reference voltage and to provide an output based upon the comparison of the second voltage to the reference voltage; and a transistor adapted to operate in a linear mode to dissipate energy from the energy storage device at a substantially constant current level, wherein output of the voltage comparator circuit is adapted to activate the transistor when the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit monitors the IC temperature through monitoring the charging die temperature, or directly monitoring the IC temperature using a temperature sensor. A maximum temperature allowed for the charging die is predetermined. The charging circuit is capable of reducing charging current at the predetermined maximum temperature value. The charging die signal is compared by a reference signal to achieve the reduction of charging current at the maximum allowed temperature value.

Abstract: A method for detecting the charged state of a battery based on the measurements of open circuit voltage in which the charged state of a battery can be detected precisely regardless of the degradation state of the battery. Internal impedance of a battery is measured, voltage of the battery is measured under stable state, measurement of the battery voltage under stable state is subjected to raising correction depending on the measurement of internal impedance, and then charged state of the battery is determined based on the corrected value of battery voltage under stable state.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular AC generator analyzes, at least, a “HIGH” logic continuation time, a “LOW” logic continuation time and the pulse width duty of an external signal, for the external signal pulse inputted from an external unit. In a case where the “HIGH” logic or “LOW” logic of the external signal pulse has continued for a predetermined time period, the control apparatus controls a generator control voltage as either of adjustment voltages consisting of the two values of an ordinary voltage and a voltage lower than the ordinary voltage. On the other hand, in a case where the “HIGH” logic or “LOW” logic of the external signal pulses are iterated within a predetermined time period, and where the pulse width duty of the external signal falls within a predetermined range, the control apparatus controls the generator control voltage as a multistage or linear adjustment voltage which is the function of the pulse width duty ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled application of a stator-current target value (ISnom) and a torque target value (Mnom) for a polyphase machine (4) that is supplied by an electronic power converter.

Abstract: A fast reference circuit having active feedback includes a bias supply circuit and a variable divider circuit connected by an active feedback path to the bias supply circuit, and a comparator circuit connected to the variable divider circuit, the bias supply circuit, and a reference node of the variable divider circuit. In one embodiment, a start-up circuit initially discharges a potential at the bias supply and comparator circuits, then initializes a reference voltage at the reference node at about zero volts to improve repeatability. In one embodiment, the variable voltage divider comprises an impendence that is trimmed based on a sheet resistance of a process used to fabricate the fast reference circuit, and further comprises a variable reference current circuit coupled to the impedance and configured to generate a current having a value based on a desired reference voltage and to conduct the current through the impedance, thereby generating the reference voltage associated therewith.

Abstract: The reference voltage generator for a switch mode regulator includes: a reference voltage source; a soft-start voltage generator; and a comparator having a directional offset for comparing an output of the reference voltage source with an output of the soft-start voltage generator. Because of the intentional directional offset, the pass switch does not turn ON during the transition from the ramp voltage to reference voltage, therefore reducing energy stored in the inductor. Thus the voltage overshoot is reduced during the end of the soft-start cycle.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter reducing reverse current and maintaining high conversion efficiency under a light load. The DC-DC converter perform pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) and includes a drive control circuit generating a first drive signal and a second drive signal activating and inactivating a first transistor and a second transistor in a complementary manner. A reversed flow detection circuit detects current flowing to the second transistor and generates a detection signal controlling activation and inactivation of the second transistor. A detection signal invalidation circuit, coupled to the reversed flow detection circuit and the drive control circuit, receiving an operation switch signal and invalidating the detection signal in response to the operation switch signal during at least a certain period of the PWM.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit for a CAN transceiver has a preregulator circuit which reduces an input voltage to a maximum predetermined voltage. The preregulator circuit is built with diffused MOS (DMOS) or drain extended MOS (DEMOS) transistors or laterally diffused MOS (LDMOS) transistors that are usable with the higher input voltages. A main regulator is coupled to the preregulated voltage to generate the output voltage. The main regulator utilizes lower voltage but faster core transistors and is stable without a load capacitance.

