Abstract: A system and method for ensuring a defined position of a charging connector includes a signal transmitter, a corresponding signal detector unit for detecting the signal of the signal transmitter, and a holder for holding the charging connector in the defined position. A detector device detects an orientation and/or movement of the charging connector in an environmental coordinate system. The system detects a presence of the charging connector in the defined position and determines the mechanical condition of the interface or a housing of the charging connector via the signal of the signal transmitter, and compares the orientation and/or movement of the charging connector with a corresponding orientation and/or movement of the charging connector to be expected when the charging connector is in the defined position.

Abstract: This document describes a passive adapter for wireless charging of an electronic device and associated methods and systems. The described passive adapter includes two coils connected by a capacitor and separated by a core material that prevents mutual coupling between the coils. These two coils may have differing sizes, such that one coil can size-match to a transmitter coil of an existing wireless charger and the second coil can size-match to a smaller (or larger) receiver coil in a wireless-power receiver to charge a battery of the wireless-power receiver. In aspects, these two coils may be separated by a distance that enables the passive adapter to act as a passive repeater by bridging a space between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil.

Abstract: A method of controlling charging and discharging of a power station equipped with multiple battery packs, performed by a power station including N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) battery packs mounted to be electrically charged/discharged and including a main controller controlling the charging/discharging, includes charging, by the main controller, the N battery packs in a determined charge order by controlling N input relay units connecting the N battery packs to an external charge source, and when a load is connected from the outside during the charging operation, calculating, by the main controller, an amount of electricity required by the load, controlling N output relay units connecting the N battery packs to the load to connect battery packs by the number corresponding to the calculated amount of electricity to the load and perform a discharging operation, wherein the charging operation and the discharging operation are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A detector (10) for detecting electrically conductive material is provided. The detector (10) comprises at least one transmitter (11) having a transmitter coil (12) and a supply source (13), a receiver (14) having a receiver coil (15), and an evaluation unit (16), wherein the transmitter coil (12) is connected to the supply source (13), the supply source (13) is configured to provide an alternating voltage or an alternating current when in use, the receiver (14) is designed as a resonant-circuit-free receiver, the receiver (14) is connected to the evaluation unit (16), and the evaluation unit (16) is configured to detect a signal induced in the receiver coil (15).

Abstract: A system for power inductively to a portable device is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment the system includes a first primary coil that provides power inductively at a first power level and a second primary coil that provides power inductively at a second power level different from the first power level. The first primary coil and the second coil area are different in size and overlap one another partially. The system further includes a communication and control circuit that receives current modulated information in the primary coil that provides power. The received information includes information corresponding to a voltage or current induced by the primary coil that provides power, a unique identification code, and a manufacturer code. The system selects which primary coil to use to charge the portable device based on the received information.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes feedback of operating status of an engine starting system is described. In one example, the method inhibits automatic engine pull-down in response to feedback from an engine starting system that does not meet expectations. The system and method may provide diagnostics for the engine starting system.

Abstract: A semiconductor module comprises reverse conducting IGBT connected in parallel with a wide bandgap MOSFET, wherein each of the reverse conducting IGBT and the wide bandgap MOSFET comprises an internal anti-parallel diode. A method for operating a semiconductor module with the method including the steps of: determining a reverse conduction start time, in which the semiconductor module starts to conduct a current in a reverse direction, which reverse direction is a conducting direction of the internal anti-parallel diodes; applying a positive gate signal to the wide bandgap MOSFET after the reverse conduction start time; determining a reverse conduction end time based on the reverse conduction start time, in which the semiconductor module ends to conduct a current in the reverse direction; and applying a reduced gate signal to the wide bandgap MOSFET a blanking time interval before the reverse conduction end time, the reduced gate signal being adapted for switching the wide bandgap MOSFET into a blocking state.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless power transfer are provided. The method includes adapting first and second variable form factor transmitters into at least first and second sets of cross-coupled segments, respectively, disposed about a pre-determined wireless power transfer area and spatially offset from one another by a preselected spatial offset that minimizes inductive coupling between the first and second sets of cross-coupled segments, transmitting, from first and second radio frequency (RF) power sources electrically coupled to the first and second sets of cross-coupled segments, respectively, RF power across the pre-determined wireless power transfer area via near electromagnetic fields of the variable form factor transmitters such that a magnetic field associated with the near electromagnetic fields rotates in a pattern having a preselected shape.

