Abstract: An LED Christmas lamp string includes a lamp base that has a bottom end receiving lamp string conductor wires to extend therein and covered by a bottom lid. The lamp string conductor wires form four segments inside the lamp base to respectively connect to terminal pieces. A circuit component board has an upper surface to which light-emitting elements and four circuit pins are mounted and a lower surface to which a control IC is mounted. The circuit component board is positioned on a socket to allow the circuit pins to extend through the socket to be bent to attach to projecting blocks of the socket. The socket is fit into the lamp base to have the circuit pins engage the terminal pieces for electrical connection. A light-transmitting cover is then set to cover the circuit component board. A decoration cap is fit to and coupled to the lamp base.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light emitting module including a substrate and a light emitting device mounted on the substrate; a case body receiving the light emitting module; a gap member contacting the case body and wider than the substrate; a lens on the light emitting module and contacting the gap member; a first ring provided on a peripheral portion of the lens; and a case cover coupled with the case body and having an opening, wherein the case body is provided therein with a coupling cavity in which the gap member is seated, and wherein the lens includes a first portion between the ring and the gap member and a second portion that extends outward from the first portion through the opening of the case cover.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) light bulb includes a thermally conductive base and at least one LED assembly disposed on and thermally coupled to a surface of the base. The LED assembly includes at least one LED configured to generate light. A thermal optical diffuser defines an interior volume and the LED is arranged to emit light into the interior volume and through the thermal optical diffuser. The thermal optical diffuser is disposed on the surface of the base and extends from the base to a terminus on the light emitting side. The thermal optical diffuser is configured to include one or more openings that allow convective air flow between the interior volume of the thermal optical diffuser and ambient environment.

Abstract: An LED optical light engine spotlight which can accommodate a variable number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. An optical projection lens mounted in front of the LEDs merges the separate LED beams into a single beam, similar to the single beam provided by a halogen light and reflector. A heat sink provides convection cooling up to approximately 100° F. An optional fan provides additional heat dissipation for more extreme conditions. The depicted device can include a vertical tilt of over 200°. Optimally, the depicted device is designed to have a full vertical tilt range between zenith (0 degrees) to horizontal (90 degrees) to full depression (135 degrees). An optional accessory lens provides additional capabilities, including flood lenses, colored lenses and rock guards, for example. The depicted device can be hard wired or wireless. The depicted device can be adapted to many base units and/or pan and tilt platforms.

Abstract: An illumination lamp includes a transmissible lamp cover, a circuit board, and a side light emitting device. The transmissible lamp cover has an opening. The circuit board covers the opening. The side light emitting device includes a light guide pillar structure and a top-view light emitting diode. An inclined reflective layer is formed in the light guide pillar structure. The top-view light emitting diode is installed on the circuit board and disposed under the light guide pillar structure. Light emitted by the top-view light emitting diode is incident into the light guide pillar structure and then reflected by the inclined reflective surface, so that the light could be reflected laterally to the transmissible lamp cover.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a light guide (100a) and a luminaire (700) including such a light guide (100a). The light guide (100a) guides light emitted in a first direction (500) from a light source (200) comprising at least one light emitting diode (210). The light guide (100) directs a major part of the light in a second direction (600), wherein the first direction (500) is not equal to the second direction (600). The light guide (100a) comprises a cone part (110a) having a shape of a cone, and a center axis (120) of the cone part (110a) is in the first direction (500). The light guide (100a) can be used with reflectors (800) that have originally been manufactured for use with high intensity discharge lamps or halogen lamps but because of the light guide (100a), the reflectors (800) can be used together with light sources (200) in the form of at least one light emitting diode (210).

Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a light transmissive portion and an optic shield portion for blocking or redirecting at least a portion of light generated by the light source. The light source can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The optic shield can be painted on or otherwise applied to a portion of the lens. Alternatively, it can be integrally formed with the lens. The optic shield can be an opaque material for blocking light generated by the light source or can be a reflective material for reflecting light generated by the light source through the light transmissive portion of the lens. Methods for making an optic shield are also described.

Abstract: A lens module for LED light sources including: a lens body; and an LED light source received in a recess of the lens body. By the conditions of Z1>Z2 and Z3>Y1, and with the shape of light incident surface and the position of LED light source, a light deflection effect is achieved. This allows light emitted from the LED light source to be refracted by the light incident surface and then emitted by the light exiting surface, generating an excellent light deflection effect, thereby increasing illumination in width at the road or public squares and increasing utilization rate of the LED light source.

