Abstract: A system is described that turns off a high power, power supply when a device no longer needs high power. A low power, power supply or a rechargeable battery provides power to determine when the device again needs high power. The low power supply consumes a minimum possible power when the device does not need high power and the power rechargeable battery is not charged. That is, the high power and low power, power supplies are turned on or off based on the real time power consumption need of the device and the charged state of the battery. The power need of the device is monitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit and a control signal monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently converting power from an AC line is disclosed. The power converter supplies power to the load, performing power factor correction at nominal and high loads, i.e. above a predetermined output power threshold, and operating in an on-demand burst mode at low loads, i.e. below a predetermined output power threshold, e.g. to supply power in a green mode to supervisory circuitry during a powered off state. The duration of an operating interval during which power conversion takes place may be reduced and varied at low loads as a function of the output power demands to increase overall conversion efficiency. The operating interval may be centered about a peak in the input voltage waveshape for operating intervals that are less than a full rectification period.

Abstract: In one example, an electric circuit may be provided that is coupled to a line. The electric circuit may include a switch connected in series with a load, where the switch and the load are in series between two conductors of the line. The line may provide power to the load. The electric circuit may also include a resistive element connected in parallel with the switch and in series with the load. The switch may be configured to short circuit the resistive element when closed such that the voltage on the line varies between two voltage levels when the switch is opened and closed. The line provides power to the load when the switch is opened and when the switch is closed.

Abstract: Managing solid-state luminary (SSL) fixtures over power line carrier (PLC) networks is described herein. Devices provided in this description include SSL arrays, and converter circuitry coupled to drive the SSL arrays. More specifically, the converter circuitry is adapted to convert input voltage received from a power distribution network into a level suitable for driving the SSL arrays. The devices also include (PLC) modems for coupling to PLC networks, and coupled to the converter circuitry. In particular, the PLC modems interface the converter circuitry to the PLC networks.

Abstract: Provided are a standby power cut-off device for automatically cutting off standby power according to power-on/off of an electronic product and a control method for the standby power cut-off device. By providing an electronic product to which the standby power cut-off device and the control method therefor are applied, the present invention can efficiently cut off standby power by using an existing general outlet without a need to use an outlet having a separate function added thereto. Moreover, the present invention automatically cuts off the standby power according to power-off of the electronic product without unplugging the electronic product, thereby maximizing user's convenience.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention includes a plurality of switch cells having a switch transistor that controls conducting states of a global power supply line and a local power supply line according to a control signal, and a delay circuit that delays the control signal and transmits the control signal to the switch transistor connected to a subsequent stage, a chain unit that receives the control signal from outside, transmits the control signal by the delay circuit connected in series, and sequentially conducts the switch transistor, and a tree unit that is provided with the control signal via the switch cells disposed in a last stage of the chain unit, distributes the control signal to a plurality of groups by the delay circuit connected in parallel, and conducts the switch transistor in parallel by the distributed control signal.

Abstract: A dimmer switch has a user adjustable high-end trim. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a triac, for controlling the amount of power delivered from a source of alternating current power to a lighting load, such as an electric lamp. A user-adjustable timing circuit controls the conduction time of the triac from a minimum time to a maximum time. The maximum possible conduction time of the triac is the high-end trim. The minimum possible conduction time of the triac is the low-end trim. The timing circuit includes a user-accessible switch that allows a user to reduce the high-end trim from a first nominal level to a second reduced level, lower than the first level, without substantially affecting the low-end trim. The switch allows a user to switch a transient voltage suppressor into and out of parallel connection with a resistor that is part of an RC timing circuit for the triac.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed which comprises a first control module generally integrated into a controlling device (e.g. a thermostat), and a second control module generally integrated into an electrical apparatus (e.g. a heating apparatus) under the control of the controlling device. The second control module is responsive to command signals remotely transmitted thereto by the first control module over the power lines which power the electrical apparatus. In response to the signals, the second control module can selectively turn on, or off, or modulate, some or all of the electrical components (e.g. heating elements, fans) of the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical device to be used with an electrical load which is repetitively cycled on and off. The device includes a controllable switch for connecting the load to, and disconnecting the load from, the electrical power source; a device for detecting when the load is drawing power, and a memory module connected to the detecting device and with a controller coupled to the controllable switch. The memory module has selectable “learn” and “run” modes of operation. In the “learn” mode of operation the controller is programmed to detect and store the time and date when the load is drawing power, i.e. turned on; determine the average time of day the power was turned on;, and the average time between the turning on and off. During the “run” mode of operation, the module produces control signals for automatically turning the controllable switch on and off, thereby supplying power to the load, according to the schedule learned during the learn mode of operation, or a variant of the learned schedule.

