Abstract: A power supply may comprise a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller; a synchronous rectifier having a forward metal oxide field effect transistor (MOSFET) and a catch MOSFET; a forward gate driver; a catch gate driver; and the PWM controller connected so that a low output of the PWM controller facilitates operation of the catch MOSFET and so that the low output precludes operation of the forward MOSFET. The power supply may include a self powered synchronous rectifier that may be constructed with delay times that are independent of lot-to-lot and temperature-related timing variations of MOSFETS.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first half cell comprising a circuit with two or more voltage variable capacitors (VVCs) configured in anti-series in which one or more of the two or more VVCs with the same bias voltage orientation as a signal voltage associated with the apparatus assume one capacitance and one or more of the two or more VVCs with the opposite bias voltage orientation as the signal voltage assume another capacitance, and a second half cell connected in parallel to the first half cell, comprising a circuit with two or more VVCs configured in anti series in which one or more of the two or more VVCs with the same bias voltage orientation as a signal voltage associated with the apparatus assume the same values as the anti-oriented VVCs in the first half cell and a one or more VVCs with the opposite bias voltage orientation as a signal voltage assume the same values as the like oriented VVCs in the first half cell.

Abstract: A DC blocking capacitor and a resistor are coupled in series, and coupled in parallel with an electricity storing section. An ON/OFF circuit and a peak voltage holding circuit are coupled in parallel with the resistor. A current sensing section is coupled in series with the storing section, with its output supplied to the peak current holding circuit. Current from a positive to a negative electrode of the storing section is referred to as a positive direction. The ON/OFF circuit is turned on when the current flows in a negative direction, and is turned off when the current flows in the positive direction. An internal resistor of the storing section is found based on a peak voltage and a peak current resulting from the control and held by the respective circuits. A degree of degradation of the electricity storing section is determined with this internal resistor.

Abstract: A charge-pump capacitive DC-DC converter (200) is disclosed, which includes a reconfigurable charge-pump capacitor array. The DC-DC converter is configured to provide a continuously variable ratio between its input voltage (Vin) and its output voltage (Vout), by means of at least one of the at least one charge-pump capacitors (C21, C22) forming the reconfigurable array being a variable capacitor. In the embodiments, the one or more variable capacitors (C21, C22) may be a ferroelectric capacitor, an anti-ferroelectric capacitor, or other ferrioc capacitor. The DC-DC converter (200) may provide a bias circuit to the capacitor or capacitors, and may further provide a control loop (220, 230). Alternatively, the capacitor may provide a degree of self-control.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a capacitor includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first dielectric portion. The substrate includes an insulating layer and a semiconductor layer provided on the insulating layer. The semiconductor layer includes a dummy active region electrically isolated from an active region including an active element. The first electrode and the second electrode are located to oppose each other above the dummy active region. The first dielectric portion is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure may include, for example, a tunable capacitor having a decoder for generating a plurality of control signals, and an array of tunable switched capacitors comprising a plurality of fixed capacitors coupled to a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches can be controlled by the plurality of control signals to manage a tunable range of reactance of the array of tunable switched capacitors. Additionally, the array of tunable switched capacitors is adapted to have non-uniform quality (Q) factors. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for balancing voltages of capacitors in an electronic circuit are provided. The device includes a chopper circuit having a chopper inductor. Further, the chopper circuit may detect voltages across capacitors as well as an output current of the electronic circuit. In addition, the device may include a chopper control unit receiving the output current then generating a signal representing charging of the chopper inductor based on the output current. Also, the chopper control unit may receive the voltages across the capacitors and detect an imbalance between the voltages based on a polarity of the output current. Additionally, the chopper control unit may transfer of charge between the two capacitors, using the chopper inductor. Further, the chopper inductor is substantially discharged, during the transfer of charge between the capacitors.