Abstract: A lamp head for decorative light string includes a luminous body, a pair of wires, a lamp base and a lamp shade, the luminous body electrically connected with wires, the lamp base formed by injection moulding and covers part of the packaging body and part of wires and electrode pins that between the packaging body and the wires, the lamp shade is assembled with the lamp base. The lamp base is provided with a plurality of holes, which connect the inner space of the lamp head with the outer space of the lamp head. Thus, water vapor produced in the inner of the lamp head can be expelled freely from the holes, so the decorative light string can remain normal operation to extend its life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination type illumination apparatus that includes a lamp body, a lamp cap module and a LED light emitting module. The LED light emitting module is disposed on the lamp body. The lamp body has an accommodation hole and a center sleeve stored in the accommodation hole. The center sleeve includes a first joggle structure. The lamp cap module includes a second joggle structure. The second joggle structure of the lamp cap module is assembled to the first joggle structure of the center sleeve. With such structure configuration, manufacturers may assemble the combination type illumination apparatus in a joggling way instead of in a screwing or gluing method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode bulb with a glare shield structure. It uses a glare shield structure to separate the sensor from the light emitting diode. A joggle structure or a sleeve structure is used for the glare shield structure to separately match the separated condenser lens and the lamp base to form glare shield means to prevent the sensor from being interfered by irradiated, refracted or reflected light from the light emitting diode. The structure is simple to be assembled and the cost of assembling is reduced.

Abstract: A light source device includes a lens and a light source disposed under the lens. The lens has a light-emitting top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light-emitting top surface. The bottom surface concaves towards the light-emitting top surface to form a hole and has a gouge surrounding the hole with an inclination towards the edge of the hole. The hole is formed from the surrounding of a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface. The light source is disposed below the bottom surface and corresponds to the hole.

Abstract: An improvement in DMD illumination systems is set forth, wherein the spatially integrated object plane is selected from within the volume of the integrating rod, rather than at its exit face. In one embodiment, the exit face of the rod may be curved to aid imaging. Benefits of the integrator rod according to the present invention include reduced sensitivity to dust, edge chips and surface defects, simpler or more rugged mounting.

Abstract: An optical emitter enabling conversion of light from a light source. The optical emitter includes a first conic reflector defining an aperture for receiving the light source, a second conic reflector opposite the first conic reflector for collimating light emitted by the light source, and a volumetric light conversion element between at least a portion of the first reflector and at least a portion of the second reflector. The optical emitter can also include a convex mirror adjacent the vertex of the second conic reflector, and an elliptical element adjacent the first conic reflector. The light conversion element can include phosphor dispersed in a resin to convert light from a first wavelength to light of a second, longer, wavelength, wherein converted light is emitted from the light conversion element.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a base, to which an LED element is attached, and a plate-shaped heat dissipating surface integrally and continuously formed with the base around the LED element. The base and the plate-shaped heat dissipating surface are formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a specific thermal conductivity ? and a specific surface emissivity ?. When the plate thickness of the base and the plate-shaped heat dissipating surface is specified in a range from 0.8 to 6 mm, a total projected area of the heat dissipating surfaces of the heat sink is specified in a range from 19000 to 60000 mm2 so as to obtain a heat resistance of 4.0 K/W or smaller. Projected areas of two plate-shaped heat dissipating surfaces of the heat sink in two different directions are sufficiently increased with respect to corresponding sectional areas of the base.

Abstract: A portable searchlight has a replaceable sealing lamp cover suitably fitted for use in effectively blocking moisture from seeping or flowing into the interior of the portable searchlight for weather resistance, and the portable searchlight therefore can still normally deliver the illumination function in any damp environments.

Abstract: A display device and method of assembling the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a display device includes a display panel bent in a first direction and a guide unit for fastening the display panel in a bent state. The guide unit includes a first frame member bent corresponding to curvature of the display panel in the first direction and combined with an edge of the display panel in the first direction, and a second frame member combined with an edge of the display panel in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the display device includes a display panel and a support frame. The display panel includes a flexible upper substrate, at least one light emitting diode, and a flexible lower substrate (30). The display panel has a display area formed at a portion corresponding to the light emitting diode, and a non-display area formed at a portion other than the display area. The display panel is coupled to the support frame such that a portion of the non-display area is bent with respect to the display area.

