Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).

Abstract: A method of determining an operation of at least one of a plurality of generators in a power generation system. The method includes identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate to minimize fuel consumption of the power generation system based on the system parameter. Other methods include identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate by optimizing an operating variable of the power generation system based on the system parameter.

Abstract: An occupancy based traffic control system for augmenting traffic control mechanisms corresponding to one or more buildings of one or more building types within a geographic subsector is provided. The occupancy based traffic control system includes, a subsector occupancy aggregator, an other facility occupancy estimator, and a subsector traffic control processor. The subsector occupancy aggregator is configured to receive energy consumption and outside temperature streams corresponding to a portion of the one or more buildings, and is configured to employ occupancy components for each of the portion of the one or more buildings to process the streams, and is configured to generate average occupancy components corresponding to each building type within the portion of the one or more buildings and a first aggregated occupancy component for the first portion of the one or more buildings, where the occupancy components are generated by exclusively processing the streams.

Abstract: An apparatus for prioritizing a demand response program event based on occupancy for one or more buildings of one or more building types participating in a demand response program is provided. The apparatus has an occupancy estimator and a dispatch controller. The occupancy estimator is configured to receive energy consumption and outside temperature streams corresponding to a portion of the one or more buildings, and is configured to employ occupancy components for each of the one or more buildings within the portion to process the streams, and is configured to generate occupancy levels corresponding to the one or more buildings within the portion, where the occupancy components and the occupancy levels are generated by exclusively processing the streams, and is configured to assign the occupancy levels to remaining ones of the one or more buildings not in the first portion.

Abstract: A field device for use in a process control system having embedded firmware stored in a a nonvolatile memory. The firmware includes computer-executable instructions for performing fixed behaviors and/or standard measurements as well as a runtime interpreter. The interpreter executes application specific code downloaded to the field device. When executed, the application specific code performs custom field device functions.

Abstract: In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.

Abstract: A method implemented by a computer system, the computer-implemented method comprising receiving dimensions of a building surface, including a surface length and a surface height; receiving dimensions of a surface material unit, including a material length and a material height; receiving design parameters defining a three-dimensional design over the building surface; partitioning the three-dimensional design into a plurality of three-dimensional segments based on both the three-dimensional design and the dimensions of the surface material; and generating a set of milling instructions for cutting a plurality of surface material units into the plurality of three-dimensional segments.

Abstract: A building management system (BMS) including a controller having an adaptive interaction manager and an agent manager. The system further includes one or more input-output (I/O) devices, the I/O devices in communication with the adaptive interaction manager. The controller further including a number of BMS field devices. The I/O devices are configured to receive an input from a user, and further configured to communicate the input to the adaptive interaction manager. The agent manager is configured to determine if one or more existing software agents are capable of performing the desired action, and to automatically transmit the existing software agents to one or more of the BMS field devices based on the agent manager determining the existing software agents are capable of performing the desired action. The software agents are configured to automatically be installed in a processing circuit of the BMS field device to perform the required action.

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes scent delivery units that are configured to deliver scent at a variable scent level by being turned on and off successively according to a variable duty cycle. The scent delivery units are associated with corresponding base scent settings. The scent delivery system also includes a central controller configured to control the scent delivery units by generating command data based on a scenting schedule that indicates a desired activation time for more than one implicated scent delivery unit. The scenting schedule is configured to further indicate a scent level bias to be applied to the base scent settings that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and computer programs for optimizing standard operating procedure for a control system. The invention comprises (i) recording a sequence of control system operator actions, (ii) identifying a control system process corresponding to the recorded sequence of control system operator actions, (iii) retrieving a standard operating procedure associated with the identified control system process, (iv) determining a first set of deviations between (a) the recorded sequence of control system operator actions and (b) the standard operating procedure, (v) determining a second set of deviations between (c) a set of KPI values associated with the recorded sequence of control system operator actions and (d) a set of KPI values associated with the standard operating procedure, and (vi) modifying the standard operating procedure to reduce deviation between (e) the recorded sequence of control system operator actions and (f) said standard operating procedure.

