Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle has a motor driven by an inverter and hybrid DC power supplies including a battery and a fuel cell for supplying electric power to the motor. For preventing a fuse connected to the battery from being blown out, when a motor current Im increases, a first source current flowing from the battery is limited to a range for not blowing out the fuse, and a generated current is increased as much as the first source current is limited.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiment of a device is disclosed comprising a processor to provide instructions, a first voltage regulator in communication with the processor to receive provided instructions received from the processor and to dynamically modulate an output voltage based on the received instructions, and a plurality of second voltage regulators to receive the output voltage from the first regulator; the output voltage to reduce a cross-regulation interference between the second regulators due to a change in a load of at least one of the second voltage regulators.

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.

Abstract: In a power supply system, a controller is electrically connected with a plurality of switching elements of a multiphase inverter. The controller switches the plurality of switching elements on and off during a multiphase motor being activated. This converts a voltage of a first power storage device into a multiphase AC voltage so as to supply the multiphase AC voltage to the multiphase motor. This also boosts a voltage of a second power storage device to charge the first power storage device by the boosted voltage via multiphase windings of the motor. The controller switches the plurality of switching elements on and off during the multiphase motor being inactivated to thereby boost the voltage of the second power storage device to charge the first power storage device by the boosted voltage.

Abstract: A method of encoding data related to voltages for each of a plurality of battery cells for transmission in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of generating a plurality of voltage groups, and generating a validity measure for each of the plurality of voltage groups. Each of the plurality of voltage groups comprises the voltages for a different combination of the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A method of operating a power system is provided. The method may include running one or more of a plurality of generator units that each include a power source, a first electric generator, and a second electric generator. Additionally, the method may include supplying electricity from one or more of the first electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a first set of one or more electric power loads. The method may also include supplying electricity from one or more of the second electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a second set of one or more electric power loads.

Abstract: A circuit and method for detecting an operating transition of a mechanical apparatus driven by a hydraulic prime mover comprising a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor, the operating transition causing a change in the force applied by the mechanical apparatus on the prime mover. A motor current sensing circuit is connected in a motor power supply circuit to provide a motor current signal representing motor current. A bandpass filter receives the motor current signal and provides a filtered motor current signal consisting essentially of motor current signal components in the frequency range from a lower frequency boundary greater than zero Hz to an upper frequency boundary below substantially all the motor noise frequencies. A comparison circuit compares the filtered motor current signal to a first selected threshold level and outputs a signal representing the occurrence of the operating transition when the filtered motor current signal exceeds the selected threshold level.

Abstract: At least some embodiments include a LED driver system. The system includes multiple branches of series-coupled LEDs, multiple current sources, and control logic. Each of the current sources is coupled to a separate branch of series-coupled LEDs. The control logic is coupled to the current sources, and is configured to regulate current through each branch based at least in part on a feedback voltage measured at a node in one of the branches.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient multi-output power supply apparatus that enables a reduction in the on voltage of a main switch in a step-down power supply circuit or the like over a wide input range from a low input to a high input. The power supply apparatus includes a first power supply circuit that increases an input voltage from an input power source to output a first output voltage Vo1, and a second power supply circuit that outputs a second output voltage Vo2 obtained from the input voltage via a main switch circuit connected to the input power source. The main switch circuit having a first switch element that is a PMOS transistor and a second switch element that is an NMOS transistor connected to each other in parallel. The first output voltage Vo1 is applied to a gate of the second switch element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a power extractor operates in a manner to obtain more power transferred from the source to the load than typically is obtained without the power extractor. The power extractor may perform universal impedance matching as this is seen from either the power source or the load. This impedance matching allows the power source to provide an optimal amount of power transfer that is greater than would be able without the impedance matching. The power extractor transfers power between two nodes and may be operated so that the power transferred is dependent on continuously detected power changes, and the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are unregulated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In one technique of the present invention, DC electric power from a DC bus is inverted to provide AC electricity to one or more electrical loads, and AC power from a variable speed generator is rectified to provide a first variable amount of electric power to the DC bus. This technique also includes determining power applied to the electrical loads, and dynamically controlling the amount of power supplied from the generator and an electrical energy storage device in response to the power applied to the loads.

Abstract: A apparatus and method of operating a power converter circuit is provided. The method selectively couples control signals to at least one output driver stage of a plurality of output driver stages of the power converter circuit to obtain a desired output at a select output port of the plurality of output ports. Wherein each output driver stage has a defined current drive capacity that is output to the select output port in response to the control signals.

