Abstract: A current estimation circuit is configured to estimate current within a power switch, e.g., within a switching voltage converter, using a voltage measured across its load terminals and its on-state resistance. Ringing and other transient anomalies associated with a turn-on transition of the power switch are neglected by ignoring the measured voltage across the power switch for a blanking interval after the transition. During the remainder of the conduction interval of the power switch, the measured voltage is sampled to provide first and second samples. Also during this interval, a slope of the measured voltage is estimated and tracked. The estimated slope and the first and second samples are combined to produce an estimate of the current for the entire conduction interval of the power switch, including the blanked interval. The estimated slope is used to correct for inaccuracy introduced by not using measured voltage during the blanking interval.

Abstract: A power exchange includes an energy exchange server and a plurality of exchange controllers, each exchange controller communicatively coupled to an interconnect socket adapter, wherein the energy exchange server receives a real-time energy consumption data set, a real-time energy production data set, a set of environmental parameters and a starting energy price, and generates a current aggregate electricity demand value as a function of the real-time energy consumption data set and the environmental parameters, a current aggregate electricity supply value as a function of the real-time energy production dataset and the environmental parameters, and a current energy price as a function of the starting energy price, the current aggregate electricity demand value, and the current aggregate electricity supply value.

Abstract: A system for managing grid interaction with an energy storage device includes an energy exchange server, a plurality of energy storage devices, a plurality of interconnect socket adapters, and a plurality of energy exchange controllers, each energy exchange controller coupling to one of the plurality of interconnect socket adapters and dictating energy consumption based on energy pricing data received from the energy exchange server.

Abstract: A DC voltage conversion circuit in which the miniaturization of the inductor is attained and the frequency of control band can be widened, by suppressing the ripple current which flows into the inductor using a general magnetic core without using a special multi-leg magnetic core. A DC voltage conversion circuit is provided with two sets of magnetic flux cancellation conversion circuits each of which is provided with two sets of series circuits of two semiconductor circuits, a first magnetic flux cancellation type transformer, and a inductor; a second magnetic flux cancellation type transformer connected to the two sets of magnetic flux cancellation conversion circuits; and a control circuit which controls switching devices of semiconductor circuits.

Abstract: A voltage generating circuit includes a first resistance voltage dividing circuit, configured by low temperature coefficient resistors being connected in series, that generates a reference voltage by resistance-dividing a predetermined power supply voltage, one or a multiple of a second resistance voltage dividing circuit, configured by a resistor having a positive or negative resistance temperature coefficient and the low temperature coefficient resistor being connected in series, that generates a temperature-dependent divided voltage by resistance-dividing the power supply voltage, and an instrumentation amplifier that generates the comparison reference voltage in accordance with a difference between the reference voltage and the divided voltage.

Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus may include an input line, an output line, and a memory cell connected between the input line and the output line. The memory cell may include a memristor connected in series with a selector. The apparatus may also include a shunt device connected to the input line, in which the shunt device is to divert a portion of current away from the memory cell in response to a voltage at the input line being greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dual-input voltage range compatible light adapted to reconfigure two light elements in series or in parallel and make corresponding current limit adaptations, in response to the input voltage entering one of two predetermined ranges. In an illustrative example, the lighting elements may be strings of LEDs. The current limit may be regulated, for example, by two linear current regulators. In various examples, the current through each of the light elements may be maintained at a predetermined current level independent of the input voltage range. A network of switches may reconfigure current paths among the light elements and the current regulators, for example, in response to the voltage range detected by a control module. The current limit adaptations may advantageously maintain power dissipation of the linear current regulators at a reduced level across a wide input voltage range, and without generating substantial electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A system including a first power transistor including a gate, a second power transistor including a gate and connected in series with the first power transistor, wherein the connection between the transistors defines a switch node is disclosed. The system further includes a pulse width modulator (PWM) controller configured to assert control signals to the gates of the first and second power transistors, a high side sensing circuit coupled to the gate and a drain of the first power transistor. The system further includes a low side sensing circuit coupled to the gate and a drain of the second power transistor, and a track and hold circuit coupled to the high and low side sensing circuits and configured to couple sense signals from the high and low side sensing circuits.