Abstract: A processing apparatus with vision-based measurement includes a central control unit and a workpiece transporting unit, a vision-based measurement unit, a processing quality prediction unit, and a processing unit that are respectively connected to the central control unit electrically. The workpiece transporting unit is controlled by the central control unit to transport the workpiece to the vision-based measurement unit to be measured. The data obtained by the vision-based measurement unit from measuring the workpiece is provided to the processing quality prediction unit for conducting quality prediction. The processing quality prediction unit implements a virtual processing quality prediction method to establish a quality prediction model, wherein the workpiece transporting unit is utilized to assist the processes of establishing or modifying the model.

Abstract: A numerical control device is for machining a machining object by moving a tool and the machining object relative to each other along a movement path while applying vibration, by use of a drive axis provided for the tool or the machining object. The device includes a storage unit that holds an invalid frequency region, and a vibration condition determining unit to determine a frequency for the vibration, based on a rotational speed of a main shaft for rotating the machining object, a number of vibrations of the vibration in each one rotation of the main shaft, and the invalid frequency region.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a wall mountable system for automated drawing of an image upon a wall which includes a horizontal mounting track for mounting on a wall, a robot having a y-track rigidly mounted it where the robot and the mounted y-track travel along the horizontal track. An end effector, which includes a pen holding mechanism holding a pen, is in electrical communication with the robot and travels along the y-track of the robot. The present invention provides a system and device that can attach to a wall or vertical surface in a damage-free manner and draw fast any complexity or style image of custom size in both the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions, that is easy to remove and transport and require small floor space to operate.

Abstract: A collision stress releasing device reversely rotates a feed motor by a return amount set in a return amount setter based on a contact position of a movement unit or a collision detection position regarded as a contact position. Generally, a large error does not occur even when the collision detection position is regarded as the contact position, but when the movement unit or the colliding member has low rigidity, a control of setting a return amount in response to the speed of the movement unit or a control of estimating an actual contact position from a rise curve of a load after a collision is more desirable.

Abstract: A drive device for providing a drive movement, including a drive motor designed to convert provided electric or fluidic energy into a movement of a motor element, further including a drive sensor assigned to the drive motor and designed to detect the movement of the motor element and to provide a drive sensor signal, and further including a transmission device coupled to the drive motor and designed to convert the movement of the motor element into a drive movement of a drive element, wherein the transmission device is assigned a movement sensor for the detection of the drive movement, the movement sensor being electrically connected to the drive sensor The movement sensor is assigned a detection device designed for the detection of component data and for the provision of detected component data to the movement sensor.

Abstract: A production module for implementing a production function on a product, wherein the production module is configured couple to a second production module which is configured implement a second production function on the product, where self-description information relating to properties of the production module is stored on a storage device of the production module, and the second production module comprises second self-description information relating to properties of the second production module, where the production module is further configured to transmit the self-description information to the second production module and to receive second self-description information from the second production module, and where port information relating to the coupling process with the second production module is stored on the storage device, or the production module is configured to store port information relating to the coupling process with the second production module.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: Method for generating a machining program of a plunge mulling machine tool, comprising the steps of: establishing a machining to be performed on a workpiece; acquiring first machining information that indicates stable cut conditions of the machine tool for the workpiece; acquiring second machining information that indicates engagement cut conditions of the machine tool during the machining on the workpiece; carrying out a determination of the rotation speeds of the machine tool during the machining on the basis of the second machining information and the first machining information; wherein the machining program is generated on the basis of the determination carried out.

Abstract: Controlling a metallurgical plant, the plant has at least one plant part (1) operated with first and second operating parameters (BP 1, BP2) at a particular time, and an operating result (BE) is established on the basis of the operation of the plant part (1) according to the first and second operating parameters (BP1, BP2). The operating result (BE) is recorded. At least the operating result (BE) is transmitted from a control device (5) of the first plant part (1) to a computing unit (9). The computing unit (9) varies the second operating parameters (BP2), but not the first operating parameters (BP1), and thereby determines varied second operating parameters (BP2?) associated with the first operating parameters (BP 1). The computing unit (9) transmits the varied second operating parameters (BP2?) back to the control device (5) of the first plant part (1).