Abstract: Managing solid-state luminary (SSL) fixtures over power line carrier (PLC) networks is described herein. Devices provided in this description include SSL arrays, and converter circuitry coupled to drive the SSL arrays. More specifically, the converter circuitry is adapted to convert input voltage received from a power distribution network into a level suitable for driving the SSL arrays. The devices also include (PLC) modems for coupling to PLC networks, and coupled to the converter circuitry. In particular, the PLC modems interface the converter circuitry to the PLC networks.

Abstract: A power adapter for an electronic device selectively works in different modes according to a working state signal of the electronic device. When the electronic device is powered off or on with a battery in a determined charge state, the power adapter controls a relay to turn off the relay to disconnect power to the electronic device.

Abstract: A power transmission control device provided in a power transmission device included in a contactless power transmission system that transmits power by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil from the power transmission device to a power receiving device so as to supply the power to a load on the power receiving device. The power transmission control device includes a controller that controls the power transmission control device, and a register section. The register section includes a power receiving side information register that stores power receiving side information received from the power receiving device, and a power transmission side information register that stores power transmission side information.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus to enable direct injection of DC power from a renewable power source (e.g., solar) into an electronic device (e.g., computer). The DC power from the renewable source is injected into the electronic device on the DC side of a power supply used to provide power thereto. The DC power is injected into a tap that is installed between the power supply and a system board using the DC power. The apparatus may include a voltage regulator that converts the DC power to a DC voltage associated with the electronic device. The set point of the voltage regulator may be on the high side of the voltage range of the electronic device so that power is preferentially provided by the renewable source with additional power being provided by the power supply. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for activating an information handling system battery without using AC power is provided. One or more switches associated with a battery are maintained in a ship mode state during shipping of the information handling system such that the battery remains disconnected from particular information handling system components during shipping. In response to a user input, a power-on device generates and communicates a power-on signal to a battery management unit (BMU) of the battery. In response to receiving the power-on signal, the BMU activates the one or more switches from the ship mode state, which connects the battery to the particular information handling system components. The power-on device generates and communicates the power-on signal to the BMU, and the BMU activates the one or more switches from the ship mode state, while the information handling system is not connected to any AC power source.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for bi-directional power control between two devices, including a mobile communication card, an electronic device that connects to the communication card, the electronic device being either (i) a host device that operates independently of the communication card and also interoperates with the communication card, or (ii) a jacket for the communication card, wherein the jacket is a passive device that does not operate independently of the communication card, and circuitry connecting the mobile communication card with the electronic device, including a device on/off button operative to power the electronic device on and off, and a switch, wherein the circuitry uses a single connection line connecting the communication card, the electronic device, the device on/off button, and the switch, to enable the electronic device to automatically power the communication card on and off using the switch, in response to the electronic device being respectively powered on and off.

Abstract: An electronic device and an external power supply device control method applicable to the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device is electrically connected to an external power supply device that is able to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. The electronic device includes a switch module and an internal power module. The switch module, when being triggered, generates a switch signal. The internal power module receives the switch signal and accordingly generates a trigger signal to the external power supply device, so that the external power supply device is triggered to switch from the OFF state to the ON state and accordingly supplies electric power to the electronic device.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for power conservation applications. A latching relay includes a controlled switch electrically coupled within a power supply of a computer or other load. Circuitry of the present teachings controls operation of the latching relay. Set and reset conditions of the latching relay establish normal and deep standby operating modes for the computer, respectively. Manual switching or automated signaling are used to assert the set and reset relay conditions. Very low power consumption is achieved during the deep standby mode of operation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable load-control receiver for communication with a first long-haul network and selectively adaptable to be reconfigured and in communication with a second long-haul network, a short-haul network and an electrical load. The reconfigurable load-control receiver includes a switching device adapted to control power to the electrical load, and a controller coupled to the switching device and adapted to switch between operating as a gateway and operating as a node.

