Abstract: A system for controlling a set of light sources may include a set of light sources, at least one optical conduit arranged relative to the set of light sources so as to collect excess light from the set of light sources, and at least one sensor coupled to the optical conduit and configured to sense light collected by the optical conduit. The system may also include a controller configured to control the emittance of the set of light sources based on the light sensed by the sensor. A method for controlling a set of light sources may comprise individually varying power supplied to at least some of the light sources in an imperceptible manner, sensing light emitted by a light source for which the power has been varied, and controlling the emittance of the set of light sources based on the sensed light.

Abstract: A data communication method is described for transmitting a data packet comprising data bytes in a daisy chained bus structure of a LED illumination system. The method comprises: the nodes of a group, except the last node of the group retransmitting the data packet without removing a first data byte from the incoming data packet; and the last node in the group removing the first byte from the data packet before retransmission. The invention further comprises a communication node, illumination assembly and bus structure implementing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A system controls a switching power converter to power LED strings using a predictive feedforward control mechanism. An LED controller determines programmed current levels and duty cycles for driving LED strings. The LED controller determines a predicted load for a subsequent cycle of a switching power converter driving the LED strings based on the programmed current levels and duty cycles. A power conversion controller uses the predicted load information to control switching of the switching power converter. This improves the dynamic response of the switching converter to changing load conditions, thereby improving overall power efficiency and performance of the system.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit controls switching of an output transistor. The LED driver circuit monitors inductor current flowing through an output inductor that is coupled to one or more LEDs. In response to detecting that the inductor current has reached a peak value, the LED driver circuit switches OFF the output transistor. The LED driver circuit switches ON the output transistor in response to detecting zero crossing of the inductor current. The LED driver circuit may detect zero crossing of the inductor current from a gate voltage of the output transistor by detecting for a negative spike.

Abstract: A method of setting up a luminaire, said luminaire being part of a network of luminaires and each luminaire of said network of luminaires being a node of a wireless communication network, comprises, for said luminaire: receiving (S32) signals from neighboring luminaires; generating (S34) indicators from the received signals, wherein indicators give respectively indications of distances between the neighboring luminaires and said luminaire; ranking (S35) at least a part of the neighboring luminaires according to their respective indicators; providing (S36) a lighting scenario for said ranked neighboring luminaires depending on their respective ranks.

Abstract: An LED lighting system is provided for connection to a variable power source providing input power, the LED lighting system having at least one power analyzing and processing circuitry connecting to the variable power source, and being configured to identify one or more characteristics of the input power, where the characteristics are selected from amplitude, frequency and pulse width of the input power, compare one or more of the characteristics of the input power to preset control criteria either in hardware or software or both to yield a comparison result, and then control the current control circuitry according to the comparison result.

Abstract: To a constant-current power supply whose output current can be variably set, light emitting modules can be connected in parallel. A control unit recognizes connection information outputted from an information output unit provided in each of the light emitting modules and varies the output current of the constant-current power supply. Drive can be controlled in response to a state of the connected light emitting modules such as the connecting number of light emitting modules.

Abstract: A signal shaping circuit that shapes a drive signal and includes a main-signal amplifying circuit that amplifies the drive signal; a preemphasis generating circuit that symmetrically emphasizes a rising portion and a falling portion of the drive signal; a current source that is provided in the main-signal amplifying circuit; and a condenser that couples the main-signal amplifying circuit and the preemphasis generating circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus coupling a power source to a light emitting diode lamp includes a first part for receiving first voltage and current signals from the power source and a second part for supplying second voltage and current signals to the lamp. The first part includes a detection part for detecting a first amplitude reduction in at least one of the first signals, for example in the first voltage signal, and the second part includes an introduction part for, in response to a detection result, introducing a second amplitude reduction into at least one of the second signals, for example into the second current signal. As a result, the first part detects a first dimming state caused by the power source, and the second part introduces a second dimming state in response to the first part having detected the first dimming state, and the apparatus has self-dimming capabilities, to keep the grid stable.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a power supply, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit, a switching unit, and an illuminating unit. The power supply supplies a supply voltage to the PWM circuit and the illuminating unit. The PWM circuit outputs a first level voltage by being fully charged by the voltage of the power supply and outputs a second level voltage by being fully discharged. The switching unit is turned off according to the first level voltage and controls the illuminating unit to stop emitting light. The switching unit is turned on according to the second level voltage and controls the illuminating unit to emit light.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods are disclosed for a remotely controllable LED lamp. One embodiment of an LED lamp includes at least one LED in each of a plurality of colors, a power supply, and a controller connected to the power supply and the at least one LED in each of a plurality of colors. The controller is adapted to adjust current levels to the at least one LED in each of a plurality of colors to produce a blended color. The controller is also adapted to adjustably vary an intensity of the blended color without substantially changing the blended color.