Abstract: The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utiliser devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the at least one distribution network or line. The electrical energy generator devices includes (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the said generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the said network or line.

Abstract: A power supply circuit contains a plurality of DC-DC converter control loops that provide respectively different control signals. A plurality of output driver stages of given current drive capabilities have their inputs programmably connectable via a set of switches to control signals that may be generated by any of the converter control loops. The output of each output driver stage is externally selectively connectable to any of plural output voltage ports, so that each output voltage port is capable of supplying any of the respectively different output voltages associated with the voltage control signals generated by the DC-DC converter control loops, and has an output current capability that depends upon which output driver stages are coupled to it.

Abstract: A system for providing power to a local area network LAN connected device via spare wire pairs from a phantom feed LAN, the system comprising a first connector for connecting to the LAN connected device; a second connector for connecting to a LAN hub; and means for redirecting current from signaling wires of said second connector to at least one spare wire pair of said first connector.

Abstract: In master-slave current-tracking load-share systems using switching power supplies, a method and apparatus for preventing current recirculation at light-load and no-load operational conditions. The slave power supply is run in a discontinuous mode when load current falls to light-load or no-load state, preventing the slave from sinking current, therefore preventing recirculation from the master to the slave. The slave power supply is run at a lower current level than the master, preventing recirculation from the slave to the master.

Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of lengthening a life span of a battery power supply in an appliance such as a portable appliance, notebook computer or the like. A power saving method in an appliance includes displaying a user set-up menu for a power saving on a screen by respectively checking systems in the appliance, outputting a control command to a micro-controller in accordance with power saving contents determined on the user set-up menu by a user, and executing a power saving program set up by the user in accordance with the control command of the micro-controller.

Abstract: A power supply load balancing apparatus comprises a voltage converter capable of accepting a plurality of supply voltages and converting a selected supply voltage selected from among the plurality of supply voltages to an output voltage, and a controlled rate switch. The controlled rate switch is coupled to the voltage converter and capable of selecting from among the plurality of supply voltages. The controlled rate switch applies switching among the plurality of supply voltages at different rates to unambiguously apply the selected supply voltage to the voltage converter.

Abstract: A control system (10) actively limits the power drawn from a main power distribution bus (20) by one or more electric loads (30). The system (10) includes circuitry (14) for determining a maximum permissible current magnitude that may be supplied to the loads (30) based on a signal representative of the voltage magnitude supplied to the loads (30). Additional circuitry (18, 34) limits the power drawn from the main power distribution bus (20) to the maximum permissible current magnitude from exceeding a predetermined maximum power level. As a result, the required design capacity of power generation components and the power distribution system can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

Abstract: A multiple power sources control system has several power input sides can switch a power source to other power sources of power input sides as original power source of one of power input sides has an abnormal phenomenon (such as no power supply, too low or high voltage and abnormal frequency, etc.) such that loads can keep obtaining supplied power. In addition, power of loads has better protection because of multiple input power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of lengthening a life span of a battery power supply in an appliance such as a portable appliance, notebook computer or the like. A power saving method in an appliance includes displaying a user set-up menu for a power saving on a screen by respectively checking systems in the appliance, outputting a control command to a micro-controller in accordance with power saving contents determined on the user set-up menu by a user, and executing a power saving program set up by the user in accordance with the control command of the micro-controller.

Abstract: A power sharing system is provided for powering a plurality of loads using line voltage and a rechargeable source. Each load can be coupled to either the line voltage or the rechargeable source by means of a power source selector switch coupled to each load. A programmable controller is coupled to each power source selector switch to control a position thereof to maximize usage of the rechargeable source based on power requirements of the loads. The power sharing system can also recharge its rechargeable source during prescribed “off peak” times, and can provide power to the loads during times of power outages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for optimizing the efficiency of a switching converter for converting a first voltage to a second voltage. The apparatus includes a regulator, a DC-to-DC converter and a controller. The controller couples with both the regulator and DC-to-DC converter, and the controller is configured to activate and deactivate the regulator and the DC-to-DC converter depending on an output demand. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to activate the regulator and deactivate the DC-to-DC converter when the output demand transitions from a first demand level to a second demand level. The controller is further configured to activate the DC-to-DC converter and to deactivate the regulator when the output demand transitions from the second demand level to the first demand level. The apparatus is configured to monitor demand, and to activate the DC-to-DC converter when demand is in a first state or activate the regulator when demand is in a second state.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing regulated power to a microelectronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes an array of power regulators that are coupled together and which are configured to provide power to various portions of the microelectronic device. The array includes filters to determine a frequency of power demanded by the device and transistors configured to provide power in the demanded frequency range.

