Abstract: An integrated circuit includes: a primary supply stage including a primary supply node, the primary supply stage being configured to deliver a primary supply voltage to the primary supply node; a secondary supply stage including a secondary supply node, the secondary supply stage being configured to deliver a secondary supply voltage to the secondary supply node; a supply-switching circuit; a pre-charging circuit controllably coupled to the secondary supply node via the supply-switching circuit; and a volatile memory circuit controllably coupled to the primary supply node and the secondary supply node via the supply-switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured to connect a supply of the volatile memory circuit either to the primary supply node in a primary supply mode, or to the secondary supply node in a secondary supply mode.

Abstract: The present document relates to Single Inductor Dual Input (SIDI) buck power converters. More specifically, a dual input power converter may comprise an inductor, a first high-side switching element, a second high-side switching element, and a low-side switching element. The inductor may be coupled between an intermediate node and an output of the dual input power converter. The first high-side switching element may be coupled between a first input of the dual input power converter and the intermediate node. The second high-side switching element may be coupled between a second input of the dual input power converter and the intermediate node. The low-side switching element may be coupled between the intermediate node and a reference potential.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shared hybrid transfer switch for transferring power received by a Load from a preferred AC power source to an alternate AC power source, or transferring power being received by the Load from the alternate AC power source to the preferred AC power source. The transfer switch makes use of a solid-state switch configured in communication with first and second pluralities of relay contacts, and also being coupled to the Load, and which receives control signals from a controller. The solid-state switch is controlled such that it is turned on to be in communication with select ones of the first and second pluralities of relay contacts, to provide a path for current flow to the Load from one of the preferred or alternate AC power sources being transitioned to, to carry out a switching transition from one of the preferred or alternate AC power sources to the other.

Abstract: A luminaire and network for use in assisting persons in a building comprising: at least one lighting module, at least one communications component, a controller, an uninterruptible power supply in or coupled to the luminaire to power the lighting module, communications component and/or controller in the absence of a regular (e.g. AC) power supply, wherein the controller: triggers the lighting module to illuminate upon an activation event, facilitates communication via the communications and/or facilitates positioning of persons (or their devices) using the communications component and/or other components.

Abstract: A safety system for high-voltage electrical cabinetry provides active visual and/or audible warnings during maintenance. Load monitors evaluate electrical loads of dedicated power circuits used by an existing automatic lighting system. Light and sound indicators present status information (e.g. indicating maintenance status or normal operating status) to persons in signaling areas based on whether the evaluated electrical loads indicate that at least one lamp is turned on. A common power supply can be used to power the lighting circuit and the indicators. Bridge modules can also be used to monitor the electrical load for different group lighting circuits and report discrete group status information to a programmable logic controller while also sharing the group status information with the other bridge modules. In this case, the indicators present combined status information, for example, indicating a maintenance status if any lamps from any group is turned on.

Abstract: A hybrid solar power generation system includes at least one solar panel, at least one first switch, a rectifying control unit, at least one rechargeable battery, a DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current) inverter, at least one second switch, and a DC to DC charging unit and a system control unit; wherein the system control unit controls the first switch and the second switch to form a grid-tied path and a standalone path, the solar panel supplies power to a utility grid by the grid-tied path, and the solar panel supplies power to an AC load by the standalone path.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting unit that includes a piezoelectric element which is displaced by a drive signal; a differential amplifier that outputs a control signal based on a source drive signal which is a source signal of the drive signal and a signal based on the drive signal; a pair of transistors that include a high-side transistor and a low-side transistor which are controlled based on the control signal and outputs the drive signal from an output terminal; a selector that selects one of the high-side transistor and the low-side transistor and supplies the control signal to the selected transistor; a first resistance element for pulling up the output terminal; and a second resistance element for pulling down the output terminal. The first resistance element or the second resistance element has a variable resistance value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of a power supply modulator for modulating a supply voltage of a power amplifier are provided. The apparatus for generating a supply voltage includes a Switching Mode Power Supplier (SMPS) module for generating a current of a power supply signal, and a linear regulator for generating a source current for supplementing an insufficient amount of the current generated by the SMPS module and a sink current for eliminating an excessive amount of the current generated by the SMPS module. The SMPS module generates the current of the power supply signal by selecting at least one of a plurality of power supplies that have different voltages according to a voltage level of an input signal of the SMPS module.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a power supply device including an input connector, a direct current (DC) processing unit, and an alternating current (AC) processing unit. The input connector obtains an AC power from an AC power supply and transmits the AC power to the DC processing unit and AC processing unit. The DC processing unit converts the AC power to a DC power, and converts the DC power to a plurality of DC voltages. The AC processing unit converts the AC power provided by the power supply to a plurality of AC voltages. An electronic device including the power supply device is also provided.