Abstract: An impedance balancer for power cell balancing using changes in impedance is provided. The apparatus may include a rail capacitor that is switchably connected to a first capacitor and switchably connected to a second capacitor. The first capacitor may also be switchably connected to a first power cell and the second capacitor may also switchably connected to a second power cell. Via controllable switches, the first and second capacitors may shuttle energy between the power cells through the rail capacitor. Additional and related methods and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A technique for preventing power interruptions and extending backup power life is provided. The technique automatically prevents power interruptions in a line between a power source and a load. The technique can also extend the operating life of the power source. In one embodiment, a circuit for preventing power interruptions is provided. The circuit may include at least one arrays of capacitors, with the capacitors being arranged in parallel within an array, at least one switching elements configured to couple the at least one array of capacitors to a load, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one switching element. The controller is configured to selectively drive the at least one switching element based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus or system may include multiple power extractors each coupled to a different power source. The power extractors may be in parallel or in series. The extractors and power supplies may be joined together in a frame. A power source and power extractor may be included in an integrated circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An energy storage device that includes capacitor cells of a first type having a first internal resistance and capacitor cells of a second type having a second internal resistance which is higher than the first internal resistance. Further, there is a detection unit that detects a voltage value between two opposing ends of at least one of the capacitor cells, or a voltage detection switching unit that integrates a switch arranged between two opposing ends of at least one of the capacitor cells.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first switch coupled to a first voltage reference and a second switch coupled to a second voltage reference. A third switch is coupled to a first terminal of a first capacitor and a first terminal of a second capacitor. A fourth switch is coupled to a second terminal of the first capacitor and the first terminal of the second capacitor. A fifth switch is coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor and a first terminal of a third capacitor. A sixth switch is coupled to the first terminal of the first capacitor and the first terminal of the third capacitor. The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are controlled to maintain a first voltage level at a first output and a second voltage level at a second output.

Abstract: A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.

Abstract: A switched capacitor circuit includes a threshold detector to generate a threshold detection signal when a difference between first and second input signals crosses a predetermined level. A variable current source produces a varying amount of current in response to the difference between the input signals. A voltage measurement means produce a measurement signal in response to the difference between the input signals. A correction means produces a correction signal in response to the measurement signal to produce an optimum coarse phase overshoot. A timing comparison means produces a timing signal in response to the difference between the input signals. A correction means produces a correction signal in response to the timing signal to produce an optimum coarse phase overshoot.

Abstract: A load device has tunable capacitive units including at least a first tunable capacitive unit and a second tunable capacitive unit with different inherent capacitive characteristics, respectively. Each of the first tunable capacitive unit and the second tunable capacitive unit has a first node and a second node, where the first nodes of the first tunable capacitive unit and the second tunable capacitive unit are coupled to a first voltage, the second node of the first tunable capacitive unit is coupled to a second voltage, and the second node of the second tunable capacitive unit is coupled to a third voltage.

Abstract: A tunable capacitor device may be provided in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. The tunable capacitor device may include a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a third capacitor, where the first, second, and third capacitors are connected in series, wherein the second capacitor is positioned between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and at least one switch transistor, where the at least one switch transistor is connected in parallel with the second capacitor.

Abstract: A power supply structure of printer has a power supply circuit outputting regular power for printing, and an auxiliary charging circuit having a plurality of farad grade super capacitors collaborated with a voltage-stabilized charging loop to supply power with high transient power and to maintain normal operation of the printer. Given the power structure, the power supply circuit is simplified to reduce the building cost thereof, and the energy waste in operation is effectively lowered, so as to sufficiently provide high transient power and deliver better printing result.

Abstract: A grounding system for a semiconductor module of a variable speed drive includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer; a substrate disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and a base attached to the second conductive layer, the base being connected to earth ground via a grounding harness. The first conductive layer is in electrical contact with the semiconductor module and the substrate, and electrically insulated from the second conductive layer by the substrate. The second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the substrate and disposed between the substrate and the base in electrical communication with an earth ground. The first conductive layer, the substrate and the second conductive layer form a capacitance path between the semiconductor module and the base as well as electrical conductors and the base for reduction circulating currents within the semiconductor module.

