Abstract: A power switching circuit of a portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device can be coupled to an expansion device. The power switching circuit includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, a first switch module, a second switch module, and a power pin. The first switch module is coupled to the first power terminal. The second switch module is coupled to the second power terminal. The power pin is coupled to the first switch module and the second switch module, respectively. When the portable electronic device is not coupled to the expansion device, the first switch module and the second switch module are turned off, such that first power provided by the first power terminal and second power provided by the second power terminal fail to be provided for the power pin via the first switch module and the second switch module.

Abstract: A converter circuit to be connected to an electrical energy source capable of showing major fluctuations in delivered power includes a chopper circuit with a variable duty cycle and connectable to the electrical energy source, an output circuit adapted for connection to the chopper circuit, a control loop for tracking an MPP of the energy source connected to an output of the energy source, and a control unit configured to command, at predefined intervals, changes in the chopper circuit's duty cycle as a function of the control loop's set-value signal. The control loop includes means for analog storage of pieces of information corresponding to output voltages from the energy source for at least three successive duty cycles, and an analog comparison unit delivering an output, as a function of the stored pieces of information, and a set-value signal for increasing or reducing of the duty cycle by the control unit.

Abstract: A power switching device, a power switching method, and a projection device using the power switching device are provided. In the power switching method, a first power and a second power are received, and the voltage level of the first power is compared with the voltage level of the second power. One of the first power and the second power having the higher voltage level is sustained by using one of the first power and the second power having the lower voltage level until one of the first power and the second power having the higher voltage level stabilizes. At least one of the first power and the second power having the higher voltage level and being already stabilized is output as an output voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solar cell installation includes several groups of solar cells. Each group of solar cells has a local power point optimizer configured to control power generation of the group. The local power point optimizer may be configured to determine an optimum operating condition for a corresponding group of solar cells. The local power point optimizer may adjust the operating condition of the group to the optimum operating condition by modulating a transistor, such as by pulse width modulation, to electrically connect and disconnect the group from the installation. The local power point optimizer may be used in conjunction with a global maximum power point tracking module.

Abstract: A method for power management of a multi-cell battery includes identifying a desired power value and voltage value, determining a battery voltage value and a battery current value for a battery, determining a number of battery banks from a plurality of battery banks to use for the battery, where each battery bank includes one or more battery cells (or battery modules), checking availability of each of the one or more battery cells (or battery modules), selecting one or more battery banks from the plurality of battery banks, where the selection of a battery bank is based on the availability of the battery cells (or battery modules) included in the battery pack, and a quantity of the selected battery banks is equal to the determined number of battery banks, and connecting the available battery cells (or battery modules) in the selected one or more battery banks to form the battery.

Abstract: Method of operating and device for controlling an energy installation comprising photovoltaic modules (401) and inverters (402), in which a selection and control unit (404) selects combinations of connections of the photovoltaic modules and controls a switching unit so as to establish combinations.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a battery, positive and negative-side contactors and a controller. The battery supplies power to a load. The positive-side contactor is serially connected to the positive side of the battery, and the negative-side contactor is serially connected to the negative side of the battery. The controller determines whether the load connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor is in a connected or non-contact state. The controller includes a voltage detecting circuit that detects the capacitor voltage of a capacitor connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor, and a determination circuit that compares the detected voltage with a predetermined voltage and determines the connected state of the load.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a playback device capable of externally receiving a playback signal for playing back a sound or an image, and capable of transmitting the playback signal to the playback device if it is detected that a predetermined electric source was externally supplied.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for operating an energy installation and include multiple photovoltaic modules linked to at least one inverter. Switching means are provided to electrically arrange the photovoltaic modules in at least two configurable series of photovoltaic modules parallel to each other, so that each module can be individually connected to or disconnected from any of the series of photovoltaic modules. Current values and voltage values supplied individually by each photovoltaic module are measured. Intermediate electrical magnitudes are calculated or chosen corresponding respectively to a plurality of configurations of the series of photovoltaic modules. The intermediate electrical magnitudes are compared with each other or with a reference magnitude. A configuration is selected of each series of photovoltaic modules according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft may include generating an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to speed of a prime mover, where the speed of the prime mover is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed limit. The A/C output of the prime mover may be distributed to the variable speed motor such that the speed of the variable speed motor is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output. The variable speed motor may be electrically disconnected from the A/C power when the speed of the prime mover being used to drive the variable speed motor is equal to or within a predetermined range of the predetermined speed limit. An alternate A/C output may be distributed to the variable speed motor after the A/C power is electrically disconnected from the variable speed motor.

Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply unit, comprising: a converter transformer; a first low voltage generation unit to generate a first voltage on a secondary side of the converter transformer and output the first voltage; a first controller that controls an activation state of a primary side of the converter transformer based on the first voltage; an inactivation unit to inactivate operation of the first controller based on the first voltage to let the first low voltage generation unit to suspend output of the first voltage; a high voltage supply unit to output a high voltage higher than the first voltage by using the first voltage; a detection unit to detect an anomalous state concerning output of the high voltage of the high voltage supply unit. The high voltage supply unit inactivates the operation of the first controller through the inactivation unit when the anomalous state is detected.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is provided for supplying an electric drive, to which at least two electric energy sources can be connected. At least one of the at least two electric energy sources supplies at least intermittently the electric drive by way of at least one actuating element. At least one electric energy source can be disconnected from the electric drive by way of a switch. Furthermore, a method for operating the circuit arrangement, as well as a motor vehicle including the circuit arrangement, are provided.

Abstract: Provided are multi-module inverters and/or converters for connecting to a set of building integrable photovoltaic (BIPV) modules that are interconnected in series and arranged into photovoltaic arrays on building structures. Outputs from multiple multi-module inverters and/or converters in one array may be combined using parallel connections and then connected to an electrical grid, standalone electrical network, or central inverter. Each set is connected to a different multi-module inverter and/or converter and may have a variable number of BIPV modules. A multi-module inverter and/or converter may be positioned within or integrated into one of the BIPV modules or attached to a building structure supporting the array. In certain embodiments, a multi-module inverter and/or converter is installed in a ventilation channel on the back side of a module. A multi-module inverter and/or converter may be also integrated into an electrical routing structure connected to one of the BIPV modules.

Abstract: A connection device for detecting connection status is used for detecting that an electrical connector is inserted in upside up position or upside down position. In the connection device, first connecting terminals are disposed on a first side while second connecting terminals are disposed on a second side. When the electrical connector is connected to the connection device, the terminals, which do not establish connection with the electrical connector, contact with a metal housing of the electrical connector. Therefore, at least two of these terminals are short circuited. Through determining which group of the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals is short circuited, a control module determines that the electrical connector is inserted in upside up position or upside down position.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch to automatically electrically connect an electrical panel to a second power source, e.g., an electric generator, during interruption or failure of a first power source, e.g., a utility power supply, includes a powered interlock arrangement that is operative to prevent the electrical panel from being electrically connected to both power sources simultaneously.

Abstract: An electrical power system and method utilizing a controlled frequency generator (CFG) that creates an electrical output with a constant frequency is disclosed. More specifically, an electrical power system and method utilizing controlled frequency to provide no break power to the various aircraft electrical power components as well as providing starting power to the main engine and the auxiliary power unit. An electrical power system in accordance with the present invention eliminates various unnecessary AC and DC conversions by generating a more user friendly electrical output at a constant frequency to be usable by various aircraft components such as the air compressor, electronics, hydraulic pressure, and air conditioning. Moreover, the current electrical power system architecture can also be used to provide main engine and auxiliary power unit starting power utilizing the constant frequency.

Abstract: When charge power or discharge power of each individual sodium-sulfur battery included in a plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries becomes 1/n (n is a natural number) or less of a rated output, individual sodium-sulfur batteries are sequentially stopped. This prevents the discharge power (or the charge power) of the sodium-sulfur battery from becoming minute, so that a battery depth (or a stored energy) of the sodium-sulfur battery can be accurately managed.

Abstract: A power supply for a negative voltage load has a switch-mode power unit, a monitoring unit, a first auxiliary power unit and a second auxiliary power unit. The switch-mode power unit has a rectifying circuit, a power factor correction circuit, a DC to DC power circuit. The first auxiliary power unit is connected to output terminals of the power factor correction circuit and converts DC power to a first DC power for driving the monitoring unit. The second auxiliary power unit is connected to the negative voltage load in parallel and converts negative power from the negative voltage load to a second DC power for driving the monitoring unit when AC power is interrupted. Since the first and the second auxiliary power unit do not work at the same time, the power supply can effectively enhances the conversion efficiency of the power supply.

Abstract: A power detecting circuit with fast power removing detection is disclosed. The power detecting circuit comprises an isolating device, coupled between an external power source and an internal power source, for isolating the external power source, and the internal power source, and a comparator, coupled to the external power source, for determining if the external power source is removed, and accordingly generating a removing signal.