Abstract: A tactical smart grid system and method includes a plurality of energy generators and a plurality of loads, where the loads require energy from at least some of the energy generators. A plurality of interface units are provided, where each energy generator and load are connected to one of the plurality of interface units. Each of the interface units including a controller to thereby provide distributed intelligence and distributed system control, thereby removing the requirement of a centrally controlled system.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a charging system that levels the amount of grid power that is used, and that is capable of reducing power rates, even if charging has been frequently conducted without limiting the time zones in which charging is conducted. [Solution] A charging system is provided with: a storage unit that is charged by consuming grid power supplied by a power company, and that supplies the stored power through discharge; and a charging unit that charges batteries by consuming power supplied by grid power and the storage unit. Power companies set a power rate that is higher the greater the maximum value of the amount of power supplied for each unit of time is. Furthermore, at least a single charge carried out by the charging unit is carried out over two units of time, and the storage unit supplies power to the charging unit in at least one unit of time other than said two units of time.

Abstract: A power supply system with an automatic transfer function includes a main-power-loop apparatus, a backup-power-loop apparatus, and a control unit. The main-power-loop apparatus has a first primary relay switch and a first SCR switch. The backup-power-loop apparatus has a second primary relay switch and a second SCR switch. The control unit turns on the first primary relay switch and the first SCR switch when a main power source can normally supply power, thus supplying power to a load via the main-power-loop apparatus by the main power source. The control unit turns on the second primary relay switch and the second SCR switch when the main power source cannot normally supply power, thus supplying power to the load via the backup-power-loop apparatus by a backup power source.

Abstract: A plurality of generators can be connected in parallel to a common electrical bus. Each generator has a controller that regulates the voltage and frequency of the electricity being produced. Before a given generator connects to the electrical bus, its controller senses whether electricity is present on the bus and if not, the connection is made. Otherwise, the controller synchronizes the electricity being produced to the electricity is present on the bus before the connection occurs. The controller in each generator may also implement a load sharing function which ensures that the plurality of generators equitably share in providing the total amount of power demanded by the loads. The load sharing can be accomplished by controlling the generators to operate a substantially identical percentages of their individual maximum power generation capacity.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: Systems and methods of voltage based switching of a power supply system current are disclosed. In one embodiment, a power supply system includes a power bus to supply electrical power to a system load. A power supply is coupled to the power bus. The power supply provides current to the power bus and generates a voltage ?. In addition, the system includes an additional power supply coupled to the power bus. The additional power supply generates a voltage ? that is lower than the voltage ?. An oring module restricts the additional power supply from providing current to the power bus, until a power bus voltage ? is greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: An ejection head driving circuit that supplies a driving voltage waveform to an ejection head has ejection nozzles that cause fluid to be ejected. A target voltage waveform output unit outputs a target voltage waveform to the ejection head. Power source units generate electric power at different voltage values. Negative feedback control units supply electric power from the respective power source units to the ejection head and perform a negative feedback control of the voltage values so that the voltage value to be applied to the ejection head matches the target voltage waveform. A power source connecting unit selects one of the power source units on the basis of the voltage value applied to the ejection head or the voltage value of the target voltage waveform, connects the selected power source unit to the ejection head, and disconnects the remaining power source units from the ejection head.