Abstract: A switched capacitor includes a capacitor and a switch. The capacitor is coupled between a p-node and an n-node and includes interleaved p-fingers and n-fingers. A number of the p-fingers is greater than a number of the n-fingers. The switch is coupled between the n-node and ground.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device includes a pump motor that is driven by electrical energy from a storage capacitor. At the end of each pump delivery cycle, electrical energy stored in the pump motor is recovered and returned to the storage capacitor, so that it can be used in subsequent delivery cycles.

Abstract: A downhole measurement assembly comprising a metal casing housing a plurality of tool sections, one of which includes a detector sensitive to a magnetic field, and a DC power supply for said tool sections, the power supply and the tool sections being electrically connected to the casing, characterised in that the power supply is connected to at least one tool section via a switching circuit and a conductor arrangement, the switching circuit comprising a capacitor, a plurality of switches and control means operative alternately to charge the capacitor from the DC supply and discharge the capacitor through said at least one tool section using the conductor arrangement so as to inhibit the generation of an electromagnetic field in the conductor arrangement between the capacitor and the said at least one tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic regulation device of a variable capacitance of an integrated circuit having a time parameter depending on the variable capacitance. The regulation device includes a regulation loop, and is configured to generate in output a plurality of binary regulation signals.

Abstract: To provide a fast charge means for a capacitor in a negative bias generation circuit. A capacitor is present in a down converter in a negative bias generation circuit. In order to perform fast charge, the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced and a necessary amount of charge is minimized. On the other hand, an external capacitance provided separately from the capacitor in the down converter is coupled directly to a power supply voltage and charged. After the capacitor in the down converter is charged, the external capacitance and the capacitor in the down converter are coupled in parallel. Due to this, it is made possible to aim at both the increase in charge speed and the improvement of resistance to ripple noise.

Abstract: A battery-voltage detection circuit comprising: a first-capacitor; an operational-amplifier; a second-capacitor; a voltage-application-circuit to sequentially apply one and the other-battery-terminal-voltages to the other-first-capacitor-end; a discharge circuit to allow the second-capacitor to discharge before the other-battery-terminal-voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a constant current circuit to output a constant-current causing predetermined-speed-discharge of electric charge accumulated in the second-capacitor in response to a discharge-start-signal input after voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a comparator; and a measurement-circuit to measure a time-period from a time when the discharge-start-signal is input until a time when an comparator-output-signal changes to one logic level as a time-period corresponding to a battery-voltage, at least one of the operational-amplifier and the comparator being provided with an offset so that the comparator-output-signal chang

Abstract: A capacitor charging apparatus includes a transformer and an output capacitor charged with current flowing through a secondary coil of the transformer, and charges the output capacitor by performing a switching control of a switching transistor provided on a path leading to a primary coil of the transformer. A switching control unit controls on and off of the switching transistor. A voltage detector monitors a voltage at a tap provided in the secondary coil of the transformer. The switching control unit regards the voltage detected by the voltage detector as an output voltage of the capacitor charging apparatus, and controls the on and off of the switching transistor.

Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a first variable capacitance circuit receiving a first voltage, at least one selectable capacitor bank circuit coupled to the first variable capacitance circuit, at least one multiplexer, the at least one multiplexer coupled to at least one selectable capacitor bank circuit and receiving the first voltage and a second voltage, and a capacitor bank selection circuit coupled to the at least one selectable capacitor bank circuit and the multiplexer.

