Signal Isolator Patents (Class 250/551)
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Patent number: 7763874Abstract: A signal detection circuit comprises: a driving power source that drives a photosensor and applies a voltage to a mechanical switch, wherein the photosensor has a light-emitting device, and a light-receiving device to output an electric signal corresponding to an amount of light received from this light-emitting device, and the mechanical switch is connected in parallel between a power supply terminal of the photosensor and a signal output terminal of the photosensor and switchable between on and off states; and a detection means that is connected to the signal output terminal of the photosensor and that detects an electric signal output by the photosensor and an electric signal indicating the on/off state of the mechanical switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Fujitsu Component LimitedInventor: Masaki Noguchi
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Publication number: 20100181506Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus for transmission of an electrical signal via, galvanically isolated by means of a one-piece, translucent, plastic body, an input current circuit. At least one optical transmission element, and an output current circuit, having at least one optical receiving element, wherein the optical transmission element has a principle transmission axis and the optical receiving element a principle receiving axis, which are oriented so as to concide with a shared optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Brutschin, Hartmut Damm, Klaus Ruf, Alex Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7750288Abstract: The method of making an optoelectronic module (10, 20), which includes a first light source circuit (5) and a second photoreceptor circuit (6) for picking up light from the first light source circuit reflected on an external surface. A first moulding (20) with an encapsulation material is made on one part of a lead frame (10) having several conductive paths (12) and an external frame (11) connecting all of the conductive paths. A first light source circuit (5) is placed on one portion of a first conductive path (13) of the lead frame that is not covered by the first moulding. A second photoreceptor circuit (6) is placed on one portion of a second conductive path (14) of the lead frame not covered by the first moulding. A through opening (21) is also made in the first moulding (20) between the external frame (11) and the location of the first light source circuit (5) to give access to the first connecting path (13) and to a third connecting path (15) for the first light source circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.Inventors: André Grandjean, Abdul-Hamid Kayal
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Publication number: 20100155627Abstract: In an opto-isolator, a common mode pulse compensation circuit is provided that senses when a common mode pulse event occurs and that adds current to the LED drive current to compensate for a decrease in the LED drive current caused by the occurrence of the event. The common mode pulse compensation circuit is capable of operating effectively over a very wide range of common mode pulse slopes by automatically adjusting the amount of current that is added to the LED drive current based at least in part on the slope of the sensed common mode pulse. In addition, the common mode pulse compensation circuit is capable of being implemented with LEDs that operate at very low drive currents, which allows the power consumption requirements of the opto-isolator to be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Richard A. Baumgartner, Kwee Chong Chang
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Patent number: 7741591Abstract: An optically powered drive circuit and a method for controlling a first semiconductor switch are provided. The optically powered drive circuit includes a photovoltaic cell configured to receive a first light signal from a fiber optic cable and to output a first voltage in response to the first light signal. The optically powered drive circuit further includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cell configured to store electrical energy received from the first voltage and to output a second voltage. The optically powered drive circuit further includes an electrical circuit electrically coupled to both the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device. The electrical circuit is energized by the second voltage. The electrical circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and to output a third voltage in response to the first voltage for controlling operation of the first semiconductor switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Joseph Schutten, Robert Louis Steigerwald, Glen Peter Koste, Jeffrey Joseph Nasadoski
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Patent number: 7732795Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for the electrical isolation of signal lines, with an input (IN) for applying an input signal, an output (OUT) for releasing an output signal, and an initial branch (1) with an opto-coupler (OK) for optically coupling the input (TN) to the output (OUT), such that the input (IN) and the output (OUT) are connected in electrically isolated fashion by a second branch (2) with a capacitor (C1).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KGInventor: Siegbert Wöhrle