Abstract: A power supply consuming low energy in standby conditions includes a primary power system activated by standby power, a standby power system, a remote start/stop signal source and a start triggering circuit. The remote start/stop signal source is triggered by users to generate a remote start/stop signal sent to the start triggering circuit to generate a start signal. The standby power system is connected to a control unit and generates the standby power according to an electric signal provided by the control unit. The control unit also determines time series of sending the electric signal to the standby power system according to time series of the start signal being generated. Thus a mechanism to start and stop the standby power system is formed.

Abstract: A system for bypassing a power cell of a power supply, the system including a multi-winding device having a primary winding and a plurality of three-phase secondary windings, a plurality of power cells, wherein each power cell is connected to a different three-phase secondary winding of the multi-winding device, and a bypass device connected to first and second input terminals of at least one of the power cells and to first and second output terminals of the at least one of the power cells.

Abstract: A solid state relay includes: an oscillator circuit responsive to a control signal for generating an a.c. signal; an isolation transformer having a primary winding which forms a part of the tank circuit of the oscillator circuit and a secondary winding; a rectifier responsive to the a.c. signal from the oscillator circuit for providing a d.c. drive signal; and a switch circuit responsive to the drive signal to open and close the relay.

Abstract: An electric power tool, which comprises a motor that drives a tool, a power source unit that applies voltage to the motor, a main switching circuit that makes/breaks an electrical connection between the power source unit and the motor, an illuminator that illuminates a work spot, a switching device that electrically connects the illuminator to the power source unit, and an OR circuit that is electrically connected to terminals of the motor to the base terminal is provided. The OR circuit electrically connects one of the motor terminals at which a voltage is higher to the base terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second input terminals configured to be coupled to one of multiple types of input sources. The apparatus also includes a diode and a resistor coupled in series between the first and second input terminals. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches each coupled to at least one of the diode and the resistor. The switches are configured to be opened and closed to reconfigure the apparatus depending on the type of input source. The switches could include a first switch coupled to the first input terminal, a current source, and a first side of the diode. The switches could also include a second switch coupled to the current source, a second side of the diode, and a first side of the resistor. In addition, the switches could include a third switch coupled to the second input terminal and a second side of the resistor.

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 vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling power to an AC power grid. In one embodiment, the method comprises interleaving a storage period and a burst period, wherein (i) energy is stored during the storage period for a predetermined number of grid voltage cycles, and (ii) stored energy is converted to AC power and coupled to the AC power grid during the burst period.

Abstract: A safety switch device for switching a power supply for a load on and off, having at least one driveable switching element, in particular a relay, and a safety circuit for checking a switching state of the switching element. The switching element is in the form of a changeover switch in such a manner that a first contact is electrically connected to either a second contact or a third contact by means of a switching operation. A method for operating a safety switch device is also provided.

Abstract: An electric power supply cut-off circuit comprises an IC which outputs a normal operation signal when the IC is operated normally, a switch which makes connection or disconnection between the IC and a power source, and a switching control circuit which continuously outputs a connection instruction signal during a period in which the normal operation signal is inputted from the IC, wherein the switch connects the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is inputted, and the switch cuts off the connection between the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is not inputted. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid any excessive increase in the temperature of the IC and the ignition of the IC.

Abstract: A power system having a power saving mechanism includes a voltage regulator, a power input module, and a switching signal generation unit. The voltage regulator performs a regulation operation on a first voltage for generating a second voltage. The power input module includes a transformer, a rectifying unit, a switch, and a switch control unit. The rectifying unit together with the transformer is put in use for converting an input voltage into the first voltage. The switch is employed to control a current flowing through the primary winding of the transformer. The switch control unit generates a control signal for controlling the switch according to a switching signal. The switching signal generation unit is utilized for generating the switching signal to disable the switch control unit during an energy transfer disable interval so as to decrease the first voltage from a first predetermined voltage to a second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power controller for at least one piece of external equipment, the power controller being connected to the external equipment. The power controller includes a main unit (203) for transmitting an external equipment status checking request signal, required to detect an abnormality of the external equipment, to the external equipment at preset regular intervals or at a preset time point, determining that an abnormality has occurred in the external equipment when an abnormality is present in an external equipment status checking signal received from the external equipment in response to the external equipment status checking request signal, or when no external equipment status checking signal is received, and consequently transmitting a power reset request signal to an expansion unit (201). The expansion unit (201) resets power of the external equipment in response to the received power reset request signal.

