Abstract: A memory system having power backup having memory circuits that may be set to a low power mode by means of volatile control registers, disconnects the memory circuits from the battery when low voltage conditions are detected so as to prevent reversion of the memory circuits to high current consumption modes such as would drain batteries after replacement.

Abstract: A telecommunications power system includes a power bus and a battery module with a plurality of batteries. A contactor connects the batteries to the power bus. A distribution module and a plurality of rectifier modules are connected to the power bus. A plurality of loads are connected by the distribution module to the power bus. A controller disconnects the batteries using the contactor when a voltage of the batteries falls below a low voltage disconnect threshold when AC power is lost and/or the rectifier modules fail. The controller minimizes current surge and high voltage transients when the rectifier modules begin providing power and the contactor closes to reconnect the batteries to the power bus. To minimize current surge and high voltage transients, the controller lowers a voltage of the rectifier modules to the voltage of the batteries before the contactor reconnects the batteries to the power bus.

Abstract: A computing system includes a motherboard including one or more connection subsystems, each of which includes a port connector and a device interface circuit conditioning signals transmitted or received through the port connector. The port connector includes a connection-sensing terminal, which is connected to ground through a cable, and which is allowed to float to a voltage supplied through a pull-up resistor when the cable is disconnected. The motherboard also includes a main voltage plane supplying electrical power to a separate voltage plane for each device interface circuit only when a cable is connected to the port connector which is also connected to the device interface circuit.

Abstract: A direction and a magnitude of a current flowing between an external alternating current power source (20) and a load (30) are detected by a current transformer (11). A voltage generated to a secondary winding (11B) of the current transformer as a result of detection is superimposed upon a voltage of the alternating current power source (20), and is supplied to the synchronous power source (S). The synchronous power source (S) generates a voltage having an instantaneous value which is the same as that of the voltage supplied thereto, and applies the generated voltage to the load (30) in parallel. Since the voltage applied by the synchronous power source (S) has a value for lowering the current detected by the current transformer (11), there is substantially no current flowing between the alternating current power source (20) and the load (30).

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch is disclosed that features a novel arrangement for detecting a failure of the power source as well as a novel arrangement for preventing cross-conduction between the first and second signal sources during a rapid transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the protection of an electronic circuit against anomalies in a supplied power voltage where the apparatus includes: a reserve power source connected to the supplied power voltage for providing voltage to the electronic circuit for a predetermined amount of time after an anomaly has occurred in the supplied power voltage, a module control for maintaining selected data and control signals transmitted to the electronic circuit during occurrence of the anomaly, and a differential comparator connected to the supplied power voltage and to the reserve power source to produces a comparator control signal upon occurrence of the anomaly, the differential comparator providing the comparator control signal to the module control.

Abstract: A communication device is provided which transmits and responds to differential currents. Thereby allowing communication between devices that may be floating with respect to each other.

Abstract: A power supply device is presented which can provide a sufficiently long ending process time to an electronic equipment connected thereto even if an input voltage is disconnected abnormally and reduces the circuit area and the power consumption. The power supply device includes a switching power supply section for receiving a DC voltage as an input voltage at a primary side, switching the inputted DC voltage and generating a stabilized output DC voltage at a secondary side isolated from the primary side, a current detection section for generating a synchronization pulse synchronized with supply current to the switching power supply section, and a control section for outputting a detection pulse to convey disconnection of an AC input to the switching power supply section to the electronic equipment side based on the synchronization pulse.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically selecting one of two or more available power supply voltages for use as a main power supply of a PCI adapter is described. In one embodiment, a power supply selector is designed such that the presence of a positive voltage at a Vaux input thereof prevents power at a Vcc input thereof from driving a main power supply input to a PCI adapter. Conversely, the absence of a positive voltage at the Vaux results in the main power supply input to the PCI adapter being derived from the Vcc input. In an alternative embodiment, jumpers are provided for enabling a user to select which power supply will be used as the “default” power supply for the adapter.

