Abstract: An electrical power converter unit (2) includes: a first connection interface (10) comprising two leads (12, 14) forming a DC input/output interface for connecting a first electrical device to the power converter unit, a three-phase rectifier power converter circuit (16) and a second connection interface (30) for connecting a second electrical device to the power converter unit. The second connection interface includes a switching unit (46) adapted to switch between:—a DC input/output mode, in which first, second and third arms of the power converter circuit (16) are electrically connected together, forming one DC input/output; and—an AC input/output mode, in which the arms are disconnected from each other, forming separate input/outputs for a three-phase AC voltage.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an input circuit comprising: a pull-up resistor having one end thereof connected to an input terminal; a switch unit for establishing/blocking a connection between the other end of the pull-up resistor and a battery; and a dark current reduction unit connected between the other end of the pull-up resistor and the switch unit, and enabling different current paths to be formed in a normal mode and in a low power mode. The dark current reduction unit enables a current path in the low power mode to have a higher resistance than a current path in the normal mode.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a switching circuit including a transistor and a bias circuit. The transistor may transition between an off state and an on state responsive to a control signal received at a control terminal. The bias circuit may be coupled between the control terminal and a gate terminal of the transistor. The bias circuit may include a gate resistor coupled between the gate terminal and the control terminal. The bias circuit may further include one or more diodes coupled in parallel with the gate resistor between the gate terminal and the control terminal to allow leakage current to pass from the gate terminal through the one or more diodes. In some embodiments, the bias circuit may include a switch coupled with the one or more diodes to selectively couple the one or more diodes in parallel with the gate resistor when the transistor is off.

Abstract: A voltage stabilizing module for multi power source input is compatible with multiple input power sources including DC power source and/or AC power source and comprises a plurality of receiving ends, a power source selection unit and a voltage conversion unit. The receiving ends receive the input power sources. The power source selection unit is coupled with the receiving ends to receive the input power sources and sets at least one of the input power sources as a working power source. The voltage conversion unit receives the working power source and keeps the working power source at a working voltage level to act as a voltage signal outputted to a loading.

Abstract: Embodiments may provide a radiation hardened 10BASE-T Ethernet interface circuit suitable for space flight and in compliance with the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet. The various embodiments may provide a 10BASE-T Ethernet interface circuit, comprising a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a transmitter circuit connected to the FPGA, a receiver circuit connected to the FPGA, and a transformer connected to the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit. In the various embodiments, the FPGA, transmitter circuit, receiver circuit, and transformer may be radiation hardened.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a DC power line. An AC input is coupled with the DC power line. A device is also included and is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules if an AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line, and is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules if no AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line.

Abstract: There is provided an AC/DC two-way switch connected between an AC power source or a DC power source and a load to control a power supply to the load. The AC/DC two-way switch includes: a bi-directional semiconductor switch element having a transistor structure connected in series between a power source and the load; a rectifying unit connected in parallel between the first input terminal and a second input terminal; a power source unit for converting an output voltage from the rectifying unit into a stable voltage; and a controller for controlling an entire operation of the AC/DC two-way switch. The AC/DC two-way switch further includes a driving unit for turning on the bi-directional semiconductor switch element in response to a control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods (“utility”) are provided for reducing the no-load (standby) power of power devices such as chargers for electronic devices and power converters for electronic devices. The utility may include a controllable switch that is operative to decouple circuitry of the power device from a power source under certain no-load conditions. In one embodiment, the utility provides a switch control module that is operative to sense when an electronic device is coupled to the power device, and in response, to control the switch to couple the power device to the power source. The switch control module may also be operative to detect a condition when the electronic device is no longer drawing power from the power device, and in response, to control the switch to decouple the power device from the power source.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.

Abstract: A solid-state alternating current (AC) switch provides for the sequential turn-on of the associated solid-state switches to reduce the generation of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The solid-state AC switch includes at least first and second solid-state switches connected in series between an AC input and an AC load. A zero-cross detector circuit monitors the AC input to determine zero-crossings associated with the monitored AC input. A controller turns on the first solid-state switch and the second solid-state switch according to a turn-on sequence in which the first transistor is turned ON during a detected zero-crossing window associated with the first transistor and the second transistor is subsequently turned ON during a detected zero-crossing associated with the second transistor.

Abstract: A system and method for overcoming the parasitic elements associated with off the shelf or general purpose solid-state devices configured to operate as RF AC/DC signal coupling networks. An AC/DC signal coupling network may comprise a general purpose solid-state relay device and two inductors having values carefully chosen to compensate for the imperfections and intrinsic parasitic elements associated with the solid-state relay. The inductors may also have values carefully chosen to compensate for the parasitic elements of the neighboring or coupled circuit, and for the capacitance that is associated with the printed circuit board bond pad that is directly dependent upon the area of the pad and distance to the neighboring conductors. The inductors may cause the input path to become inductive as the signal frequency increases, and also improve the input return loss over the RF input range.

