Abstract: A step-down controller has an input having a first and a second input terminal for applying an input voltage, an output having a first and a second output terminal at which an output voltage can be provided, a series circuit including a switch and an inductance which is coupled between the first input terminal and the first output terminal. The switch has a control input for applying a control signal. A first diode is coupled between a junction point between the switch and the inductance and a reference potential such that, when the inductance is freewheeling, a current flow through the first diode (D1) is possible. There is a snubber network with a snubber capacitor, a second and third diode and an auxiliary inductance, a series circuit including the snubber capacitor, the third diode and the auxiliary inductance being coupled in parallel with the inductance.

Abstract: A digital camera, including a common power supply for supplying power; a plurality of motors sharing the power supply and driven by the power supplied from the power supply; and a current detector for detecting load current supplied to the plurality of motors, wherein, when either one of the plurality of motors is operated, other motor is driven not to overlap with a maximum value of the load current detected by the current detector.

Abstract: Methods for synchronizing non-constant frequency switching regulators with a phase locked loop are disclosed. The methods enable non-constant frequency switching regulators to be synchronized with a phase locked loop to achieve constant frequency operation in steady state while retaining the advantages of non-frequency operation to improve transient response and operate over a wider range of duty cycles. In addition, the methods enable multiple non-constant frequency regulators to be synchronized and operated in parallel to deliver higher power levels to the output than a single switching regulator.

Abstract: A shunt voltage regulator for a processor is disposed on the processor package. The shunt voltage regulator responds to AC transients. One embodiment includes a DC power converter voltage regulator that is disposed off the processor package, and that is optimized for DC power conversion. Another embodiment includes a method of improving fabrication yield for a packaged processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing switching losses in a leg of a switching circuit during commutation of current between first and second complementary switching elements thereof is disclosed. The method involves impeding changes in current flow between a load current node and a first supply conductor through a first path comprised of a first saturable inductor and the first switching element, while impeding changes in current flow between the load current node and a second supply conductor through a second path comprised of a second saturable inductor and the second switching element.

Abstract: A method for detecting a null current condition in a PWM driven inductor connected between a voltage source node and a second circuit node of a line for outputting current to a load includes generating a derivative signal by time differentiating a voltage on the second node. The method further includes monitoring an instant when the derivative signal becomes negative, and signaling verification of the null current condition each time the derivative signal becomes negative.

Abstract: An automatically controlled DC power supply output circuit includes an isolation diode connected in series between the power supply and the load, a terminal voltage detection circuit connected in parallel between the power supply and the load on the load side of the isolation diode, and a shunt resistor connected in parallel between the power supply and load on the power supply side of the isolation diode. A control element such as a switch or variable impedance is connected in series with the shunt resistor to cause the shunt resistor to shunt current from the power supply when the terminal voltage detection circuit detects that the terminal voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example due to stored voltage in case the load is a battery, secondary cell, or capacitor, or due to counter EMF generated by the load in case the load is a DC motor, thereby reducing the power supply output voltage to compensate for the detected increase in terminal voltage.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply that provides power to an electrical device, the uninterruptible power supply that includes a first housing; a cover plate that includes a plurality of electrical outlets located on a surface of the cover plate and said cover plate is connected to the first housing in an angled position; and a battery in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical outlets on the surface of the cover plate, and the battery being removably attached to the first housing.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit includes: a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator having the capability to both sink and source current while maintaining a substantially predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: Methods for synchronizing non-constant frequency switching regulators with a phase locked loop are disclosed. The methods enable non-constant frequency switching regulators to be synchronized with a phase locked loop to achieve constant frequency operation in steady state while retaining the advantages of non-frequency operation to improve transient response and operate over a wider range of duty cycles. In addition, the methods enable multiple non-constant frequency regulators to be synchronized and operated in parallel to deliver higher power levels to the output than a single switching regulator.

Abstract: A method and system for managing power in a device having a power source is described. The system includes a switch and at least one controller. The switch is coupled with the power source and a portion of the device. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch and is for controlling the switch to be open or closed based on instructions provided to the controller. Thus, the switch and controller can manage the power provided to the portion of the device.

Abstract: A power source unit for use in vehicle is disclosed that effectively transfers energy between two power sources. The power source unit includes a main power source connected to input terminals of a current control circuit, such as insulation type power transfer circuit. In addition, a terminal of the main power source is connected to an output terminal of the current control circuit. The other terminal of the main power source is connected to a terminal of a parallel connection of a secondary power source and an electric power unit. The other terminal of the parallel connection is connected with a second output terminal of the current control circuit. Hence, energy from the main power source is transferred to the parallel connection of the secondary power source and electric power unit under the control of the current control circuit.