Abstract: A transfer switch for selectively connecting an auxiliary power source, such as a standby generator, to selected circuits of a building, includes double pole circuit protection as well as a unique circuit breaker and switch arrangement which can be used in either a double pole circuit or a pair of single pole circuits. The transfer switch includes a main double pole circuit breaker downstream of the power inlet, for providing double pole overcurrent protection for all circuits interconnected with the transfer switch. The transfer switch also includes a series of single pole switches and associated single pole circuit breakers, for controlling the supply of power to single pole electrical circuits. At least one additional pair of single pole switches can either be tied together for use as a double pole switch or used as two separate single pole switches.

Abstract: A control device of a cooling device controls a fan based on a desired temperature around a CPU set by a target value setting unit and a temperature detected by a temperature detecting unit, so that the temperature around the CPU substantially coincides with the set desired temperature. When the detected temperature exceeds the desired temperature, the control device causes the fan to rotate. At this time, the control device monitors the level of a noise generated by the fan by means of the noise detecting unit. The control device increases the value of the voltage supplied to the fan within a range in which the detected noise does not vary abruptly. As a result, the rotation speed is gradually increased to a predetermined value without causing an abrupt rise of a noise, which may acutely irritate the user.

Abstract: A battery (102) powers a wireless telephone's power amplifier (106) through a Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) (104). The SMPS has a capacity lower than the maximum power requirements of the amplifier. When a controller (116) senses that an amplifier power-requirement threshold has been exceeded, it closes a switch (114) parallel to the SMPS, allowing power to flow from the battery to the amplifier without passing through the SMPS. This architecture allows the use of a smaller SMPS, and eliminates SMPS-generated noise to the amplifier when the amplifier is least able to tolerate such noise, namely, under high power conditions.

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: An energy generation network according to the present disclosure includes energy generating elements organized in a tree structure of superior and inferior system levels, with control systems and a communication network. In a currently preferred embodiment, energy generating elements are turbogenerators as described above. Communications and processing are distributed throughout the systems and sub-systems of energy generating elements. Inferior sub-systems and systems of sub-systems appears as a single unit to the superior system or sub-system level. Thus, the energy generating elements appears as a seamless single energy generating unit. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microturbine generator system comprising: providing a computer control unit; providing a utility power grid sensor input line to the computer control unit; and providing a utility power grid disconnect command output line from the computer control unit; and causing, via the computer control unit, automatic transitions of the microturbine generator system between at least four states, the at least four states comprising a generator standby backup mode, a generator standalone mode, a transfer to standby backup mode, and a generator startup battery charging mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a high voltage to a plurality of developer units has a high voltage source generating the high voltage, and a voltage switching unit including a plurality of switching elements provided between the plurality of developer units and the high voltage source to sequentially supply the voltage from the high voltage source to the plurality of developer units. The high voltage source supplies one voltage of a predetermined voltage level to the respective switching elements. The voltage switching unit has a plurality of high voltage distributing portions branching the voltage supplied to the switching elements into one or more voltages of differing voltage levels, and supplying the branch voltages and the initially supplied voltage to the respective developer units. A number of wiring harnesses or patterned connection lines, and contact-points and noise from the high voltage are reduced.

Abstract: A cogeneration system is provided that includes at least one generator and a controller. The controller is in electrical communication with the at least one generator. The controller is structured to transmit a signal to the at least one generator to cause the at least one generator to change by a predetermined amount the frequency and/or voltage of the output power from the at least one generator to enable an interruption of the utility source to be detected so that the at least one generator can be isolated from the utility source.