Abstract: An architecture for a power supply with an integrated UPS control system to which generic batteries may be connected. Such an architecture greatly reduces the overall cost, complexity, size and inefficiency of providing uninterruptible power to a device such as a computer system.

Abstract: An overvoltage suppression device which suppresses overvoltage that occurs when breakers which turn on/off the connection between a power source bus and a power transmission line, are turned on after the breakers are turned off. The overvoltage suppression device measures the waveform of voltage on the side of the power source and the voltage on the side of the power transmission line, and extracts the waveform of a component in a predetermined frequency band on the basis of the waveform obtained by multiplying the wave shape of the voltage on the side of the power source by the waveform of the voltage on the side of the power transmission line. The breakers are turned on on the basis of a cycle wherein the waveform is peaked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises a conversion module comprising an input capacitor, and a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP. The apparatus additionally comprises a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP.

Abstract: A power switch apparatus includes a substrate; a semiconductor die mounted on the substrate and including power electronics circuitry for a high power, alternating current motor application; and gate drive circuitry mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to the power electronics circuitry on the semiconductor die.

Abstract: An intelligent switching on/off socket includes a housing containing master jacks and slave jacks respectively containing master conducting strips and slave conducting strips, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a current sampling circuit connected to the master conducting strips and a signal amplification circuit. The signal amplification circuit amplifies the sampled current and passes the signal to both a signal comparator, and to a reference signal acquisition circuit which in turn passes the reference signal to a memorizer. The signal comparator compares the reference current signals and current amplification signals, and is connected to a control output circuit. The control output circuit is connected to a relay which is connected to the slave conducting strip. The reference signal acquisition circuit provides a learning function such that multiple electrical devices with differing power needs can be switched on or off respectively depending on their individual power needs.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power supply control apparatus which can connect a ground to a suitable electric potential when the ground is disconnected. The power supply control apparatus includes a control circuit having a switch element and a switch control unit, and a load. One terminal of load is connected to a direct-current power supply through the switch element, and the other terminal is connected to a ground electric potential. The switch control unit has a ground terminal connected to the ground electric potential and outputting a ground current flowing toward the ground electric potential. The control circuit includes a bypass device having a load side bypass system for passing the ground current to the ground electric potential through the load when connection between the ground terminal and the ground electric potential is disconnected.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting a peripheral device in a computing system from electrical surge currents, the method including the steps of: providing a controller operationally connected to a host system; and reversibly conductively connecting, via the controller, wires of the device to the host system. Preferably, the device is connected to the host system via a connector. Preferably, the device is hard-wired to the host system. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via a mechanical contactor. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via an optical isolator. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: charging a switching battery when the device is disconnected from the host system. Most preferably, the method further includes the step of: powering the device using the battery when the device is connected to the host system.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is provided for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprising a panelboard having a plurality of load circuit positions. A remote operated device is mountable in the panelboard comprising a load control device, and a device control for controlling the load control device. The device control comprises a programmed controller for operating the load control device responsive to control commands and a communication circuit for receiving control commands. An input/output (I/O) controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the remote operated device, the I/O controller comprising a programmed controller for generating the control commands for commanding operation of the remote operated device, the control system including a communication circuit for communication with the remote operated device communication circuit.

Abstract: A fixing device fixes a toner image on a recording medium. The fixing device includes a heat source that converts electric power into heat and a fixing member that gives the heat generated by the heat source to the recording medium on which the toner image is formed. The fixing device includes a safety circuit that forcibly interrupts voltage supplied from a power supply to the heat source if the temperature in the device detected by a temperature detection sensor exceeds reference temperature. The fixing device has a malfunction preventing circuit that stops the operation of the safety circuit in order to prevent the voltage supplied to the heat source from being forcibly interrupted when the voltage of the power supply supplied to the heat source is unstable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling light in a 3-way light circuit, where at least one of the switches in a 3-way light circuit includes an occupancy sensor and the on/off state of the load in the 3-way circuit is determined based on the voltage output of circuits configured to provide power to the 3-way light circuit.

Abstract: A noncontact power transmission system having a power transmitting device including a primary coil and a power receiving device including a secondary coil, the primary coil and the secondary coil being electromagnetically coupled to each other and the power transmitting device configured to transmit electric power to the power receiving device, wherein the secondary coil contains a magnetic substance, the power transmitting device has a feeding section for feeding power to the primary coil and a self inductance detection section for detecting a change in the self inductance of the primary coil immediately after starting the feeding to the primary coil, wherein a feeding operation of the feeding section immediately after starting the feeding is determined based on a detection result of the self inductance detection section.