Abstract: An electrical panelboard enclosure includes an enclosure housing with an interior equipment chamber accessible by way of a service entrance door. A service panel is adapted for connection to a main power source in order to receive main power therefrom. A power supply is operatively connected to receive main power from the service panel and deliver it to a load. The power supply is also adapted for connection to a backup power source in order to receive backup power therefrom and deliver it to the load in the event of a main power cutoff. A load disconnector is operatively connected between the power supply and the load. The load disconnector is manually operable to disconnect the load from the power supply to prevent the power supply from delivering either main or backup power to the load.

Abstract: This invention creates a simple, low cost mechanical transfer switch (called Gen/Safe) which provides users the ability to connect nearly any portable household generator to supply whole house power (to the limit of the particular generator) in the event of an emergency outage. Installed by the utility in less than five minutes, the switch provides visual confirmation of utility isolation while still allowing user supplied power not only from emergency sources, but also allows PV, wind, and other on-site power to operate normally to supply the home directly without interruption when possible. This connection is also suitable as an ongoing utility connection for user generated alternate energy power systems while providing an additional utility safety isolation factor for alternate power sources which must shut down when utility power fails; (to protect repair personnel).

Abstract: A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes a single controller that is connected to both a first transfer switch contactor and a second transfer switch contactor. Both the primary power source and a secondary power source are broken into two separate output supplies. The two separate output supplies from the primary power source and the secondary power source are each provided to one of the first and second transfer switch contactors. The single controller sends signals to the first and second transfer switch contactors to control the movement of the contactors between first and second positions. In this manner, the single controller controls both the first transfer switch contactor and the second transfer switch contactor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for alternate power delivery are provided. A metering assembly includes a power meter module. The power meter module includes a power control module and a power monitor. The power control module is coupled to a transfer switch that receives both primary power and alternate power. The transfer switch has an output coupled to an electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to receive a request from the transfer switch for the alternate power to be supplied through the transfer switch to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the transfer switch to supply the alternate power to the electrical circuit load in response to the request. The power monitor is configured to determine an amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an autoloop system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a first branch circuit having a first recloser and a midpoint recloser and a second branch circuit having a second feeder recloser and a midpoint recloser. A tie recloser is electrically coupled between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit wherein the tie recloser closes only after a fault is detected. A master controller associated with the first and second branch circuits communicates with the reclosers of the first and second branch circuits. The master controller includes a processor for blocking a fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The portion of a circuit where a fault is detected may be isolated to minimize the portion of the first and second branch circuits without power.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a converter coupled between an inverter and both a power generator and a battery, thereby reducing the number of devices for circuit implementation and the size of a printed circuit board (PCB). The energy storage system is coupled to an electric power system that generates a system power, and the energy storage system includes a battery for generating a battery power and a converter coupleable to a power generator for generating an electric power and the battery in parallel, wherein the converter is configured to boost or drop a voltage of at least one of the electric power, the battery power, or the system power.

Abstract: A power supply system capable of inhibiting electricity loss and deterioration of each power supply device while realizing high stability in the case where electricity supply is performed by using a plurality of power supply devices is provided. A switching element corresponding to a power supply device having a higher inter-terminal voltage out of two power supply devices selectively becomes in ON state, and a switching element corresponding to a power supply device having a lower inter-terminal voltage selectively becomes in OFF state. Thereby, overload on a specific power supply device is prevented, and current flow between the different power supply devices is able to be prevented without generating needless electricity loss. Further, since electricity of the power supply device having a higher inter-terminal voltage is selectively outputted, variation between the respective power supply devices becomes allowable to some extent.

Abstract: A load driving circuit that generates a desired voltage waveform to drive a load includes a target voltage waveform output section that outputs a target voltage waveform to be applied to the load. Power supply sections generate electrical power with voltage values different from each other. Negative feedback control sections between the power supply sections and the load supply electrical power from the corresponding power supply sections to the load and execute negative feedback control of a value of a voltage applied to the load for matching the voltage value and the target voltage waveform. A power supply connection section selects one of the power supply sections based on the value of the voltage applied to the load or the voltage value of the target voltage waveform and connects the selected power supply section to the load and disconnects the rest of the power supply sections from the load.