Abstract: An arc preventing circuit 12 is disposed between a DC/DC converter 6 and a battery (of 36 volts or 12 volts). In the arc preventing circuit 12, when the DC/DC converter 6 and the battery are to be connected to each other, the connection is performed via a circuit having a resistor R1, and then switched to that in which the connection is performed via a circuit not having the resistor R1. When the DC/DC converter 6 and the battery are to be disconnected from each other, the charging voltage of a capacitor C1 of the DC/DC converter 6 is discharged. According to the configuration, arc generation can be prevented from occurring during works of mounting and dismounting the DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes AC power supplies, If an abnormality occurs in any one of the AC power supplies and loads that are respectively connected to two capacitors are not balanced, voltages of the two capacitors are balanced. When an abnormality occurs in a first or second AC power supply, a first reactor is connected to a second reactor in series, a battery supplies energy to the two capacitors, and a current flowing to the first reactor is controlled by a first switch. In this manner, a voltage between the two capacitors is controlled.

Abstract: A test mode structure and method of a multi-power-source device provides for the device to remain in a test mode, during which current draw of the device may be accurately measured, even after primary power supply to the device has been greatly reduced or completely removed. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply while still remaining in the test mode is necessary to counter the presence of a variable current that would otherwise be normally generated by the multi-power-source device in the test mode; the presence of the variable current during the test mode, if not negated, will not permit an accurate measurement of the current draw of the multi-power-source device. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply to the device would typically cause the multi-power-source device to exit the test mode and switch to a secondary supply voltage supplied by the secondary power supply, thereby foiling any attempt to measure the current draw of the device.

Abstract: In an AC module, if an interconnection relay is provided in an inverter, the inverter increases in size, and disconnection status between the AC module and a system upon occurrence of abnormal condition cannot be easily checked by a user. Accordingly, a plug is connected to an outlet, thereby an output of the inverter is supplied to the system or a load via a coupler. If leakage of direct current, ground fault of a solar cell or the like, a fault or abnormal condition of the inverter, or an abnormal condition of the system is detected, the inverter outputs a signal to separate the plug from the coupler.

Abstract: This invention includes a circuit that alerts an electronic device as to what type of accessory is connected thereto. For example, with respect to cellular phones, some accessories source power and others sink power. The phone must adjust its circuitry accordingly. The circuit includes a two-pin output, with one output being actuated by a power sourcing accessory and the other providing an interrupt sequence to let the device know that an accessory has been coupled or decoupled. The circuit employs a one-shot trigger to generate the interrupt sequence.

Abstract: A vehicle power distribution system for selectively providing battery power to a circuit. A circuit-interrupting device is arranged to respond to a control signal by selectively applying the battery power to the circuit. A circuit protection device is moveable between a first circuit position and a second circuit position, where the first circuit position is arranged to pass a current through the circuit concurrently with the circuit interrupting device. The second circuit position is arranged to pass the current around said circuit interrupting device.

Abstract: In an electric power system interconnection device, a primary power supply is connected to a load via a switch and a secondary power supply is connected to a load side of the load via a power converter to establish coordinated interconnection of the primary power supply and the secondary power supply. When the switch is opened in the event of a failure of the primary power supply, the electric power system interconnection device extinguishes an arc current flowing through the switch, at a high speed, by controlling an output current of the power converter using the load current flowing into the load as an output current command for the power converter so that uninterrupted electric power is supplied to the load.