Abstract: A rectifying antenna circuit for a passive RF transponder comprising a series resonant circuit of an antenna, a voltage rectifier circuit including a diode and a capacitance shunting the diode, the capacitance providing a primary voltage amplification role and the diode providing a rectification and a voltage amplification role.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating materials, especially organic materials, with pulsed electrical fields, wherein the method includes the step of applying an agile pulse sequence having at least three pulses to a material, wherein the agile pulse sequence has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. When biological cells are treated to form pores in an electroporation procedure, the induced pores are sustained for a relatively long period of time, and viability of the biological cells is maintained.

Abstract: A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator includes for each phase a pair of cascaded standard industrial auto-transformers each having, for example, six taps and when they are cascaded the final output voltage of each phase is a product of the per unit value of each individual auto-transformer. Closed transition switching is provided to switch the auto-transformer into and out of the circuit effectively only during the time a voltage sag is desired. All of the switches and auto-transformers are conveniently carried in a single portable enclosure. There are no moving parts or diesel engines; thus, the non-rotating sag generator is useable in any part of an industrial plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilized power converter having an input voltage and an output voltage, where the stabilized converter operates similar to a conventional converter under normal conditions, and operates continuously at the maximum power transfer point during overload conditions. The stabilized converter comprises a voltage control loop for regulating output voltage, and a stabilization loop for regulating input voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization loop senses the input voltage to the stabilized converter and compares it to a reference voltage. Whenever converter input voltage is above the maximum power transfer voltage, no action is taken by the stabilization loop, and the converter operates in the conventional manner. As converter input voltage approaches the maximum power transfer voltage, converter output voltage and corresponding converter input and output power are reduced to compensate.

Abstract: A motor starter circuit for minimizing the amount of current drawn by the motor from a power source during starting of the motor through current transformation achieved by selectively controlling actuation of a plurality of high speed switches. The circuit is for use with a alternating current power source that provides positive and negative voltage alternations, and an alternating current motor. The motor starter circuit comprises a first bidirectional switch through which line current from the power source is provided to the motor, and a pair of switch-diode combinations electrically configured to carry the current in the motor when the bidirectional switch, which is controlled to cycle between an open and a closed position, is in an open position. Actuation of the pair of switch-diode combinations is controlled based on the polarity of the motor current alternation.

Abstract: A power supply system for premises (12') has a meter (20) which stores tariff information (rates and times) received via mains signalling from a controller (13). An outlet (33) has control means (40) responsive to the tariff information stored in the meter. The control means may be programmable simply to allow the outlet to supply power only during low tariff rated periods, or to utilize more elaborate criteria, such as maintaining the supply of power either for a predetermined time regardless of tariff changes once the outlet has been turned on or until the device fed by the outlet has completed its operating cycle (as determined by the current drawn falling to zero), or effecting an inverse control between the tariff rate at which the outlet may be turned on and the time elapsed since it was last turned on.

Abstract: In a transponder, power supply circuitry is connected to an antenna and a response circuit. DC power to be fed to the response circuit is generated out of an electromagnetic wave come in through the antenna. A rectifier diode has an n type and a p type semiconductor region and is adjusted such that a reverse resistance against a reverse current directed from the n type region toward the p type region is lower than a forward resistance against a forward current directed from the latter region to the former region. A voltage output from the antenna on the receipt of the electromagnetic wave is applied to the rectifier diode, thereby causing a reverse current to flow to the diode. The resulting DC voltage is used to feed power to the response circuit. Even when the electromagnetic wave received from an interrogator is weak, sufficient power can be surely fed to the response circuit.

Abstract: Instabilities in the output voltage provided from an AC power supply system such as an uninterruptible power supply connected to a power factor correcting load are suppressed by a dynamic voltage regulation stabilizer system which is connected across the output lines from the power supply system to the load. The DVR stabilizer system includes a rectifier connected to the power supply system output lines. A capacitor is connected across the output nodes of the rectifier. Switching devices form a bridge that connects the capacitor to the output lines. Selected switching devices in the bridge are turned on for a selected duration encompassing the time of the peak of each half-cycle of the AC voltage waveform provided by the power supply system. During normal operation, where the peak AC voltage from the power supply system is substantially constant, the capacitor charges up through the rectifier to a voltage level near the peak value of the AC voltage waveform.