Abstract: A method of determining thermal stability of an upper surface of a substrate support assembly in a plasma processing apparatus includes: before processing of at least one substrate in the plasma processing apparatus and while powering an array of thermal control elements of the substrate support assembly to achieve a desired spatial and temporal temperature of the upper surface of the substrate support assembly, recording pre-process temperature data of the substrate support assembly; after the processing of the at least one substrate in the plasma processing apparatus and while powering the array of thermal control elements to achieve the desired spatial and temporal temperature of the upper surface of the substrate support assembly, recording post-process temperature data; comparing the post-process temperature data to the pre-process temperature data; and determining whether the post-process temperature data is within a predetermined tolerance range of the pre-process temperature data.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a central control unit, and a processing quality prediction unit, a processing unit, and a tool compensation unit which are respectively connected with the central control unit electrically. The processing quality prediction unit implements a virtual processing quality prediction method to predict the processing quality of the workpiece, output an accurate data of quality to the central control unit, and generate tool path for the processing unit to process the workpiece. The central control unit judges the data from the processing quality prediction unit and outputs the data to the tool compensation unit to calculate tool compensation data. The tool compensation unit provides the tool compensation data to the processing quality prediction unit to form a new processing path. Then the processing unit implements the compensated processing path to process the workpiece.

Abstract: A combination of batch exchange carts that includes all of the feeders that supply components to be used in the post-changeover production from the multiple batch exchange units prepared in preparation space is decided based on the component information of feeders loaded on batch exchange carts used in the pre-changeover production and setup information of batch exchange carts that can be used for exchange memorized in memory device (component information of feeders loaded on batch exchange carts in preparation space), and then an operator is notified of the decided combination of batch exchange carts by sound or by the display of a mobile terminal or display device of production management computer.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a processing unit for processing the workpiece, a processing quality prediction unit connected with the processing unit electrically, a signal interpretation unit connected with the processing quality prediction unit electrically, and a control unit connected with both the processing unit and the signal interpretation unit electrically, wherein when the processing unit is processing the workpiece, the processing quality prediction unit detects the processing signal and sends the signal to the signal interpretation unit, wherein when the signal interpretation unit interprets the processing signal, if there is abnormality in the processing signal, the signal interpretation unit will immediately notify the control unit to stop the processing unit from operating.

Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle capable of communicating with a host computer and capable of being steered by a remote control device so as to enable the agricultural work to link with the host computer and perform in an optimum work form, wherein the agricultural work vehicle is provided with a position calculation means measuring the position of the machine body, a steering actuator operating a steering device, a shifting means, and a control device controlling them. An optimum working speed and an optimum work driving value calculated from past and current weather information, field information, work information, work machine information, and crop information are transmitted from the host computer to the control device. The agricultural work vehicle is controlled and caused to work at the optimum working speed and the optimum work driving value along a set travel path.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices related to target tracking by UAVs. The UAV may be configured to receive target information from a control terminal related to a target to be tracked by an imaging device coupled to the UAV. The target information may be used by the UAV to automatically track the target so as to maintain predetermined position and/or size of the target within one or more images captured by the imaging device. The control terminal may be configured to display images from the imaging device as well as allowing user input related to the target information.

Abstract: A redundant-controls system suitable for use an automated vehicle includes a primary-control-device, a secondary-control-device, an occupant-detection-device, and a controller. The primary-control-device is installed in a vehicle. The primary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from an operator-seat of the vehicle by an operator of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is installed in the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from a passenger-seat of the vehicle by a passenger of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The occupant-detection-device is used to determine an operator-state-of-awareness of the operator and a passenger-state-of-awareness of the passenger. The controller is in communication with the primary-control-device, the secondary-control-device, and the operator-detection-device.

Abstract: A driving-rule system suitable to operate an automated includes a vehicle-detector and a controller. The vehicle-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The vehicle-detector is used to detect movement of an other-vehicle proximate to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the vehicle-detector. The controller is configured to operate the host-vehicle in accordance with a driving-rule, detect an observed-deviation of the driving-rule by the other-vehicle, and modify the driving-rule based on the observed-deviation.