Abstract: A method for wireless power transfer. The method includes adapting a variable form factor transmitter into at least a plurality of cross-coupled segments disposed about a pre-determined wireless power transfer area, wherein the pre-determined wireless power transfer area comprises a dimension exceeding a wavelength corresponding to a characteristic frequency of the variable form factor transmitter, transmitting, from a radio frequency (RF) power source and based at least in part on the characteristic frequency, RF power across the pre-determined wireless power transfer area via a near electromagnetic field of the variable form factor transmitter, and reducing, based on opposing directions of magnetic fields induced by adjacent cross-coupled segments of the plurality of cross-coupled segments, a radiation loss of the wireless power transfer due to a far electromagnetic field of the variable form factor transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an electrically conductive body to magnetically couple to a first magnetic field. A first tuning element may be connected to the electrically conductive body. An electrically conductive coil may be wound about an opening in the electrically conductive body, and configured to magnetically couple to a second magnetic field.

Abstract: A high-voltage DC circuit breaker for breaking a current that flows in a DC line, including: a main switch, installed on the DC line, for breaking a current of the DC line by opening when a fault occurs on one side or a remaining side of the DC line; a nonlinear resistor connected in parallel with the main switch; an LC circuit that is connected in parallel with the main switch and includes a capacitor and a reactor, which are connected in series in order to generate LC resonance; a first bidirectional switching element, connected to the LC circuit in series, for switching a bidirectional current flow; and a second bidirectional switching element, connected in parallel with the LC circuit, for switching a current flow to induce LC resonance in both directions.

Abstract: Provided is a DC current breaker having a high-speed breaking function appropriate to a voltage-type converter and a DC current breaking method. In addition, provided is a DC current breaker and a DC current breaking method capable of reducing cost of the breaker and securing economical competiveness by using a relatively simple configuration.

Abstract: A load or a generator is connected to an energy line, e.g. a ring feeder of an energy distribution network by using a switching system. For this purpose, the switching system has a thyristor circuit, which is connected in parallel to a disconnect switch and connects the transformer of the switching system to an energy line. Thereby an efficient disconnect switch can be realized, which can be dimensioned depending on the power of the load or generator.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect, an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power is provided. The apparatus includes a first conductive structure configured to generate a first magnetic field based on a first current received from a power source. The apparatus further includes a second conductive structure configured to generate a second magnetic field based on a second current from the power source. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to determine a respective coupling coefficient between each of the first and second conductive structures and a third conductive structure configured to receive power via the first or the second magnetic field. The controller is further configured to adjust the first or second current applied to the first and second conductive structures based at least in part on the coupling coefficients.

Abstract: A method of configuring windings in an inductive charging pad array by using capacitors for impedance control and configuring windings to reduce the stray magnetic fields produced.

Abstract: A wireless power receiving device and a power control method thereof. The wireless power receiving apparatus, includes: a secondary core configured to receive a wireless power signal from a primary core of a wireless power transmission apparatus; a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated from the primary core; and a receiving controller configured to transmit an error code to the wireless power transmission apparatus via the secondary core if a measured magnetic field value from the magnetic sensor is lower than a reference magnetic value and the communication with the wireless power transmission apparatus is available.

Abstract: A DC voltage circuit breaker includes a first to fourth nodes, a first interrupter disposed between the first node and the fourth node, a second interrupter disposed between the fourth node and the third node, a pulse generator circuit disposed between the fourth node and the second node, the pulse generator circuit having a capacitor connected in parallel with a series circuit of an inductor and a switch, and a first energy absorber disposed between the third node and the second node.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus is disclosed that includes features of a receiving antenna configured to wirelessly receive power transmitted by a transmitting device and arranged to associate or dissociate with the transmitting device.

Abstract: A load or a generator is connected to an energy line, e.g. a ring feeder of an energy distribution network by using a switching system. For this purpose, the switching system has a thyristor circuit, which is connected in parallel to a disconnect switch and connects the transformer of the switching system to an energy line. Thereby an efficient disconnect switch can be realized, which can be dimensioned depending on the power of the load or generator.