Abstract: A redundant power distribution system and method of operation for transferring electrical power from one of several power sources to a load are disclosed. The system comprises one or more copies of a switching circuit with each switching circuit connectable to a power source. Each switching circuit monitors a voltage representative of its power source. The voltage being delivered to the load is also monitored by each switching circuit to detect a failed-open switching circuit. Arbitration is performed among the switching circuits detecting healthy power sources to select one power source to drive the load. Once a switching circuit has won arbitration, it continues to transfer power to the load until its power source fails or the switching circuit itself fails. The hardware can be partitioned in many ways.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a portable source of electrical power are disclosed. These methods and systems include portable power supplies and power synchronizing devices. These methods and systems can be used to provide power to residential and commercial buildings, as well as to, for example, emergency equipment, on a temporary basis. The disclosed portable power supply may include fuel cells or batteries as the source of electrical power. When a fuel cell is used, the portable power supply system typically includes a source of hydrocarbon fuel or hydrogen fuel. The portable power supply is preferably mounted upon a moveable platform, such as a truck or trailer, so that it can be transported to the site where needed. The invention is particularly applicable to providing temporary power when fuel-cell type power supply systems, for example, those including PEM-type fuel cell stacks, require servicing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for protecting a solar module against theft or unauthorized use by an authorized consumer. Said system comprises an interruption device on the solar module side and a release device on the consumer side. The interruption device transmits a first signal to the release device via a power line and interrupts the transfer, via a power line, of energy generated by the solar module to the consumer if the interruption device does not receive, via said power line, a second signal from the release device within a specified first period. This permits the secure and economical protection of the solar module, since a solar module protected in the manner described above is of no value without the second signal.

Abstract: A switchgear system, as well as a method of controlling a switching status of two switches in a switchgear system, are disclosed. The switchgear system includes a first switch capable of electrically coupling a first power source and a load, and a second switch capable of electrically coupling a second power source and the load. The switchgear system further includes a control unit coupled to both the first and second switches. The control unit includes a memory that stores software, and the control unit is capable of operating in at least two modes and controlling opening and closing of the first and second switches in accordance with those modes based upon the software. The switchgear system additionally includes an operator interface coupled to the control unit. The operator interface is capable of receiving additional information that enables the operation of the control unit in at least one of the at least two modes.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a multiple of electrical generators which provide power for vehicle electrical systems or loads through an electrical load management center which communicates with a general purpose processor set such that the power supplied to each electrical load may be individually controlled. A display communicates with the GPPS to present an electrical system status screen to the vehicle crew such that the crew is constantly made aware of the prevailing electrical power conditions in a rapid and efficient manner. During a drastically reduced generator situation, the GPPS automatically disconnects loads via a predefined load shed priority list. Once electrical loads are disconnected via the predefined load shed priority list the crew can reactivate and deactivate selected systems for the current mission circumstances through a load recovery screen accessible through the display.

Abstract: An uninterruptible transfer switch (UTS) coupled to two or more power sources and a load, said UTS including switches and an inverter, powered through one of several sources routed through rectifiers, capable of sensing power quality of two or more power sources and automatically switching sources when the primary power source is degraded to a predetermined limit and the switching of sources occurring without appreciable power loss on the load side of the UTS.

Abstract: A system includes a first voltage regulator, a second voltage regulator, a third voltage regulator and a circuit. The first voltage regulator is coupled to receive power from a first power line, and the second voltage regulator coupled to receive power from a second power line. The circuit monitors a voltage of at least one of the first and second power lines and based on the monitored voltage, the circuit selectively couples the third voltage regulator to receive power from one of the first and second power lines.

Abstract: A plurality of the voltage sources may be selectively connectable in a variety of different arrangements using a switch array whose connections are determined by a programmable controller. For example, a desired output voltage may be automatically provided by altering the connections between the voltage sources to achieve the desired voltage. A programmable controller may determine how to connect the voltage sources to achieve the desired output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a line module protection method and a device utilizing that method. According to the line module protection method of the present invention, line module protection is performed by switching the connection from a broken line accommodating module to an auxiliary module. A plurality of line accommodating modules are included in a line accommodating unit connected to the lines in a network. The plurality of line accommodating modules are divided into a plurality of groups, and the auxiliary module is placed substantially at the same distance from all the groups. Thus, a large number of line accommodating modules for performing line module protection can be employed with one auxiliary module.

Abstract: A power failure transfer switching system for monitoring incoming line voltages and switching to auxiliary sources as required. The power failure transfer switching system includes a voltage monitoring assembly designed for monitoring the levels of an incoming ac supply circuit, a power generating assembly for supplying an auxiliary source of ac power when the voltage monitoring assembly detects an inadequacy in supply from the incoming ac supply circuit, and a control assembly operationally coupled to the voltage monitoring assembly and to the power generating assembly for operating the power generating assembly when the voltage monitoring assembly detects an inadequacy in supply.