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Publication number: 20100127193Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an isolated high-speed digital interface for communicating high-speed digital data within a vehicle. In architecture, the interface includes one or more input terminals and one or more output terminals. Each output terminal being associated with one of the one or more input terminals without any electrically conductive path existing between the output terminal and the input terminal, and instead the input terminal and the output terminal are coupled to one another by an optical coupling. The present invention can also be viewed as a method that can be broadly summarized by the following steps, providing at least one input terminal for receiving data and providing at least one output terminal. Wherein the output terminal is associated with the one input terminal without any electrically conductive path existing between the output terminal and the input terminal, are coupled to one another by an optical coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Michael Gregory ABERNATHY, Nathaniel Flournoy LOVELACE, III
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Patent number: 7715726Abstract: An optically isolated circuit device includes a first opto-isolator circuit that is driven by a first clock signal, and the output of the first opto-isolator circuit is used to drive a phase-locked loop (PLL) that is configured to synthesize a second clock signal having a frequency that is a multiple of the first clock signal frequency. The second clock signal is used as an input to a suitable clocked circuit of a type that benefits from optical isolation, such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Lei Chen, Fun Kok Chow
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Patent number: 7688869Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a serial line circuit that comprises a serial information (SI) bus and at most two isolators interposed between a pair of programmable devices. In the TRANSMIT direction, a first programmable device is configured to multiplex serial data received from a plurality of serial UARTs and to route such data to the second programmable device over the SI bus and through a first isolator. In the RECEIVE direction, the second programmable device is configured to sample data from a plurality of serial interconnects and to route the sampled data to the first programmable device. The sampled data is routed over the SI bus and through a second isolator. The data transmission over the SI bus is in accordance with a proprietary serial transmission protocol described below.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Aruba Networks, Inc.Inventors: Joel F. Adam, Jerry Martinson
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Patent number: 7687791Abstract: Data signal isolation apparatus comprising a first media converter adapted to convert outgoing electrical data signals into outgoing optical data signals, an optical data signal transmission means adapted to transmit said outgoing optical data signals, a second media converter adapted to convert said outgoing optical data signals back into outgoing electrical data signals, and an intrinsically safe power supply, in which the optical data signal transmission means comprises an electrical isolation gap, and in which the second media converter is powered by the intrinsically safe power supply.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Pepperl & Fuchs (DE)Inventors: Steffan Graber, Renato Kitchener
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Patent number: 7683356Abstract: A voltage converting circuit for converting a first voltage signal into a second voltage signal for supplying voltage for an electronic component includes a photoelectric coupler and a connector. The photoelectric coupler includes a light-emitting element and a photosensor. The light-emitting element includes a first terminal configured for receiving the first voltage signal. The photosensor includes a first terminal connected to a power supply, and a second terminal configured for outputting the second voltage signal. The connector configured for connecting the photosensor and the electronic component. When the first voltage signal is at a high level, the light-emitting element emits light to turn on the photosensor, the power supply makes the voltage level of the second voltage signal sent out by the photosensor to satisfy a voltage demand of the electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chuan-Tsai Hou
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Publication number: 20100032592Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photo interrupter includes forming a frame including a first frame part and a second frame part which are disposed at an interval to be facing each other, mounting at least one light-emitting element on a first board and attaching the first board to the first frame part of the frame, mounting a light-receiving element on a second board and attaching the second board to the second frame part of the frame, the light-receiving element being mounted on the second board to be facing the light-emitting element so that the light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, and providing a positioning member on the frame by integrally forming the positioning member with the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: CITIZEN ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jo KINOSHITA
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Patent number: 7659531Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes forming a substrate with a leadframe and a molding compound. The molding compound fills internal spaces in the leadframe and forms a dam structure. An optical emitter and an optical receiver are placed on the substrate. An optically transmissive medium is formed between the optical emitter and optical receiver.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Yoon Hwa Choi, Yong Suk Kwon, Maria Clemens Y. Quinones
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Publication number: 20100006783Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light emitting diode display device which can prevent a drive switching device from degrading.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Yong-Il Kwon, Kyoung-Don Woo, Jae Do Lee