Abstract: Electronic leakage reduction techniques are provided, whereby a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is off or otherwise placed in a mode for reduced power use by said appliance, and whereby voltage and power provided to the appliance are then substantially reduced. In other aspects of the invention, user behavior may also manually control power delivered to the appliance, for example, with a switch. In still other aspects of the invention, a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is on or otherwise placed in a mode for higher power use by said appliance, and increases power to the appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discharging a voltage bus. An electrical system comprises a first switch coupled to a first voltage rail, a second switch coupled between the first switch and a second voltage rail, and a control system coupled to the first switch and the second switch. The control system is configured to alternately activate the first switch and the second switch such that an energy potential between the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail is dissipated through the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A system includes an electric vehicle supply circuit adapted to supply electric power to an electric vehicle, a line fitting arranged to connect the electric vehicle supply circuit to a source of electric power, and a sensor arranged to detect when the line fitting is being disconnected from the source of electric power. The electric vehicle supply circuit is adapted to interrupt the supply of electric power to the electric vehicle in response to the sensor to interrupt the flow of power through the electric vehicle supply circuit before the line fitting is disconnected from the power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for line-switching in an automated main distribution frame (AMDF) which may solve the problem of contact point damage which may occur during hot switching of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) matrix, and further solve the corresponding problems which may occur during the line-switching in AMDF. In particular, the present invention is preferably embodied in the following way: when switching operation of a switch unit in MEMS is to be performed, the current introduced into MEMS matrix is firstly cut off, and is then recovered when the switching operation is finished, so as to prevent the “agglutinate” phenomena. Therefore, the present invention provides corresponding protection for the switching process of MEMS matrix relays in AMDF, and effectively prevents the “agglutinate” phenomena when the switch unit in MEMS matrix performs switching operation, whereby the reliability of AMDF is enhanced.

Abstract: Electronic leakage reduction techniques are provided, whereby an electrical outlet with a programmable computing unit is programmed to detect the current, resistance, power or pattern of current, resistance or power of an attached appliance in the on position and/or off position. Among other aspects, the electrical outlet with a programmable computing unit delivers a selected voltage below the original operational voltage and/or delivers voltage at particular durations for particular intervals to the appliance in the off position and compares detected current, resistance, power or pattern of current, resistance or power to programmed levels associated with the appliance in the on position and/or off position. If any or some of those characteristics match those programmed associated with the appliance in the on position, or fail to match those programmed associated with the off position by a set confidence interval, original operational voltage is provided to the appliance.

Abstract: The life of load tap changer contacts is monitored by detecting an arcing event; identifying arcing surfaces involved in the arcing event; calculating a per-unit loss of life for the identified arcing surfaces as a result of the arcing event; updating estimates of cumulative erosion for the arcing surfaces; comparing the updated estimates of cumulative erosion to a first threshold value; and signaling for action when at least one of the updated estimates of cumulative erosion exceeds the first threshold value.

Abstract: Electronic leakage reduction techniques are provided, whereby an electrical outlet with a programmable computing unit is programmed to detect the current, resistance, power or pattern of current, resistance or power of an attached appliance in the on position and/or off position. Among other aspects, the electrical outlet with a programmable computing unit delivers a selected voltage below the original operational voltage and/or delivers voltage at particular durations for particular intervals to the appliance in the off position and compares detected current, resistance, power or pattern of current, resistance or power to programmed levels associated with the appliance in the on position and/or off position. If any or some of those characteristics match those programmed associated with the appliance in the on position, or fail to match those programmed associated with the off position by a set confidence interval, original operational voltage is provided to the appliance.

Abstract: A power switching control apparatus for acquiring pieces of making operation time information of individual phase switches more precisely according to loads and making instants. Making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information of at least one of individual phase switches on the basis of the motion of the movable contact of the phase switch, and outputs the making operation time information of at least another of the individual phase switches on the basis of the phase current of the phase switch. Moreover, the making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information ITA, ITB and ITC of an A-phase switch, a B-phase switch and a C-phase switch individually on the basis of either the detected output of a contact operation sensor and the detected output of a phase current sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary power switching circuit (20) includes a control signal input terminal (210); an output terminal (220); direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first transistor (250) including a control electrode connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode, and a grounded second current conducting electrode; a second transistor (260) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor via a discharging resistor (264) and a diode (266) respectively and connected to the DC power supply via a discharging capacitor (265), a first current conducting electrode connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor (270) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor, a first current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal, and a second grounded current conducting electrode.

Abstract: Described is a system for generating electrical power, which system includes a turbine that is mechanically connected to a generator, which in turn is connected via a multiphase transformer to a load. In at least one embodiment, at least two counter-connected switching devices of the converter are assigned to each phase of the transformer. The transformer is provided on the side facing the converter with two winding arrangements in a star connection. Each of the windings of the first winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in one direction. Each of the windings of the second winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in the opposite direction. The star points of the two winding arrangements are connected via a direct current choke.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to achieve a switch interface circuit for a single pole, single throw (SPST) momentary push-button switch consuming a few tens of nanoamps whilst the push-button switch is closed, having low impedance input path when the switch is open in order to eliminate RFI interference have been achieved. The two states of the push-button switch, open and closed, maintain a low impedance path to one of the power supplies. The supply current is minimized whilst the switch is closed. The edge triggered detection of the switch event allows an extended switch-closed operation.