Abstract: Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of a multi-use voltage regulator providing a supply voltage to a power amplifier and at least one other device are disclosed. One method includes generating a plurality of regulated voltage supplies from an unregulated voltage. An output signal power level of the power amplifier is determined. A one of the regulated plurality of voltage supplies and the unregulated voltage supply is selected as a power amplifier voltage supply for the power amplifier based at least in part on the output signal power level of the power amplifier. If the selected power amplifier voltage supply is one of the plurality of regulated voltage supplies, then the selected one of the plurality of regulated voltage supplies is simultaneously provided to the power amplifier and the at least one other device.

Abstract: When an electronic apparatus comes to a state of being capable of receiving electric power, an output voltage of an AC adaptor changes from a second voltage Vb to a first voltage Va and the change in voltage can be detected by an electronic apparatus. Due to this configuration, a structure that can detect the type of AC adaptor can be provided without adding any new contacts to a DC input terminal and to a DC output terminal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a DC power line. An AC input is coupled with the DC power line. A device is also included and is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules if an AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line, and is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules if no AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line.

Abstract: A method and systems of adaptation of an active power supply set using an event trigger are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes providing power to a system load using an active power supply set. The active power supply set includes a power supply in an active mode. The method also includes detecting an event trigger. In addition, the method includes increasing a power mode of an additional power supply when the event trigger is detected. The method may include detecting an additional event trigger and decreasing the power mode of a unit of the active power supply set when the additional event trigger is detected.

Abstract: A method for providing power to devices in a network and coordinating actions of multiple power supplies on the network is described. The method may include maintaining connectivity of communication signals and ground between upstream and downstream portions of the network relative to a power supply, while terminating power from an upstream power supply and taking over power supply functions for downstream devices. This may be achieved by including a logic feature within one or more of the multiple power supplies that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or the power status of the associated power supply. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies.

Abstract: An area electric power system includes a number of direct current power sources, and a number of inverters operatively associated with the number of direct current power sources. Each of the number of inverters is structured to provide real power and controlled reactive power injection to detect islanding. An output is powered by the number of inverters. A number of electrical switching apparatus are structured to electrically connect the number of inverters to and electrically disconnect the number of inverters from a utility grid. A number of devices are structured to detect islanding with respect to the utility grid responsive to a number of changes of alternating current frequency or voltage of the output.

Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed, including a first plurality of power supply units configured to supply working voltages from a battery to a second plurality of loads, a large-capacitance capacitor configured to charge electric charges from the battery, a third plurality of switching means for connecting the large-capacitance capacitor to the second plurality of loads selectively, control means for switching the third plurality of switching means corresponding to the load presently driven, and discharge means, in a case where the output voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor is higher than the operating voltage of the second load when the capacitor is switched from a first load to a second load, for discharging the charges stored in the capacitor according to the monitoring result by a voltage monitoring means so that the voltage of the capacitor decreases to the operating voltage.

Abstract: A plate-shaped portion of each of separators has a cross-sectional shape bent in a concavo-convex shape in a vertical direction. The plate-shaped portion of each of the separators has a flat cross-sectional shape. The plurality of separators are arranged parallel to one another to alternately line up. One surface of each of the battery cells abuts on the plate-shaped portion of the separator, and the other surface abuts on the plate-shaped portion of the separator. Thus, a spacing between the battery cells, which are adjacent to each other with the separator sandwiched therebetween, becomes equal to the thickness of the plate-shaped portion, and a spacing between the battery cells, which are adjacent to each other with the separator sandwiched therebetween, becomes equal to the thickness of the plate-shaped portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature-sensing uninterruptible power supply system and a method for controlling the same. The temperature-sensing uninterruptible power supply system comprises a data processing device, an uninterruptible power supply device, a human temperature sensing module, and a monitoring software; the control method comprises the steps of: the human temperature sensing module detecting a human temperature in a specific distance range; the monitoring software determining whether a user leave from the specific distance range; the uninterruptible power supply device switching to a power-saving mode and commanding the data processing device to shot down; the human temperature sensing module detecting that the user is back to the specific distance range; and restarting the uninterruptible power supply device and commanding the data processing device to reboot.

Abstract: A refrigerated truck has a power management system for optimally distributing power between one or more energy sources, energy sinks, or energy storage components on the refrigerated truck. One such power consuming component includes a refrigeration unit that cools a refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated truck. Particularly with regard to this refrigeration unit, the power management system is operative to direct power from multiple power sources to the refrigeration unit so as to efficiently use available power. To do so, the power management system dynamically determines the availability of certain power sources and selects a preferred power source based on availability and a defined order of power source preference.

