Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure is a PAR lamp arrangement having an integral lamp, in particular an integral halogen lamp, which is inserted into a base and is surrounded at least in sections by a reflector, the base and the integral lamp being connected via contact springs, and the reflector being covered by a diffusing screen. According to the invention, the reflector is made from aluminum and is provided with a reflective surface or coating. Owing to the aluminum reflector used and the fact that the integral lamp is held via contact springs, improved holding of the integral lamp is made possible with reduced weight and production complexity.

Abstract: A surface of a phosphor particle is coated with a coating member made of a material that is different from the phosphor in chemical vapor-phase reaction. The coating member is made of any of metal oxide, metal nitride and metal oxynitride. The coating member coats the surface of the phosphor with a substantially smooth film, or is formed such that a large number of fine particles, which are relatively smaller than the phosphor particle, aggregate to coat the whole surface of the phosphor particle. The coating member contains at least one metallic element selected from the group including Al, Si, and rare earth elements. In addition, the phosphor is a transparent water-soluble phosphor and is an alkaline-earth silicon-nitride phosphor, an alkaline-earth silicon oxynitride phosphor, or the like. A BET value of the coated phosphor is 1.0 to 10 times the BET value before coating. The average thickness of the coating is 10 nm to 500 nm.

Abstract: An electron emission device comprises first and second substrates facing each other and separated from each other by a distance. First and second electrodes are positioned on the first substrate such that the first and second electrodes are insulated from each other. Electron emission regions are positioned on the first substrate and are electrically connected to at least one of the first and second electrodes. An insulating layer covers the first and second electrodes. A focusing electrode is positioned on the insulating layer. The focusing electrode includes openings to allow passage of electron beams. The focusing electrode comprises a first layer having a first thickness, a second layer beneath the first layer and a third layer surrounding the first layer. The second and third layers are electrically connected and have second and third thicknesses smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: An electron emission device is provided including a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other and separated from each other by a predetermined distance. An electron emission unit is disposed on the first substrate, and a light emission unit is disposed on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. A grid electrode is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and has a hole region with a plurality of electron beam-guide holes and a no-hole region surrounding the hole region. The first substrate has a first active area and a first outer portion. The second substrate has a second active area and a second outer portion. The grid electrode has a larger area than the first active area and the second active area, and the no-hole region is disposed corresponding to the first outer portion.

Abstract: A field emission display and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The field emission display includes an anode plate where an anode electrode and a fluorescent layer are formed, a cathode plate where an electron emission source emitting electrons toward the fluorescent material layer and a gate electrode having a gate hole through which the electrons travel are formed, a mesh grid having an electron control hole corresponding to the gate hole and adhered to the cathode plate, and an insulation layer formed on a surface of the mesh grid facing the cathode plate, and spacers provided between the anode plate and the mesh grid so that the mesh grid can be adhered to the cathode plate due to a negative pressure existing between the anode plate and the cathode plate.

Abstract: A backlight 23 of the present invention has a panel case 24 and plural phosphor-coated anode sections 25 each arranged flatly in the panel case and plural linear cathode sections 26. Each of the plural linear cathode sections 26 has a conductive wire 33 having a great number of field concentration assisting concave/convex sections 34 formed on its outer peripheral surface and a carbon-based film 35 having, as a field electron emitter, a great number of sharp microscopic sections on the field concentration assisting concave/convex sections 34, wherein the field electron emitter emits electrons toward each of the plural phosphor-coated anode sections 25 so as to be radially widespread, when DC voltage is applied between the phosphor-coated anode sections 25 and the linear cathode sections 26.

Abstract: A method of varying a transmittance of a transparent conductive film includes forming the transparent conductive film on a substrate and injecting a high energy source into the transparent conductive film to vary the transmittance of the transparent conductive film.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting source includes a light-guiding substrate, at least one light-source area and a reflecting layer. The light-guiding substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes at least one light-guiding part, which is a light guiding structure disposed on the light-guiding substrate. The light-source area includes at least one organic electroluminescent device, which sequentially includes a first electrode, at least one organic functional layer and a second electrode disposed over the first surface of the light-guiding substrate. The reflecting layer is disposed over the second surface of the light-guiding substrate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a light emitting element and a light emitting device having high luminous efficiency. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing the light emitting element using a simplified method compared with the conventional method. A light emitting element having a light emitting region which includes plural kinds of materials with a high luminous quantum yield, and one or plural kinds of materials with a high carrier transporting property and which has a structure where regions in which the material with a high luminous quantum efficiency is dispersed in a material with a high carrier transporting property and regions in which the concentration of the material with a high carrier transporting property is high are laminated alternately, between a pair of electrodes, is provided.