Abstract: In order to implement novel utilization methods, implementation of a low power consumption and high sensitivity RF receiving system is desired. A microwave frequency band stub resonance booster circuit characterized by boosting the amplitude of an RF signal in a passive operation by resonating in series a 0.2 pF to 0.01 pF micro-capacitor element with a ?g/2 open stub element to perform impedance conversion of the input RF signal is used. In addition, since a capacitor which has been conventionally inserted in order to repeat charging and discharging of the RF signal by using two diodes becomes useless by putting a DC resonant component of resonant-boosted output into an open state when voltage-doubling and rectifying the resonant-boosted RF signal, rectified output can be obtained and high-sensitivity reception and detection of the RF signal becomes possible without being affected by the capacitor which imparts comparatively large insertion loss.

Abstract: A device (340, 440, 540) is connected to an output terminal of a controller (330), having a single input terminal connected to a first power terminal of an external power source (305) which outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and a second power terminal. The device includes a bleeding circuit (342, 442, 542), and a switching arrangement (344/346, 444/446, 544/546) to detect whether the controller powers a load (320 or disables the load. When the controller is in an OFF state, the switching arrangement connects the bleeding circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal to provide a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal. When the controller is in an ON state, the switching arrangement disconnects the bleeding circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal.

Abstract: A system for managing shunt utilization among multiple power converters sharing a common DC bus is disclosed. Each power converter includes a shunt device, typically one or more power resistors, configured to dissipate power from the DC bus. The power converter is configured according to an initial set of configuration parameters to selectively connect the shunt device to the DC bus. Each power converter monitors the amount of power being dissipated from the DC bus via the shunt device connected to that power converter and determines a utilization rate for the shunt device. As the utilization rate increases, the configuration parameters are modified to less frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus. As the utilization rate decreases, the configuration parameters are modified to more frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus.

Abstract: A power supply includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a DC voltage regulator coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal to provide a substantially constant DC output voltage at the output terminal, a voltage divider coupled between the output terminal and ground (e.g., earth ground or another suitable reference potential), the voltage divider including at least a first resistance, a second resistance and a first node between the first resistance and the second resistance, the first node coupled to the DC voltage regulator to provide a feedback voltage to the DC voltage regulator for regulating the DC output voltage, and an adjustable shunt regulator coupled between the output terminal and the first node.

Abstract: A shunt regulated permanent magnet alternator voltage source includes a permanent magnet alternator, a shunt regulator, and a pulse width modulation controller. Also included is a load controller capable of detecting a PMA margin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply circuit including a charge-pumping booster section which uses switching elements provided only by N-channel transistors yet does not have a problem of voltage drop by threshold value. In a booster section (11a), capacitors (C1) and (C2) have their respective first terminals connected with transistors (Q1, Q3) and (Q2, Q4) respectively. Each transistor has its gate terminal supplied with control signals generated in a driver section (11b). The driver section (11b) includes capacitors (C3, C4) connected with input terminals (Ti3, Ti4) for respective supply of clock signals DCK2, DCK2B each having a voltage alternating between ?VDD and VDD (VDD represents an input supply voltage from outside), as level-shifted signals of clock signals DCK1, DCK1B which are supplied to second terminals of the capacitors (C1, C2) respectively.

Abstract: A system for managing shunt utilization among multiple power converters sharing a common DC bus is disclosed. Each power converter includes a shunt device, typically one or more power resistors, configured to dissipate power from the DC bus. The power converter is configured according to an initial set of configuration parameters to selectively connect the shunt device to the DC bus. Each power converter monitors the amount of power being dissipated from the DC bus via the shunt device connected to that power converter and determines a utilization rate for the shunt device. As the utilization rate increases, the configuration parameters are modified to less frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus. As the utilization rate decreases, the configuration parameters are modified to more frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus.