Abstract: System and method are provided for controlling emergency lighting where emergency lights turn on when main source of power goes out for controlling emergency lighting to conserve energy utilized by the emergency light, while maintaining good visibility of the emergency lighting. Solid state lighting, such as LED, is used within an emergency light to add light in blue wavelength region matching the light output to the most sensitive of wavelength response of the human eve to increase color perception and allows faster response time. Electrical current to the device and light output are reduced while LED light tends to increase its blue wavelength component as it is dimmed thus increasing effective light output. After a predetermined time, the light is purposefully dimmed to conserve energy and to allow the eye to slowly and safely adjust to the new lighting conditions. By reducing electrical current, energy storage batteries may be smaller than for similar unit that maintains constant light output.

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 multiple power supply integration apparatus measures electric power and stability of power supplies, outputs thereof having irregularity. Based on measured values of the electric power and the stability, certainty of entire supply of the electric power when a use allocation rate of the power supplies is changed is indexed as an evaluation value. The multiple power supply integration apparatus adjusts each converter according to a use allocation rate corresponding to a largest evaluation value, thereby adjusting a magnitude of the electric power supplied from each power supply to a common power line.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing alternating current (“AC”) power redundancy in power supplies. A first input module is configured to receive a first AC power input waveform. A second input module is configured to receive a second AC power input waveform. A first switch and second switch are controlled by a switching logic module to select one of the AC power input waveforms for use by a power supply. If the first AC power input waveform is present, then it is selected for use. If both the first and second AC power input waveforms are present, then the first AC power input waveform is selected for use. If only the second AC power input waveform is present then it is selected for use.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a hybrid wind-solar inverter. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for directing power from alternative power sources to an electrical grid is provided. The method can include: receiving at least two input DC power signals from a plurality of power sources; receiving one or more control signals from the electrical grid; directing, based at least in part on the one or more control signals, at least some of the input DC power signals to an output DC power signal; and, transforming the output DC power signal to an output AC power signal for transmission via the electrical grid.

Abstract: A compressor monitoring system includes current and voltage monitors, current and voltage averaging modules, a control module, and a switch. The current monitor measures a current drawn by a motor of a compressor. The current averaging module generates first and second average current values based on the current measured by the current monitor. The voltage monitor measures a utility power voltage. The voltage averaging module generates first and second average voltage values based on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The control module selectively generates a fault signal when a first ratio is greater than a first predetermined threshold and a second ratio is less than a second predetermined threshold. The first ratio is based on the first and second average current values. The second ratio is based on the first and second average voltage values. The switch deactivates the motor when the fault signal is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for powering an electric device coupled to a patient to reduce transients on patient monitoring devices are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for reducing transient electrical events on a patient monitoring device may include a device that can be powered on or off to cause current flow through a load of the device and which has a line out that is capacitively coupled to a patient during use; and a control circuit to control a periodic coupling of first and second voltage sources to the load out of phase at a predetermined carrier frequency to provide continuous current flow through the load in alternating directions, and to control the periodic coupling of first and second voltage sources to the load in phase at a predetermined carrier frequency to provide no current flow through the load.

Abstract: In a power supply system with a storage battery assembly including storage battery pack groups, when electric power is supplied from at least one of the storage battery pack groups to a load connected to a parallel connection line, the storage battery pack group having the highest output voltage is selected from the storage battery pack groups capable of being commonly connected to the parallel connection line, and is first connected to the parallel connection line, and the highest output voltage of the output voltages of the storage battery pack groups connected to the parallel connection line is set as a reference voltage, and only the storage battery pack groups having an output voltage within a predetermined voltage range during discharging relative to the reference voltage are connected to the parallel connection line.

Abstract: A photovoltaic structure having a reduced mismatch, and a system, method and computer program for reducing mismatch in a photovoltaic structure are provided. The photovoltaic structure has a plurality of photovoltaic elements arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The photovoltaic elements are electrically connected to one another in a plurality of parallel circuits connected together. At least two of the photovoltaic elements from one of the rows are connected in different parallel circuits to reduce partial shading loss for a plurality of time instants. The system, method and computer program provide a connection matrix for the photovoltaic structure based on irradiance levels for the photovoltaic elements to enable connection of the photovoltaic elements to one another to reduce partial shading loss for a plurality of time instants.