Abstract: A selectable backup power supply device for providing power to a real time clock (RTC) and a memory unit is disclosed. The device includes a backup battery, a first power outputting unit and a second power outputting unit, wherein the backup battery outputs a backup voltage, the first power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the RTC for receiving the backup voltage and outputting a first supply voltage to the RTC, and the second power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the memory unit, for receiving the backup voltage and, in accordance with a selection signal, outputting a second supply voltage to the memory unit or stopping the output of the second supply voltage.

Abstract: A transfer switch assembly is disclosed that includes a power switch device with a number engagement landings and a printed circuit board defining an opening bordered by a number of tabs. The tabs engage the landings as the switch device extends through the openings, and can be fastened together.

Abstract: The invention provides a monolithic, highly integrated power supply circuit capable of providing various voltages for circuits on an expansion card, either from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The monolithic power supply circuit preferably includes two switching converters, two low-drop-out regulators, a standby regulator, a reset circuit, and a control circuit. An associated method for providing various voltages via a monolithic power supply circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic assembly with two battery units includes a system module provided with a preset threshold value and a parallel circuit. The parallel circuit is coupled electrically to the system module, and includes first and second power diverter circuits. Each of first and second power diverter circuit consists of a diode member coupled electrically to a respective battery unit and the system module and an operation switch that is coupled electrically to the diode member in parallel manner and that is coupled electrically to the respective battery unit and the system module in such a manner that a normal bias voltage is existed between the respective battery unit and the system module.

Abstract: A power management system includes a power management unit (PMU) and a current sensor. The PMU is operable for controlling a first power source and a second power source. The second power source is operable for being charged by the first power source via a charging path. The current sensor has a first terminal coupled to the first power source and the second power source and has a second terminal coupled to the second power source via the charging path. The current sensor is operable for sensing a first current flowing from the first power source through the current sensor and for sensing a second current flowing from the second power source through the current sensor.

Abstract: To provide a switching device capable of a switch-controlling a voltage source regardless of voltage changes in the voltage source to be switched and the voltage source employed for switch control. A switching path 61 includes, between the input terminal 1 and output terminal 4 for a voltage source, a series connection of the source or drain electrodes of PMOS transistors 10a and 10b connected to their back-gate electrode. A driving circuit has an NMOS transistor 11a having a load resistor 12a at its drain electrode and NMOS transistor 11b having a load resistor 12b at its drain electrode, which are connected to the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors, respectively and receives the output from the logic inverter 14 for the switching control.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch apparatus for use with a stand-alone generator, for supplying emergency power to a residence or small business. The automatic transfer switch apparatus is configured to sense a utility line failure, start up and stabilize the generator, and switch over the household circuits from the utility to the generator, and switch back when the utility recovers. The transfer switches incorporate motor-driven switch interlock mechanisms in several embodiments, as well as various operational features.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a 110 V genset to a transfer switch feeding a 220 V service entrance such that all 220 V loads are automatically blocked out and all 110 V circuits are accessed. The method includes wiring of the genset to the transfer switch such that the two hot 220 V terminals on the genset entrance side of the transfer switch are connected together and wired to the hot 110 V side of the genset. The neutral lead of the transfer switch is connected to the neutral side of the genset, as per normal practice.

Abstract: A retrofit module electrically connects to a device's battery terminals, where an original main battery would otherwise connect to the device, and a hot-swappable battery electrically connects to the retrofit module, thereby retrofitting the device for operation with hot-swappable batteries, without shutting down the device to swap the batteries. When a charged hot-swappable battery is connected to the retrofit module, the retrofit module powers the device from the hot-swappable battery. The retrofit module includes a bridge battery and a circuit that charges the bridge battery from the hot-swappable battery and that provides power to the device from the bridge battery while the hot-swappable battery is replaced. The retrofit module may include a releasable structure that maintains the module in contact with the device's battery terminals, even after the hot-swappable battery has been removed.