Abstract: A power transmission system is described. The power transmission system comprises a local power converter, a dedicated power transmission cable and a regulating unit. The power transmission system couples the local power converter to the KVM circuit of the remote KVM device via the dedicated power transmission cable and the regulating unit. The local power converter converts a first power signal into a second power signal. The dedicated power transmission cable has a first end and a second end. The remote regulating unit is able to regulate the second power signal to generate a third power signal. The first end of the dedicated power transmission cable is coupled to the power converter for receiving the second power signal from the local power converter. The second end of the dedicated power transmission cable is coupled to the remote regulating unit for supplying the regulated second power signal to the remote KVM device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing driver power dissipation efficiency in a low noise current supply utilizing a power supply and a voltage regulator to power an output current regulator. An analog processing circuit adjusts the voltage drop on the voltage regulator, to make it equal with the voltage drop on current regulator.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to achieve a buck-boost converter, capable to achieve a constant output voltage by pre-charging of an inductor if the input voltage is close to the output voltage has been achieved. The prior art problem of output voltage variations occurring while the input voltage is close to the output voltage is avoided. In case the input voltage is lower than a defined threshold voltage or the duty cycle exceeds a defined maximum allowable level, the inductor of the converter is pre-charged followed by boosting of the energy of the inductor to the output of the converter. In both modes the control loops of the buck converter can be used for buck duty cycle control. The duration of the pre-charge depends upon the level of the input voltage, the lower the input level is the longer is the pre-charge performed.

Abstract: A voltage boosting circuit performs variable frequency control that gradually increases frequencies of clock signals from a low frequency to a high frequency during a boosting operation period for which a low output voltage of a DC-DC converter when the power is turned on is boosted up to a predetermined voltage. Thus, the frequencies of clock signals may be set according to the boosting operation of the DC-DC converter. Consequently, the operation of the DC-DC converter may be stabilized until the stable operation period is performed after the DC-DC converter starts to operate.

Abstract: A minimum pulse signal generating circuit generates a minimum pulse signal having a predetermined minimum duty ratio, synchronously with a PWM signal. When the duty ratio of the PWM signal is smaller than the minimum duty ratio, a corrected pulse signal generating circuit fixes the logical level of the PWM signal to the level that turns off a switching transistor. A driver circuit drives the switching transistor according to a corrected PWM signal output from the corrected pulse signal generating circuit. In a case in which the level of the PWM signal is fixed by means of the corrected pulse signal generating circuit, a stop signal generating circuit generates a stop signal at a predetermined first level. When the stop signal is at the predetermined first level, at least an oscillator used for pulse modulation is stopped.

Abstract: A power arrangement that includes a monolithically integrated III-nitride power stage having III-nitride power switches and III-nitride driver switches.

Abstract: A DC-DC digital pulse width modulated power supply is disclosed for generating a DC regulated output voltage. A digital control node has a digital control voltage disposed thereon for controlling the operation of the supply, wherein the digital control voltage has a substantially zero voltage when the output voltage of the supply is at a desired regulation, the digital control voltage having a resolution defined by a least significant bit (LSB). An input node receives a DC analog reference voltage defining the output voltage of the supply. A difference device determines the difference between the analog reference voltage and the output voltage to generate said digital control voltage. An LSB variation device varies the size of the LSB without varying the value of the digital control voltage for a substantially zero difference between the analog reference voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A method which regulates a power supply. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes switching a power switch of a power supply regulator at an operating frequency (f) during operation of the power supply regulator. A current through the power switch is controlled to keep the current through the power switch below a peak current limit threshold (Ip) during operation of the power supply regulator. The maximum deliverable power value of a power supply to be regulated by the power supply regulator is controlled by trimming of the power supply such that the operating frequency (f) and the peak current limit threshold (Ip) are substantially dependent upon each other.

Abstract: A switching regulator includes a switching device to switch a transformer from a primary-side to secondary side. A control circuit generates a switching signal for regulating output of the switching regulator. The control circuit includes a first circuit to generate a first signal and a timing signal by measuring a reflected signal of the transformer. A second circuit produces a second signal by integrating a current signal with the timing signal. The current signal represents a primary-side switching current of the transformer. A first feedback circuit produces a first feedback signal in response to the first signal and the reference signal, in which the reference signal is varied in response to the change of the second signal. Furthermore, a second feedback circuit generates a second feedback signal in response to the second signal. A switching control circuit generates the switching signal in response to the feedback signals.