Abstract: A method of predicting by non-invasive testing the available energy of a battery at any state of charge by acquiring data of the parameters of internal resistance (IR), open circuit voltage (OCV) and temperature (T), the points of voltage and current of the slope on a positive current ramp of Vup and Iup at the transition from charge to overcharge and on a negative current ramp of Vdn and Idn at the transition from overcharge to charge for a plurality of batteries. Next an algorithm in the form of a linear equation is developed using this data. The available energy of a battery under test is predicted by acquiring from it the numerical data values of these parameters and applying them to the algorithm.

Abstract: A first battery 12 is for supply of power at a first voltage. A second battery 13 is for supply of power at a second voltage to a load 14. A converter 120 is between the first battery 12 and the second battery 13. The converter 120 is for conversion of power between the first voltage and the second voltage in magnitude. A controller 110 is for operation of the converter 120 in dependent on a first current in magnitude through the load 14 and a second current in magnitude at an output terminal of the second battery 13.

Abstract: A power sharing apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a method of sharing power includes switchably coupling and decoupling each of a plurality of power sources to deliver at least a portion of power to a shared power supply. Each of the power sources corresponds to one of a plurality of applications. The method also includes adjusting the portion of power delivered by each one of the power sources to the shared power supply responsive to an amount of usage by the application corresponding to the respective power source.

Abstract: An electronic power supply for use with a personal computer exhibits a construction including an external power section located exterior to a personal computer and including a direct current voltage source in combination with a battery source for providing a load adjusted direct current voltage. A first supervisory computer is connected to the direct current voltage source and the battery source for controlling the load adjusted direct current voltage. An internal power section is located interior to the personal computer and in electrical contact with the external power section. The internal power section comprises a plurality of voltage output devices for providing a plurality of direct current output voltages. A second supervisory computer is connected to the plurality of voltage output devices for controlling the plurality of direct current output voltages distributed to the personal computer. A signal communication link exists between the second supervisory computer and the first supervisory computer.

Abstract: A combined drive circuit for a split brake system of a motor vehicle has a switched reluctance motor and a brush motor. The switched reluctance motor has multiple phase windings. The combined drive circuit includes a DC power source with first and second supply buses. A SR motor driver supplies current to the switched reluctance motor. The SR motor driver has a first capacitor coupled to the phase windings for storing energy from the phase windings and a second capacitor coupled to the first capacitor and a third supply bus, thereby developing a third supply bus voltage across the second capacitor. A brush motor driver is coupled to the first and second capacitor. The SR motor driver is adapted to supply current to the brush motor. The brush motor driver includes first, second, third and fourth switching elements coupled to the brush motor.

Abstract: A combined drive circuit for a split brake system of a motor vehicle has a switched reluctance motor and a brush motor. The switched reluctance motor has multiple phase windings. The combined drive circuit includes a DC power source with first and second supply buses. A SR motor driver supplies current to the switched reluctance motor. The SR motor driver has a first capacitor coupled to the phase windings for storing energy from the phase windings and a second capacitor coupled to the first capacitor and a third supply bus, thereby developing a third supply bus voltage across the second capacitor. A brush motor driver is coupled to the first and second capacitor. The SR motor driver is adapted to supply current to the brush motor. The brush motor driver has a first switching element and a second switching element coupled to the brush motor.

Abstract: An inductive load is managed to reduce unnecessary induced electromagnetic radiation as caused by unwanted voltage and/or current fluctuations. The management is accomplished through combined current and voltage slew rate limiting of a transistor driving the inductive load. This management may be effected through a combination of analog and digital circuitry.

Abstract: A device for sensing motor current for over-current protection in an electric power tool. The tool includes an electric motor supplied with electrical power via a live cable and incorporates over-current protection including a tripping circuit with a current sensor associated with the live cable. The device includes a toroid of the sensor and two cable segments connected in parallel to a section of the live cable such that the motor current will be distributed among the cable segments and live cable section in respective proportions. The toroid extends around one cable segment for sensing the respective proportion of the motor current.