Abstract: Resistance elements are inserted into a main power supply line and a main ground line so that offset differential amplifiers receive voltages developed across the same. The differential amplifiers control transistors connected to a sub power supply line and a sub ground line. Thus, a leakage current flowing from the sub power supply line to the main ground line and that flowing from the main power supply line to the sub ground line are regularly kept constant. Consequently, it is possible to prevent an operation delay in an initial stage of a standby state while keeping an effect of reducing a subthreshold leakage current in a semiconductor circuit device having a hierarchical power supply structure.

Abstract: A redundant power system that includes switch array and component failure detection circuitry is disclosed. The redundant power system includes a plurality of available AC power lines, one of which is coupled to a load through the switch array. A controller instructs the switch array to couple an available AC power line to the load, based upon status information received about the condition of a particular AC power line. Each switch within the switch array includes detection circuitry to determine if the switch has failed, for example, in a stuck closed position.

Abstract: A variable speed system for use in systems, such as, for example, wind turbines, is described. The system comprises a wound rotor induction generator, a torque controller and a proportional, integral derivative (PID) pitch controller. The torque controller controls generator torque using field oriented control, and the PID controller performs pitch regulation based on generator rotor speed.

Abstract: An active protection circuit for a MOSFET isolated switched power supply system operates to control the switching of the MOSFET isolation switches. A monitoring circuit operates to sense and turn off the isolation switch of the currently active power supply if it senses reverse current flowing through the switch. Simultaneously, a controller receives indication that the active power supply is out of specification, and actively switches the system voltage source to the other power supply. The controller actively ensures that the isolation switch of the out-of-specification power supply remains off until it determines otherwise.

Abstract: A backup power-source module that controls a backup power source for supplying power from a battery charged by an AC input to an electronic device when the AC input is cut off. The backup power-source module includes a selection which generates a selection signal for selecting power supplied by a battery when the electronic device is kept in an electrified state until the electronic device is shifted to a power cutoff state and there is no AC input. I.E., the selection signal causes the power supplied by the battery to be selected only when the electronic device is kept in a power cutoff state and there is no AC input.

Abstract: An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) providing automatic transfer of loads from utility power to generator power upon detection of utility power failure. The ATS comprises a pair of molded case circuit breakers, a servo motor operating the breakers through an actuator that also functions as a mechanical interlock to prevent both breakers from being on simultaneously, AC voltage sensors monitoring utility, generator and load voltages and a microcontroller providing overall system control. Included with the ATS is an engine control unit that communicates over a serial communication link with the ATS. The engine control unit comprises engine function relays, starter contactor, battery charger and a microcontroller providing overall control and communication with the ATS. The engine control also includes a mechanical choke operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepped micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) capacitor that is actuated by a plurality of MEMS switches. The MEMS switches may be within the stepped capacitor circuit, or they may be actuated by an independent circuit. The stepped capacitor may also be varied with intermediate steps of capacitance by providing at least one variable capacitor in the stepped MEMS capacitor structure.

