Plural Sources Of Supply Patents (Class 307/18)
  • Patent number: 7830035
    Abstract: The power supply unit has a sample-and-hold circuit that samples a voltage supplied from a power source to a load according to a sample timing signal and holds the voltage as an output set value for the DC/DC converter. The unit supplies a load with an output from the DC/DC converter controlled so that an output voltage of a power source becomes an output set value of the DC/DC converter when the voltage of the power source drops. Since a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the power source before the voltage drop is set to the output set value of the DC/DC converter, a stable power supply unit is obtained in which the difference is always small between the voltage of the power source in normal times and the output voltage from the DC/DC converter when the voltage of the power source temporarily fluctuates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Hiroyuki Handa, Mitsuhiro Matsuo, Masafumi Nakamura, Takaharu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20100259100
    Abstract: Generally, a DC power filter and its associated components are presented herein. The DC power filter may operate in a telecommunications chassis between one or more electrical sources and one or more loads. A common mode noise shunt may be included to shunt noise from more than one of the electrical sources or loads together. Additionally, the DC power filter may include protection circuitry that is coupled to more than one of the electrical sources. The protection circuitry may include a combination of diodes and other transient voltage suppression devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: James Robert Hamstra, John MacAskill, Kieran Miller, Aaron Jungreis, Dan Gorcea
  • Patent number: 7814347
    Abstract: A power supply device which comprises at least two power supply units and the same number of adapter cards, each of the adaptor cards comprising a number of hot swap circuits at least equal to a number of the power supply units is disclosed. In the power supply device power from each of the at least two power supply units is supplied to a respective one of the hot swap circuits within each of the adapter cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nec Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Wakamatsu
  • Publication number: 20100213762
    Abstract: A grid interconnection device 100 comprises a receiver configured to receive an adjustment instruction and a controller configured to control a backward flow power on the basis of the adjustment instruction. The adjustment instruction includes group information indicating an application group to which the adjustment instruction is applied among a plurality of groups G. Customers 30 (each includes a power supply device) are grouped depending on the distance from a substation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo ITOH, Masahiro MAKINO, Toshiyuki HIRATA
  • Publication number: 20100213761
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the power output of a solar energy system. A field level inverter controller is described that may improve the power output of individual solar energy systems in a field of solar energy systems by controlling the inverter voltage applied to strings of solar energy units in a solar energy system connected in parallel to an inverter. An inverter load voltage for an improved power output may be calculated or derived empirically. An algorithm stored in the controller may calculate an improved load voltage for the inverters based on factors such as string geometry, solar movement and shade patterns generated by surrounding structures. Improved power output may be empirically determined by the field level inverter controller when the inverter controller directs an inverter to sweep a range of voltage values until a maximum output is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SOLFOCUS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark McDonald, Jeremy Dittmer
  • Patent number: 7777434
    Abstract: A system and method for operating, or electrically communicating with, an electrical supply network are disclosed. A vehicle is coupled to the electrical supply network, a trigger causes a partial discharge of an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle into electric power network, discharging electrical energy into the electric power network from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20100201403
    Abstract: There is provided a method that includes comparing a voltage level (Vs1) of a lower voltage supply bus to a voltage level (Vs2) of a higher voltage supply bus, and routing current from the lower voltage supply bus to the higher voltage supply bus if Vs2<Vs1. The lower and higher voltage supply busses provide power to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit. There is also provided a circuit that employs the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Rajiv V. Joshi, Louis L. Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100194193
    Abstract: A system including circuits, conductors and sensors. The circuits are configured to supply voltages. The conductors are configured to receive the supply voltages and the sensors are configured to provide data. Each of the sensors is configured to receive the supply voltages via a different set of two of the conductors and provide data via the different set of two of the conductors. The number of conductors is equal to the numbers of sensors or one more than the number of sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Publication number: 20100181830
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing a circuit coupled to an AC line. The apparatus comprises a consumption measurement unit (CMU), adapted for coupling, independent of voltage and current polarity, to the AC line and the circuit. The CMU comprises a discovery module adapted for (i) generating a circuit current signature based on current samples representative of current on a phase of the circuit, (ii) generating at least one AC line current signature based on AC line current samples representative of current on each phase of the AC line, and (iii) determining, based on the circuit current signature, the at least one AC line current signature, and at least one of a source profile or a load profile, at least one of a type or a voltage characteristic for the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Fornage, Marv Dargatz
  • Patent number: 7733038
