Abstract: A battery provided in a vehicle and configured to supply electric power is cooled down by coolant the heat of which is exchanged with the heat of external air by a radiator. The radiator is provided near the battery and performs heat-exchange between the coolant and the external air taken in through introduction holes provided on a bottom face of the vehicle. Thus, even in a case where the radiator is provided in a vehicle floor portion so that the battery is upsized, it is possible to restrain a coolant pipe from being elongated. This accordingly makes it possible to improve mountability to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for calculating a cost for energy consumption is provided. The method includes receiving information regarding an energy consuming device from the energy consuming device, and determining a first charging rate for energy consumed by the energy consuming device based on the received information regarding the energy consuming device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of degeneration for a wideband voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit. In some aspects, the VCO circuit includes a degeneration network that includes a first inductor, a second inductor, and a capacitor. The degeneration network is connected between the a supply voltage and ground, with the capacitor connected across the differential VCO, between the sources of cross-coupled PMOS transistors and the sources of cross-coupled NMOS transistors. Control circuitry selects an inductance value of a switched inductance network to select a frequency band in which the VCO circuit operates. The control circuitry also sets a switched capacitor bank and a variable capacitor bank to tune the VCO circuit to an operating frequency within the selected frequency band. The control circuitry further tunes the degeneration network to degenerate the VCO circuit to reduce phase noise in an output signal of the VCO circuit.

Abstract: The CLOUD-AUTHENTICATED SITE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DEVICES, APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“CASRM”) transforms resource-use, weather, and user settings inputs into resource management schedule and control outputs. The CASRM achieves data transformation via using a building automation management device, comprising at least a processor a memory storing processor-executable instructions to receive, at a virtual cloud network controller, a data packet from a source building resource control device and to access a virtual routing table corresponding to a local virtual network associated with a control entity. The building automation management device may also determine a destination building resource control device based on the virtual routing table and at least one destination address in the data packet, and may send the data packet to the destination building resource control device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a broadcast communication system that is operable to detect a first power outage. A first plurality of electromagnetic waves is generated for transmission to a plurality of user devices of the broadcast communication system via a guided wave transceiver, where the first plurality of electromagnetic waves includes an outage status signal generated in response to detecting the first power outage, and where the first plurality of electromagnetic waves is guided by at least one transmission medium and propagates without utilizing an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing electric devices, and a mobile device and a system adapted to the method are provided. The electric device management system includes an electric power supply, a plurality of electric devices that are arranged in an area and receive electric power from the electric power supply, and a device management apparatus for providing information regarding the electric devices and at least one operation schedule of electric devices based on the entire amount of electric power planned to be consumed by the electric devices.

Abstract: The priority of a demand regulating control for a device is changed in accordance with a simple operation by a consumer. A demand regulating system has an operation unit that selects from among a plurality of consumption devices, on the basis of priority information and a regulating quantity, a plurality of control-target devices, which are targeted for demand regulating control reducing consumption of the resource. A control unit executes the demand regulating control on the basis of a control instruction; and an input unit receives a first operation by the consumer, and transmits first request information requesting a change in the priorities of the plurality of control-target devices, to the operation unit in accordance with the first operation. The operation unit, upon receiving the first request information, specifies the plurality of control-target devices, and changes the priorities of the plurality of control-target devices in the priority information.

Abstract: A power distribution management system is disclosed for optimal power distribution for a predetermined class of loads and other loads. The power distribution management system include a substation for distributing power supply to a load network, where the load network includes the predetermined class of loads and other loads and the substation includes a plurality of feeders. The power distribution management system includes an optimizer for generating an optimal load schedule for a control period for the predetermined class of loads. The power distribution management system also includes a communication interface for communicating between the plurality of individual loads and/or the optimizer.

Abstract: A system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system for providing power from solar cells includes one or more solar generators wherein each of said solar generators has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each of said maximum power tracker includes a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, each of said maximum power trackers are operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each of said maximum power trackers is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power.

Abstract: A control device controls first and second direct-current power converter circuits so that a switching operation for at least one of a pair of first and second switching devices included in the first direct-current power converter circuit and a pair of first and third switching devices included in the second direct-current power converter circuit is performed. The control device controls a switching operation of the first switching device and the second switching device included in the first direct-current power converter circuit based on a first duty. In the switching operation, the first switching device and the second switching device are inverted and the alternative close and open (ON/OFF) switching operations of each first and second switching device are performed. The control device controls a switching operation of the first switching device and the third switching device included in the second direct-current power converter circuit based on a second duty.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a building automation and control system and a method for operating the same. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a building controller may process data using a plurality of protocols without using a BACnet gateway, thereby controlling devices in a building coexisting with two or more protocols. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, sub-systems having different their own protocols, respectively, may be integrated to establish a building automation and control system, and data may be processed using a single building controller, thereby enhancing the scalability and stability of the system.