Abstract: A device such as an electrotherapy device implementing the invention includes multiple power module receptacles each of which is configured to received at least one type of power module, and a power management system that selectively routes power provided by one or more installed power modules to the device components and, preferably, to other power module receptacles. The types of power modules that operate in the power module receptacles include, for example, rechargeable battery packs, non-rechargeable battery packs and AC power packs. Preferably these power modules are each fully integrated, functionally self-contained power modules. For example, the rechargeable battery pack includes a charge controller specifically designed to charge the battery pack in which it is implemented.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for supplying voltage to an integrated circuit via a pad that is connected to the input of a Schmitt trigger on the integrated circuit. The pad is also provided for configuring the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit has a multiplicity of voltage supply lines for voltage supply purposes. According to the invention, the pad is connected to a respective voltage supply line via a respective switch, and the switches are switched on or off by a control circuit that is controlled by at least one on-chip control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control circuit with multiple power sources, which accepts an output signal from a comparator circuit. This control circuit with multiple power sources contains two components: one is a voltage transferring circuit, which connects to the comparator and accepts the first and the second input voltages to react the controls of respective output signals for generating the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential; another is an output circuit, which connects to the voltage transferring circuit to react the controls of the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential for deciding the correct output from the first input voltage or the second input voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating electrical loads during a power supply transfer interruption event, including an electrical circuit interposed between an electrical power source and a load which has a voltage detector for continuously detecting voltage supplied to the load from the power source, comparing the detected voltage against a predetermined desired voltage and outputting a signal indicative of an out-of-limits voltage condition from the power source to the load, an interrupt switch for receiving the output from the voltage detector and interrupting the supply of power to the load during an interval of no more than 1 cycle of the power supply, and a reset switch for restoring the power supply to the load.

Abstract: In a system having multiple power supplies with outputs connected in parallel, the number of supplies providing current is controlled to improve the overall system efficiency. For example, when the output current of individual power supplies falls below a threshold, one or more supplies may be placed into a standby mode. This increases the output current of the supplies that are in an operational mode, improving the efficiency of the supplies that are in an operational mode.

Abstract: The power supply in accordance with the present invention provides AC redundancy while also preventing voltages from multiple AC voltage sources from adding at a common node. The adding of voltages is avoided by ensuring that only one AC voltage source at a time is providing the voltage at the output. Even if the other AC voltage sources are connected afterwards, these later AC voltage source are prevented from providing power at the output. In addition, diodes prevent current from back flowing to the AC voltage sources which are not supplying power to the output. Because the power supply in accordance with the present invention neither uses redundant AC to DC power supplies from independent AC voltage sources, nor does it use a costly transfer switch, the power supply in accordance with the present invention is more cost effective than conventional redundant power supplies.

Abstract: When a voltage larger than a voltage from a 12-V power supply (11) and capable of on/off controlling an n-channel MOSFET (15) is supplied to a simple ON/OFF circuit (19), the simple ON/OFF circuit (19) outputs to the gate G a control signal that on/off controls the n-channel MOSFET (15) by the supplied voltage, thereby performing on/off control of the n-channel MOSFET (15), and enabling control of electrical power supplied to a load (13) from the 12-V power supply (11). The 36-V power supply (17) is used for on/off control of the n-channel MOSFET (15), so as to supply the output voltage from the 12-V power supply (11) to the load (13).

Abstract: An AC transfer switch (ATS) is provided for switching a system load between at least two AC lines. A first bridge rectifier is connected to a first AC line for providing a first full wave rectified AC waveform. A first pair of oppositely poled silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) is coupled to the first bridge rectifier and to the system load. A second bridge rectifier is connected to a second AC line for providing a second full wave rectified AC waveform. A second pair of oppositely poled silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) coupled to the second bridge rectifier and to the system load. Control logic is coupled to a gate input of the first pair of oppositely poled silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) and a gate input of the second pair of oppositely poled silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) for applying one of the first full wave rectified AC waveform or the second full wave rectified AC waveform to the system load.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing alternate current paths to a junction through different sets of gate controlled SCRs coupled to the junction. The method starts with the step of initiating a switch from an active set of SCRs to an inactive set by removing a gate signal from two parallel connected, opposite sense current carrying SCRs which in combination carry AC current in either direction. Removal of the gating signal is often initiated, for example, in response to an indication that one alternating current source is faulty so that a switch to a second source is initiated. Current is then sensed through the two SCRs of the active set to determine a current carrying state for each of those two SCRs. After the state of the current carrying SCRs is determined the current carrying state of the SCRs is confirmed during a delay time period.