    Abstract: Switching device for linking various electrical voltage levels in a motor vehicle, in which a drive voltage level has an electric drive machine which may be actuated by a power converter, and a drive energy accumulator which is associated with an intermediate circuit, and in which the drive voltage level is connected to a vehicle electrical system voltage level by an electrical converter. The electrical converter is designed as a coupling circuit which is connected at the drive side to at least one node point of a winding circuit of the electric drive machine and to a voltage potential relative to the intermediate circuit. The coupling circuit is connected at the vehicle electrical system side to the vehicle electrical system via a switching unit which has at least one non-diminishing, finite impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Torsten Franke
  • Publication number: 20100133902
    Abstract: A power supply potential detecting circuit detects a power supply potential of a second circuit block when a first circuit block shifts from a power supply shutdown state to a power supply feeding state or shifts from the power supply feeding state to the power supply shutdown state. Then, an operation control circuit temporarily stops a function of the second circuit block when the first circuit block shifts from the power supply shutdown state to the power supply feeding state or shifts from the power supply feeding state to the power supply shutdown state and then recovers the function of the second circuit block based on a detection result outputted from the power supply potential detecting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Tetsuji Gotou, Hiroo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100127566
    Abstract: A power supply system, particularly to be used in maritime oil/natural gas production includes at least one data transfer/voltage conversion unit arranged above sea level and one electrical means such as a choke, gate valve, production tree, power control/communication unit and the like arranged below sea level, which are electrically connected via a cable connection at least for power supply. To improve such a power supply system in a manner that this system has a simple structure and each data transfer/voltage conversion unit can also provide higher powers over a predetermined period of time or during continuous operation, a plurality of data transfer/voltage conversion units are arranged modularly, and one additional power supply module can be connected thereto to increase the power supply, and the electrical power, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow
  • Patent number: 7719135
    Abstract: There is provided a circuit for managing a multi-level power supply. The circuit includes a comparator that compares a voltage level (Vs1) of a lower voltage supply bus to a voltage level (Vs2) of a higher voltage supply bus, and a switch that routes current from the lower voltage supply bus to the higher voltage supply bus if Vs2<Vs1. The comparator is powered by the lower voltage supply bus, the lower and higher voltage supply busses provide power to an apparatus that includes a plurality of p-type metal oxide semiconductor devices in a common well, and the common well is electrically connected to the higher voltage supply bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv V Joshi, Louis L Hsu
  • Patent number: 7702771
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 7696639
    Abstract: A rectifier circuit powers three power conversion modules using a three phase AC input without a neutral connection. The rectifier circuit includes a first bridge rectifier that is connected to a first phase of the three phase AC input and that produces a first rectified waveform. A second bridge rectifier is connected to a second phase of the three phase AC input and produces a second rectified waveform. A third bridge rectifier is connected to a third phase of the three phase AC input and produces a third rectified waveform. A first inductor has one end that is connected to the first bridge rectifier. A second inductor has one end that is connected to the second bridge rectifier. A third inductor has one end that is connected to the third bridge rectifier. Opposite ends of the first, second and third inductors are connected to form a virtual neutral. A protection circuit prevents overvoltage when one of the DC outputs is shorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Vadim Lubomirsky
  • Patent number: 7675195
    Abstract: A load control system comprises a plurality of control devices, each coupled to one of a plurality of device communication links. The device communication links are each coupled to a one of a plurality of link power supplies, which provides power for the control devices on the device communication links. The link power supplies are coupled together via a repeater communication link and operate as repeater devices to retransmit digital messages received from the device communication link onto the repeater communication link, and vice versa. The retransmitted digital messages are substantially the same as the received digital messages. No control devices are coupled to the repeater communication link, such that no control devices draw current through the repeater communication link. A maximum of only two or three link power supplies are coupled between any two control devices of the load control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Mierta
  • Patent number: 7663268
    Abstract: Multilevel high power converters, referred to as hexagram converters, which preferably include a combination of six three-phase converter modules, are provided herein. The three-phase converter modules are interconnected and can be configured as any three-phase converter for any given application. One or more inductors can be used in the interconnections between the six modules to suppress potential circulating currents. Numerous applications exist in which the described converters can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Cailfornia
    Inventors: Jun Wen, Keyue Smedley
  • Publication number: 20100026092
    Abstract: A power source system capable of temporarily increasing the power supply capacity of a power accumulator when an interruptible power source is stopped. Upon receiving stop information of the interruptible power source from an integrated control ECU, a controller reduces an operable voltage that is determined as an output voltage for ending discharge of the power accumulator, outputs the reduced operable voltage from a communication part to the integrated control ECU. The integrated control ECU controls a charge/discharge control device based on the reduced operable voltage, and increases the power supply capacity of the power accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Takuma Iida, Tadao Kimura