Abstract: A luminescent panel includes a transparent substrate, a first transparent electrode provided on the transparent substrate, a luminescent layer provided on the first transparent electrode, and a second transparent electrode provided on the luminescent layer. A reflecting film provided on the second electrode, reflects light emitted from the luminescent layer through the second transparent electrode and causes the reflected light to outwardly emit from the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A light emitting display includes light-emitting devices in which unnecessary layers for the emission operation of the light-emitting device are removed in an emission region, and in a case where a wavelength of a light, of which an interference intensity to the light emitted from an emissive layer constituting the light-emitting device becomes a maximum value at 0 degree of a viewing angle, is ?imax and a wavelength of the light becoming a maximum in a light intensity in relation to the light emitted from the emissive layer is ?emax, a relationship of ?imax<?emax is satisfied, obtaining a light emitting display with a little variation in color over a wide range of viewing angles.

Abstract: To provide an electrode for an organic device which can be widely applied to organic devices by having both hole injection function and electron injection function. A carrier injection electrode layer 110 in which a metal for electron injection 112 (a metal having a work function of 4.2 eV or less) and a metal for hole injection 113 (a metal having a work function of more than 4.2 eV) are mixed with one kind of organic compound 111 is provided between a first organic layer 100a and a second organic layer 100b. Thus, carriers are injected into a carrier injection electrode layer 110 in the direction according to voltage application, and seemingly, current flows between an organic layer 100 and a metal electrode 101, or between the first organic layer 100a and the second organic layer 100b.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent element includes a plurality of luminescent regions. Each luminescent region has a first electrode that is transparent and a second electrode. Each luminescent region has an organic layer that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode for emitting light. The first electrodes are physically adjacently located. An insulation portion is provided between each of the first electrodes. The plurality of luminescent regions are electrically and serially connected.

Abstract: An organic light emitting device (OLED) and a white light emitting device are provided. The OLED includes a substrate, a mesh shaped anode formed on the substrate and designed to pass light, a cathode facing the anode, and an organic light emitting layer located between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A light emitting device is provided, including a light emitting element, a package comprised at least partially of metal on which said light emitting element is mounted, and a resin layer coated on said light emitting element. The light emitting element is eutectic bonded to a metal portion of said package, and the resin layer is formed of a cured product of a silicone composition. The composition includes (i) an organopolysiloxane having an average composition formula (1): R1a(OX)bSiO(4?a?b)/2 ??(1) wherein R1 is an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group, X is a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl or acyl group, a is a number from 1.05 to 1.5, b is a number of 0<b<2, and 1.05<a+b<2, and (ii) a condensation catalyst. The device exhibits improved heat resistance and light resistance, and also exhibits improved adhesion to the resins and metal members used.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus composed of a vacuum container having an electron source composed of multiple electron-emitting devices and a phosphor film that is irradiated with an electron from the electron source to emit light for display, an ion pump for exhausting the vacuum container through a communicating path by virtue of an action of a magnetism forming portion is arranged. A magnetic shielding member is arranged in a space where the ion pump and the electron-emitting devices are in communication with each other, whereby an influence of a magnetic field generated by the magnetism forming portion on the trajectory of an electron emitted from any one of the electron-emitting devices and display luminance unevenness incidental to the influence are removed.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment microplasma device includes first and second substrates. An electrode array is disposed on the first substrate. Cavities are formed in the second substrate by laser micromachining, etching, or by chemical (wet or dry) etching and the second substrate is overlaid on the electrode array. The inter-electrode spacing and electrode width are set so that each cavity has at least one pair of electrodes underneath it to excite a microplasma discharge in the cavity. A need to precisely register the two substrates is avoided.