Abstract: An intelligent wall switch comprises an extend operation panel including sensor areas with a first conducting film; a glass on the back sides of the sensor areas including second conducting films; a first circuit board including a backlight LED and an infrared emitter and connected to a flexible cable connected to the second conducting film; a frame on a back side of the glass; a controller system including a second circuit board having an AC-DC power module, relays, AC output connectors, an AC input connector all on a back side thereof, and having a flat cable connector, an infrared receiver, and multiple indicating LEDs all on a front side thereof; a connecting piece and a housing being used to receive the AC-DC power module, the connecting piece being disposed on a back side of the frame, the AC-DC power module being connected to the cable by the flat cable connector.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for a solar module, wherein a plurality of solar cells working in normal operation and when shaded are connected in series. At least one controlled electrical switch element serves as a bypass element and is connected in parallel with its contact gap to a plurality of solar cells. A supply circuit provides a control voltage for controlling the control electrode of the bypass element. An isolating circuit blocks the voltage applied to the contact gap of the bypass element in the normal operation and switches the voltage that is applied to the contact gap to the supply circuit when at least one solar cell is shaded.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a method for switching an alternating current signal between at least two paths includes providing, in at least one of the paths, first and second field effect transistors in series. The method also includes providing a control voltage node operable to receive a control voltage and maintaining each of the first and second field effect transistors in pinch-off mode by offsetting a voltage on each gate of the field effect transistors with a DC voltage component other than the control voltage when it is desired for the alternating current not to flow through the at least one path.

Abstract: An AC/DC input power converter including only a single input cable such that a user will never have to switch cabling, regardless if the cable is connected to an AC voltage source or a DC voltage source.

Abstract: An input device, such as game peripheral, for a computing device, such as a game console, may have some components that may be powered by AC power only, and some components that may be powered by either AC power or battery power. The switch from AC power to battery power, or vice versa, can be made on-the-fly, in realtime, without disrupting the underlying software application that is being run on the computing device.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes a direct current supplying circuit, an alternating current supplying circuit, a magnetic element and a load. The direct current supplying circuit provides a direct current power. The alternating current supplying circuit is electrically connected to the direct current supplying circuit and provides an alternating current power. The magnetic element is electrically connected to the direct current supplying circuit and the alternating current supplying circuit. The magnetic element is conducted or closed in accordance with the on or off state of the direct current power and the alternating current power. The load is electrically connected to the direct current supplying circuit, the alternating current supplying circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrying case with an integrated power supply system for providing power to multiple electronic devices from a single power source. In addition to allowing quick access and storage of various electronic devices, the carrying case also allows the individual electronic devices to be easily connected to the power source and eliminates the need to carry multiple charging cords. In certain embodiments, the power supply system further includes an additional battery or other power source, which increases the runtime of connected electronic devices and reduces the need to carry additional individual batteries for the individual devices. With different connectors on the input to the power system, different AC or DC power sources may be utilized. Different connectors can also be used to provide power to different electronic devices.

Abstract: Transformerless ethernet controller. A method for isolating an ethernet controller, having a transceiver associated therewith, from a twisted wire transmission line is provided. The power supply of the transceiver is DC isolated from system power supply. The data side of the ethernet controller is DC isolated from the transceiver for both transmit and receive data. The transceiver is directly connected to the transmission line with no DC isolation.

Abstract: A selectable source input power supply is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power supply is provided comprising an input stage including an input connector to couple the power supply to either of an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and an actuatable input switch to determine which of the AC input voltage and the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, to couple the input stage to an alternating current path in response to a determination that the AC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, and to couple the input stage to a direct current path in response to a determination that the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply.

Abstract: A MOSFET based, high voltage, high current AC electronic relay includes a MOSFET switching circuit selectively switching between switch conducting and switch isolation. The relay also includes a transformer coupled to the MOSFET switching circuit, the transformer selectively applies a predetermined voltage to the MOSFET switching circuit which establishes the MOSFET switching circuit in switch conducting. In addition, a switching assembly for use in an AC power control system includes a first MOSFET switching circuit and a second MOSFET switching circuit electrically connected between a first terminal and a second terminal, an electrical conducting member positioned between the first MOSFET switching circuit and the second MOSFET switching circuit. The switching assembly also includes a third MOSFET switching circuit electrically connected between the electrical conducting member and ground.