Abstract: A switching circuit (Q11, Q12, D11, D12, D13, L11, L12) is repetitively configured to charge an energy transfer capacitance (C11) from an electrical supply (V11) and then inject a discrete pulse of energy into a resonated load circuit by discharging the capacitance. The load circuit is formed by a resonating capacitance (C12) and an inductive load device (T11, R11), eg motor, or induction heating or power transfer device. Energy circulates in the load circuit at or near to its natural resonant frequency. There is no injection of energy into the load circuit while energy for charging the transfer capacitance is being delivered from the supply to the switching circuit. During injection, the two capacitances and the inductive load device may be connected together in parallel or in series, or the transfer capacitance may be connected in series with the inductive load device but not the resonating capacitor.

Abstract: A bus instrument (10) configured to predictively limit power consumption and adapted for use with a two-wire instrumentation bus is provided. The bus instrument (10) includes a sensor (13), a shunt regulator (14), and a controller (20). The controller (20) is configured to generate a predicted available power Ppredicted that will be available to the bus instrument (10) after a change in the loop current IL, compare the predicted available power Ppredicted to a present time power Pt0 comprising a controller power Pcontroller plus a sensor power Psensor, and reduce the sensor power Psensor if the total available power Pavailable is less than the controller power Pcontroller plus the sensor power Psensor.

Abstract: An RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals that may be fabricated using common integrated circuit materials such as silicon, particularly using insulating substrate technologies. The RF switch includes switching and shunting transistor groupings to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node, each controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) or its inverse (SW_), which are approximately symmetrical about ground. The transistor groupings each comprise one or more insulating gate FET transistors connected together in a “stacked” series channel configuration, which increases the breakdown voltage across the series connected transistors and improves RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including control logic and a negative voltage generator with the RF switch elements. In one embodiment, the fully integrated RF switch includes an oscillator, a charge pump, CMOS logic circuitry, level-shifting and voltage divider circuits, and an RF buffer circuit.

Abstract: Process variation-tolerant diodes and diode-connected thin film transistors (TFTs), printed or patterned structures (e.g., circuitry) containing such diodes and TFTs, methods of making the same, and applications of the same for identification tags and sensors are disclosed. A patterned structure comprising a complementary pair of diodes or diode-connected TFTs in series can stabilize the threshold voltage (Vt) of a diode manufactured using printing or laser writing techniques. The present invention advantageously utilizes the separation between the Vt of an NMOS TFT (Vtn) and the Vt of a PMOS TFT (Vtp) to establish and/or improve stability of a forward voltage drop across a printed or laser-written diode. Further applications of the present invention relate to reference voltage generators, voltage clamp circuits, methods of controlling voltages on related or differential signal transmission lines, and RFID and EAS tags and sensors.

Abstract: According to prior art, a clock frequency increase for clocked high-frequency integrated circuits, in particular microprocessors, reaches a current physical limit of approximately 3 GHz, as dynamic current modifications cannot be sufficiently compensated. The aim of the invention is to provide a power supply for electronic systems with a double-figure GHz range. To permit the rapid compensation of dynamic current modifications, the current compensation circuit (10) is placed in the vicinity of the integrated circuit (11) or is integrated into the latter. A control amplifier (8) influences a pulsewidth modulator (2) by means of an optical coupler (9). Said pulsewidth modulator control controls a normal mode voltage converter (3, 4) with synchronous rectification (5). A specific application area for the invention is the supply of future high-performance microprocessors, whose development has been delayed by the aforementioned power problem.

Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop configured to carry data and to provide power. In one embodiment, RF circuitry in the field device is configured for radio frequency communication having variable power consumption. In another embodiment, the RF circuitry is coupled to the field device through a separate digital communication bus. A method of modulating the power of RF communication based upon a process communication signal is also provided.

Abstract: Method of reducing common mode current (i) flowing between the internal ground (13) of an electrical circuit (4) and the earth, said circuit (4) being supplied by an electrical network (2) delivering an alternating voltage, method in which: a voltage is applied by the electrical network (2) between the internal ground (13) of the circuit (4) and the earth, and an additional voltage is applied between the internal ground (13) of the circuit (4) and the earth using an electronic component (21) interposed between the internal ground (13) of the circuit (4) and the earth, this additional voltage opposing the voltage applied by the electrical network (2) between the internal ground (13) and the earth, so as to reduce the common mode current (i).