Abstract: High surface area electrodes are described here. The electrodes comprise a conductive substrate and a mesh of nanostructures disposed on the conductive substrate. The nanostructures are coated with conductive or semiconducting nanoparticles to form a high surface area electrode. Methods for making high surface area electrodes are also provided. Further, energy storage devices incorporating the high surface area electrodes are described. Related systems incorporating energy storage devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, such as a pump capacitor or an energy storing inductor, is charged by coupling it to a voltage source. Thereafter, the device is connected in parallel to one of the capacitors or capacitance cells to be charged, and the charging of the device and successive connections of it in parallel to a selected capacitor of the series of capacitors for charging it are replicated for all the capacitors of the series. The sequence of different connections of the device to the charge voltage source and to the selected one of the capacitors of the series is actuated through a plurality of coordinately controlled switches that establish distinct current circulation paths, according to a switched-capacitor or switched inductor techniques driven by respective periodic control signals that may be generated from a master clock signal.

Abstract: A circuit installation that executes full voltage activation, division voltage operation, and delayed breaking brake to electric load by increasing the power to the load activated to promote its activation performance or reducing operation power in the course of operation by the load to save power consumption or limit operation performance of the load.

Abstract: A circuit to discharge a capacitance between input terminals of a power system is disclosed. An example circuit includes a control circuit coupled to an input of a power system. The control circuit is coupled to detect whether an electrical energy source is coupled to an input of the power system. A switch is also included and is coupled to the control circuit and to the input of the power system. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a first operating mode when the electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power system. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input of the power system. A capacitance coupled between input terminals of the input of the power system is discharged through the switch to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time from when the electrical power source is uncoupled from the input terminals of the power system.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to direct sufficient microwave energy at a target with an electronic device which is to be interfered with or to be destroyed, the beams (7) from at least two antenna arrays (10) are focused on an effective area (8) in the vicinity of that target, preferably from a vehicle (3) which is equipped with these arrays (10). For effective super-imposition of the emitted microwave energy (7) in the emission direction of in each case one of the arrays (10), the use of an arc for discharging the capacitance (43) of the resonator via its spark gap (13) is observed, and is recorded quasi-continuously optoelectronically. The electrode separation of the spark gap (13) or the fluid pressure of the dielectric in the vicinity of the spark gap (13) is then varied by control elements such that all of the spark gaps (13) in an array (10) ignite virtually at the same time, so that their discharge current pulses which lead to the emission of the microwave energy (7) start virtually in phase.

Abstract: A method for operating a switching device and a device for use with the method are provided. In at least one embodiment, an energy storage medium provided for EMC considerations, in particular a capacitor, is energized in a controlled fashion through short-term activation of a switching element even after the respective connected user is turned off, the energy storage medium being thereby discharged.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a switched-capacitor circuit to reduce input and feedback dependence and/or reduce reference modulation. A switched-capacitor circuit can be operated in four phases. In a first phase at a start of a cycle, the capacitor is charged/discharged by a common mode signal to mask any residual charge stored in the capacitor from a previous cycle. In a second phase, the capacitor is charged with an input signal. During a third phase, the capacitor is charged with a wide-bandwidth auxiliary reference signal, and during a fourth phase the capacitor is charged with a reference signal. During the third and fourth phases, the capacitor may be coupled to an integrating to circuit to integrate a difference between the input signal and the reference signal.

Abstract: An electronic circuit comprising a circuit module, a capacitor connected to the circuit module and a shutdown line providing a shutdown signal to the circuit module for suspending the circuit module. The electronic circuit further comprises a switching module for switching the capacitor such as to reduce discharging of the capacitor, depending on the shutdown signal. Particularly, the switching module disconnects the capacitor from ground. Disconnection takes effect when the circuit module is suspended or in power down mode because of the shutdown signal being provided.

Abstract: A capacitor array circuit receives a plurality of input signals, generate a single output signal by combining the plurality of input signals, and output the single output signal. A comparator receives the output signal of the capacitor array circuit. A current source, which is disposed between a predetermined fixed voltage source and an output terminal of the switched-capacitor circuit, supplies the current to the output terminal until the output signal of the comparator changes. A plurality of input capacitors in the capacitor array circuit receives a plurality of input signals in parallel with each other. At least one additional regulating capacitor in the capacitor array circuit store the charge to compensate for an offset component caused by the delay in the comparator. The respective output terminals of the plurality of input capacitors and the at least one additional regulating capacitor are combined into one.