Abstract: An expandable hybrid electric generator (20) includes a number of power blocks (22) that may be nearly identical to one another. The power blocks (22) are controlled by a master controller (34), and an external supervisor (30) performs some master controller (34) functions should the master controller (34) fault. The power blocks (22) each include a battery bank (42) and an inverter/charger (44), both of which couple to a DC bus (40). The inverter (44) and an AC generator (50) couple to an AC bus (24). The DC busses (40) of the power blocks (22) remain independent of one another, but all power blocks (22) couple together at the AC bus (24). The master controller (34) issues instructions to the inverters (44) that maintain approximately equal states at the independent DC busses (40) of the power blocks (22).

Abstract: An on-vehicle distribution box for distributing an electrical power supplied from a power source to a first voltage load operated on a first voltage and to a second voltage load operated on a second voltage differed from the first voltage. The distribution box includes a primary circuit of which an upstream point is connected to the power source and of which a downstream point is connected to the first load. The primary circuit has also a first fuse means. The distribution box also includes a branch circuit branched at an upstream point of the fuse means from the primary circuit and connected to the second load at a downstream side of the branch circuit. A DC/DC converter is provided in the branch circuit for converting the first voltage to the second voltage, and a second fuse means is provided in the branch circuit downstream from the DC/DC converter. The first voltage is higher than the second voltage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for balancing the power loss in at least two electrically parallel-connected cascode circuits, which each have a low-blocking semiconductor switch composed of silicon and a high-blocking-capability semiconductor switch composed of silicon carbide is disclosed. According to the present invention, an output voltage of each low-blocking-capability semiconductor switch is detected, with correction values being established as a function of them, and being superimposed on corresponding control signals for the low-blocking-capability semiconductor switches. An unbalanced current distributor can thus be actively balanced.

Abstract: A compensation circuit for a DC—DC converter having a low voltage output line and a plurality of high voltage output lines applied to a plurality of loads includes an adjustable impedance source connected to the low voltage output line. The impedance source generates a feedback control signal to the DC—DC converter used to control the transformer duty cycle. A sensing circuit is connected to the plurality of high voltage output lines for generating a control signal which represents variations in the output voltages of the high voltage output lines. The control signal is applied to the impedance source to thereby regulate the feedback control signal which in turn provides regulation for the high voltage output lines.

Abstract: A power supply is adapted to be powered from an ordinary electric utility power line, or alternately from a standby storage battery, and is operable to provide a power-line-isolated output of 120 Volt RMS at a frequency of about 30 kHz. The Volt-Ampere product available from this power supply is limited to be no more than 100 Volt-Ampere. Due to the high frequency, the electric shock hazard associated with this 120 Volt/30 kHz power supply is not higher than it is for a power supply voltage a voltage of only 30 Volt RMS at 60 Hz.The power supply is used to provide shock-hazard-free and fire-initiation-hazard-free electric power for an auxiliary power distribution system in a home. Due to the Volt-Ampere limitation and the absence of shock-hazard, the power distribution can safely be done by way of so-called bell wire installation and without requiring the services of a licensed electrician.

Abstract: The present invention provides backup protection for circuit breaker failure by providing a programmable controller coupled to detect the failure of a circuit breaker to open on command and generate a command signal to all circuit breakers coupled to the programmable controller to open.

Abstract: An open loop control arrangement for an electrical energy flow-controlling circuit coupling the varying terminal voltage of an energy storing capacitor to a fixed voltage direct current aircraft energy supply bus in order to supplement bus voltage transients. The open loop control arrangement allows energy flow from the varying terminal voltage of the capacitor to the fixed bus voltage by providing a time varying pulse modulation cycle in an energy conveying and voltage changing inductive element located in the energy coupling path. The open loop control arrangement senses input voltage rather than output voltage of the coupling circuit in what is termed a "feed forward " output regulation algorithm. A transistorized and integrated circuit inclusive preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a disconnect of the inductance from the aircraft supply bus is accomplished during shunt path inductance energy charging portions of an operating cycle.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which a plurality of power supplies generate power of one or more regulated voltages, each voltage being received by regulator circuit that compares the regulated voltage against a predetermined reference voltage level and generates a digital control signal therefrom. Each power supply increases the regulated voltage when the respective control signal indicates that the regulated voltage is less than an optimum level.

Abstract: A low-noise switching regulator and a method for driving an inductive load, employing current slew control and voltage slew control, is provided. Open and closed loop embodiments, as well as first and higher order slewing, are also provided.

Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit device of the present invention includes a plurality of integrated circuits. The scheduling circuit selects an arbitrary number of integrated circuit from the plurality of integrated circuits, and connects the selected integrated circuits between the power line and the ground line such that the selected integrated circuits are arranged in series or in series-parallel. The scheduling circuit sets a combination of connection of the selected integrated circuits such that the consumption power of the total of the selected integrated circuits becomes minimum. The voltage control circuit sets a potential of a serial connecting portion of the selected integrated circuits. The data control circuit has an input output circuit for inputting and outputting data between the selected integrated circuits, and the outside, and a level conversion circuit for converting a level of data between certain integrated circuits.

Abstract: A dual adjustable voltage regulator combining a DC--DC switching regulator with a linear regulator implemented on a single chip is disclosed. The invention provides switching circuitry that can select between a fixed output voltage level and a user-adjustable output voltage. The circuit further provides means to automatically detect and generate power supply voltage levels as required by the system.

Abstract: A power supply capable of compensating a failed voltage occurred therein includes an exclusive OR gate for performing an exclusive OR operation on a first and a second voltages to produce a failure detection signal to indicate a failure in either of a first or a second voltage source, wherein a level of the first voltage is higher than that of the second voltage, a voltage conversion device for converting the first voltage applied thereto to an equivalent to the second voltage and a switching transistor, in response to the failure detection signal, for permitting the first voltage to apply the voltage conversion device.

Abstract: An electrical circuit has a power source line from a battery. The power source line is divided into a primary side and a secondary side by a device, such as, for example, a diode. A high current load circuit is connected to the primary side and a lower current device, such as, for example, a display-related circuit and a capacitor are connected to the secondary side. The display-related circuit continues to receive adequate power when the battery voltage drops due to operation of the high current load circuit. In addition, a voltage detector is connected to the secondary side, where the voltage fluctuates less than on the primary side. The voltage detector controls operation of the high current load circuit. As a result, the high current load circuit can be efficiently driven.

Abstract: A fault tolerant isolation system providing fault tolerant electrical isolation between different components receiving power from separate power sources regardless of which of the power sources fails. One power source provides operating voltage to an isolation device, which is a transceiver, buffer, quick switch, etc. The other power source activates a transistor switch coupled to the output enable input of the isolation device, and a current limit device is provided between the output enable and power inputs of the isolation device. In this manner, failure of either power source disables the isolation device and therefore provides fault tolerant isolation between the devices on either side. In the preferred embodiment, the isolation device acts as a high impedance open switch if its power is removed thereby isolating the devices on either side.

Abstract: An electric power distribution center for use on aircraft comprises a space frame having a first surface defining a plurality of sockets, and a second, generally parallel, surface defining a plurality of connector ports; a plurality of conducting bus bars utilizing a three dimensional routing configuration encapsulated within the space frame; current sensors integrally mounted within the space frame for monitoring the flow of electrical current through the conducting bus bars; and a printed circuit board encapsulated within the space frame for providing electrical circuit pathways within the power distribution center. Further, a plurality of load protection and control devices, seated within the sockets of the first surface, provide a switchable coupling between the bus bars and the printed circuit board to control the distribution of electric power to the individual aircraft loads.

Abstract: By providing data to a selection switch via a multiplexor so it can be programmed to supply either a current programmably controlled by a shift register or a current fixed by a fused resistor. Selected signals coupled to the multiplexor control the selection of either the resistor or the shift register thus, providing an improved current selection device which is capable of automatically selecting and programming the current supplied to circuits such as digital to analog converters.

Abstract: A novel vehicle power supply system is suggested which receives its voltage supply from a starter/generator which can be used as a generator in normal operation and as a starter when starting, wherein the starter/generator is connected with a 24 volt ring mains as well as with a 24 volt battery via a pulse inverter and a 300 volt DC intermediate circuit and a bidirectional converter. Additional consumers can be supplied with higher voltages than 24 volts and electric control devices can be supplied with voltage, possible via additional converters, from the bidirectional push-pull converter and the 300 volt DC intermediate network. In addition, this vehicle power supply system contains a plug receptacle with a 220 volt 50 Hz voltage.

Abstract: A universal pressure measurement interface ("UPMI") according to the invention enables interfacing of a multiplicity of pressure transmitters to a data acquisition system. The UPMI provides the necessary DC power and signal flow for field test measurements and is suitable for direct application in various sites with line voltage of from 100 to 240 VAC at 50-60 Hz.