Abstract: Methods and systems of positioning a drone including a camera. One method includes generating, from a first image capture position of the drone, a first image or video having a first field of view. The method further includes determining a plurality of regions of interest, each of the plurality of regions of interest located within a predetermined area and having an associated priority. The method further includes determining a second image capture position different from the first image capture position for the drone as a function of the associated priority and a viewing distance of the camera. The method further includes generating a command for the drone to move to the second image capture position. The method further includes moving the drone based on the command. The method further includes generating, from the second image capture position, a second image or video having a second field of view.

Abstract: An autonomous postal delivery systems for conventional mailboxes is disclosed. A self-driving vehicle with LIDAR sensors in conjunction with GPS algorithms guides the mail delivery van safely to predetermined addresses. Onboard optical scanners recognize residential mailboxes and robotic systems retrieve mail from secured compartments and deliver mail efficiently. An objective of the invention is to automate postal deliveries to residential mailboxes using unmanned vehicles.

Abstract: A method for an autonomous vehicle to follow a target is provided. The method may include obtaining a position and a velocity of a target and obtaining a position of an autonomous vehicle. The method may also include obtaining a path that encloses the position of the target and determining a path rate for the autonomous vehicle to move along the path based on the velocity of the target. The method may also include determining a path position along the path based on the position of the autonomous vehicle and determining a change in the position of the autonomous vehicle based on the path position, the path rate, and the velocity of the target. The method may also include adjusting a velocity and a direction of the autonomous vehicle to achieve the change in the position of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: The travel route calculation device includes a travel route calculation unit configured to calculate a travel route for a subject vehicle to arrive at a destination, a feature detection unit configured to detect a feature, and a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance from the subject vehicle to the feature as a necessary recognition distance. the necessary recognition distance is necessary for the subject vehicle to recognize the feature when deciding an action of the subject vehicle. The travel route calculation device further includes a determination unit configured to determine difficulty in recognizing the feature, on the basis of a detection range of the feature detection unit and the necessary recognition distance. The travel route calculation unit calculates the travel route while avoiding a location at which recognition of the feature is determined to be difficult by the determination unit.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle including an emergency stop function to detect an abnormal state of a driver and automatically stop the vehicle. The vehicle control apparatus provides control at a time of stopping the vehicle and includes process execution sections and a process stop section. The process execution sections perform predetermined emergency processes in response to the emergency stop function stopping the vehicle; the emergency processes control instruments mounted on the vehicle and use a battery of the vehicle as a driving power source. The process stop section stepwise stops at least part of the emergency processes performed by the process execution sections based on a predetermined stop sequence.

Abstract: A mowing vehicle 1 provided with a traveling machine 10 and a mowing device 20 includes a first image-capturing device 30 and a controlling unit C configured to control the traveling machine 10 to travel autonomously along a boundary line of grass before and after mowing formed by the mowing device 20. The controlling unit C includes a boundary-detecting unit C2 configured to detect the boundary line and a traveling-controlling unit C3 configured to control traveling directions of the traveling machine 10. The boundary-detecting unit C2 is configured to generate intensity distribution information regarding texture information in a predetermined direction by filtering with a Gabor filter on a captured image. The boundary-detecting unit C2 is configured to carry out statistical processing on the intensity distribution information per inspection area divided in plural in a vertical direction so as to detect boundary points and to detect the boundary line from the boundary points per the inspection area.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system facilitates maneuvering of an autonomous vehicle with respect to an object in a scene. The vehicle includes a steering apparatus having a range of angular positions and a multitude of actuators for controlling the dynamics of the vehicle. The system includes a steering angle sensor, a camera device, and a video processing module. The sensor is configured to monitor the angular position of the wheel. The device is configured to capture an original image of a scene having the object. The module is configured to receive and process the original image from the device, detect the object in the original image, receive and process the angular position from the sensor, generate a dynamic trajectory based on at least the angular position, orientate the dynamic trajectory with regard to the object, and operate at least one of the actuators to guide the vehicle along the dynamic trajectory.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored within bins in an inventory storage unit, with respective sets of bins being hosted in respective storage cells of the inventory storage unit. As discussed herein, variety of sensors are designed to interface with robot operations of the inventory storage unit, to detect abnormal and error conditions, and to allow adaptation where possible to continue retrieval, access, and storage operations. As also discussed herein, operation of the robot may be controlled as a result of various user interface interactions, including interactions from remote computing devices such as smartphones and remote systems such as websites and inventory or retail management systems.