Abstract: A self-excited DC-DC converter comprises a switching element that chops a direct-current input voltage; a smoothing circuit that smoothes the chopped voltage to generate a DC output voltage; a switching control signal generation circuit that generates a switching control signal for the on/off control of the switching element by comparing a feedback voltage of the output voltage and a comparison voltage; an output correction circuit that adjusts the comparison voltage according to an error between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage and, when the output current is in the overcurrent state, reduces the level of the comparison voltage; an overcurrent protection signal generation circuit that, when the output current is in an overcurrent state, generates an overcurrent protection signal for turning off the switching element regardless of the switching control signal; and a delay circuit that delays the overcurrent protection signal. Also, a switching control circuit is provided therein.

Abstract: A spread spectrum switching regulator generally includes an reactive circuit portion coupled to the input terminal, a switching element coupled to the reactive circuit portion, and a control circuit portion coupled between the switching element and the output terminal. The switching element has a drive signal characterized by a duty cycle, and thereactive circuitry portion is configured to produce an output voltage at the output terminal responsive to the duty cycle of the drive signal. The control circuit portion is configured to spread the input power across multiple frequencies by adjusting the drive signal of the switching element, thereby reducing input current noise through spread spectrum techniques. The drive signal is responsive to a pseudo-randomly generated ramp signal.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is operated by determining if the voltage output by the voltage regulator is within a desired operating region and adjusting a feedback resistance associated with the voltage regulator when the voltage output by the voltage regulator is outside the desired operating region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate various logic blocks of an integrated circuit (IC) at independent voltages are described. In one embodiment, supply of power to one or more domains in an IC is adjusted based on an indication that power consumption by components of the corresponding domain is to be modified. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage control circuit which suppresses a calorific value that generates when short-circuit fault occurs even if a voltage value of an input voltage is large. At the time of short-circuit fault, an additional control voltage Va whose voltage value becomes larger when the voltage value of the input voltage Vin is larger is input to the voltage control p-channel MOS transistor (110) from a transistor control MOS transistor (160), to thereby increase resistance of the voltage control p-channel MOS transistor (110) to suppress a short-circuit current. As a result, when the input voltage Vin is larger, the current value of a holding current or a calorific value after the short-circuit protecting operation has been conducted can be suppressed.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a sensing circuit for sensing current and supplying indications thereof. The current sensor also includes two or more output terminals coupled to the sensing circuit that alternately supply respective indications of the sensed current according to control signals supplied to the current sensor.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system and method for dynamically managing voltage and frequency in an integrated circuit (IC), comprising a plurality of ring oscillators for generating a plurality of continuous pulses with frequencies reflecting the process parameter, operating voltage and temperature effects in the IC, a period generator for generating at least one gating period with a predetermined duration, a plurality of counters coupling to the plurality of ring oscillators as well as the period generator for counting the number of the continuous pulses in the gating period, at least one selector for selecting a predetermined number counted by the plurality of counters, and at least one voltage-and-frequency adjustment circuitry for adjusting one or more operating voltages or one or more clock frequencies in the IC based on the predetermined number selected by the selector, wherein the IC operating voltage or clock frequency correlates with the ring oscillator frequencies.

Abstract: The process eliminates image rays generated in a frequency converting device generating actual rays and image rays from frequency rays of an input signal. The frequency converting device comprising a mixer mixing the input signal and a signal provided by a local oscillator and a filter assembly filtering the mixed signals output by the mixer. In a first sweep and a second sweep, the frequency of the oscillator is varied and the signal level at the output of the frequency converting device is recorded for a set of converted frequencies. The second sweep is carried out so that the frequency of the actual ray generated in the second sweep by an input ray is the same as the frequency of the actual ray generated in said first sweep by said input ray, and the frequency of the image ray generated in the second sweep by an input ray is not the same as the frequency of the image ray generated in said first sweep by said input ray.