Abstract: In the case of a semiconductor circuit arrangement for controlling a high voltage with a series circuit of semiconductor modules, the high voltage possibly being dropped between the ends of the series circuit, increased functional reliability is achieved by each semiconductor module having a parallel circuit of at least two components, at least one first component of which can be conducting or blocking, during normal operation, for that partial voltage of the high voltage which is applied to it, by the remaining component(s) of a parallel circuit blocking, during normal operation, at least when the first component blocks, and by each semiconductor module being set up in such a manner that, in the event of a functional disturbance in the first component, the remaining component(s) permanently change(s) into a conducting state.

Abstract: An inrush current controller for a device has a connector for hot-plugging the device into a source of energization. An impedance has a current input coupled to a first contact of the connector and a current output coupled to the device. The impedance has an impedance control input. An impedance control circuit has a logic input coupling to a second contact of the connector. The impedance control circuit has an impedance control output connected to the impedance control input. The impedance control output forces the impedance OFF during a first time interval after hot-plugging. The logic input triggers a limited inrush at the current input after the first time interval.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: A digital camera, including a common power supply for supplying power; a plurality of motors sharing the power supply and driven by the power supplied from the power supply; and a current detector for detecting load current supplied to the plurality of motors, wherein, when either one of the plurality of motors is operated, other motor is driven not to overlap with a maximum value of the load current detected by the current detector.

Abstract: A method for providing a current path during switching transitions of a switching circuit while limiting the short circuit current. In one embodiment, a switching circuit includes a passive break-before-make element in series with two switches. An alternate embodiment includes a make-before-break element in parallel with the switches. The passive break-before-make element, or make-before-break element, provides a high impedance in a short term and a low impedance in a long term. The switching circuit may be coupled to a load through a low pass filter. In one embodiment, the switching circuit is used in a switching audio amplifier circuit, where correction of nonlinearities incorporates analog feedback to modify the duty ratio of a digitally generated switching signal in the analog domain.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.

Abstract: A hot swappable system includes a first system having an electrically conductive projection and a second system. The second system includes a voltage source having a first node having a first polarity, a resistive element, and a receptor system associated with the first node and configured to receive insertion of the conductive projection. The receptor system includes first and second conductive contacts electrically connected by the resistive element. The first conductive contact is disposed relative to the second conductive contact such that insertion of the conductive projection into the receptor system causes sequential electrical contact between the conductive projection and the first contact and then between the conductive projection and the second contact.

Abstract: In the microwave oven having a high voltage driving part with a high voltage transformer, a switching unit applies electric power to the high voltage driving part. In the switching unit, when switched on, an operational contact firstly comes in contact with a first contact coupled with a PTC thermistor and secondly with a second contact after a given time period, and a driving unit generates driving force and turns on/off the switching unit. Since the switching unit and driving unit may be simply installed to effectively eliminate the inrush current, assembly and work efficiencies are improved according to a simpler wiring process, and also, the total manufacturing cost for the microwave oven is reduced.

Abstract: Electrical loads are powered by one of several different power sources through a selector switch. A monitoring circuit monitors the different power sources to sense a change of state, that is, power up or shut down. Such a change indicates that the selector switch is likely to be operated to select a new power source. The monitoring circuit shuts down certain loads to limit current surges when the new power source is connected.

Abstract: A switch having controlled rise and fall characteristics for electronic switching and power controlling a load has a switching element for the load controlled by a rectifier bridge, a filter circuit, a feedback amplifier stage, a low-power switch (SCR) and a diac. The feedback amplifier stage has a phase shifting circuit, a switching and/or amplifying circuit and a filter stage. The filter stage has a capacitor, Zener diode, a switch and, possibly, a potentiometer for controlling rise-control and fall-control resistors.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus to obtain synchronized switching of switchgear. A superposition of forces is used wherein the moving contacts of switchgear driven by a conventional operating mechanism has a secondary force, either opposing or aiding, superimposed upon the mechanism force under predetermined conditions to incrementally either slow down or speed up the moving contact. The computed secondary force is applied by a small servo-motor attached to the moving contact shaft. The energy of the secondary force is derived from a real time comparison of the measured position of the moving contact with its preprogrammed position in ROM at each predetermined point on the voltage or current waveform. From this comparison the required pulse energy is calculated and fed to the servo-motor which translates into the secondary force of appropriate duration thereby making the necessary incremental velocity correction.