Abstract: An energy control device adjusts an amount of energy of a plurality of pieces of equipment placed at a property. The energy control device includes a receiving unit, a basic adjustable amount calculation unit, and a control instruction generation unit. The receiving unit receives an energy suppression request including information related to a requested suppressed amount of energy at the property. The calculation unit calculates, upon receipt of the energy suppression request, a basic adjustable amount of energy for each piece of equipment independently of the requested suppressed amount based on an operating status of the piece of equipment when the energy suppression request is received. The generation unit instructs the equipment to perform energy amount adjustment control so that a total of suppressed amounts of energy at the property becomes equal to the requested suppressed amount based on the basic adjustable amount of energy for each piece of equipment.

Abstract: A first converter circuit 11 controls a voltage, applied between a first electrical potential point P1 and a fourth electrical potential point P4, to be within a range from a first voltage VB1 or a second voltage VB2 to a summed voltage (VB1+VB2) of the first voltage VB1 and the second voltage VB2, and/or controls the voltage, applied between the first electrical potential point P1 and the fourth electrical potential point P4, to be equal to or more than the summed voltage (VB1+VB2) of the first voltage VB1 and the second voltage VB2.

Abstract: A boost converter with a multiple input and with improved efficiency has two or more inputs. A DC voltage source can be connected to each input. A common output carries a DC voltage whose value is greater than or equal to that of the input voltages. The common output is in each case connected to each of the plurality of inputs via a positive lead branch and a negative lead branch. At least one inductor is arranged in the positive lead branch and/or the negative lead branch from each input, and at least one rectification element is arranged in the positive lead branch and/or the negative lead branch from each input. Furthermore, the inputs can be connected in series by means of two or more switching elements via the inductors, wherein at least two of the inductors can in each case be connected in parallel.

Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.

Abstract: A control device of an electric power supply apparatus controls a voltage applied to an inverter to fall within a voltage range between a first voltage that is the voltage of one of a first electric power supply and a second electric power supply and a second voltage that is the sum of the voltage of the first electric power supply and the voltage of the second electric power supply, by alternately switching between a series state in which a current loop that connects the first electric power supply, the second electric power supply, and a reactor in series with the inverter is formed, and a parallel state in which the first electric power supply and the second electric power supply are connected in parallel with the inverter as an electric load.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a switchable inductor network having configurable inductance in response to a control signal. The switchable inductor network may adopt a fully symmetric architecture to reduce the effects of parasitic elements in differential mode operation. The switchable inductor network is particularly suitable for multi-mode communications circuitry applications, e.g., in the design of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or an amplifier or buffer in such circuitry.

Abstract: A remaining capacity equalizing device is provided having an inductance connected to a reference node of a battery pack and first and second switching elements. A first closed circuit is formed through selecting sequentially a first switching switch from a first switching switch group that is connected to the high-voltage side of the reference node. A second closed circuit is formed by selecting sequentially a second switching switch from among a second switching switch group that is connected to the low-voltage side of the reference node. The first and second switching elements are turned ON/OFF alternatingly for each combination of first and second closed circuits so that, during a specific interval, the ratio of the conductive times of the first and second switching elements is the inverse of the ratio of the numbers of storage cells in the first and second closed circuits.

Abstract: A thermal protection module includes a surge absorber, a switch unit, and a pyrocondensation belt connected to the surge absorber and the switch unit. The switch includes a casing, at least one conductive pin, at least one conductive portion, and a moving part. The conductive portion is disposed on the moving part. The moving part is stuck in the casing movably. The conductive pins are stuck in the casing. The pyrocondensation belt is configured to shrink according to the heat conduction from the surge absorber, so as to change the position of the moving part. The conductive portion is in contact with or separated from the conductive pin according to the position of the moving part.

Abstract: A VSC converter includes in each valve one first semiconductor device of turn-off type with a voltage blocking capacity rating of a first, high level and connected in parallel therewith a series connection of a plurality of second semiconductor devices of turn-off type with a voltage blocking capacity rating of a second, lower level. A control arrangement of the converter is configured to switch a said valve into a conducting state starting from a forward biased blocking state of the valve by controlling the second semiconductor devices to be turned on and then the first semiconductor devices to be turned on with a delay, and at the end of the conducting state to turn off the first semiconductor device in advance of turning the second semiconductor devices off.

Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.

Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.

Abstract: A power management device can include a power management device housing, a power input associated with the power management device housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power management device housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power management device housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus can be associated with the power management device housing and one or more power control sections can also be associated with the power management device housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus.