Abstract: Provided herein is an improved apparatus, method and system for providing a modular LED circuit assembly. Specifically, examples of the present invention include a modular LED circuit which may be scaled and used in a wide variety of form factors. One example of the present invention may provide an apparatus for supporting a light-emitting diode which includes an LED circuit board including a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface may include a first contact pad and a second contact pad, where each of the first contact pad and the second contact pad are configured to receive a respective connector from the LED. The second major surface of the LED circuit board may include a first area, a second area, and a third area, where a substrate is attached to the LED circuit board across the third area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable computer carrying and securement device, comprising an elastic covering adapted to surround the outer structure of a closed laptop computer or tablet, wherein the covering includes an internal cable attaching to a rotating spool for tightening the cable and covering around the laptop for security purposes. Attached to the upper portion of the covering is a ratcheting and carrying handle, which attaches to the spool for winding the cable therearound and for applying compression onto the outer portion of the computer to prevent tampering or unauthorized access. The handle is further capable of releasing the spool and thus the tension on the cable via a directed outward release motion. This motion is prevented by a locking mechanism and combination privy to only authorized users. The device further incorporates accessories that facilitate recharging of the laptop, locking the assembly to an external structure and an outward-facing display.

Abstract: A spoke clip adapted to be removably secured to a spoke nut of a bicycle wheel, and further adapted to mount an illuminated wire to the spokes of the bicycle wheel. The clips are generally L- or T-shaped, with a slotted stem having a spoke-admitting initial width and terminating in a spoke nut socket, and a wire-mounting arm perpendicular to the stem and adapted to receive and hold a wire in parallel to the axis of the stem. The invention also includes the illuminated wire display created by securing an illuminated wire in a planar array to the spokes adjacent the wheel rim using a plurality of the spoke clips.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror with indicator function includes a mirror mount, a mirror face mounted in the mirror mount and defining a first light transmissive zone, and an indicator device mounted between the mirror mount and the mirror face and including a reflector defining one or multiple reflecting surfaces and LED substrates and light-emitting devices mounted in the reflector. Each LED substrate defines a mounting face facing toward the reflecting surfaces. The light-emitting devices are mounted at the mounting faces of the LED substrates and kept beyond the first light transmissive zone, and controllable to emit light onto the reflecting surfaces so that the reflecting surfaces reflect the light through the first light transmissive zone toward the outside of the vehicle rearview mirror in a uniformly distributed manner.

Abstract: A light engine for a fiberoptic illuminator is disclosed. The light engine has a light emitting diode (LED) and collimating optics for gathering, transmitting and focusing light emitted from the LED. The collimating optics is provided by a fused fiberoptic rod having an outer glass cladding which provides a seal for a bundle of optic fibers drawn and tightly packed and fused together. The fused fiberoptic rod has an elongate cylindrical distal end and a frustoconical proximal end forming a fused tapered tip. The fused tapered tip having a proximal end face disposed adjacent the LED for receiving light emitted by the LED.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a light guide (100) and a luminaire (700) including such a light guide (100). The light guide (100) guides light emitted in a first direction (500) from a light source (200) comprising at least one light emitting diode (210). The light guide (100) directs a major part of the light in a second direction (600), wherein the first direction (500) is not equal to the second direction (600). The light guide (100) comprises an upper part (110) having a shape of a cone, and a center axis (120) of the upper part (110) is in the first direction (500). The light guide (100) can be used with reflectors (800) that have originally been manufactured for use with high intensity discharge lamps or halogen lamps but because of the light guide (100), the reflectors (800) can be used together with light sources (200) in the form of at least one light emitting diode (210).