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Publication number: 20100007945Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device operating within a wavelength range centred on a reference wavelength (?0) and delivering an output signal, characterized in that it comprises a photonic crystal structure having a semiconductor substrate and at least one layer of semiconductor material having, at least locally, an array of features arranged so as to form a resonant optical cavity, said material of the semiconductor layer being a gallium/indium/phosphorus alloy not exhibiting two-photon absorption within the operating wavelength range of said device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: ThalesInventors: Sylvain Combrie, Alfredo De Rossi
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Publication number: 20100006784Abstract: Methods and systems for a light source assembly supporting direct coupling to a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The assembly may include a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, reciprocal and/or non-reciprocal polarization rotators, and an optical bench. The laser may generate an optical signal that may be focused utilizing the microlens. The optical signal may be reflected at an angle defined by the turning mirror, and may be transmitted out of the light source assembly to one or more grating couplers in the chip. The laser may include a feedback insensitive laser. The light source assembly may include two electro-thermal interfaces between the optical bench, the laser, and a lid affixed to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in a lid affixed to the optical bench or may be integrated in the optical bench.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Michael Mack, Mark Peterson, Steffen Gloeckner, Adithyaram Narasimha, Roger Koumans, Peter De Dobbelaere
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Patent number: 7642502Abstract: A LED is provided to emit a light signal corresponding to an input signal. A PD receives the light signal, and generates a photovoltaic output. A MOSFET receives the photovoltaic output. A FET is provided. A first electrode of the FET is connected to the gate of the MOSFET. A second electrode of the FET is connected to a cathode of the PD through a resistor. A control electrode of the FET is connected to the cathode of the PD. A transistor is provided. A first electrode of the transistor is connected to the gate of the MOSFET. A second electrode of the transistor is connected to the source of the MOSFET. A control electrode of the transistor is connected to the second electrode of the FET. A diode is connected between the second electrode of the FET and the second electrode of the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Naoya Tajiri
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Patent number: 7642494Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes: a light emitting device with one terminal connected to a power supply terminal; a voltage detector connected between the power supply terminal and a ground terminal; a driver circuit unit connected between an input terminal receiving a signal as input and the ground terminal; a first switch connected between another terminal of the light emitting device and the driver circuit unit; a second switch connected between the input terminal and the other terminal of the light emitting device; and a switch controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Masaru Numano
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Patent number: 7635852Abstract: A device unit 46 is constituted by including a lead frame 50 on which a light-emitting mold portion 48 and a light-receiving mold portion 49 are mounted. Moreover, an exterior casing for housing the device unit 46 is constituted of two parts dividable into an upper casing 45 and a lower casing 47. Thus, by holding the device unit 46 by the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47, external connection terminals 43 constructed of one end portion of the lead frame 50 can be fixed to the exterior casing and positioned in a connector portion 42. Therefore, by reducing the parts count to three and allowing the device unit 46 to be fixed to the exterior casing by a fixed fitting mechanism of the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47 without performing welding, soldering, thermal caulking or the like, the assembling becomes easy.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehisa Ishihara
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Patent number: 7629600Abstract: Data is to be exchanged between a rotating element and a further element, with the rotating element being rotated by way of a hollow shaft. Light is coupled into torus halves and is reflected into a torus half and onto torus inner walls so often by way of a small opening until it exits at an opening of the other torus half. In a first embodiment, a torus-shaped optical fiber is divided into two torus halves. In another embodiment, hollow tori are used, which are filled with a fluid, namely either with a liquid or with air.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joachim Denk, Hubert Schierling
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Patent number: 7622698Abstract: A reflective sensor is disclosed which prevents divergent light from a light source from being totally reflected by an interface between the package and the outside thereof and entering a light-receiving element without using a light-shield means and which allows an improved S/N ratio and reduced variations in performance. The reflective sensor includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element which are provided on a surface, and a light-transmissive member which covers the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The light-receiving element includes a light-receiving region which is spaced from the light-emitting element along the surface, and which light-receiving region is closer to the light-emitting element than an area on the surface that would be illuminated by unimpeded light rays which are totally reflected by an interface between the light-transmissive member and the outside thereof and are directed toward the light-receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiko Igaki, Akio Atsuta