Abstract: A MOSFET based, high voltage, high current AC electronic relay operating with normally closed contacts is disclosed. The relay includes at least one MOSFET switching circuit selectively switching between switch conducting and switch isolation. The at least one MOSFET switching circuit is normally closed and includes a plurality of inputs controlling the operation thereof. The plurality of inputs are connected to at least one rectifier such that a voltage differential exists between any two inputs of the MOSFET switching circuit providing a voltage source maintaining the MOSFET switching circuit normally closed. The relay also includes a control circuit linked to and controlling operation of the first transformer and second transformer. A switch for use in controlling operation of a MOSFET based, high voltage, high current AC electronic relay is also disclosed. The switch includes a key and a receptacle for selectively receiving the key at various positions.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for an electric appliance, having a control device and a power supply unit connected with an electric current supply connector for providing functional units, which are to be controlled, of the electric appliance with current. A switch is provided on the electric current supply connector for cutting off the power supply unit from the electric current supply connector on a primary side. The switch has a piezo switch which is open in the non-activated state. The circuit arrangement of this invention is used, for example, in connection with electronic household appliances.

Abstract: A single-pole multiple-throw RF switch includes first and second FET arrangements, each having a gate and a controlled current path (CCP). One end of the CCP of each FET is connected to a common port by way of an arrangement which blocks DC flow between the FETs, but allows RF flow. Bias is applied to the gates of the FETs to enable RF flow through the CCP of a selected one and not through the others. One version uses a single bias source and cross-coupled resistors, and another version uses plural bias sources switched to the various FETs.

Abstract: A transmit and receive protection circuit for use in a communication system is disclosed. The protection circuit uses a four-diode gate in which the currents through an input portion and an output portion of the diode gate are individually controlled by resistors located in their respective portions. This arrangement allows the DC currents through each portion to be independently controlled. By using resistors to independently control the DC currents through each portion of the diode gate, better control over the individual DC currents can be achieved, leading to effective AC resistances which are more predictable. This arrangement results in a predictable low loss protection circuit at a minimal expense.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for improving the power consumption of a switch input circuit is described having resistive elements, the method including the steps of providing a wetting current to at least one switch through a respective resistive element, and modulating the wetting current with a pulse width modulation signal to provide a reduced average voltage applied to the respective resistive element, and thereby reduce the power consumption of the circuit.

Abstract: A computer system operable on a DC voltage is provided. The computer system includes a microprocessor, a system memory coupled to the microprocessor, a bus coupled to the microprocessor, an input device coupled to the bus, and a voltage adapter system for providing a DC voltage to the computer system. The voltage adapter system includes a voltage modifying device adapted for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage. A first cable assembly is electrically connected to supply the AC voltage from an AC power supply to the voltage modifying device. A second cable assembly is provided for selectively supplying the DC voltage to the system from the voltage modifying device or from a remote DC voltage power supply. The second cable assembly is connectable at a first end to the system and connectable at a second end to the voltage modifying device and to the remote DC voltage power supply.

Abstract: An inductive proximity switch is provided which comprises a coil, means for supplying the coil with periodic transmitting current pulses, and means for processing signals which correspond to voltages induced in said coil after the end of a transmitting current pulse by the decaying current which previously flows in the detected body due to the voltage induced therein by the transmitting current pulse. In order to improve the robustness of the proximity switch so that it is suitable for durable use in an aggressive environment, the coil, the means for supplying the coil with a periodical transmitting current, and the signal processing means are arranged in a cylindrical housing which is closed on the side of the active surface of the proximity switch and consists of a metal which is not ferromagnetic and whose specific electric resistance is relatively high.

Abstract: When energizing a shunt capacitor in a circuit that includes an ac power supply and a switch, the shunt capacitor is initially precharged to a predetermined voltage with a direct current voltage. Thereafter, the switch is closed at an instant of voltage peak of the ac power supply with the same polarity as the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A power service unit suited for providing conditioned power to a consuming device at a remote location. The power service unit includes a charger/rectifier, a back-up power supply, together an automated dialer that contacts a central monitor in the event there is a disruption in the operation of the power service unit. The charger/rectifier accepts an external AC power and converts the external AC power to an internal DC power. The internal DC power maintains the back-up power supply in a fully charged state and the converter accepts the internal DC power and converts the internal DC power to an external DC power as required by the consuming device.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system has emergency light units operable by DC power and connected to a source of AC and DC power by the same conduit system. Power to the conduit system may be switched from AC to DC in the event of a power failure and a load relay module in the conduit system adjacent the light units senses the change to DC current and switches from an Ac load output to a DC load output to supply DC power to the emergency light units. The system will generally include both exit signs operable by both AC and DC power and emergency light units operable only by DC power.