Abstract: A power generator configuration having a distributed inverter. A system is described that includes a plurality of solar modules coupled together in series to form a string; a plurality of combiner boxes, wherein each combiner box couples together a plurality of strings in parallel; and a plurality of DC-DC converters, wherein each DC-DC converter increases a direct current (DC) voltage output of an associated combiner box. Also provided are distributed maximum power point tracker (MPPT) controls that adjust for changing conditions at individual sets of strings.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for a dual voltage-source inverter system. The systems and methods selectively couple a first voltage source and a second voltage source to an inverter via a controllable switch.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a controller for photovoltaic power supply, configured to be connected with one or more photovoltaic modules and configured to be connected with an AC grid terminal, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the status of the AC grid power and to generate a signal for deactivation of the photovoltaic modules if the AC power is off, wherein the controller is further configured to generate the signal such that it controls the activation of the at least one photovoltaic module with an active signal having a non-zero signal voltage level and such that it controls the deactivation of the at least one photovoltaic module with an inactive signal, wherein the deactivation of the at least one photovoltaic module results in that the connections between a plurality of photovoltaic modules are interrupted or that the photovoltaic modules are short circuited.

Abstract: A reverse current preventing circuit of an N channel type switching MOS transistor connected between a voltage input terminal and an output terminal to control a conduction state between the voltage input terminal and the output terminal, the circuit comprises: a first MOS transistor connected between a substrate of the switching MOS transistor and a ground point; and a second MOS transistor connected between the substrate of the switching MOS transistor and a point having a piece of predetermined constant potential higher than that of the ground point, wherein the piece of predetermined constant potential higher than that of the ground point is applied to the substrate of the switching MOS transistor while the switching MOS transistor is made to be in its on-state, and ground potential is applied to the substrate of the switching MOS transistor while the switching MOS transistor is made to be in its off-state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to safely supply or interrupt power according to opening or closing of a cover includes a power source unit to output low power and high power, an interlock switch unit to be turned on or off according to opening or closing of a cover, and an engine power circuit unit. The engine power circuit unit includes cover opening/closing sensing switches connected to the interlock switch unit to be turned on or off according to whether the interlock switch unit is on or off, and power supply switches connected to the power source unit to apply or interrupt the power from the power source unit according to a determination of whether the cover opening/closing sensing switches are on or off.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable mechanical contacts adapted to connect a primary power source to at least one load; and control circuitry for monitoring the flow of power from the primary power source to the load, detecting fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to the detection of a fault condition. A primary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are closed, and an auxiliary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open, whether by a trip or by manual opening.

Abstract: We describe a photovoltaic power conditioning unit for delivering power from multiple photovoltaic panels to an ac mains power supply output, comprising: a dc input for receiving power from multiple photovoltaic panels; an ac output for delivering ac power to the ac supply; a bank of electrolytic energy storage capacitors for storing energy from the dc source for delivery to the ac supply; a dc-to-ac converter coupled to the ac output and having an input coupled to the bank for converting energy stored in the bank to ac power for the ac supply; and further comprising: a plurality of sense and control circuits, one for each capacitor in the bank, wherein each circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor, and is configured to disconnect the associated capacitor from the bank upon detection of a current flow thorough the associated capacitor of greater than a threshold current value.

Abstract: In an apparatus for connecting two generators to run in parallel, having plugs connectable to each generator output socket, an output socket connected to an electrical load, conductive paths that connect the plugs to the output socket while merging to a common path at a junction before the output socket, and a switching circuit that opens/closes the conductive paths, there are equipped with a connecting path that interconnects the conductive paths before the junction, a dummy load installed at the connecting path and current sensors installed at each conductive path. Disconnection of the plug from the socket is detected from the detected currents and the conductive paths are opened not to connect the generators to the electrical load, thereby preventing an output of the other of the generators from appearing at the terminals of the disconnected plug, and further preventing misjudging current change of the instantaneous no load condition as plug disconnection.

Abstract: A scalable highest available voltage selector circuit determines the highest of n input voltages and connects the highest voltage to an output. The circuit has at least n circuit branches, each of which comprises n?1 “comparator” FETs connected between an input voltage and an output node, and a diode-connected FET connected between the output node and a current source. The junction of the diode-connected transistor and current source provides a control signal used by the other branches. Each of a branch's comparator FETs have their gates connected to a respective one of the other branches' control signals, such that they are driven on regeneratively when the applied input voltage is the highest of the n input voltages. Each branch also includes n?1 “shorting” FETs connected across the diode-connected transistor, arranged to be driven off when the applied input voltage is the highest, but which are otherwise driven on.

Abstract: A power supply device comprises a bidirectional voltage converter unit that performs voltage stepping up or voltage stepping down between a first terminal and a second terminal; a first switching unit that applies a DC voltage obtained from the first electric power supply source to the first terminal; a second switching unit that applies a DC voltage obtained from the second electric power supply source to the first terminal; a third switching unit that applies a DC voltage obtained from the first electric power supply source to the second terminal; an output unit that outputs a predetermined DC voltage from the second terminal; and a switching control unit that controls switching of the first switching unit, the second switching unit and the third switching unit.