  • Publication number: 20100007703
    Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printhead module including two or more printhead integrated circuits and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the printhead integrated circuits. First and second power supplies are provided at first and second ends of the printhead assembly, the second end being opposite to the first end. The printhead assembly further includes a plurality of electrical conductors for providing power to the printhead integrated circuits from the first and second power supplies. The plurality of electrical conductors extend transverse to a media feed path defined through the printhead assembly. The plurality of electrical connectors are arranged as first and second groups of electrical conductors, the first and second groups having a combined lengths at least equal to a width of the media feed path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20090326727
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provides an adaptive power system to relieve manual efforts for performing appropriate power procedures. The adaptive power system can include a power source unit including a plurality of power sources and a power bus. The power source unit can be configured to provide electrical power from one or more of the power sources to the power bus. Further, the adaptive power system can include a power distribution unit configured to distribute electrical power from the power bus to a plurality of electrical devices. In addition, the adaptive power system can include a power control unit configured to control a power sequence for the power distribution unit to distribute electrical power from the power bus to the plurality of electrical devices in a coordinated manner consistent with load or time interval for each of the electrical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph A. Gothard
  • Patent number: 7635965
    Abstract: A portable and integrated backup electric power supplies system, equipped with a battery. It comprises of an alternating current power supply, and a multifunction direct current power supply containing a variable voltage power supply, a dual polarity voltage power supply, a variable NIMH battery charger, a 12-volt lead-acid battery charger, and an automotive jumpstart system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Edward Hinckson
  • Patent number: 7626283
    Abstract: An alternative power source provides alternating current (AC) through a proper connector into a first outlet of a pre-existing electrical distribution system which is normally powered by an alternating current electrical power supply through main breakers and a breaker box. At least one of the breakers which controls power from the normal AC electrical power supply on the electrical distribution system is opened prior to connecting the alternative power supply. The alternative power supply provides electricity through the proper connector into the first outlet, or node, to provide alternating current to a selected portion of the electrical distribution system, and possibly to both halves of the pre-existing electrical distribution system if the proper connector is connected to a 240 volt outlet, or if two proper connectors are utilized and connected to first and second outlets with the first and second outlets on each of the two phase (power) wires of the pre-existing electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Baucum, Jr., William E. Baucum, III
  • Publication number: 20090289499
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed. A first power supply wiring for connecting between a first output circuit consisting of a predetermined number of output circuits and a first power supply pad which corresponds to the first output circuit, is connected via a resistor with a second power supply wiring for connecting between a second output circuit consisting of a predetermined number of output circuit and a second power supply pad which corresponds to the second output circuit. Thus, power supply noise that is to be propagated to certain output circuits via in-chip output power supply wirings can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventors: Takenori Sato, Hiroki Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 7605492
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided that can operate with energy storage units of varying voltages and temperatures, that can correct voltage and temperature deviations, and that can continue to provide power when an energy storage unit is inoperable. A power supply system is also provided that can recondition an energy storage unit during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Elder, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7602075
    Abstract: The disclosure describes implementations of methods, systems and apparatuses that are configured to facilitate normal operating characteristics for a wind turbine during normal operation, as well as during voltage irregularities. In an implementation, a turbine controller coordinates operating primary turbine systems and ancillary turbine systems during normal operation and during voltage irregularities. During normal operation, the turbine controller coordinates powering both primary and ancillary turbine systems through a power supply. During a detected voltage event, ancillary turbine systems may be transitioned to a having an uninterruptible power supply power these systems. However, the turbine controller coordinates maintaining the power supply as the sole powering device for primary turbine systems despite a voltage irregularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: William Erdman, Michael Behnke, Ricardo Royo Garcia, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Publication number: 20090251001
    Abstract: A first signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on a first signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a second signal. A second signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on the second signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a third signal. A first and a second switching power supplies respectively supply power supply voltages to the first and second signal processing circuits. An amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the first signal by the first signal processing circuit, and an amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the second signal by the second signal processing circuit, are dependent on the respective power supply voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Kojima, Toshiyuki Okayasu