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Patent number: 7619205Abstract: A photo sensor of the invention includes a photo coupler having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged and disposed to be spaced from each other by a specified interval, and a prism capable of being coupled to the photo coupler, having an optical path to guide a light from the light emitting element to the light receiving element, and provided with a slit in the optical path, through which an object to be detected can pass, plural prisms different in width of the slit are provided, and the plural prisms and the photo couplers are combined to enable detection of objects to be detected which are different in detection distance. The photo sensor can be used for an image forming apparatus or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinya Mori, Kazushige Morihara
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Patent number: 7598511Abstract: An energy saving driving circuit and method is provided for use with a solid state relay (SSR). The circuit and method reduce the overall energy required to drive a solid state relay by maintaining the SSR in an “on” state with a minimal maintenance or holding current after applying a turn-n current. The driving circuit includes a control circuit configured for outputting a control signal; a turn-on circuit configured for providing an output current at a first current level for a first time period in response to the control signal; and a holding circuit configured for maintaining said output current at a second reduced current level for a second time period. The maintenance or holding current is reduced in respect of that of a conventional driving current, and in some cases may be an order of magnitude or more less in magnitude than a conventional driving currents thereby resulting in less energy consumed by the SSR.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Wang Youfa
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Patent number: 7598510Abstract: A serial interface connecting circuit includes a first IC (10) with a signal transmitting and a signal receiving terminal, a second IC (20) with a signal transmitting and a signal receiving terminal, and a connecting circuit (30) coupled between the first IC (10) and the second IC (20). The connecting circuit (30) includes a first photocoupler (16) having a first luminous element and a first optical receiving block, an anode of the first luminous element is coupled to a first power source (Vcc), a cathode of the first luminous element is coupled to the signal transmitting terminal of the first IC (10), a collector of the first optical receiving block is coupled to a second power source (Vdd) and the signal receiving terminal of the second IC (20), and an emitter of the first optical receiving block is coupled to ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Heng-Chen Kuo
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Patent number: 7589338Abstract: An optocoupler package is disclosed. The package includes a substrate comprising a substrate surface, a first device, and a clip structure attached to the first device. The clip structure and the first device are mounted on the substrate, and the first device is oriented at an angle with respect to the substrate surface. A second device is mounted on the substrate, where the first device is capable of communicating with the second device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Yong Liu, Zhengyu Zhu, Zhongfa Yuan
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Publication number: 20090224186Abstract: An electrical control circuit detects a sensed value on a load and outputs an analog sensor signal. The analog sensor signal is passed through a plurality of isolation couplers which isolate a controller from a load. The plurality of isolation couplers are arranged such that the scaling factor of the first isolation coupler will cancel the scaling factor of the second isolation coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: Mohamad A. Khalil
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Patent number: 7582887Abstract: Current transfer ratio temperature variation of an optocoupler is compensated by generation and summing of an optically generated current with a temperature dependent multiple of the optically generated current at the detector of the optocoupler.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventor: Eugene C. Lee
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Patent number: 7576345Abstract: The semiconductor relay comprises: an insulated type DC/DC power supply 10 having the input terminal and the output terminal insulated from each other; a pulse transformer 20 having the input terminal and the output terminal insulated from each other; an analog switch 30 which turns on and off the circuit in accordance with a state of an input signal; and a MOSFET circuit 40 which turns on and off a high voltage to a load 50. When a pulse signal is outputted from a pulse signal source 28, the pulse signal is outputted from the pulse transformer 20, and a state of the analog switch 30 is switched, a supply voltage is outputted from the output terminal of the analog switch 30, both the MOSFETs 42, 44 of the MOSFET circuit conduct, and a high AC voltage is applied to a load 50 from an AC power supply 52.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Advantest Corp.Inventors: Shinya Sato, legal representative, Tadaaki Sato, Nobuhiro Sato