Abstract: A method for autonomous mower navigation includes receiving a return-to-zero encoded signal including a pseudo-random sequence, transforming the received signal to a non-return-to-zero representation, digitally sampling the non-return-to-zero signal representation in a time domain, filtering the sampled signal utilizing a reference data array based on the return-to-zero encoded signal to produce a filter output, and determining a location of the autonomous mower relative to a defined work area based on an evaluation of the filter output.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: A preexisting FMS system may be upgraded to increase its functionality by optimizing the control of autopilot and auto-throttle functions and replacing other preexisting components with different components for enhancing the functionality of the FMS system. The preexisting IRU, CADC, DME receiver and DFGC in the upgraded FMS system are in communication with the legacy AFMC but, instead of employing the legacy EFIS, the EFIS is replaced by a data concentrator unit as well as the display control panel and integrated flat panel display, and a GPS receiver. The upgraded FMS system is capable of iteratively controlling the autopilot and auto-throttle during all phases of flight and of such increased functionality as increased navigation database storage capacity, RNP, VNAV, LPV and RNAV capability utilizing a GPS based navigation solution, and RTA capability, while still enabling the legacy AFMC to exploit its aircraft performance capabilities throughout the flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow-rate adjustable valve for adjusting a flow rate of liquid flowing through a flow path. The flow-rate adjustable valve includes: a main valve body; a back pressure chamber; an inlet hole; an outlet hole; a pilot valve body for opening and closing an end of the outlet hole on a side of the back pressure chamber; an elongated member holding the pilot valve body; and a lifter rotatable and also movable in the axial direction of the elongated member by the rotation of the rotatable member. The lifter and the elongated member are integrally movable in the axial direction. The elongated member is connected to the lifter under a condition in which the elongated member is biased to the lifter in a one-way direction of the axial direction by a biasing-connecting member.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a product (A1) by way of at least two coupled-together chemical reactions (C1, C2), wherein at least two input substances (E1, E2) are fed to a first chemical reaction (C1), wherein a plurality of intermediate substances (Z1, Z2) are produced from the input substances (E1, E2) by the first chemical reaction (C1), wherein at least one of the intermediate substances (Z2) is fed to a second chemical reaction (C2), wherein the at least one fed intermediate substance (Z2) is further processed by the second chemical reaction (C2), in particular using at least one further substance (W1, W2) in a second chemical reaction (C2) to form a plurality of output substances (A1, A2), that is to say to form the chemical product (A1) and at least one further output substance (A2), wherein the flow rates (Fi) of the fed substances (E1, E2, Z1, W1, W2, A2) that are fed to one of the reactions (C1, C2) are set by a respective actuating element (VE1, VE2, VW1, VW 2, VZ 2, VA1), wherein each of t

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for optimizing downstream processes for a flow controller controlling various devices in a flow system is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a processing element historical data corresponding to flow characteristics for one or more flow devices controlled by the flow controller; evaluating by the processing element one or more current run settings based on the historical data; modifying by the processing element the one or more current run settings based on the historical data; and transmitting by the processing element the modified run settings to the flow controller to vary the operation of the one or more flow devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a gas panel and method thereof having reduced exhaust requirements for the delivery of gases include distributing an inert gas in at least one interior portion of the gas panel in which a gas to be delivered by the gas panel is present. Embodiments can further include monitoring for leaks in the interior portion of the gas panel and, in response to a detected leak, increasing the distribution of the inert gas in at least the portion of the gas panel in which the leak was detected. Embodiments may further include exhausting gases out of the gas panel. In such embodiments, in response to a detected leak, a rate of the exhausting of the gases is increased. The gas panel can also be sealed to reduce an amount of gas that leaks out of or air that enters into the gas panel.

Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a pressure vessel, positioned within the interior of a container which is fluidly interfaced to a downstream drainage system. The pressure vessel has at least one opening through its lower surface, through which it is slideably engaged over the exterior of a closed conduit which is in fluid communication with an upstream reservoir. There is no need for a seal between the pressure vessel and the closed conduit such that the interior of the pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the interior of the container. Additional openings, from the interior of the pressure vessel may also be provided. A means to restrain the pressure vessel from significant lateral movement is provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used in purging and loading applications. In some examples, a device configured to purge a sorbent tube until a desired water level is reached is provided. In other examples, a device configured to load a sorbent tube with a desired water level is provided. Systems and methods using the devices are also described.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a method includes generating, by a computer processor, thermo-fluid parameter estimates of a thermal management system (TMS) of an engine based on sensed parameters and monitoring for TMS component failures based on the thermo-fluid parameter estimates and the sensed parameters. Thermo-mechanical parameter estimates are generated based on selected thermo-fluid parameters. Life usage estimates and life usage rate estimates are generated based on the selected thermo-fluid parameters and the thermo-mechanical parameter estimates. Life usage rate targets are generated based on external commands and the life usage estimates. Limits and goals are modified based on the life usage rate estimates, failure flags, and the life usage rate targets. A model predictive control is applied to command one or more TMS control components based on thermo-mechanical model parameters, the failure flags, and the limits and goals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a computer-implemented method for evaluating ceiling plenum airflow patterns and cooling performance of equipment in a data center. The method includes receiving data related to equipment in the data center, receiving data related to the ceiling plenum, determining first parameters related to airflow and to pressure in the ceiling plenum using a first airflow model, determining second parameters related to airflow through a plurality of equipment racks and to pressure across the plurality of equipment racks using a second airflow model distinct from the first airflow model, determining a coupling relationship between airflow through the equipment racks and airflow into the ceiling plenum, adjusting the first parameters based on at least the second parameters and the coupling relationship, determining a sufficiency of airflow through the equipment racks, and storing, on a storage device, an indication of the sufficiency of airflow through the equipment racks.

Abstract: A voltage regulator provides an output current at an output voltage, based on an input voltage. The voltage regulator has a pass transistor for deriving the output current. The voltage regulator contains a drive transistor forming a current mirror in conjunction with the pass transistor, such that the output current through the pass transistor is dependent on a drive current through the drive transistor. The voltage regulator comprises an auxiliary transistor arranged such that at least a fraction of the drive current through the drive transistor flows through the auxiliary transistor. The voltage regulator has amplification circuitry to set the drive current through the drive transistor depending on the output voltage and on a reference voltage. The voltage regulator further contains control circuitry to detect an indication for a dropout situation where a difference between the input voltage and the output voltage falls below a dropout voltage.

Abstract: A voltage-to-current converter includes an input stage having a first input and a second input. The first input is connectable to a reference voltage, wherein the voltage of the second input is substantially the same as the voltage at the first input. A feedback loop is coupled between the second input and a voltage feedback node. A current feedback node is connectable to a first node of a resistor; the second node of the resistor is connectable to a voltage input, wherein a bias voltage of the current feedback node is set by the voltage of the voltage feedback node. At least one current mirror mirrors the current input to the current feedback node, the output of the at least one current mirror is the output of the voltage-to-current converter.

Abstract: A voltage regulator control implementation dynamically detects and sets specified headroom for a low dropout (LDO) regulator at different loads to enable the LDO regulator to maintain high performance in conjunction with improved power efficiency. In one instance, an upstream voltage regulator may adaptively adjust an output voltage supplied to an input supply rail of a downstream LDO regulator based on an indication from the LDO regulator. The adaptively adjusted input voltage enables the downstream LDO regulator to achieve high performance and improved power efficiency across the entire range of load conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling consumption of an energy resource by a facility is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. The plurality of devices is disposed within the facility, each consuming a portion of the energy resource when turned on, and the each capable of performing a corresponding function to maintain a desired level of performance by cycling on and off.