Abstract: The invention provides a monolithic, highly integrated power supply circuit capable of providing various voltages for circuits on an expansion card, either from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The monolithic power supply circuit preferably includes two switching converters, two low-drop-out regulators, a standby regulator, a reset circuit, and a control circuit. An associated method for providing various voltages via a monolithic power supply circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power storage device includes an alternating current (AC) power source, a field effect transistor (FET), a capacitor bank, a direct current (DC) fixing heater, a step-down chopper circuit, and an output control unit. The FET switches between a first path and a second path to supply power from the AC power source in combination with a diode and an IGBT. The capacitor bank is arranged on the first path, and includes capacitor cells. The DC fixing heater is arranged on the second path. The step-down chopper circuit is arranged on the first path, and changes a voltage value of power supplied from the AC power source. The output control unit controls, when power is supplied to the first path, controls the step-down chopper circuit to change a voltage value based on a charging voltage of the capacitor cells.

Abstract: An electrical circuit contains volatile states that are lost without continued application of power to circuit elements to preserve their volatile states. A first power source in the circuit provides power to the volatile state circuit for holding and preserving their volatile states. A power selection circuit is coupled to the circuit elements and has a plurality of selectable modes. A first mode of operation of the power selection circuit is selected when the circuit elements are to be operated at a first power level via the first power source which constitutes a first mode of operation. A second mode of operation is selected when the volatile state circuit elements are to be operated under a condition where the first power source is inactivated, such as, for example, during a circuit backup or standby operation.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: A modular power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying electric power to attached equipment in environments such as data centers, computer rooms, and communication centers, where power requirements for attached equipment may vary. The power distribution unit includes a frame and one or more user-replaceable power modules, which fit into slots in the frame. Each power module provides one of more plug receptacles for attaching equipment to provide power thereto. The power modules are available in a variety of receptacle types, receptacle numbers, and power rating configurations to accommodate various equipment in a particular environment, as needed. The frame includes an internal connector panel for distributing power from a power source to the power modules when they are inserted in the frame. The power modules may be removed, installed, and interchanged in the frame without interrupting power to other power modules or to the power distribution unit.

Abstract: A power control apparatus to control power supplied to a load with a predetermined desired voltage level includes a first switch to selectively output a first power to the load, a voltage drop of the first power being less than a predetermined value to meet the desired voltage level, a second switch to selectively output a second power which is different from the first power to the load, a voltage drop of the second power being less than a predetermined value to meet the desired voltage level, and a controller to control the first switch and the second switch to output one of a higher input voltage value from the first power and the second power to the load.

Abstract: An independent automatic shedding system that automatically allows any combination of loads to powered under limited power availability (such as a standby power source) without overloading the generator or rewiring, while contributing to the stability of the power grid. A motorized disconnection actuation mechanism under control of a controller disconnects or recloses the contacts of a branch circuit breaker. A sensor detects the presence or absence of a power source and the type of power source, which is classified according to its type. A power source classification program is executed by the controller that interprets the sensor data and causes disconnection or reclosing of the disconnection actuation mechanism depending on a desired status (ON or OFF) of the branch circuit breaker when standby power is available. Conventional circuit protection is provided an optional advanced circuit protection such as ground or arc fault circuit interruption.

Abstract: There are provided monitors which sense a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed by a facility and which sense a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced by at least one energy-producing system. There are provided facilities comprising at least one main panel bus, at least one external power line, at least one energy-producing system, at least one critical load sub-panel bus and at least one monitor which senses a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed by the facility and a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced by the at least one energy-producing system. There are provided methods of monitoring power (and/or energy) consumed and power (and/or energy) produced in a facility, and devices which display magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed and magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced in a battery.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching converter comprising as few as two high-side switching transistors and a low-side rectifying device, along with a control circuit. The switching converter is capable of operating from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The invention further includes a method for producing a regulated voltage from a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage via the two high-side switching transistors and a low-side rectifying device.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: A power supply method and apparatus of a line interactive UPS utilizes a bi-directional AC/AC power converter in association with the AC delta control concept. When the line voltage coupled to the AC/AC power convert exceeds high/low statuses, the UPS is operated in a line voltage conversion mode, wherein the AC/AC power converter supplies a voltage to compensated the line voltage based on the stability of the line voltage, and then the compensated stable voltage is further provided to the load so as to perform the voltage boost (step-up) and/or voltage buck (step-down).