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Patent number: 7564030Abstract: The presently described embodiments comprise a system that includes a color changing medium, an erasing device using heat or long wavelength infrared light as the erasing source, a writing device that can imagewise apply a UV light to write the image on the media, and a transport to transport the media along a paper path to be seen by the erasing device and the writing device. The system could also function in an alternative way. The image could be “erased” to the all dark state using light (e.g. ultraviolet light) and then heated or illuminated using, for example, infrared light in imagewise fashion to produce the image.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignees: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Xerox CorporationInventors: Eric J. Shrader, Gabriel Iftime, Peter M. Kazmaier
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Patent number: 7554076Abstract: An optical sensor system and method includes a plurality of optical transceiver modules arranged across the surface of the optical sensor in a predetermined pattern. A given optical transceiver module includes an optical transmitter that produces at least one light beam and an optical receiver that detects reflected light from the at least one light beam. The optical transceiver module further includes housing for housing the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Yaujen Wang, Brendan J. D. Irwin, Raj K. Shori
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Publication number: 20090152478Abstract: Data is to be exchanged between a rotating element and a further element, with the rotating element being rotated by way of a hollow shaft. Light is coupled into torus halves and is reflected into a torus half and onto torus inner walls so often by way of a small opening until it exits at an opening of the other torus half. In a first embodiment, a torus-shaped optical fiber is divided into two torus halves. In another embodiment, hollow tori are used, which are filled with a fluid, namely either with a liquid or with air.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Joachim Denk, Hubert Schierling
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Patent number: 7547902Abstract: An optocoupler system includes a buffer, isolation, and a detector. The system includes a current transfer ratio (CTR) with a temperature coefficient. The buffer includes a light source that generates light that passes through the isolation. A detector receives light that passes through the isolation and generates an output signal based on the received light. A current transfer ratio (CTR) temperature coefficient compensation mechanism is provided that generates a base signal with a temperature coefficient that compensates the temperature coefficient of the CTR.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Kah Weng Lee, Bin Zhang
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Patent number: 7548699Abstract: A power supply generates a supply voltage that varies from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. A first current source is coupled to the power supply and generates a current that varies due to channel-length modulation. A channel-length modulation (CLM) compensation mechanism is provided to reduce the current variation of the first current source by compensating the channel-length modulation (CLM) of the first current source.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Kah Weng Lee, Bin Zhang
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Publication number: 20090140179Abstract: An optocoupler package is disclosed. The package includes a substrate comprising a substrate surface, a first device, and a clip structure attached to the first device. The clip structure and the first device are mounted on the substrate, and the first device is oriented at an angle with respect to the substrate surface. A second device is mounted on the substrate, where the first device is capable of communicating with the second device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Yong Liu, Zhengyu Zhu, Zhongfa Yuan
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Publication number: 20090134314Abstract: An energy saving driving circuit and method is provided for use with a solid state relay (SSR). The circuit and method reduce the overall energy required to drive a solid state relay by maintaining the SSR in an “on” state with a minimal maintenance or holding current after applying a turn-n current. The driving circuit includes a control circuit configured for outputting a control signal; a turn-on circuit configured for providing an output current at a first current level for a first time period in response to the control signal; and a holding circuit configured for maintaining said output current at a second reduced current level for a second time period. The maintenance or holding current is reduced in respect of that of a conventional driving current, and in some cases may be an order of magnitude or more less in magnitude than a conventional driving currents thereby resulting in less energy consumed by the SSR.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Wang Youfa
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Patent number: 7528399Abstract: A controlling apparatus for gate driving signal controls a gate of a power unit through a photo coupler includes a processor, a gate-controlling IC electrically connected to the processor and sending a gate driving signal of the processor to the gate, a transistor switch electrically connected to the photo coupler, and an isolation multiple input unit. The isolation multiple input unit has one output end connected to the processor, and connected to the gate-controlling IC through a hardware enable jumper. The transistor switch is controlled by a second control signal to turn off the gate. When hardware enable jumper is removed, the isolation multiple input unit is able to disable the gate-controlling IC for safety concern. When safety is not concern, the hardware enable jumper can be mounted to enable the gate-controlling IC. At this moment, the isolation multiple input unit can provide addition input.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Wen-Cheng Hsieh