  • Patent number: 7593756
    Abstract: A powering source unit comprising: a first powering source; a second powering source; the first powering source being operable to: apply a plurality of voltages towards a powered device via a first path so as to detect a signature impedance, and in the event the signature impedance is detected, to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage towards the powered device via the first path and measuring the resultant current flow, the classification voltage level being higher than each of the plurality of detection voltage levels; the second powering source being operable to apply at least one voltage towards the powered device via a second path so as to attempt to detect a signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the supplied classification voltage of the first powering source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Microsemi Corp.—Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Alon Ferentz, Roni Blaut
  • Publication number: 20090230784
    Abstract: A vehicle (400) such as an aircraft is provided (101) with a source of light (401). An optical conduit is then used to couple (104) this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (408). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Embedded Control Systems
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Stoner
  • Patent number: 7576447
    Abstract: A control and supply system for electrical devices comprises at least one voltage supply and control device above sea level, a subsea cable connecting the voltage supply and control device with the electrical devices, and a control and actuating device which is associated essentially in situ with the electrical devices. The control and supply system allows supplies over larger distances, uses fewer devices, obtains higher efficiency and makes better use of the system. In order to achieve this, the voltage supply and control device comprises at least one AC/DC converter for producing a direct voltage in order to feed the subsea cable. The control and actuating device is associated with at least one DC/DC or DC/AC converter for converting the DC voltage transmitted by the sub-sea cable into a DC voltage or an AC voltage. The voltage generated thereby can be transmitted to the electrical device via a connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow
  • Publication number: 20090195068
    Abstract: To realize power supply to each gate drive circuit without using an individual dedicated power supply for each gate drive circuit. A power conversion apparatus includes an individual drive unit that does not require a dedicated power supply, and includes gate drivers connected to switches and interface circuits and a power converter gate drive configured with a common power supply for supplying power to the gate drive unit. Power is supplied from main circuits or a number of common power supplies fewer than that of the number of the switches through one or more power supply terminals included in the interface circuit. Also, the signal can be transmitted by isolation from a signal source to the gate drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Hiromichi Ohashi, Yukihiko Sato, Kyungmin Sung, Masamu Kamaga, Moe Imaizumi
  • Publication number: 20090195069
    Abstract: A circuit includes a transformer, and primary and secondary circuits. The primary generates a first pulse across the primary coil of the transformer when a first input goes high and a second input goes low, and generates a second pulse when the first and second inputs go high. The primary generates a third pulse when the first and second inputs go low, and generates a fourth pulse when the first input goes low and the second input goes high. A first output from the secondary goes high when a pulse is induced across the secondary coil by the first or second pulse, and goes low when a pulse is induced by the third or fourth pulse. A second output from the secondary goes high when a pulse is induced by the second or fourth pulse, and goes low when a pulse is induced by the first or third pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Akiyuki Naito, Yukio Kato
  • Publication number: 20090189444
    Abstract: A power supply system for supplying power to a load is disclosed. The power supply system includes a power source, a high voltage terminal coupled to the power source, a programmable controller coupled to the power source, and a first low voltage terminal and a second low voltage terminal. Each low voltage terminal is coupled to the programmable controller. The programmable controller may be programmed to switch each of the first and second low voltage terminals between a connected state and a disconnected state and to implement a power up strategy when initially supplying power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Miles Currie, Mark Edward Hartman, Benjamin Paul Gottemoller, Matthew Lee Boggs
  • Patent number: 7566985
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus may include a plurality of power supply circuits, an individual soft start circuit including a first terminal for outputting a predetermined fixed voltage and a second terminal for outputting a voltage that varies with time, and an individual soft start switch. The individual soft start circuit may be operated when any of the plurality of supply voltages output from the power supply circuits is caused to make a transition individually. The individual soft start switch may connect the power supply circuit with the first terminal or the second terminal of the individual soft start circuit. The plurality of power supply circuits may apply soft start control to the respective supply voltages in accordance with the soft start voltage output from the individual soft start circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Miyagoe
  • Publication number: 20090184580
    Abstract: A plurality of primary power supplies convert a primary power supply voltage into intermediate voltages. Secondary power supplies convert the intermediate voltages converted by the primary power supplies into supply voltages and output the same. A timing adjuster is inputted thereto plural sorts of power converted into the intermediate voltages from the plural primary power supplies to perform timing adjustment to absorb a difference in start timing between the plural primary power supplies, and causes the secondary power supplies to output the supply voltages. When the power is supplied from the plural power supplies to the load elements, stable power can be supplied to the load elements even if a difference in start time generates between the plural power supplies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro MIYAZAKI