Abstract: A method for causing, in a power distribution network, an oscillation allowing data to be transmitted, includes connecting at least one capacitive load in series with a modulation circuit between two wires of the network. The amplitude modulation circuit includes at least one Zener diode and at least one switch. A short make pulse is applied to the switch such that it is conductive and short-circuits the Zener diode by modulating the amplitude of the network voltage. The duration of the make pulse is such that the amplitude modulation of the network voltage causes a response of the network in the form of a high-frequency oscillation of the network voltage.

Abstract: A dimmer switch has a user adjustable high-end trim. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a triac, for controlling the amount of power delivered from a source of alternating current power to a lighting load, such as an electric lamp. A user-adjustable timing circuit controls the conduction time of the triac from a minimum time to a maximum time. The maximum possible conduction time of the triac is the high-end trim. The minimum possible conduction time of the triac is the low-end trim. The timing circuit includes a user-accessible switch that allows a user to reduce the high-end trim from a first nominal level to a second reduced level, lower than the first level, without substantially affecting the low-end trim. The switch allows a user to switch a transient voltage suppressor into and out of parallel connection with a resistor that is part of an RC timing circuit for the triac.

Abstract: A system is described that turns off a high power, power supply when a device no longer needs high power. A low power, power supply or a rechargeable battery provides power to determine when the device again needs high power. The low power supply consumes a minimum possible power when the device does not need high power and the power rechargeable battery is not charged. That is, the high power and low power, power supplies are turned on or off based on the real time power consumption need of the device and the charged state of the battery. The power need of the device is monitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit and a control signal monitoring circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remotely controllable switch unit for switching the mains inside an electrical installation, wherein the switch unit comprises an electrically controllable switch, a control circuit for controlling the switch, a receiver coupled to the control circuit for receiving wireless signals, wherein the switch unit is adapted for mounting in a housing of a wall socket. As a result of these measures it is no longer necessary to place a separate unit between the wall socket and the plug for connecting thereto. The appearance of an electrical installation is hereby improved. Relative to the “bus” system and similar devices, the advantage results that arranging of such a switch unit can take place in particularly simple manner; no changes need after all be made to the wiring of the electrical installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power path control circuit comprising: an input node for receiving an external power; a first power transistor electrically connected between the input node and a first node, for controlling power supplied from the input node to the first node; a second power transistor electrically connected between the first node and a battery, for controlling power supplied from the battery to the first node; an error amplifier including an output electrically connected with a gate of the second power transistor, a first input terminal electrically connected with the first node, and a second input terminal electrically connected with the battery, wherein a voltage difference is allocated between the two input terminals.

Abstract: A PDA, which functions as an electronic unit, includes power supply which includes a fuel cell unit and an auxiliary power supply which is charged by an output of the fuel cell unit. A non-use state of the PDA is detected by non-use detection unit. Upon detection of the non-use state by the non-use detection unit, the output from the fuel cell unit is stopped and an output of the auxiliary power supply is shut off.

Abstract: A power control circuit includes an isolation circuit for receiving a separate image signal and outputting a start signal, and a driving circuit for outputting a direct current (DC) power to start a power module. The other power control circuit includes a first signal generating circuit, for generating a first signal; a second signal generating circuit, for receiving a DC power and outputting a second signal upon receiving a first signal; a driving circuit, for outputting a DC power to start a power module after receiving the second signal; an isolation circuit, for receiving the separate image signal and outputting a start signal; and a control circuit, for outputting a DC power to start the power module after receiving the start signal. The operation of the power control circuit can be suspended, when the display device is in a standby state, thereby reducing power consumption in the standby state significantly.

Abstract: An electronic switching unit for use with a product comprising and/or connected to a power source and at least one energy consuming load comprises a microchip, connected to a user interface switch structure. The microchip is configured to implement at least one function selected from the group consisting of an automatic delayed deactivation of a function a predetermined period after the function was activated in response to an activation signal from the switch structure; a visible indicator, and a mode selection function. The switch structure comprises a body at least a part of which is constructed from a compressible material which is deformed under pressure, so that it becomes thinner in a direction in which the pressure is exerted and in becoming thinner affects the operation of the switch structure.