Abstract: A polarity reversing circuit having energy compensation may comprise a first inductor connected between the first electrode and a negative terminal of a power supply. The positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the second electrode. A diode and a first capacitor are connected in series across the first inductor so that the cathode of the diode is connected to the first electrode. A second capacitor and a switching device are also connected in series across the first and second electrodes. A second inductor is connected between the switching device and the anode of the diode. A bi-directional converter is connected between the power supply and the second capacitor. The voltage polarity between the first and second electrodes may be reversed by actuating the switching device to switch between a non-conducting state and a conducting state.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor to which voltage generated through full wave rectification of an alternating current or DC voltage is loaded. The device provides control for a closing operation with a large pulse width according to a set-up frequency and control for maintaining the closed state of the electromagnetic contactor with a small pulse width for executing ON/OFF control. The device comprises a detector for detecting a peak voltage value of the voltage subjected to full wave rectification and an average value or an effective value thereof and a controller for stabilizing the input at a constant level by controlling a pulse width of a frequency set up based on a voltage value detected by the detector.

Abstract: An AC/DC power supply includes an input sensing circuit for sensing whether the input connector is connected to an AC voltage source or to a relatively lower amplitude DC voltage source. When connected to the AC voltage source, a control circuit connects an input rectifier to the input circuit and also connects two primary windings of a power transformer in boosting relation to the output circuit. When the input connector is connected to the DC voltage source, the control circuit bypasses the input rectifier with respect to the input circuit, and connects only one of the primary windings to the output circuit while bypassing the other primary winding.

Abstract: A power supply for energizing a load device such as an electrical motor of a small suction/compressor pump with DC, includes an AC socket for connection to an AC supply, a rectifier, a charging circuit for charging a storage battery, a manual switch for connecting the load device either to the rectified AC from the AC source or to the battery, and a control circuit for connecting the battery to the load device when the manual switch is closed and the AC is not connected to an AC source, and for disconnecting the battery from the load device and connecting it to the charging circuit when the AC socket is connected to an AC source and the manual switch is open.

Abstract: A control circuit for switching AC or DC loads and for automatically discerning the presence of an AC or a DC power supply via a switch has been provided. The control circuit is coupled to alternately render a switch operative and non-operative wherein the switch is coupled across a load which is powered up by either an AC or a DC power supply. The control circuit includes an AC/DC discernment circuit for ascertaining whether the load is powered up by an AC or a DC power supply. The control circuit also includes circuitry for comparing signals sensed by the switch with predetermined thresholds (which are a function of whether an AC or DC determination has been made) for providing logic signals to control the operation of the switch.

Abstract: A universal power adapter comprised of a standard IEC three-wire socket, an AC/DC power supply detector circuit, an AC/DC power supply selector circuit, an AC/DC power supply pre-treating circuit, a DC power supply transformer circuit, a feedback and regulating circuit, and a DC output circuit, wherein said standard IEC three-wire socket connects an AC or DC input voltage to said AC/DC power supply selector circuit and said AC/DC power supply pre-treating circuit for converting into a DC voltage via said AC/DC power supply detector circuit, said DC voltage being treated through said DC power supply transformer circuit and said feed back and regulating circuit to provide a DC working voltage for output through an output device.

Abstract: An electrical power cord for connecting an a.c. current source to an appliance, and a d.c. current battery power pack connected to the power cord to replace a.c. current when there is a loss of a.c. current. Switches in the battery power pack provide for switching from a.c. to d.c. current. This provides and maintains continuous instant, portable power for appliances.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a piezoelectric actuator includes a pair of power input terminals for supplying either AC or DC power, with the piezoelectric actuator being connected between these power input terminals. A device for supplying current for driving the piezoelectric actuator in one direction is interposed between one of the power input terminals and an end of the piezoelectric actuator. Further, there is provided connected in parallel to the piezoelectric actuator a switching circuit which turns into a high resistance state when the device is on and serves as an active discharge path for the electric charges of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus for a monitoring and signalling system such as a home health care system. The monitoring and signalling system includes a plurality of ac-based sensors powered by an ac voltage and operative to monitor the occurrence of activities performed by an individual in his or her residence and to produce signals indicative of the occurrence of the monitored activities. Signals produced by the sensors during the presence of the ac voltage are processed by a microprocessor. A loss or absence of the ac voltage and the subsequent restoration of the ac voltage causes the ac-based sensors to produce signals falsely indicating the occurrence of monitored activities. In accordance with the present invention, the microprocessor operates to monitor the state of the ac voltage to detect a loss or absence of the ac voltage and a subsequent restoration thereof and, upon detecting the restoration of the ac voltage, to refuse to accept for processing, for a two-second interval, signals received from the sensors.