Abstract: An example particle accelerator includes a magnet to generate a magnetic field, where the magnet includes first superconducting coils to pass current in a first direction to thereby generate the first magnetic field, and where the first magnetic field is at least 4 Tesla (T). The example particle accelerator also includes an active return system including second superconducting coils. Each of the second superconducting coils surrounds, and is concentric with, a corresponding first superconducting coil. The second superconducting coils are for passing current in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby generate a second magnetic field having a magnetic field of at least 2.5 T. The second magnetic field has a polarity that is opposite to a polarity of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: To provide a disk drive capable of inhibiting the occurrence of acoustic noise caused by a voltage pulse when the head is retracted using a speed control method using voltage obtained by rectifying a back electromotive force after the power source has been cut off from the rotation of a spindle motor. Retraction control circuit is used to control the on and off modes of transistors in accordance with the speed of VCM. The voltage across VCM becomes a voltage that can be regulated with VCM voltage control circuit. At this time, voltage is supplied to the terminals based on the voltage of ISO5V that is the rectified voltage of the back electromotive force of the spindle motor and the pulsating voltage is synchronized and produced at both terminals. As a result, the potential difference across VCM is such that the pulsating voltage is negated and acoustic noise is inhibited.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a microcontroller and a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube. The DC gear motor includes a housing fixed to the shade tube and an output shaft coupled to a support shaft fixed to a mounting bracket. The method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube and the DC gear motor housing while the DC gear motor output shaft and support shaft remain fixed.

Abstract: A F/B gain control unit computes a first change component by executing torque feedback control based on a torque deviation using a feedback gain that is computed by a F/B gain variable control unit. The F/B gain variable control unit computes one of two different feedback gains that correspond to a “first computation mode” in which the first change component is used as an addition angle and a “second computation mode” in which a value obtained by correcting the first change component by an estimated motor rotation angular velocity is used as the addition angle, respectively. A feedback gain used in the first computation mode is set such that a response at the feedback gain is higher than that at a feedback gain used in the second computation mode.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a motor control circuit 1 for controlling driving of a plurality of motors 3 and 4 includes a serial communication circuit configured to perform serial communication with an outside, a received data storage 15 configured to store data from the serial communication circuit, a motor mode setting holding circuit 16 configured to store motor mode settings which decide operations of the motors, and a detection circuit 24 configured to detect changes in driving pulse of the motor. Depending on the detected result of the detection circuit 24, the data stored in the received data storage 15 is transferred to the motor mode setting holding circuit 16.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, an electrical motor, and an actuation element, is arranged to linearly move the actuation element by means of an interaction of the spindle and the spindle nut, which interaction is being driven by the electrical motor through the transmission. A position of the actuation element, the relative position between spindle and spindle nut, is determined by means of an absolute rotary position sensor and a counter. The counter keeps track of the number of under-flows and over-flows the absolute rotary position sensor generates during movement of the actuation element. A combination of a value from the absolute rotary position sensor and a count from the counter determines the position.

Abstract: A pair of elements that includes a Si-MOSFET and a Si-FWD connected in inverse parallel and operates as a positive side arm of an electric-power conversion apparatus and a pair of elements that operates as a negative side arm of the electric-power conversion apparatus are provided, where the first and second pairs of elements are accommodated in one power semiconductor module to compose a 2-in-1 module, and terminals are included which enables series connection of the pairs of elements.

Abstract: Hobby servo motor linear actuator systems are provided. In certain circumstances, a linear actuator system includes a lead screw attachment mechanism and a lead nut. The lead screw attachment mechanism is configured to be rotatably connected to an output shaft of a hobby servo motor assembly. The lead nut is configured to move linearly along the lead screw attachment mechanism as it is rotated. The system is optionally either open-looped or closed-loop. The lead screw attachment mechanism has an outer surface that can include multiple different types of threads such as, but not limited to, gear teeth and screw threads. The hobby servo motor assembly may include one hobby servo motor or multiple hobby servo motors that work together.