Abstract: A method for reducing current flowing through a load within a particular frequency band includes the steps of configuring an electrical device to receive an alternating current (AC) signal; and configuring a filter to determine the current flowing through a load according to a frequency of the AC signal. An impedance of the filter in a conducting frequency band is lower than an impedance of the filter in a non-conducting frequency band so the filter divides the current of the AC signal within the conducting frequency band so that the load current through the load is reduced.

Abstract: An isolation circuit includes a low dropout operational current control loop and a shunt regulator. The current control loop is configured to drive the shunt regulator to result in a high dynamic impedance ratio between a voltage source and a load. The current control loop may include a series-pass transistor, a current sensing resistor, and a high side current sensor.

Abstract: A shunt regulated permanent magnet alternator voltage source includes a permanent magnet alternator, a shunt regulator, and a pulse width modulation controller. Also included is a load controller capable of detecting a PMA margin.

Abstract: The disclosed technology comprises a device and a method for accurately determining the amount of electrical energy utilized in a circuit with a quarter-cycle transformer and transducers operating off quarter-cycle power. The method allows for a primary power meter associated with an entity which provides a power source to remain in operation, without modification, and for a second power meter to be utilized which accurately measures consumption of quarter-cycle power usage. An adjustment to an invoice can then be made, based on the difference.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power control circuit connectable to a load adapted to receive a power supply, the power control circuit adapted to absorb power from the power supply and adapted to deliver power to the power supply to stabilize at least one electrical parameter of the power supply. The present invention also provides an associated method of stabilizing at least one electrical parameter of a power supply connectable to a load, the method including absorbing power from the power supply or delivering power to the power supply. The at least one electrical parameter of the power supply includes parameters such as voltage and frequency.

Abstract: A current measuring apparatus includes a shunt circuit, a current detecting circuit, and a signal amplifying circuit. The current measuring apparatus applies the shunt circuit to receive a current to be measured. The current measuring apparatus applies the current detecting circuit to measure the voltage between two terminals of the shunt circuit. The current measuring apparatus applies the signal amplifying circuit to amplify the measured voltage. The measured current can be calculated according an expression determined by the current detecting circuit and the signal amplifying circuit.

Abstract: An isolation circuit includes a low dropout operational current control loop and a shunt regulator. The current control loop is configured to drive the shunt regulator to result in a high dynamic impedance ratio between a voltage source and a load. The current control loop may include a series-pass transistor, a current sensing resistor, and a high side current sensor.

Abstract: The disclosed power distribution system regulates the transfer of energy from a source 1 to a load 3. Source Controller 5 on the source side closes Disconnect Device 7 and monitors the transfer of a pulse or “packet” of energy to the load side. A Load Controller 9 on the load side communicates the amount of energy received at the load back to the source controller via Communication Link 11. If it is confirmed that the energy received on the load side corresponds to that sent by the source side, another energy packet is sent. If the energy received does not correspond with that sent by the source side, energy transfer is stopped, indicating a system fault or safety hazard. The energy content of a single packet is kept small, such that if it is not properly delivered, it can not cause damage to equipment or harm personnel.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply apparatus including a power supply section that supplies an output current to an external load, and a current control section that flows an electric current varying in a direction opposite to a supply current being supplied to the power supply section into a ground of the power supply section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-phase power regulator that accurately senses current at a load in a lossless manner and adjusts the power supplied to the load based on the sensed current. Also disclosed is a method of calibrating a multiphase voltage regulator by applying a known calibration current at the load and determining actual current values by the difference in measured values between when the known calibration current is applied and when it is not applied. The accurate current is determined at a known temperature and accurate temperature compensation is provided by a non-linear digital technique. Each phase of the multi-phase power regulator is individually calibrated so that balanced channels provide accurate power to the load. Also disclosed is a calibration method with minimal noise generation.

Abstract: A shutter circuit is provided for a multi-channel converter to blank the switching noise produced by the switching of the converter. The shutter circuit monitors the switching of the switches in the output stages of the converter, and when one channel performs switching, the shutter circuit will send a signal to other channels to block the current sensors thereof. The current sensors are so blocked for a period not to sense the switching noise. The mutual interference between the channels due to the switching noise of the converter is eliminated.