Abstract: A frequency slider circuit for reducing power dissipation in the form of switching losses in a switching device when the switching device is near its desired maximum temperature limit is disclosed herein. The switching device controls an electric load, such as a motor. The frequency slider circuit samples a current of the switching device. The frequency slider circuit then uses a current transducer to convert the current to a signal level. The signal level is then processed by a model of the thermal response of the switching device. The output of the thermal model is compared to a reference signal, and if the output of the thermal model is greater than the reference signal, the switching frequency of the switching device will be lowered gradually to keep the power generated during the switching periods to be below a predetermined value. A minimum frequency clamping circuit is included to ensure that the switching frequency never drops below a minimum value, to ensure stable operation of the switching device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing current inrush upon the application of power to a load includes the steps of applying a first increasing DC voltage from a voltage source to the load through a negative temperature coefficient device having a first terminal coupled to the voltage source and a second terminal coupled to the load and after a preselected period of time, bypassing said first and second terminals via a bypass circuit and coupling the increasing voltage to the load through the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A power connect safety and connection interlock system is shown for use with inverters and other DC loads (16) which include capacitor filter banks (14) at their DC inputs. A safety circuit (20) operates a spring (26) biased, solenoid (22) driven mechanical connection interference (24) which prevents mating and therefore electrical connection between the power contactor halves (11, 13) of the main power contacts (12) until the capacitor bank is safely precharged through auxiliary contacts (18). When the DC load (16) is shut down, the capacitor bank (14) is automatically discharged through a discharging power resistor (66) by a MOSFET transistor (60) through a discharging power resistor (66) only when both the main power contacts and auxiliary contacts are disconnected.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the speed of a tapped winding motor that includes a set of motor speed selection relays, and a normally open relay connected in series with the set of motor speed selection relays. The motor speed selection relays are connected to the tapped windings of the motor for varying speed of the motor. A microprocessor controls energization of the relay windings upon request for a change in motor speed so that the normally open relay is open before and during any change of state of the motor speed selection relays corresponding to the requested change in motor speed.

Abstract: A DC power switch (10) for a capacitive load (11) has a main transistor (Q1) in series with the load between positive and negative DC bus terminals (B.sup.+, B.sup.-). A secondary transistor (Q2) and a resistor (R.sub.1) are connected in series and this series connection is connected in parallel to the main transistor (Q1). A control circuit (20; 50) is connected to the main and secondary transistors (Q1, Q2) and controls them. In response to an enable signal (26), the secondary transistor (Q2) is initially turned on such that it and the resistor provide the initial charging current for the capacitor load (11) and subsequently the secondary transistor is turned off and the main transistor is turned on such that it provides the subsequent current required by the load. This configuration minimizes the power dissipation ratings required for the transistors while balancing this requirement with the relative rapid providing of charging current for the capacitive load.

Abstract: Such electronic control systems contain safety circuits for device components endangered by excessive currents or excessive voltages, which are constructed only for a pulse operation and not for higher relative switch-on times.In order to shield the effectors (users) already in the pre-stage against undesirable high currents or, respectively, voltages, such that a punch through of these destroying voltages or, respectively, currents can be excluded for practical purposes, it is disclosed that an effector (1) is controllable in operating condition and simultaneously a reference voltage (R1/R2) can be switched on within the permissible tolerance region where, upon the exceeding of the tolerance region, the effector (1) can be switched off.

Abstract: A reduced arcing contact switching circuit. It is desirable to control the switching of electrical contacts so that opening and closing occur at the time when zero power is being transferred to the load so as to substantially reduce arcing at the contacts and thus extend contact life. In a purely resistive circuit, for example, the supply voltage and current will be in-phase and contact switching should occur when the current and voltage signals pass through zero degree phase angle. Control of contact switching is accomplished with this invention by producing a count value that represents the phase angle at which contact movement should be initiated, so that the actual closing or opening will occur at the desired phase angle. When the count value and a preselected count are approximately equal, a flip-flop is enabled to pass the control information (open or close contacts) to a relay driver. The relay driver energizes or deenergizes (as the case may be) the relay to open or close the contacts.

Abstract: A control device for energization of a load employs a bidirection triggerable solid state switching device connected in series with an alternating current power source and the load. In order to prevent the passage of excessive, potentially destructive currents through the switch if the load is shorted out, the microprocessor which controls the energization of the switch senses the time required for the voltage across the switch to attain a predetermined value. If the load is shorted the potential difference across the switch increases and attains the predetermined value a shorter time after zero-crossing of the alternating current. When this occurs more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the generation of triggering pulses for the solid state switch is inhibited for a predetermined time. In the preferred embodiment the control device is a thermostat for controlling a temperature modifying load such as a furnace or air conditioner.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.