Abstract: A system includes a target speed module and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) control module. The target speed module is configured to provide a first waveform based on a first speed setting for a motor. A start of a first cycle of the first waveform corresponds to at least one of a first current or a first voltage. The PWM control module is configured to shift a phase of the first waveform by a torque angle adjustment value to generate a second waveform. A start of a first cycle of the second waveform corresponds to at least one of a second voltage or a second current. The second voltage is greater than the first voltage, and the second current is greater than the first current. The PWM control module is configured to control the motor based on the second waveform.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to energy storage device security. An energy storage device may include at least one energy storage cell and a controller. The controller may be configured to request device identification data from an electronic device coupled to the energy storage device and compare the device identification data to device identification data stored in the energy storage device. The controller may be further configured to enable energy to be conveyed from the at least one energy storage cell to the electronic device if the device identification matches the stored device identification data.

Abstract: A charging cable for use in charging a vehicle includes a power line, an input section, an oscillator, and a pulse-width adjusting device. The power line is used to carry power from an external power supply to the vehicle. The external power supply and the vehicle are connected to each other with the power line disposed therebetween. A set charging current value in charging the vehicle is input to the input section. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillation signal having a pulse width within a range of a rated current of the external power supply. The rated current is capable of being supplied to the vehicle. The pulse-width adjusting device is configured to adjust the pulse width of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator to correspond to the set charging current value input from the input section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for charge balancing in a charge storage arrangement having a plurality of charge storage cells connected in series, and a charge balancing circuit.

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: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to determine the state of charge of a battery/cell using data which is representative of a partial relaxation time of the battery/cell. In another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to determine the state of charge of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential or full relaxation time of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adaptively charge a battery/cell using data which is representative of a state of charge of the battery/cell.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a power converter, a first switch, a second switch, a first detecting unit, and a CPU. The power converter is configured to divide current provided by the power supply into a first and a second output current, according to a working current of a system load in a normal state, the first output current is used to power the system load, and the second output current is used to charge a battery unit. The CPU is configured to determine whether the value of current detected by the first detecting unit is greater than a threshold value, and further controls turning on the first switch to power the system load using the first output current, and turn on the second switch to charge the battery unit using the second output current.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for improving reliability of dual bridge doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) by reducing the number of required components in the converters associated with such DFIGs. A converter is constructed using a pair of current conducting bridges wherein one of the current conducting bridges is controlled and the second is not controlled. The uncontrolled bridge may correspond to a pair of diodes while the controlled bridge may correspond to a pair of transistors, in particular, a pair of IGBT transistors.

Abstract: This regulated power supply system with high input voltage dynamics, of the type having a shared inductance buck/boost transformer and having at least two controllable semiconductor switching members, one associated with the buck function of the transformer and the other with the boost function of the transformer, is characterized in that one of the controllable semiconductor switching members is driven by control means as a function of the system's input voltage, and the other is driven continuously by enslavement means on the output voltage.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus that supplies direct current power to a load with a power supply unit, since a load power supply current is detected by a current detector from a voltage between both ends of a through electrode of a three-terminal capacitor provided on a power feed line extending from a power supply unit to a load, the three-terminal capacitor serving as a filter to reduce ripple noise can be used also as a detection resistor for detecting the load power supply current. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the load power supply current with a simple configuration that does not require a resistance element to detect the load power supply current, unlike in the related art. Consequently, it is not necessary to ensure an area where the resistance element for current detection can be mounted to reduce a power supply apparatus in size.

Abstract: A voltage regulator receives an unregulated DC input voltage supply and provides a regulated DC output voltage. A primary pass element and an external resistor are located in a primary current path through which a load current flows from the input terminal to the output terminal. The voltage regulator includes two control circuits that control the impedances of two pass elements. Power dissipation can be improved and the dropout voltage can be reduced by maintaining the voltage on an internal node of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a device housing, and mobile wireless communications device circuitry carried by the device housing. The device may also include a removable electrical power supply module coupled to the mobile wireless communications device circuitry. The removable electrical power supply module may include a module housing, and within the module housing, a battery cell, a DC-to-DC converter coupled to the battery cell, and an output inductor coupled to the DC-to-DC converter. The removable electrical power supply module may also include, within the module housing, a spark suppression circuit coupled to the output inductor, and an output voltage clamp circuit coupled to the output inductor. The removable electrical power supply module may further include a pair of output terminals carried by the module housing and coupled to the output voltage clamp circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply for processor and control method thereof. The power supply comprises a reference adjusting circuit and a voltage regulator. The reference adjusting circuit is configured to receive a VID code from a processor, and adjust a reference voltage based on the VID code. The voltage regulator is coupled to the reference adjusting circuit and converts an input voltage into an output voltage in accordance to the reference voltage. The reference adjusting circuit adjusts the reference voltage in a plurality of steps until the reference voltage reaches a target value corresponding to the VID code. The reference adjusting circuit adjusts the reference voltage by a preset value during each step, and proceeds to adjust the reference voltage by a next step only after the output voltage reaches a predetermined scope of the reference voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a power factor correction circuit capable of correcting a power factor of a power converting module through increasing an input current by switching a main switching element of a power converting module on the basis of a first reference wave having a slope based on a first signal and an error voltage, in particular, by limiting a switching frequency on the basis of a first reference wave having a slope based on a second signal lower than a first signal and an error voltage when the switching frequency of the main switching element increases because an input voltage of the power converting module is low.