Abstract: A luminaire module includes at least one light-emitting element (LEE); a light guide (LG) extending in a first direction from a first end of LG to a second end of LG to receive at the first end light emitted by the LEE and configured to guide the light to the second end; and an optical extractor (OE) optically coupled to LG at the second end to receive light from the LEE guided from the first end to the second end of LG. OE includes a first interface configured to reflect a first portion of the light exiting the LG and transmit a second portion of the light exiting the LG so that the second portion of the light exits OE to an ambient environment in the first direction, and a second interface configured to transmit light incident thereon to the ambient environment in a direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: An optical sheet includes a base film, a prism pattern formed in a first area of the base film, and a diffusion member formed in a second area of the base film. The prism pattern has a plurality of parallel prisms on a light-exiting surface. The diffusion member includes a plurality of scatter members in the base film to scatter light, or a plurality of irregularly arranged lenses on one or more of the light-incident surface and the light-exiting surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a surface light source device includes following elements. The light guide plate includes a flat portion and a curved portion. The light guide plate further includes an end surface to introduce light which is located on a side of the curved portion, a light diffusing portion to diffuse the light introduced from the end surface, and a light-emitting surface to output the light diffused by the light diffusing portion. The light-emitting unit is to generate the light toward the end surface. The housing is to house the light guide plate and the light-emitting unit. The fixing portion is to fix the light guide plate to the housing, the fixing portion being arranged in contact with the curved portion.

Abstract: A light source module including a light emitting unit for emitting a light beam, a light guiding plate, and a light coupling unit is provided. The light guiding plate has a first light emitting surface, a first bottom surface, and a first light incident surface, wherein the first light emitting surface is opposite to the first bottom surface, and the first light incident surface connects the first light emitting surface and the first bottom surface. The light coupling unit has a second light incident surface and a second light emitting surface in contact with the first light incident surface. The light emitting unit is disposed beside the second light incident surface. The light beam enters the light coupling unit through the second light incident surface, exits the light coupling unit through the second light emitting surface, and then enters the light guiding plate through the first light incident surface.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for extracting light from within a lightguide by providing therein a plurality of internal light extraction features. A broad range of internal light extraction feature configurations (e.g., geometries/shapes, materials, refractive index changes, etc.) can be provided, and a variety of processes/techniques (e.g., 3-D printing, laser cutting/etching, injection molding, embossment, layer stacking, extrusion, etc.) can be used to do so. The features can be configured to achieve any desired set of photometric performance criteria (e.g., single/double-sided emission, optical efficiency, energy efficiency, spatial/angular luminance distribution, intensity gradients, etc.) for a given lightguide-based fixture/device. In some cases, internal and surficial light extraction features can be used together to extract light. Also, a wide variety of lighting fixtures/devices (e.g., panels, bulbs, tubes, rings, containers, three-dimensional structures/sculptures, multi-layered, multi-sectioned, etc.

Abstract: The invention discloses a light-emitting unit, comprising a backplane and a light source provided on the backplane. The light source includes a plurality of sub light sources. The light-emitting unit further comprises light reflecting structures provided between the sub light sources. The light reflecting structures are configured to reflect the light radiating thereon from the sub light sources into the light-emitting direction of the light-emitting unit. Accordingly, the invention discloses a backlight module including the light-emitting unit and a display device including the backlight module. The backlight module in the invention is not only capable of improving a Hotspot phenomenon, but also capable of preventing the light source in the light-emitting unit from directly contacting with a light guide plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, optical fibers, a fiber light-outputting substrate, a light guide plate and a light coupling device. The optical fibers are connected between the light collector and the fiber light-outputting substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber light-outputting substrate. The light coupling device is disposed between the fiber light-outputting substrate and the light guide plate, wherein light diffusion recessions of the light coupling device face the light-outputting openings of the fiber light-outputting substrate. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, optical fibers, a fiber light-outputting substrate and a light guide plate. The optical fibers are connected between the light collector and the fiber light-outputting substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber light-outputting substrate. The fiber light-outputting substrate includes a plurality of light-outputting openings and a plurality of light sources. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a lighting fixture including a lightguide that distributes light from a major surface, a light assembly including light sources arranged linearly, and a frame including a means for providing a force that urges the light assembly against an edge of the lightguide. A standoff or spacer can provide an air gap between a light source of the light assembly and the waveguide edge. In various embodiments, the lighting fixture may incorporate a spring, a spring finger, a spring clip, a screw, or other means for securing the light assembly against the edge of the lightguide. In this manner, substantially all light provided by the light assembly is emitted into the edge of the lightguide. The fixture is formed to accommodate tolerances among elements of the lighting fixture, while maintaining the light assembly securely against the edge of the lightguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power converter for converting power from a first voltage level at an input terminal to a second voltage level across an first and second output terminals, the power converter comprising, a first inductor, with one end connected to the input terminal and another end connected to a point with a switched voltage level, a first switch element with a first terminal connected to the point and a second terminal connected to ground and a second switch element connected in series with a capacitor through a first terminal, and a second terminal of the second switch element being connected to the point and the capacitor being terminated to ground, the first switch element is arranged for being operated with a first duty cycle (D), and wherein the second switch element is arranged for being operated with a second duty cycle (1-D), wherein the first and second switch elements are arranged to operated such that their conducting periods are complementary, wherein the switched voltage leve