Abstract: A plasma display panel having a dielectric protection layer (14) including MgO and phosphorlayers (25R, 25G, 25B) for red, green, and blue respectively wherein none of the phosphor layers contain any member of the group consisting of Group IV elements, transition metals, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals, or wherein all the phosphor layers each contain a specific amount of one or more members of the group consisting of Group IV group elements, transition metals, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. In such a plasma display panel, changes over the course of time in the impedance of the dielectric protection layer (14) is suppressed, and the phosphor layers are uniform with respect to the directional characteristics of the changes of the impedances, which results in suppression of occurrence of black noise.

Abstract: An arc tube is provided for use in a high intensity discharge lamp. The arc tube is generally comprised of an elongated outer envelope defining two opposed ends and a cavity therebetween; an electrode sleeve protruding outwardly from each end of the outer envelope, such that each electrode sleeve has a passageway; and an electrical feedthrough member inserted into the passageway of the electrode sleeve, where the feedthrough member includes an inner rod that extends into the cavity of the arc tube and a ceramic sleeve encircling a portion of the inner rod disposed within the passageway. A sealing compound is disposed at an outwardly facing end of the passageway for sealing the feedthrough member to the electrode sleeve, such that the sealing compound extends into the passageway of the electrode sleeve but is spatially separated from the ceramic sleeve.

Abstract: A metal halide fill for forming an ionizable fill comprises at least one inert gas, mercury and metal halides, the fill comprising the constituents Hg halide, Na halide, Tl halide and halides of the rare earths. This fill may be contained in particular in the discharge vessel of a metal halide lamp which has an outer bulb.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp (1) is described with a discharge vessel (2) and electrodes (4, 5) projecting into the discharge vessel (2). The gas discharge lamp (1) is provided with a translucent, electrically conductive screening (9, 23) which screens the discharge vessel (2) and which comprises connection means (7, 10, 24, 27, 28). The screening (9, 23) of the gas discharge lamp (1) is connected to a screening (14, 17, 19) of an electrical system used for operating the gas discharge lamp (1) at least as regards high frequencies so as to form a coaxial screening system that encloses the discharge vessel (2) with its electrodes (4, 5).

Abstract: In a chopper circuit, output power is controllable with a direct current power source as a power source, and a smoothing capacitor is connected between output terminals of the chopper circuit. A polarity inversion circuit applies an alternating voltage to a high pressure discharge lamp with a voltage across the smoothing capacitor as a power source. The output power of the chopper circuit and an inversion frequency of the polarity inversion circuit are controlled by a control circuit based upon a terminal voltage of the smoothing capacitor, which is detected by a voltage detecting circuit. In the control circuit, a switch voltage is set for defining a range of voltages detected by the voltage detecting circuit, and the inversion frequency is changed in plural stages according to the magnitude relation between the detected voltage and the switch voltage.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device includes: a DC power supply circuit that is supplied with a DC voltage and performs current control to supply a predetermined constant power to a high pressure discharge lamp; an inverter that converts an output current of the DC power supply circuit into an AC current having a predetermined frequency and supplies a driving current to the high pressure discharge lamp; and a control unit that controls the DC power supply circuit and the inverter. In the high pressure discharge lamp lighting device, the control unit superposes a current pulse asynchronous with the driving current on the driving current.

Abstract: A lamp driving apparatus includes a lamp driving power system providing a driving power to a lamp, a sensor detecting whether the lamp is turned on, and a controller controlling the lamp driving power system to provide an initial driving power to the lamp to turn on the lamp, and to provide an excess driving power to the lamp if the sensor detects that the lamp is not turned on, the excess driving power having a higher voltage level than the initial driving power. A liquid crystal display includes the lamp driving apparatus and a driving method thereof includes a lamp that is stably driven at an initial stage of operation.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes: a power supplying part; a non-dimming point light source receiving power from the power supplying part and providing a feed back signal to the power supplying part; a dimming control part outputting a dimming signal; and a plurality of dimming point light sources receiving power from the power supplying part, and receiving the dimming signal from the dimming control part.