Abstract: A discharging device capable of realizing a proper PWM drive by accurately reflecting, as a strobe device, the secondary-side condition of a separately-excited strobe charging circuit being charged. A charging device which charges a main capacitor (2) via a separately-excited DC/DC converter and discharges the energy of the main capacitor, wherein a pulse width control circuit (1) for controlling a conduction pulse width on the primary side of the separately-excited DC/DC converter is provided, and this pulse width control circuit is configured such that a PWM soft start drive is performed that expands a conduction pulse width on the primary side of the separately-excited DC/DC converter stepwise up to a maximum pulse width.

Abstract: In a switching power supply apparatus, an input voltage Vin applied to an input terminal is output from a first output terminal and a second output terminal after boosting or inverting of the voltage Vin. When a first and a fourth switches are turned on, a flying capacitor is charged. When a second and a fifth switches are turned on, charges charged in the flying capacitor are transferred to a first output capacitor. When a third and a fifth switches are turned on, charges charged in the flying capacitor are transferred to a second output capacitor. A voltage Vin×2 double the input voltage Vin is output from the first output terminal as a first output voltage Vout1, and a voltage ?Vin obtained by inverting the input voltage is output from the second output terminal as a second output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a decoupling capacitor circuit that is configured to determine whether a decoupling capacitor is defective. Upon determining that the decoupling capacitor is defective, the decoupling capacitor circuit may disconnect the decoupling capacitor from both, a positive segment and a negative segment of a power grid. In some embodiments, the decoupling capacitor circuit may be configured to reconnect the decoupling capacitor to the power grid upon receiving a reset signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to a bursty or highly dynamic load. The apparatus includes a first circuit for supplying charge to the load at a first voltage, and a second circuit for replenishing the charge depleted from the first circuit, wherein the second circuit is charged at a second voltage greater than the first voltage in order to achieve a defined rate of charge replenishment. The apparatus may include a feedback network for controlling the voltage applied to the load in response to process and temperature variations. The feedback network may regulate the charge capacity of the second circuit, the resistance between the first and second circuits, the duration of the charge replenishment, or the second voltage in which the second circuit is charged.

Abstract: A filter circuit according to the present invention includes a voltage-current conversion unit that converts a voltage signal input to an input end to a current signal, a capacitor group that is made up of a plurality of capacitors, where the current signal output from the voltage-current conversion unit is sequentially input to each capacitor at every cycle, a first switch that connects a set of capacitors to which the current signal is input with each other and adds charges accumulated in the set of capacitors together, and a second switch that connects at least one capacitor of the set of capacitors to an output end after charges are added by the first switch.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes a plurality of capacitors and corresponding first switch elements, the capacitors coupled in series and arranged to each charge to a voltage level during a first clock period, the voltage level determined by a supply voltage level, the number of capacitors and a value of each capacitor; and a plurality of second switch elements configured to cause the plurality of capacitors to be connected in parallel and to discharge into an output capacitor during a second clock period, the output capacitor charged to a discrete voltage output level so that the output capacitor provides the discrete voltage output level, wherein the discrete voltage output level is less than the supply voltage level and wherein the discrete voltage output level is used to develop a bias signal that is supplied to a power amplifier element.

Abstract: High-temperature, multiple-layer polymer (MLP) capacitors with a stacked electrode arrangement are disclosed. The capacitor electrodes are separated by a polymer dielectric that is stable at high temperatures. In some embodiments, the polymer dielectric also has a high permittivity and is filled with high-permittivity nanoparticles, which enables the capacitor to achieve a very high capacitance density.