Abstract: A power source capable of supplying power to operate electronics of a system is disclosed. In one example, the power source takes advantage of an electrical potential difference between primary and secondary grounds. The power source can reduce system cost and power consumption.

Abstract: An on/off controller device includes a control circuit to generate a control signal to switch a power switch between an on state and an off state to transfer energy from a primary side to a secondary side of a switched mode power supply. A comparator is coupled to generate an enable signal that enables and disables the switching of the power switch by the control circuit. The comparator compares a feedback signal with a variable threshold and switches the enable signal between enabling and disabling the switching of the power switch. The variable threshold is modulated to increase a fundamental frequency of the switching of the power switch by the control circuit. The variable threshold is modulated with a fixed amplitude pulse that is combined with a second threshold to modulate the variable threshold between a first higher value and a second lower value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DC-DC voltage converter (1), having a transformer (2) having a primary winding (2a) and a secondary winding (2b, 2c) having a centre tap, an output inductor (3), which is connected to the centre tap and to a first output connection (9a), a synchronous rectifier circuit (4) having two synchronous rectifier switches (14a, 14b), each of which is connected to the terminal taps of the secondary winding (2b, 2c), and which are designed to produce a rectified output voltage on a second output connection (9b), and a snubber circuit (5) that is switched by means of the synchronous rectifier circuit (4).

Abstract: System and method are provided for protecting a power converter. The system includes a first comparator, and an off-time component. The first comparator is configured to receive a sensing signal and a first threshold signal and generate a first comparison signal based on at least information associated with the sensing signal and the first threshold signal, the power converter being associated with a switching frequency and further including a switch configured to affect the primary current. The off-time component is configured to receive the first comparison signal and generate an off-time signal based on at least information associated with the first comparison signal. The off-time component is further configured to, if the first comparison signal indicates the sensing signal to be larger than the first threshold signal in magnitude, generate the off-time signal to keep the switch to be turned off for at least a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A signal averaging circuit includes a plurality of switched weighted current sources to generate a total amount of charge. The total amount of charge is representative of a weighted sum of a plurality of input signal samples during an active period of a read enable signal. A timing control signal generator is coupled to receive an input signal and the read enable signal and sequentially switch the plurality of switched weighted current sources to adjust the total amount of charge in response to the input signal during the active period of the read enable signal. A storage circuit is coupled to the plurality of switched weighted current sources to convert the total amount of charge into a voltage representative of an output signal.

Abstract: A control circuit of a power converter and a method for controlling the power converter are provided. The control circuit of the power converter comprises a switching circuit and a temperature-sensing device. The switching circuit generates a switching signal in response to a feedback signal, and the switching circuit generates a current-sensing signal for regulating an output of the power converter. The temperature-sensing device generates a temperature signal in response to temperature of the temperature-sensing device.

Abstract: A current-source power converting apparatus includes: a converter unit configured to convert an AC or DC voltage input from a power supply into a predetermined DC voltage; an inverter unit configured to convert a DC voltage supplied from the converter unit via a DC reactor into an AC voltage and output the AC voltage; and a controller configured to control the inverter unit at a modulation factor in correspondence with a step up/step down ratio based on a ratio of an output voltage from the inverter unit to an input voltage from the power supply.

Abstract: In a method based on the MPDTC algorithm for controlling an inverter of an electrical system, the harmonics and resonances in the inverter can be damped by extracting frequency information from predicted data of the MPDTC algorithm and by damping harmonic distortion of the electrical system by reintroducing the extracted frequency information into a control loop of the inverter.