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Patent number: 7518098Abstract: The invention is based on a sensor device having at least one transmitter unit situated inside a sensor body, a receiver unit associated with the transmitter unit and situated inside the sensor body, and an end face that is situated between the transmitter unit and receiver unit and constitutes a boundary surface of the sensor body. According to a first aspect of the invention, it is possible to achieve a compact embodiment with low requirements for assembly-related production tolerances if the transmitter unit and/or the receiver unit is/are comprised of an injection molded part with an incorporated radiation transmitter and/or radiation receiver. According to another aspect of the invention, a radiation transmitted from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit essentially travels in a beam path outside the sensor body. The invention also relates to a use of a sensor device and a vehicle light.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Odelo GmbHInventor: Bernd Mack
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Publication number: 20090079612Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise transmitting a recovered analog input signal to a programmable logic controller. The recovered analog input signal can be converted, on a downstream side of an isolation device, from a converted signal. The recovered analog input signal can have a voltage value that varies according to a frequency value of the converted signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Steven Perry Parfitt
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Publication number: 20090072749Abstract: An image intensifier such as a night vision goggle includes a tube module and a power supply module. The image quality may be characterized by a figure known as the “Figure of Merit” (FOM), which is an arithmetic product of screen resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Both resolution and SNR are affected by the voltage supplied by the power supply module. By providing a power supply module with an adjustable voltage, the FOM may be varied. The adjustment mechanism may then be rendered tamper resistant, thereby enabling the FOM to be permanently reduced for devices intended for export.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Michael R. Saldana
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Publication number: 20090073626Abstract: A photocoupler includes a light emitting device, a drive circuit; a clamp circuit and a light receiving section. For an input voltage to the input terminal being within a range between a first voltage and a second voltage, the photocoupler is allowed to enter an operation mode in which the drive circuit, in response to the digital signal inputted thereto, drives the light emitting device to convert the digital signal to the optical signal, and the electrical signal is externally outputted from the light receiving section. For an input voltage to the input terminal being outside the range between the first voltage and the second voltage, the photocoupler is allowed to enter an inspection mode in which the drive circuit stops driving the light emitting device, the first transistor of the clamp circuit is turned on, and a current generally equal or proportional to a clamp current of the clamp circuit is supplied to the light emitting device so that characteristics of the light emitting device can be measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Hisami Saitou
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Patent number: 7498552Abstract: An electronic microwave circuit with GaAs field-effect transistors, which are integrated onto a semiconductor substrate, for switching high frequency electrical input signals has at least one light source for illuminating the GaAs field-effect transistors. The intensity of the light source and/or the color of the light source are changeable during operation. A calibrating device calibrates the intensity and/or color of the light source using a method according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Wilhelm Kraemer
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Patent number: 7488964Abstract: In structures of the typical conventional photo couplers, an unwanted rotation or a dislocation during the manufacturing thereof is occurred during the manufacture of the couplers. The photo coupler according to the embodiment includes a lead frame (first lead frame), a lead frame (second lead frame) having an end section bent toward the lead frame, a light emitting element (first optical device) fixed to the lead frame, a light receiving element (second optical device) fixed to the lead frame so as to face the light emitting element, and an electrically insulating film, provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and including an end section having protruding and contracting sections in plan view. An end section of the lead frame has protruding and contracting sections in plan view. Further, the end section of the electrically insulating film fits in the end section of the lead frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Kanako Horino
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Publication number: 20090014669Abstract: The semiconductor relay comprises: an insulated type DC/DC power supply 10 having the input terminal and the output terminal insulated from each other; a pulse transformer 20 having the input terminal and the output terminal insulated from each other; an analog switch 30 which turns on and off the circuit in accordance with a state of an input signal; and a MOSFET circuit 40 which turns on and off a high voltage to a load 50. When a pulse signal is outputted from a pulse signal source 28, the pulse signal is outputted from the pulse transformer 20, and a state of the analog switch 30 is switched, a supply voltage is outputted from the output terminal of the analog switch 30, both the MOSFETs 42, 44 of the MOSFET circuit conduct, and a high AC voltage is applied to a load 50 from an AC power supply 52.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Nobuhiro Sato, Shinya Sato, Tadaaki Sato