Abstract: The production and emission of high-energy microwave pulses are made possible by means of a device with a particularly compact design if the capacitor column (12-12) of the Marx generator (11) whose series circuit conventionally itself feeds a microwave generator with a matched antenna geometry, is now itself used—dispensing with the microwave generator and its antenna—directly as a resonator and Hertzian antenna dipole (24). Its oscillation response can be optimized by triggered spark gaps (14) for the switching of capacitors (12), and by means of plates (19) connected at the ends, in order to increase the stray capacitances.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a series capacitor bank are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a capacitor protection circuit. The capacitor protection circuit may include a capacitor bank, a pilot circuit and a main commutation gap. The pilot circuit and the main commutation gap may be provided in parallel electrical communication with the capacitor bank. Additionally, one or more plasma injectors may be provided in series electrical communication with the pilot circuit. The plasma injectors may be operable to provide partially or completely ionized plasma across the main commutation gap to make conductive the main commutation gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially reducing the electrical energy consumption of a.c. induction motor-driven appliances by connecting a database predetermined capacitance in parallel with the motor-driven appliances and connecting a database predetermined inductance in series with the a.c. induction motor-driven appliances to effect the optimal power factor correction and optimal inrush current limiting of such motor-driven appliances thereby conserving electrical energy and reducing electrical energy costs. The databases of the present invention which specify the optimal power factor correction capacitance value and an optimal inductance value for specific a.c. induction motor-driven appliances eliminates the need for preliminary power factor and inrush current related electrical measurements and making the mass production and sale of the present invention practical.

Abstract: Electric storage device is provided which is capable of smoothly charging storage elements and reliably detecting an overvoltage of each of the storage elements. Electric storage device includes charging/discharging limiting circuit. Charging/discharging limiting circuit includes charge element, discharge, control unit, charging current detection unit, voltage detection unit, valuable reference voltage source, and voltage comparison unit. A magnitude of valuable reference voltage source that is connected to an input terminal on a first side of voltage comparison unit is adjusted by charging current detection unit. Detection signal from the voltage detection unit is given to an input terminal on a second side of voltage comparison unit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising at least one anti-parallel pair VVC network comprised of two parallel VVCs with one biased in the opposite polarity of the other and at least one anti-series VVC network comprised of two VVCs configured in series, one biased in the opposite polarity of the other such that the resulting AC capacitive variations produce a desired capacitance variation.

Abstract: Energy stored in bypass capacitors in a portable device may be conserved when a power supply voltage is collapsed reducing the need to recharge the bypass capacitors and thereby saving power. A bypass charge saving circuit includes a bypass capacitor, a power source having an output supply voltage that is switchable, a load circuit of the portable device coupled to the output supply voltage, and the bypass capacitor operable to filter the output supply voltage. Also, a transistor switch is operable to decouple a discharge path of the bypass capacitor through the load circuit when the transistor switch is disabled. Further, a controller is operable to turn off the output supply voltage and the transistor switch in order to conserve energy stored in the bypass capacitor.

Abstract: An insulating resin layer (30) is formed on a metal substrate (20), and a wiring is formed on the insulating resin layer (30). A circuit composed of a circuit element (50) and a passive element (60) is formed on the wiring (40), and the metal substrate (20) is covered with an over coat (80) and a sealing resin member (90). The insulating resin layer (30) is provided with an opening (31) so that a part of the metal substrate (20) is exposed therefrom. The exposed part of the metal substrate (20) is connected to one terminal of a capacitor (62) through a conductive wire (42), and the other terminal of the capacitor (62) is connected to the ground potential.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently charging and discharging a capacitive load from a single voltage source. The system includes a first switch for selectively connecting the voltage source to the load and a second switch for selectively providing a short across the load as may be common in the art. A particularly novel aspect of the invention resides in the provision of plural capacitive elements and a switching mechanism for selectively connecting each of the capacitive elements to the load whereby the load is gradually charged or discharged. In the illustrative embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a set of switches for selectively connecting each of the capacitive elements to the capacitive load and a switch control mechanism for selectively activating the switches.