Abstract: An electrical apparatus including an AC adapter 51; a battery 52 that repeats charging and discharging to power the apparatus; an AC/DC enable circuit 61 that switches between stop and start of power source from the AC adapter 51 to the body; a charger utilization circuit 62 that charges an output capacitor (Cout) of a charger 60 while the power source from the AC adapter 51 stops; and a battery detection circuit 63 that detects disconnection of the battery 52. If the battery 52 is disconnected from the body and the battery detection circuit 63 detects the disconnection while the power source from the AC adapter 51 stops and the body is powered by the battery 52, the AC/DC enable circuit 61 starts power source to the body while the body is powered by the output capacitor (Cout).

Abstract: A power source circuit capable of improving an efficiency of using energy of a chemical battery cell by responding suitably to an intermittent change in a load current, by during a load burst period in an odd-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a first power storing section and, during a load burst period in an even-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a second power storing section. The chemical battery cell does not discharge during the load burst period. Therefore, an amount of a voltage having dropped due to an internal impedance of a power supplying section becomes small and, as a result, when the power source circuit is applied to the electronic device which becomes inoperable due to a temporary voltage drop in the power source, an operational life of the power supplying section is made longer.

Abstract: A modular power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying electric power to attached equipment in environments such as data centers, computer rooms, and communication centers, where power requirements for attached equipment may vary. The power distribution unit includes a frame and one or more user-replaceable power modules, which fit into slots in the frame. Each power module provides one of more plug receptacles for attaching equipment to provide power thereto. The power modules are available in a variety of receptacle types, receptacle numbers, and power rating configurations to accommodate various equipment in a particular environment, as needed. The frame includes an internal connector panel for distributing power from a power source to the power modules when they are inserted in the frame. The power modules may be removed, installed, and interchanged in the frame without interrupting power to other power modules or to the power distribution unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for providing multiple power supply voltages to an integrated circuit. In an integrated circuit of the type comprising at least two power supply domains in which each power supply domain comprises at least one module powered by the same voltage level, the apparatus and method of the present invention blocks an output signal in a first power supply domain from being sent to a second power supply domain when the second power supply domain is in a low power mode. The apparatus and method of the present invention also blocks an output signal from a first power supply domain from being received in a second power supply domain when the first power supply domain is in a low power mode. Power sense cells are used to determine the status of power supply domains and logic circuits are used to block undesired signals. The present invention also properly synchronizes clock signals when power supply domains are activated or inactivated.

Abstract: A switch assembly and method includes a heat sink with two switch modules coupled thereto. Both of the switch modules are used in switching operations to make use of the entire heat sink, providing improved heat dissipation. The switch modules each have first and second switch devices, with each switch device having a gate terminal. A source voltage is applied to the switching modules and a positive portion of the source voltage is conducted through one switch device of the first switching module. A negative portion of the source voltage is conducted through one of the switching devices of the second switching module.

Abstract: A power system (8) is provided for economically supplying uninterrupted electrical power to one or more critical loads (14). One or more fuel cell power plants (18) provide one substantially continuous source of power, and a utility grid (10) provides another source of power. The fuel cell power plants (18) are adapted to be, and are, normally substantially continuously connected and providing power to, the critical load(s) (14). A rapidly-acting static switch (19) selectively connects and disconnects and reconnects the grid power supply (10) to the critical load(s) (14) and with the fuel cell power plant(s) (18) for abnormal and normal grid operation, respectively. A switch controller (49, 45) controls the state of the static switch (19) to connect the grid power source (10) with the critical load(s) (14) and the rapidly (less than 4 ms) make the disconnections and the reconnections.