Abstract: A bus instrument (10) configured to predictively limit power consumption and adapted for use with a two-wire instrumentation bus is provided. The bus instrument (10) includes a sensor (13), a shunt regulator (14), and a controller (20). The controller (20) is configured to generate a predicted available power Ppredicted that will be available to the bus instrument (10) after a change in the loop current IL, compare the predicted available power Ppredicted to a present time power Pt0 comprising a controller power Pcontroller plus a sensor power Psensor, and reduce the sensor power Psensor if the total available power Pavailable is less than the controller power Pcontroller plus the sensor power Psensor.

Abstract: Electronic circuits couple energy storage devices, such as double layer capacitors or rechargeable battery cells, to a power supply output, thereby improving noise suppression and extending ride-through capability of the power supply. In a typical circuit, an energy storage device is coupled in series with a switch that controls the charging current into the energy storage device. The switch is controlled by a comparator that receives a signal related to the voltage level of the power supply. In some embodiments, the comparator also receives a feedback signal related to a charging current flowing into the energy storage device. The circuit is configured so that the switch limits the charging current to a predetermined current level, or does not allow the charging current to flow until the output voltage of the power supply reaches a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control apparatus for a linear compressor which can vary a cooling force and prevent an inrush current. The control apparatus for the linear compressor includes a coil winding body laminated on the linear compressor, a first capacitor connected in series to the coil winding body, a capacitance varying unit being formed in a parallel structure to the first capacitor, and having a capacitor switch, and a control unit for inducing an output change of the linear compressor, by varying the whole capacitance of the control apparatus by controlling the capacitor switch.

Abstract: An RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals that may be fabricated using common integrated circuit materials such as silicon, particularly using insulating substrate technologies. The RF switch includes switching and shunting transistor groupings to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node, each controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) or its inverse (SW), which are approximately symmetrical about ground. The transistor groupings each comprise one or more insulating gate FET transistors connected together in a “stacked” series channel configuration, which increases the breakdown voltage across the series connected transistors and improves RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including control logic and a negative voltage generator with the RF switch elements. In one embodiment, the fully integrated RF switch includes an oscillator, a charge pump, CMOS logic circuitry, level-shifting and voltage divider circuits, and an RF buffer circuit.

Abstract: A torque control circuit includes a motor driving circuit, a motor operating current detection circuit, a reference voltage generation circuit, a maximum motor current setting circuit, a torque setting circuit, an information output circuit, a regulated-voltage power supply circuit, a motor operating temperature detection circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes an integrated circuit to carry out functions of reading information detection sources, processing, and instruction for execution of torque control and output terminals of the reference voltage generation circuit, the maximum motor current setting circuit, the motor operating temperature detection circuit, and the motor impedance torque setting circuit are respectively connected to corresponding input terminals of the integrated circuit to carry out desired control of torque supplied to the impact tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for power factor correction include selectively coupling bit reactive loads with a load having dynamic reactive properties to dynamically correct a power factor. Methods and apparatus for reducing distortion in a power delivery system include a means for determining distortion in a power line, forming a corrective signal according to the distortion and selectively sinking and sourcing current to the power line according to the corrective signal.

Abstract: There is provided a regulator with soft-start using a current source. The regulator with soft-start may include: a power switch unit including first and second power switches connected between a power supply terminal and an output terminal; a load capacitor connected between the output terminal and a ground; a voltage detection unit detecting a voltage of the output terminal; a comparison unit comparing a detection voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, and outputting first and second switching signals; a current generating a predetermined constant current; a current control unit switching a connection between a control terminal of the first power switch and the current source unit according to the first switching, and switching a connection between the control terminal of the first power switch and the ground according to the second switching signal; and an error amplification unit amplifying an error voltage between the detection.