Abstract: A control circuit of a switching DC-DC power supply includes a feedback circuit detecting an output voltage of the power supply to generate a feedback signal, an error comparator detecting an error between the output voltage and a design value of the output voltage, a control logic circuit generating a control signal according to the error for regulating the output voltage, and an offset and delay cancellation circuit generating an offset adjust signal according to the feedback signal and a second reference voltage for adjusting an offset of the error comparator to pull the output voltage toward the design value.

Abstract: A power supply system is provided that provides voltage clamping capabilities to provide over voltage protection to circuit elements and circuit systems. The power supply includes isolation mechanisms that generate a regulated power supply that is independent of an input power source. Voltage addition/multiplication techniques may be utilized to generate a reference voltage, from the regulated power supply, that is capable of setting a maximum voltage on a clamped power supply. The power supply system may operate without input from other circuits/systems associated with an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a first phase power stage, a second phase power stage, and a controller. The first phase power stage includes a zero cross detection circuit configured to measure a current level for the first phase power stage, and to cause a diode emulation state in the first phase power stage when the current level is substantially equal to zero. The second phase power stage is in communication with the zero cross detection circuit, and configured to enter the diode emulation state in response to receiving a signal from the zero cross detection circuit. The controller is coupled to the first phase power stage and to the second phase power stage. The controller is configured to measure an output current of the voltage regulator and to activate the second phase power stage when the output current is above a first threshold current level.

Abstract: A power conversion system according to the present invention includes: an inverter circuit unit that converts a direct current power supplied from a direct current source into an alternating current power, the direct current power being supplied to the inverter circuit through a contactor that conducts and interrupts the direct current; a capacitor that smoothes the direct current power; a discharge circuit unit that is connected to the capacitor in parallel, and that includes a discharge resistor for discharging a charge stored in the capacitor and a switching element for the discharge resistor, being connected in series to the discharge resistor; a voltage detection circuit unit that detects voltage between both terminals of the capacitor; a first discharge control circuit that includes a first microcomputer, and that outputs a control signal to control switching of the switching element for discharging; and a second discharge control circuit that outputs an interruption signal to interrupt the switching el

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pass element comprising an input, an output and a control input. The pass element, with a first signal on the control input, passes a voltage from the input to the output and, with a second signal on the control input, blocks the voltage on the input from passing to the output. A differential amplifier includes a non-inverting input coupled to the input, an inverting input coupled to the output, an amplifier output coupled to the control input and a bias current connection. The differential amplifier, with a bias current supplied, supplies the first signal along with a closed feedback loop from the output and supplies the second signal in absence of the bias current. A current source is coupled to the bias current connection and an enable input. The current source supplies the bias current and, in absence of an enable signal, disables the bias current.

Abstract: A monolithic voltage reference circuit may include a voltage-mode band-gap reference circuit, a temperature independent differential current source, and a temperature dependent differential current source. The voltage-mode band-gap reference circuit may include an error amplifier having differential input nodes. The temperature independent differential current source may be configured to add in or subtract from the differential input nodes a substantially temperature independent differential current with an allocation between the nodes that is controlled by a selectable output voltage trim setting. The temperature dependent differential current source may be configured to add in or subtract from the differential input nodes a substantially temperature dependent differential current with an allocation between the nodes that is controlled by a selectable temperature drift trim setting.

Abstract: A reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage having a stable voltage level insensitive to a temperature variation. A reference voltage generator includes a current generating unit configured to generate a reference current proportional to temperature increase, a voltage adjusting unit configured to adjust a reference voltage corresponding to a current level of the reference current, and a start-up driving unit configured to drive and amplify the reference voltage while the voltage adjusting unit operates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bandgap reference voltage generator insensitive to changes of process, voltage, and temperature. A bandgap reference voltage generator may detect current having characteristic of CTAT and current having characteristic of PTAT which flow in a current compensation part included in an amplification part, and provide body voltage to one of two input transistors included in the amplification part in response to ratio of the two currents when the ratio is different from the preconfigured reference value. Thus, characteristics according to changes of parameters of elements and change of offset of the amplification part due to changes of PVT may be enhanced, and a characteristic of power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) may be enhanced.