  • Patent number: 7560829
    Abstract: A power system can include a first battery port to couple to a first type of battery pack having a first battery voltage range, a second battery port to couple to a second type of battery pack having a second battery voltage range that is different from the first battery voltage range, a first power rail to couple to a first set of loads, a second power rail to couple to a second set of loads, and a switch circuit. The switch circuit can provide a number of switch settings. The switch settings can include a first setting to couple the first battery port to the first power rail and the second battery port to the second power rail, a second setting to couple the first battery port to both the first power rail and the second power rail, and a third setting to couple the second battery port to both the first power rail and the second power rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Proefrock, Thovane Solivan
  • Publication number: 20090174256
    Abstract: A power distribution system and method may include a first power domain having a first plurality of power rails, a second power domain having a second plurality of power rails, where the first power domain is electrically independent of the second power domain, and a plurality of modules coupled to the first power domain and the second power domain, where each of the plurality of modules is coupled to one of the first plurality of power rails and one of the second plurality of power rails. The system may also include a plurality of mated pairs, where each of the plurality of modules is in only one of the plurality of mated pairs, and where each of the plurality of mated pairs is coupled to two separate of the first and second plurality of power rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Emerson Network Power - Embedded Computing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Lanus, Bruce A. Hanahan, Wolfgang Poschenrieder
  • Patent number: 7557461
    Abstract: The power supply device of the present invention supplies power highly reliably by suppressing an increase in costs even when a multiplicity of load groups are present. When operating normally, each of the normal power supply units supplies power via a normal path to each of the load groups. One redundant power supply unit is provided for a plurality of normal power supply units. When any of the normal power supply units fail, the redundant power supply unit continues to supply power to the load group via the redundant path. A diode for connecting the redundant path to the normal path is provided in each normal power supply unit and the redundant paths that are routed through the respective normal power supply units are connected so as to intersect one another between the normal power supply units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Kawakubo, Tetsuya Inoue, Masahiro Sone, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20090160248
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a current sensor detecting a current flowing between a junction, where an output of a first boost converter and an output of a second boost converter are joined together, and a load circuit, and a control device controlling the first and second boost converters and monitoring a current value detected by the current sensor. The control device performs pulse width modulation control over the first and second boost converters based on carrier signals equal in frequency and different in phase. The control device obtains an individual value of currents flowing through the first and second boost converters by sampling the detected current value with a time difference corresponding to phase difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wanleng Ang
  • Publication number: 20090152947
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a power management system for managing the power from solar panels and rechargeable batteries to power a system that includes DC loads and AC loads. The power management system includes a DC-DC converter in communication with the solar panels, a first switch positioned to control power from the DC-DC converter, to and from the rechargeable batteries, and to the DC loads and AC loads, and when in response to a power requirement from the system being equal to or less than a solar panel power provided by the solar panels, the first switch automatically set, by the power management system, to supply the system with only the solar panel power, and wherein any excess solar panel power not consumed by the system is at the same time automatically directed to recharge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Shay-Ping Thomas Wang
  • Patent number: 7548502
    Abstract: HDD boxes 831 to 83n are each incorporated with a secondary battery box 87, a non-isolated DC/DC converter 89, and an HDD 91. Logical circuit boards 851 to 85n are each incorporated with the secondary battery box 87, fast-transient-response-type non-isolated DC/DC converters 931 to 933, and a plurality of loads 951 to 953. Every secondary battery box 87 is provided with a charge/discharge circuit 97, and a plurality of in-line secondary batteries 99. In the HDD box, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to an HDD 91 via the DC/DC converter 89. In the logical circuit board, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to the corresponding loads 951 to 953 via the DC/DC converters 931 to 933. With such a structure, in a disk array apparatus, realized are higher energy efficiency and less space occupation through reducing power loss and optimizing power capacity setting for a backup power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7514812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply circuit comprises several power supply modules for supplying power to various sub-assemblies and/or interfaces of electrical equipment, e.g. a communications equipment or a personal computer, in addition to a regulating circuit that regulates a first power supply module. The regulating circuit is connected to the power supply outputs of those power supply modules, between which a maximum voltage differential deviates from a reference value, the first power supply module is corrected in such a way that the deviation is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wilfried Krug