Abstract: A flow of a LED current (ILED2) through one or more LEDs is controlled by a LED current control circuit (50-54) implementing a method (30) that is independent of an input line and a load of the LED(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high power factor power transfer to a load using a single switching stage. In exemplary implementations, a controllable variable power may be delivered to a load using a single switching stage while maintaining high power factor, in some cases without requiring any feedback information relating to the load conditions (i.e., without monitoring load voltage and/or current) to control normal switching operations in the single switching stage, and without requiring regulation of load voltage and/or load current. In one example, a single stage high power factor driver is used to control power delivery to an LED-based light source.

Abstract: A system and method are provided whereby at least two motors driven by an inverter coupled to a DC bus are configured to alternate between regenerative and injection braking such that at least one motor is placed in regenerative braking mode and at least one motor is placed in motoring mode. Energy is simultaneously placed on and removed from the DC bus in a manner allowing a large current to flow in as many motors as possible, for fast stoppage of load inertia. At least one motor may be placed in regenerative braking mode and at least one motor in DC injection mode, such that energy is simultaneously placed onto and removed from the DC bus, respectively. Further, a single motor may be is alternated between regenerative braking and DC injection braking, such that energy is alternately placed onto and removed from the DC bus, respectively.

Abstract: A method for starting a sensorless, electronically commutatable direct current motor, having a permanent-magnetically excited rotor in which the stator carries a three-phase stator winding, whose regulated supply of current from a direct voltage source is already made possible from the standstill state.

Abstract: An emitting direction control apparatus for a lamp is provided with: a driver for deflecting an emitting direction for a lamp; and a controller that control the driver to perform a deflection. The controller includes an initialization function, for setting, at an initial position, a stepping motor that serves as a driving source for the driver. The initialization function detects a first current positional angle for the stepping motor; when the first current positional angle is greater than a reference angle, rotates the stepping motor in a bumping direction at a high speed until the reference angle is reached; after the reference angle has been reached, rotates the stepping motor to a bumped position an initial number of steps at a low speed; and after the bumped position has been reached, rotates the stepping motor in the reverse direction a predetermined number of steps and sets the stepping motor in the initial position.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit capable of reducing the influence of the difference in ambient temperature etc. and realizing a stable phase adjustment circuit has been disclosed. The semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a delay time adjustment circuit for delaying the rising edge or the falling edge of an input signal and changing the amount of delay, a comparison circuit for comparing an output signal from the delay time adjustment circuit with a predetermined voltage, a high-level shift circuit for shifting an output signal from the comparison circuit into a signal on the basis of an output reference voltage, and an output amplifier circuit for amplifying an output signal from the high-level shift circuit and outputting a signal for driving the semiconductor device, wherein the delay time adjustment circuit, the comparison circuit, the high-level shift circuit, and the output amplifier circuit are formed on a single chip.

Abstract: To obtain an improved possibility of establishing the causes of failure in linear drive devices with an electric drive, operational data logging means shall be provided for logging data in connection with operational loads and/or an operating state of the electric drive, which occur over a certain period of time, wherein the operational data logging means can be connected to the power connection means for data logging. Means for storing data, which are based on a plurality of measurements of the same measured variable, which measurements are performed one after another, make it possible to log and evaluate data over a long period of time, preferably during the entire service life of the linear drive device. The measurements are carried out during the use of the linear drive device (14) during which it is in a loaded state.

Abstract: Featured is a controller for a motor that is ultra-compact, with a power density of at least about 20 watts per cubic cm (W/cm3). The controller utilizes a common ground for power circuitry, which energizes the windings of the motor, and the signal circuitry, which controls this energization responsive to signals from one or more sensors. Also, the ground is held at a stable potential without galvanic isolation. The circuits, their components and connectors are sized and located to minimize their inductance and heat is dissipated by conduction to the controller's exterior such as by a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material (e.g., potable epoxy). The controller uses a single current sensor for plural windings and preferably a single heat sensor within the controller. The body of the controller can also function as the sole plug connector.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus controls a motor that drives an output shaft through a rotation transmission system. The difference between a newly established output shaft target rotation angle and a detected output shaft rotation angle is obtained, a target rotation angle for the motor is derived based on that difference, and the motor is driven accordingly. When it is determined, based on the detected output shaft rotation angle, that motor rotation has at least proceeded to a point whereby backlash in the transmission system is nullified, the target motor rotation angle is updated based on the current value of the aforementioned difference.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing magnetic induction devices to control electricity entail mixing a resin with a polymer forming a mixture; adding a transition metal to the mixture forming a metalized mixture; adding dimethyl sulfoxide to the metalized mixture; mixture forming a liquid metalized mixture; adding a magnetic powder to the liquid metalized mixture forming a magnetized mixture; and adding a catalyst to the magnetized mixture forming a hot mixture due to an exothermic reaction. The hot liquid is poured into two or more molds. A gap or channel is formed in each section. The sections are allowed to cool, removed from the molds, and fastened together such that the channel runs the length of the device. A one-piece magnetic induction device can also be formed using these methods. The formed magnetic induction device applies a magnetic field region to a power delivery line to reduce amperage up to about 25%.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (320) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (350) and a drive circuit (330, 340) having a voltage source inverter (340) and a voltage source converter (330). The SCR converter (350) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded. A shorting contactor (390) is employed in various embodiments to increase the efficiency of the circuit.