Abstract: A power supply system (10) and method (150) are disclosed. The system (10) includes a power converter (16) to provide an output voltage to a load (12) based on an input voltage that is generated from an AC supply voltage. The system (10) also includes a power monitor (16) to monitor the load (12). The system (10) further includes a filter stage (14) to dynamically filter high frequency currents generated by the power converter (16) from the AC supply voltage to substantially maximize a power factor associated with the power supply system (10).

Abstract: An AC-DC power converter includes a rectifying unit, an output stage, a controller and a soft-start circuit. The rectifying unit is configured to rectify an AC voltage to a rectified voltage. The output stage is coupled to the rectifying unit and configured to convert the rectified voltage into a DC voltage for a load. The controller is coupled to the output stage and configured to control the output stage. The soft-start circuit is coupled to the rectifying unit to receive the rectified voltage. The soft-start circuit is configured to detect whether the rectified voltage is at or below a predetermined level, and to enable the controller if the rectified voltage is detected to be at or below the predetermined level.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for over-voltage protection is provided. The method includes connecting a first winding of a saturable reactor to a direct current (DC) source; connecting at least one phase of an alternating current (AC) electrical system to ground through a second winding of the saturable reactor; and controlling DC current flow from the DC source to the first winding of the saturable reactor in response to an over-voltage event, wherein energy is shunted to ground from the at least one phase of the alternating current electrical system through the second winding of the saturable reactor.

Abstract: According to an exemplary implementation, a semiconductor package includes a multi-phase power inverter having power switches and situated on a leadframe of the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package further includes an over-temperature protection circuit configured to reduce current through the power switches based on multiple temperature threshold values of the power switches and a sensed temperature of the power switches. The over-temperature protection circuit can be configured to enter first and second modes based on the multiple temperature threshold values and the sensed temperature, where the second mode reduces current through the power switches to a greater extent than the first mode.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling one or more power switches of a power converter includes a voltage control loop and a current control loop. The control circuit is configured to generate a current reference for the current control loop using the voltage control loop and an AC reference signal. The control circuit is configured to operate in at least a first mode in which a parameter of the voltage control loop is sampled only at every other zero crossing of the AC reference signal and the sampled parameter is used to generate the current reference for the current control loop. The power converter may be an AC-DC converter or a DC-AC converter (i.e., inverter). Alternatively, the voltage control loop may be sampled at every zero crossing of the AC reference signal, and/or more frequently during transient load conditions.

Abstract: In a steady state operation mode, a charging circuit of a non-isolated AC-to-DC converter decouples an output voltage VO node from a VR node when the rectifier output signal VR on the VR node is greater than a first predetermined voltage VP and, 2) supplies a charging current from the VR node and onto the VO node when VR is less than VP provided that an output voltage VO on the VO node is less than a second predetermined voltage VO(MAX) and provided that VR is greater than VO. In an initial power up operation mode, the maximum limit value of the charging current is smaller than it is during steady state operation. Due to the reduced charging currents employed during initial power up operation, less noise is injected back to the AC source and EMI filters are not required between the rectifier of the converter and the AC source.

Abstract: A grid-connected inverter apparatus includes: an inverter 50 for converting a DC output based on power generated from a power generation equipment 100 into an AC; a DC voltage measuring unit 40 for measuring a DC voltage on a DC input side of the inverter 50; a grid interconnection switch 70 having two independent relay switches 71, 72 each corresponding to phases of a grid power system 110 to which the inverter 50 is connected; and a control unit 90 for controlling the two relay switches 71, 72, such that the control unit 90, after opening the two relay switches 71, 72, changes the relay switch 71 such that the opening control is changes to closing control and, based on a change in the DC voltage measured by the DC voltage measuring unit 40 before and after the changing control, determines whether the relay switch 72 is faulty.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a low drop diode equivalent circuit. Piezoelectric device based vibration energy harvesting requires a rectifier for conversion of input ac to usable dc form. Power loss due to diode drop in rectifier is a significant fraction of the already low levels of harvested power. The low-drop-diode equivalent can replace the rectifier diodes and minimise power loss. The diode equivalent mimics a diode using linear region operated MOSFET. The diode equivalent is powered directly from input signal and requires no additional power supply for its control. Power used by the control circuit is kept at a value which gives an overall output power improvement. The diode equivalent replaces the four diodes in a full wave bridge rectifier, which is the basic full-wave rectifier and is a part of the more advanced rectifiers like switch-only and bias-flip rectifiers.