Abstract: A network can comprise a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with a network manager. The power manager can be connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module can report the power status of each network appliance to the network manager with variables in response to commands. Each intelligent power module can be equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The network manager can test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.

Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.

Abstract: A system for measuring energy consumption including a plurality of devices of which at least a subset includes a communication unit for supplying operating status information indicating an actual operating status with respect to an actual energy consumption of the associated one of the plurality of devices. A meter measures a total energy consumption of the plurality of devices. A controller calculates an individual energy consumption of a particular one of the plurality of devices from a change of the total energy consumption occurring at a change of the operating status of the particular one of the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A load driving circuit (20) according to the present invention, for carrying out PWM control to cause currents of respective light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) connected in parallel, each of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) including a plurality of light emitting diodes (4) connected in series, causes timing at which a current of any one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is turned on or off to be different from timing at which current(s) of at least another one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is(are) turned on or off. This makes it possible to provide a load driving circuit which (i) does not have a reduction in a degree of freedom in selecting a frequency of a PWM control signal that is used to control loads, (ii) does not prevent a peripheral circuit from following the PWM control circuit, and (iii) prevents generation of sounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for supplying variable loads (I1, I2, M1, M2, O1, O2, O3) from three phases (L1, L2, L3), with a circuit arrangement having four groups of terminals (A11, A12, A13, A14; A21, A22, A23, A24; A31, A32; A41, A42, A43) for the loads (I1, I2, M1, M2, O1, O2, O3) which are subsequently designated as terminal groups; the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A21, A22, A23, A24) of the second terminal group from the first phase (L1); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A41, A42, A43) of the fourth terminal group from a second phase (L2); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A11, A12, A13) of the first terminal group and the third terminal group (A31, A32) from a third phase (L3); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for controlling the voltage of the four terminal groups, and exhibits three control loops for this purpose.

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.

Abstract: A load driving circuit (20) according to the present invention, for carrying out PWM control to cause currents of respective light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) connected in parallel, each of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) including a plurality of light emitting diodes (4) connected in series, causes timing at which a current of any one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is turned on or off to be different from timing at which current(s) of at least another one of the light emitting diode lines (3-1 . . . 3-N) is(are) turned on or off. This makes it possible to provide a load driving circuit which (i) does not have a reduction in a degree of freedom in selecting a frequency of a PWM control signal that is used to control loads, (ii) does not prevent a peripheral circuit from following the PWM control circuit, and (iii) prevents generation of sounds.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle rearranges the bank of battery cells between a series connection for delivering voltage to a load, e.g. a motor; and a parallel connection for being charged. The battery bank can thus be charged by a 12 volt battery charger. The charger can be a plug in charger, or can be a solar cell. For example, the solar cell can be moved to cover a windshield or other surface of the vehicle whenever the vehicle is shut down.

Abstract: A portable battery powered appliance accepts at least first and second batteries. The appliance also includes a load. a first circuit. and a second circuit. The first circuit receives power from the first battery and provides a first power. The second circuit receives power from the second battery and provides a second power. The load receives at least one of the first power and the second power.

Abstract: An exemplary light emitting diode flexible printed circuit (100) includes four light emitting diodes (110); three switching units (117) interconnecting the four light emitting diodes; a first lead (113) and four second leads (115). The first lead connects with the switching unit, all but one of the four second leads connect with the switching unit, and one of the four second leads connects with one of the light emitting diodes. The switching units are configured for switching the four light emitting diodes between a series connection state and a parallel connection state.

Abstract: An enclosed switching apparatus includes an enclosure and a primary power supply disconnect mounted in the enclosure. The primary power supply disconnect has first and second terminals, the first terminals are electrically connectable to a primary power source and the second terminals are electrically connectable to a load. An auxiliary power supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply disconnect having third and fourth terminals. The third terminals are electrically connectable to the primary power source. A transformer has fifth and sixth terminals, the fifth terminals are electrically connected to the fourth terminals of the auxiliary power supply disconnect. An auxiliary fusible element has seventh and eighth terminals, the seventh terminal is electrically connected to one of the sixth terminals of the transformer. A receptacle has ninth terminals thereon. One of the ninth terminals is electrically connected to the eighth terminal of the auxiliary fusible element.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting and configuring a solid state dimmer when wired in series or parallel with a load powered by an alternating current (AC) input. The device can comprise a microcontroller configured to be powered by the AC input. A zero-cross detector in communication with the microcontroller is capable of detecting when an AC waveform crosses zero and generating a corresponding pulse signal when the AC waveform crosses zero. A pulse analyzer can be included and configured to determine when the zero-cross detector is generating pulses exceeding a pre-determined time length threshold that represents a serial wiring configuration.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A wiring system is provided where at least one device connector and at least one device connector are interconnected. The wiring system has at least one main harness with at least one group of wires aligned in a substantially parallel direction, and at least one sub harness with at least one group of wires forming at least one wire crossover. A coupling structure is further provided to couple the main and sub harnesses together to form a complete wiring harness that extends between the first and second device connectors. The wire crossover is provided only in the sub harness, so that the main harness is free of any wire crossovers.

Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for actuating a control element, for example, an air flap, for a heating or air-conditioning system (34) in a motor vehicle, having an actuating drive (32), an electrical circuit (1) which controls the actuating drive (32), and a control section (36) for inputting control commands. The actuating drive (32), the circuit (1) and the control section (36) are connected to one another via at least one electrical cable (3). In order to provide an improved apparatus for actuating a control element, particularly with regard to reducing the production costs, the circuit (1) is arranged outside the actuating drive (32) and outside the control section (36) and, in particular, is preferably integrated in the databus (3). This allows identical actuating drives to be used cost-effectively for the different control elements.

Abstract: A network comprises a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with an network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the network manager with variables in response to commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.

Abstract: A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: A electrical power control mechanism ensures start-up of all telecommunication devices (repeaters and a remote terminal) along a span-powered wireline. Input voltage start-up thresholds of power control circuits at the devices are higher than the steady-state voltage across the repeater closest to the span supply, when the span voltage is at a minimum DC wireline voltage that sustains operation of all devices. The maximum input voltage start-up threshold of a device is less than the maximum voltage that could be applied during start-up, and the remote terminal has an input voltage start-up threshold value higher than that of any repeater. The maximum standby current of each device is specified, and input power is limited to its steady state maximum during start-up.

Abstract: External output terminal 28 is clamped by clamping circuit 20, and a current mirror is configured using diode circuit 23 within clamping circuit 20 and detector transistor 34. When the voltage of external output terminal 28 can no longer be maintained by the first current supply circuit 11 alone as load 27 increases, clamping circuit 20 shuts off, and detector transistor 34 shuts off. As detector transistor 34 shuts off, the second current supplying element 12 becomes conductive and supplies a current to load 27. Because the second current supplying element 12 is not operating during normal operation during which the current consumption by load 27 is low, the current consumption is low. In addition, because no amplifier is required, only a small number of elements are required.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating bias voltages for an LCD driver. A voltage divider including serially connected resistors of a first resistance is arranged to form a DC current path having nodes. The voltage of each node serves as a bias voltage to the LCD driver for actuating the LCD driver to generate LCD driving signals. A signal generator is used to generate a switching signal in synchronism with the LCD driving signals. A switching circuit including switches is arranged so that when the switches are closed, the resistance between two adjacent nodes has a small value, so as to provide large driving currents to the LCD driver, and when the switches are open, the resistance has a large value, so as to reduce the amount of leakage current through the DC current path.

Abstract: Portable electronic equipment is disclosed which includes a source of power and operational circuitry. A load device, which may be internal or external to the equipment, is coupleable to the operational circuitry. A switch is coupled between the power source and the operational circuitry and connects the power source to the operating circuitry only when the load device is coupled to the operational circuitry. In portable audio equipment, for example, the switch connects the power source to the operational circuitry only if an external or the internal speaker is coupled to the operational circuitry.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprising: a spatial communication circuit having a transmission part and a reception part; and a detection part for detecting the separate positional state from a communication partner apparatus. The communication method by the spatial communication circuit is switched according to the detection result of the detection part.

Abstract: A voltage controller capable of generating a staircase voltage is made up of a plurality of energy storage devices series connected with respective solid state switch devices. The solid state switch devices can be turned on or off to connect different combinations of the batteries in series with the output of the controller, the voltage output being proportional to the number of batteries connected in series in any particular combination. By cycling between different switch combinations, and reversing the polarity of the output once every cycle, an approximated sine wave output can be obtained. By providing a voltage input, the device can also function as a voltage converter or transformer-like device. Individual steps can be pulse width modulated simply by controlling the switch combinations, and by adding a linear switch device at the input, analog modulation of the step voltages can be obtained.

Abstract: Loads, such as power relays controlling wipers, windows and lights are connected to an automobile battery through individual transistor drives that are controlled by a microcontroller. A switch, connected to the microcontroller, is operated to activate each drive. The microcontroller checks the load characteristic when each drive is activated and inactivated. When the load is inactivated, it is part of a resistance network producing a test voltage that is digitally converted and supplied to the microcontroller, which compares the test voltage to a stored voltage to determine if the load is correct. An analog multiplexer is controlled by the microcontroller to select the voltage produced for each load.