Abstract: A novel RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals is described. The RF switch circuit is fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The RF switch includes pairs of switching and shunting transistor groupings used to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node. A fully integrated RF switch is described including digital control logic and a negative voltage generator integrated together with the RF switch elements. In one embodiment, the fully integrated RF switch includes a built-in oscillator, a charge pump circuit, CMOS logic circuitry, level-shifting and voltage divider circuits, and an RF buffer circuit. Several embodiments of the charge pump, level shifting, voltage divider, and RF buffer circuits are described. The RF switch provides improvements in insertion loss, switch isolation, and switch compression. An improved voltage reducing circuit is described. The improved voltage reducing circuit limits voltages applied to selected nodes within the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A field transmitter includes field device circuitry configured to measure or control a process variable. A first process control loop terminal is configured to couple to a two-wire process control loop which carries a loop current. A second process control loop terminal configured to couple to the two-wire process control loop. A switching regulator has an input and an output. The output is coupled to the transmitter circuitry and arranged to provide power to the transmitter circuitry. A variable voltage source having an input electrically coupled to the first process control loop terminal, and a voltage output coupled to the input of the switching regulator and a control input. The voltage output is a function of the control input.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device, such as a dimmer, is operable to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a magnetic low-voltage (MLV) load, and comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch, a timing circuit, a trigger circuit having a variable voltage threshold, and a clamp circuit. When a timing voltage signal of the timing circuit exceeds an initial magnitude of the variable voltage threshold, the trigger circuit is operable to render the semiconductor switch conductive, reduce the timing voltage signal to a predetermined magnitude less than the initial magnitude, and to increase the variable voltage threshold to a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The clamp circuit limits the magnitude of the timing voltage signal to a clamp magnitude between the initial magnitude and the second magnitude, thereby preventing the timing voltage signal from exceeding the second magnitude.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit comprising an input; an output; an electrical energy storage element having one side connected to the input; and at least two sub-circuits, wherein each respective sub-circuit is connected in series between the output and the other side of said electrical energy storage element; and wherein each said sub-circuit includes an inductive device, a rectifying element, and a controllable switching element connected in circuit therebetween to be capable of connecting the inductive device in parallel across the input; wherein the inductive elements of said at least two sub-circuits are magnetically coupled together. Smaller circuit components can therefore be used.

Abstract: A motor control circuit for supplying power to a DC motor which drives a mechanism having a driven shaft, the control circuit having a parallel combination of a capacitor and switch in series with the DC motor. When the movement of the driven shaft is obstructed, the motor driver and the switch are synchronized in a manner to first charge the capacitor and then to reverse the voltage generated by the motor driver to momentarily double the voltage applied to the DC motor so that the increased torque of the DC motor is able to overcome the obstruction. The mechanism having a shaft driven by the DC motor may be, for example, an ETC valve or a window regulator.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply apparatus including a power supply section that supplies an output current to an external load, and a current control section that flows an electric current varying in a direction opposite to a supply current being supplied to the power supply section into a ground of the power supply section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to the peripheral circuits of a transmitter circuit, especially an HDMI transmitter circuit, is disclosed. In an HDMI transmitter the termination resistors of the output driver are part of the receiver. DC power for the driver is supplied through these termination resistors. In prior art implementations of circuits this power, supplied by the receiver circuit, is wasted in the DC set-up circuit of the differential line driver. It is suggested to use this wasted power from the remote termination to power selected peripheral circuits of the transmitter. The use of this wasted power in the line driver for powering the peripheral circuits reduces the total system power.

Abstract: A fast reference circuit having active feedback includes a bias supply circuit and a variable divider circuit connected by an active feedback path to the bias supply circuit, and a comparator circuit connected to the variable divider circuit, the bias supply circuit, and a reference node of the variable divider circuit. In one embodiment, a start-up circuit initially discharges a potential at the bias supply and comparator circuits, then initializes a reference voltage at the reference node at about zero volts to improve repeatability. In one embodiment, the variable voltage divider comprises an impendence that is trimmed based on a sheet resistance of a process used to fabricate the fast reference circuit, and further comprises a variable reference current circuit coupled to the impedance and configured to generate a current having a value based on a desired reference voltage and to conduct the current through the impedance, thereby generating the reference voltage associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and electrical circuit for dynamic reconfiguration of a DC-to-AC inverter comprising first and second power rails where each the rails has a power source. The method comprises monitoring the first and second power rails for short-circuit failure; and upon failure of one of the power rails, disconnecting the failed power rail from its power source.