Abstract: When a torque command value from an external ECU is within a predetermined variation width, a control unit generates a signal and outputs the signal to a voltage command calculation unit so that electrostatic energy stored in a capacitor is kept at a predetermined threshold value or larger. Based on the signal, the voltage command calculation unit determines a target voltage of a voltage step-up converter that corresponds to a terminal-to-terminal voltage of the capacitor. In contrast, when the torque command value is out of the predetermined variation width, the control unit determines electric power to be supplied from a DC power supply to an inverter for allowing electric power to be supplied predominantly from the capacitor rather than from the DC power supply and outputs a signal. Based on this signal, the voltage command calculation unit determines the target voltage.

Abstract: In a motor control device according to the invention, upon velocity control of a motor, a superimposed signal generating unit 9 outputs a superimposed signal idh of a repetitive waveform, such as a triangular wave or a sine wave. A d-axis current command generating unit 10 adds the superimposed signal idh generated by the superimposed signal generating unit 9d to a d-axis current command idc*0 and outputs a d-axis current command idc*. An axial misalignment detecting unit 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d) receives the d-axis current command idc* and a q-axis current command iqc* and outputs an axial misalignment angle estimation value ??^. An axial misalignment correction unit 12 receives the axial misalignment angle estimation value ??^ and an actual detected position ?m and outputs a position after correction ?m?. Therefore, detection and correction can be performed in real time through calculation at a given timing during a normal operation.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an electric machine. The system has a power source configured to supply electric energy to the electric machine. In addition, the system has an inverter operationally connected to the power source and the electric machine and configured to increase or decrease a rotor flux component of a voltage applied to the electric machine, while maintaining a torque component at an essentially constant level. The system further has a control device configured to determine at least one parameter of the electric machine and operate the inverter in either a first or a second mode in response to the at least one determined parameter.

Abstract: A frequency converter for outputting a power to drive a motor, having: an inverter unit for inverting a d.c. power to an a.c. power; a control unit for controlling the inverter unit; and a housing for supporting at least the inverter unit and control unit, wherein a rise time change unit is provided in the housing, the rise time change unit changes a rise time of a waveform of a voltage output from the inverter unit.