  • Patent number: 7489051
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using a power protector, such as an uninterruptible power supply (power protector) or a power line conditioner. An input of the power protector can be coupled to an output of one or more of circuit breakers using electrical buss bars for unique modularity and easy installation and replacement. Further, an input of a second set of circuit breakers can be coupled to an output of the power protector to backfeed the power through the second set of circuit breakers and out through the buss bar to one or more electrical loads. Additional power protectors can be used for capacity and/or redundancy. A stacked buss bar system can be used that consolidates the system into a compact assembly heretofore unknown in the industry. In at least some embodiments, the system can be compatible with standard panelboards having circuit breakers disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Fuchik, James K. Martin, Russell E. Shetler, Jr., William A. Barcus, Peter A. Panfil
  • Patent number: 7480549
    Abstract: An electrical control unit for an automobile of which standby current is smaller. In an electrical control unit for an automobile having a microcomputer, an input circuit, a driver circuit, and a power supply circuit, which is started by a wake-up signal from the circuit other than the ignition switch even when the ignition switch of the automobile is cut off, the microcomputer is started by shifting the power supply circuit from an inert state to an active state to generate the voltage for operating the microcomputer, and the predetermined processing is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Sakurai, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Mitsuru Watabe, Shoji Sasaki, Katsuya Oyama
  • Publication number: 20090015063
    Abstract: Systems and methods perform power conversion and distribution. A system for power conversion and distribution, according to one embodiment comprises: a first generator substation (70) receiving power from a first electrical generator (10); a first main substation (100) for distributing converted power to at least one load, said load being local to the first main substation (100); a ring bus including ring bus feeders (1000, 2000); and at least one satellite substation (700) for powering a remote load, wherein the ring bus feeders (1000, 2000) connect the first generator substation (70) and the first main substation (100) in a ring arrangement, and the at least one satellite substation (700) receives power from the ring bus through a branch substation (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney G. Michalko
  • Patent number: 7468565
    Abstract: An ECU performs a program including a step of notifying a system main relay shut-off signal to a high-voltage system using equipment when a system main relay shut-off demand due to a HV system failure is generated, a step of shutting off the system main relay when a high voltage shut-off acknowledging signal from the high-voltage system using equipment is not unreceived, a step of shutting off the system main relay when a high voltage shut-off acknowledging signal from the high-voltage system using equipment is unreceived and a current value in a high voltage circuit is more than the predetermined threshold, and a step of shutting off the system main relay when the current value in the high voltage circuit is not more than the predetermined threshold and the predetermined period of time has elapsed from the occurrence of a HV system malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Hoshiba
  • Patent number: 7449796
    Abstract: A power over Ethernet controller supporting a plurality of powering modes, the power over Ethernet controller comprising: a pair of power sourcing equipments; and a control circuit; the control circuit being operative to control each of the pair of power sourcing equipment units in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode comprising operating the pair of power sourcing equipments as a single power sourcing equipment operable to power a single powered device over communication cabling, and the second mode comprising operating each of the power sourcing equipments of the pair independently so as to each be operable to power an associated powered device over communication cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Microsemi Corp. - Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Elkayam, Eli Ohana, Dror Korcharz
  • Patent number: 7443051
    Abstract: A system and method for adaptively providing a power supply voltage. The system includes an input/output subsystem configured to receive a first voltage, an analog subsystem configured to receive a second voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, a first digital subsystem configured to receive a third voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, and a second digital subsystem configured to receive a fourth voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, the first digital subsystem, and the analog subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: Wenzhe Luo, Paul Ouyang, Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20080258555
    Abstract: There is provided a circuit for managing a multi-level power supply. The circuit includes a comparator that compares a voltage level (Vs1) of a lower voltage supply bus to a voltage level (Vs2) of a higher voltage supply bus, and a switch that routes current from the lower voltage supply bus to the higher voltage supply bus if Vs2<Vs1. The comparator is powered by the lower voltage supply bus, the lower and higher voltage supply busses provide power to an apparatus that includes a plurality of p-type metal oxide semiconductor devices in a common well, and the common well is electrically connected to the higher voltage supply bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Rajiv V. Joshi, Louis L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 7432609
    Abstract: An amount of electric power generatable by an exhaust gas-driven rotating electric machine is determined corresponding to an operating point, so that an increment amount of fuel by the exhaust gas-driven electric power generation is smaller than engine-driven alternator power generation. The power generation can be thereby performed by effectively utilizing exhaust energy of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Obayashi, Keisuke Tani, Hiroshi Tamura, Masami Fujitsuna
  • Publication number: 20080238195
    Abstract: Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Argil E. SHAVER, Ronald M. Newdoll