Abstract: The voltage reference circuit includes: a first MOS transistor; a second MOS transistor including a gate terminal connected to a gate terminal of the first MOS transistor and having an absolute value of a threshold value and a K value higher than an absolute value of a threshold value and a K value of the first MOS transistor; a current mirror circuit flowing a current based on a difference between the absolute values of the threshold values of the first MOS transistor and the second MOS transistor; a third MOS transistor flowing the current; and a fourth MOS transistor having an absolute value of a threshold value and a K value higher than an absolute value of a threshold value of the third MOS transistor and flowing the current.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique that reduces induced cross-talk current between transformer windings. The apparatus includes a transformer having a first secondary winding that provides a first voltage relative to earth ground, a second secondary winding that provides a second voltage relative to floating ground, and a shield disposed between the first and second secondary windings. A correction circuit connected to the first secondary winding is configured to generate a correction voltage. The correction voltage drives a shield to induce a correction current into the second secondary winding to reduce cross-talk current induced between the first and second secondary windings.

Abstract: The technology relates to detecting the wiring phase of an unknown phase voltage relative to a reference phase voltage in an electric power distribution system having a polyphase power line. In order to reliably detect the wiring phase at the remote location relative to a reference wiring phase even if the remote location is at a larger distance from the reference location, at least one relay location is arranged between the reference location and the remote location and connected to the wiring phase of the polyphase power line. A first phase relation is detected between the reference wiring phase voltage at the reference location and the wiring phase voltage at the relay location. A second phase relation is detected between the wiring phase voltage at the relay location and the wiring phase voltage at the remote location. The wiring phase of the remote location relative to the wiring phase at the reference location is detected based on the first phase relation and the second phase relation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for an oscilloscope comprising a multi-stage transistor amplifier that acts as an impedance transformer. Said amplifier is a d.c.-coupled emitter follower circuit that is composed of bipolar transistors or a d.c.-coupled source follower circuit which is composed of field effect transistors and the successive amplifier elements of which are dimensioned and tuned to each other in such a way that the resulting offset direct voltage between the input and the output is minimal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a lateral semiconductor element includes a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a second electrode on the substrate, and an isolation structure located in the substrate to divide the substrate into a first island and a second island electrically insulated from the first island. The lateral semiconductor element includes a main cell located in the first island and a sense cell located in the second island. The main cell causes a first current to flow between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first current flows in a lateral direction along the surface of the substrate. The first current is detected by detecting a second current flowing though the sense cell.

Abstract: A signal detector includes a summation unit connected to offset first and second input signals representing a differential input signal into two offset pairs of first and second signals. The signal detector also includes a detection unit connected to select the first signal from one of the offset pairs of first and second signals and the second signal from the other of the offset pairs in an overlap portion of the first and second signals to form a complementary pair of overlap signals and provide a differentially peak-detected output signal from the complementary pair of overlap signals. Additionally, the signal detector includes a comparator connected to provide a detection output signal corresponding to the differentially peak-detected output signal and a reference signal. A method of operating a signal detector is also included.

Abstract: A magnetic position detecting device includes a magnet; first to fourth magnetoelectric conversion elements formed on a virtual plane; and a flux guide made of a magnetic material. The flux guide includes first and second protrusions provided at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the virtual plane. A specific portion recessed in a concave shape is provided in the flux guide in a mid-portion between the first and second protrusions. The first and fourth magnetoelectric conversion elements are provided approximately in the mid-portion between the first and second protrusions. The second magnetoelectric conversion element is provided between the first protrusion and the mid-portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor arrangement with a sensor chip. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a secondary magnetic field opposing an external primary magnetic field at the sensor chip. The magnetic field generator protects the sensor arrangement against the external primary magnetic field.

Abstract: A current sensor arrangement comprises plural sensor elements arranged around a center point, each of the sensor elements having a plane of zero sensitivity to uniform magnetic fields. A first one (202) of the sensor elements has a first angular separation (X1) relative to the center point from a second, adjacent sensor element (204) and a second angular separation (X2) relative to the center point from a third, adjacent sensor element (206). The first angular separation is less than the second angular separation. An intercept (I13) of the planes of the first and third sensor elements is located outside a triangle formed by the center point and the first and third sensor elements and an intercept (I12) of the planes of the first and second sensor elements is located inside a triangle formed by the center point and the first and second sensor elements.