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Patent number: 7476890Abstract: A photocoupler includes a LED for emitting light in accordance with an input electrical signal, a driver for supplying an electrical signal to the LED, a light receiver placed face to face with the LED and having a photodiode for receiving light emitted by the LED, and a half mirror placed between the LED and the photodiode, for changing the direction of light emitted by the LED. The photocoupler controls the current to be supplied to the LED in accordance with the reflected light by the half mirror to uniformize the light emission intensity of the LED.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Motoharu Kishi
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Patent number: 7476891Abstract: This invention relates to fault detection in electrical circuits. The invention provides an input module for electrically isolating an input signal received via a field sensor to be transmitted to a plurality of processors, in which the input module comprises a plurality of optical coupler/controller circuits; and each optical coupler/controller comprises a light emitting diode drive sub-circuit driving a light emitting diode; and an input sub-circuit; and in which a sensor voltage representing said input signal and a supply voltage are connected to each input sub-circuit; and each of said light emitting diode drive sub-circuits are connected in series between the supply voltage and ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: ICS Triplex Technology, Ltd.Inventor: Thomas Bruce Meagher
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Patent number: 7474681Abstract: An alternating current light emitting device and the fabrication method includes forming one or more alternating current micro diode light emitting modules on a substrate, wherein the alternating current micro diode light emitting module has two micro diodes connected to one another, and each micro diode has at least two active layers and is electrically connected by a conductive structure, such that the active layers of each micro diode can take turns emitting light during the positive/negative half cycles of alternating current. A continuous and full-scale light emitting effect is thereby achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ming-Te Lin, Hsi-Hsuan Yen, Wen-Yung Yeh, Ming-Yao Lin, Sheng-Pan Huang
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Patent number: 7468895Abstract: A switched mode power supply (SMPS) is disclosed. The switched mode power supply (SMPS) includes a controller sub-circuit that generates an output signal that drives a switch. The controller sub-circuit generates a bias voltage without using a bias regulator for a sub-circuit of the switched mode power supply that is different from the controller sub-circuit when the controller sub-circuit is coupled to the sub-circuit of the switched mode power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Wayne Rewinkel
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Publication number: 20080302982Abstract: In general, in a first aspect, the invention features an article that includes a plurality of spaced apart ridges extending along a first direction, adjacent ridges being spaced with a period of ? or less, each ridge comprising a plurality of layers where adjacent layers have different refractive indexes at a first wavelength ?1 and a second wavelength ?2, where ?1 and ?2 are different, ?<??1, and ?<?2. The ridges are configured so that for radiation at ?1 and ?2 incident on the grating, the grating substantially blocks the radiation at ?1 having a first polarization state, substantially transmits the radiation at ?2 having the first polarization state, and substantially transmits the radiation at ?1 and ?2 having a second polarization state, where the first and second polarization states are orthogonal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: API Nanofabrication and Research Corp.Inventors: Jian Wang, Qihong Wu, Paul Sciortino, JR., Feng Liu
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Publication number: 20080296520Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an optical coupling may include a supporting member which has a first surface, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an opening portion, and which is formed of an insulating material, a first wiring layer provided on the first surface of the supporting member, a second wiring layer provided on the second surface of the supporting member, a light emitting element which is provided on the first surface, and which is connected to the first wiring layer, and at least one portion of which faces the opening portion, a light receiving element which is provided on the second surface, and which is connected to the second wiring layer, and which faces the light emitting element through the opening portion, a light shielding resin provided so as to cover the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Yoshio Noguchi
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Patent number: 7459711Abstract: A light emitting element and a light receiving element are mounted on the upper surface of an insulating substrate to be laterally aligned. A cap including a first hollow portion accommodating the light emitting element, a second hollow portion accommodating the light receiving element, and a connecting portion connecting the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion to each other is provided. The connecting portion is formed with a groove in which an object to be detected is to be placed. The light emitted from the light emitting element passes across the groove to reach the light receiving element. A sealing member made of transparent resin is provided in the first hollow portion to seal the light emitting element. Another sealing member made of transparent resin is provided in the second hollow portion to seal the light receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuaki Suzuki