Abstract: The electrical energy source includes a portable enclosure that houses at least one battery pack, at least one battery charger, at least one AC inverter and, optionally, a regeneration device that can power the battery charger. Operation of batteries, AC inverters and regeneration unit is coordinated by a control circuit. During operations under a load, the batteries supply an input to AC inverters which in turn provide voltage regulated AC power to the load. When the batteries have discharged to a predetermined level, the load is removed from the AC inverters, and a dedicated on-board inverter is used to power the regeneration unit which recharges the batteries. Once the batteries have been recharged, the AC inverters are again made available to the load.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a portable electronic device and a charger for capacitively charging the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is temporarily placed adjacent the charger. The portable electronic device includes a device data communication unit and an associated battery, and a pair of device capacitive electrodes, defining a device conductive footprint, to receive a charging signal to charge the battery. The charger includes a base having an area larger than the device conductive footprint and able to receive the portable electronic device thereon in a plurality of different positions, and an array of charger capacitive electrodes carried by the base. A charger controller selectively drives only the charger capacitive electrodes within the device conductive footprint with a charging signal to capacitively charge the battery.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for improving the efficiency of a battery supplied power supply system. More particularly, a method and system is provided for improving the voltage regulation efficiency for a system in which the input voltage that is to be regulated may vary widely. In the techniques disclosed, the voltage supply that is utilized for the drive control circuitry of the voltage regulators is varied in relation to variations in the input voltage. Thus in one embodiment, the voltage supply that is utilized for the circuitry that drives a control terminal of the output transistor of the regulation circuitry may be varied in relation to variations in the input voltage. For example, an inverse relationship may be established between the input voltage level and the voltage level that is used for the gate drive circuitry that controls the gates of regulator output transistors.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making a battery charging unit using induction to eliminate the requirement to constantly remove rechargeable batteries from their particular units in order to recharge them. This invention further relates to an apparatus and method using induction to eliminate the requirement to electrically or mechanically connect the charged device to a battery charging unit in order to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A component box has a shape of a substantially flat plate, and is stacked along a direction UPR toward the ceiling of a vehicle with its center placed at a central portion of a casing for a battery pack. Cooling wind which has been used for air-conditioning inside the vehicle and supplied from a cooling fan to the battery pack is supplied to a coolant introducing space located on an upper side of a module, passes through a gap between adjacent battery groups to flow down to a lower side of the battery groups, and then is emitted from a coolant lead-out space located at a lower side of the module out of the battery pack. Since the component box is in contact with a cooling wind passage with the casing therebetween, the component box in contact with the cooling wind via the casing is cooled down simultaneously with the cooling of the module. Since the component box is placed with its center positioned at the central portion of the battery pack, variations in temperature among batteries can be suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery pack having a plurality of battery cells, which can be charged and discharged, stacked one on another with high density and electrically connected with each other. When the battery cells swell due to abnormal operation of the battery pack or degradation of the battery pack caused by the charge and discharge of the battery cells for a long period of time, stress is concentrated on a predetermined region of the battery pack due to the change of thickness of the swelling battery cells, whereby the physical change of the battery pack is caused, and the disconnection of an electrically connecting member of the battery pack is mechanically accomplished by the physical change of the battery pack. Consequently, the battery pack according to the present invention provides high safety.

Abstract: A multi-series battery control system comprises a plurality of unit battery cell of which unit consists of multiple battery cells connected in series; a plurality of control IC comprising a control circuit for controlling the unit battery cell; a main controller that sends and receives signal to/from the control ICs via an insulation; means for sending an abnormality signal, which represents the existence or the absence of abnormality of the control ICs or the battery cells, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the first signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation; and means for searching contents of the abnormality in the control ICs or the battery cells and sending the abnormality contents signal based on the search, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the second signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation.

Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a DC-DC converter for stepping down a charging input voltage, and a charging current controller having two input terminals and one output terminal. The input terminals receive a voltage based on a charging current drawn from a voltage stepped down by the DC-DC converter. The voltage at the output terminal serves as a control voltage for controlling the charging current drawn from the stepped-down voltage.

Abstract: A feedback control circuit and method for a control system used to control an electrical power generating source that comprises a free piston Stirling engine driving a linear alternator. A switching mode rectifier connects the alternator winding to an output circuit that includes an electrical energy storage means and is controlled by a pulse width modulator that controls the rectifier switching duty cycle and phase. The control system controls the pulse width modulator. The improvement computes a voltage across a virtual tuning capacitor and uses the computed voltage to control the switching mode rectifier so that the switching mode rectifier is switched in a manner that makes the alternator circuit operate as if a tuning capacitor were actually present and so that the control system controls the piston of the Stirling engine to maintain balance of the mechanical power generated by the Stirling engine and the electrical power absorbed from the engine by the alternator.

Abstract: Circuits, systems, methods and software for controlling a power conversion and/or correcting and/or controlling a power factor in such conversion(s). The present invention generally takes a computational approach to reducing or minimizing zero current periods in the critical mode of power converter operation, and advantageously reduces zero current periods in the critical mode of power converter operation, thereby maximizing the power factor of the power converter in the critical mode and reducing noise that may be injected back into AC power lines. The present power factor controller allows for greater design flexibility, reduced design complexity, and reduced resolution and greater tolerance for error in certain parameter measurements useful in power factor correction and/or control.