Abstract: A digital processing system including a first processor (11) and a second processor (21) connected in series between a first power supply node (101) and a second power supply node (103). The second processor is configured to operate at a variable processing rate, as controlled by the output of a processing rate controller (33) that is responsive to the voltage across the supply terminals of the second processor and a first reference voltage. An auxiliary shunt regulator (39) is connected across the supply terminals of the second processor and is controlled by a regulator controller (37) to prevent the voltage across the supply terminals of the second processor from exceeding a second reference voltage.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the current consumption of an integrated circuit chip and the like so as to reduce the inductive voltage drops occurring over the power supply lines within the chip and power supply lines to the chip are disclosed. The systems according to the present invention are applicable to circuits having two or more sub-circuits formed on a semiconductor substrate, each sub-circuit having two or more power supply inputs. An exemplary system comprises two or more current shunting elements formed on the substrate, with each current shunting element coupled in parallel with the power supply inputs of a selected sub-circuit. The system has at least two main power supply lines formed on the semiconductor substrate, with each selected sub-circuit having each of its power supply inputs coupled to a main power supply line. A current shunting element may comprise a Zener diode, an active shunt circuit, or equivalents thereof.

Abstract: A downhole power supply system having a variable voltage surface power supply and a downhole shunt voltage regulator between which is disposed in series an energy transducing device. The shunt voltage regulator comprises a current control device which controls the amount of current shunted to the power return line between the series connected energy transducing device and the input to the voltage regulator to maintain a selected voltage at the voltage regulator. The shunt regulator senses the voltage on the power line, compares the sensed voltage to the selected voltage, and controls the shunt current control device to conduct more or less current in the event that the two voltages are not equal. As a result, changing the voltage at the remote power source will change the voltage across the transducing device and the amount of current conducted through it thus changing its output.

Abstract: An active filter device is provided for incorporation into a switchgear lineup. The switchgear lineup has a plurality of electrical sections including a main circuit breaker section and a load circuit breaker section spaced from the main circuit breaker section. The active filter device is applied as an integral part of the power distribution switchgear equipment, positioned between the main circuit breaker section and a load circuit breaker section. From a single location, power quality is improved for the aggregate of all loads connected to the switchgear and the upstream source. The power quality improvement may include harmonic current attenuation, harmonic voltage attenuation, load balancing, high speed power factor correction, and reduced magnitude voltage sags.

Abstract: A firing controlled scheme including a method and apparatus for vernier operation of a shunt-connected thyristor-controlled capacitor (STCC) uses phase controlled firing of the thyristors based on monitored line voltage, monitored thyristor current, and a thyristor current command to vary the effective reactance of the capacitor. The STCC includes a capacitor and surge inductor connected in shunt across a power transmission line via a thyristor switch. A vernier controller predicts an upcoming firing angle based on the above parameters and switches the thyristor circuit to partially conduct pulses of thyristor current at different amplitude levels depending upon the commanded firing angle. By varying the firing angle, variable inductive and capacitive reactive power can be selectively delivered to the transmission line.

Abstract: A motor drive system for driving a conventional single phase PSC motor from a two-phase power source which allows for convenient motor direction reversal. In one embodiment, the PSC motor is supplied from a three-phase inverter that is controlled to generate two-phase power. In another embodiment, the PSC motor is connectable through a double-pole double-throw switch to either a single phase source including a run capacitor or a two-phase inverter source.

Abstract: A motor drive system for driving a conventional single phase PSC motor from a two-phase power source. In one embodiment, the PSC motor is supplied from a three-phase inverter that is controlled to generate two-phase power. In another embodiment, the PSC motor is connectable through a double-pole double-throw switch to either a single phase source including a run capacitor or a two-phase inverter source.

Abstract: A power supply for an integrated circuit chip, including supply regulation circuitry coupled between on-chip circuitry and a power supply connection, the supply regulation circuitry including a transistor having a diode coupled to the control electrode of the transistor, the diode having a relatively large diode junction area, and a resistor coupled in series with the main current path of the transistor having a relatively small or no diode junction area, whereby when the chip is subject to irradiation the diode means increases the conductivity of the main current path so that an increased voltage appears across the resistor thereby to reduce the supply voltage to the on-chip circuitry.

Abstract: A regulator is provided for receiving electrical power from an external alternating magnetic field and developing a regulated output voltage. The regulator is operatively coupled to a resonant inductive circuit for obtaining input power. It includes a circuit for regulating output power by shunting input power and providing separate current paths for shunt current and output current. The circuit includes a rectifier in the output current path. The regulator is integrated on a single VLSI chip.

Abstract: A temperature compensating voltage generator circuit for compensating temperature characteristics of an electric circuit whose electrical characteristic varies in accordance with the change of the ambient temperature and whose electrical characteristic can be changed or controlled by a control voltage. The temperature compensating voltage generator circuit comprising a plurality of temperature sensitive resistor circuits, a plurality of diode circuits and one or more resistor circuits. A temperature compensating voltage from the temperature compensating voltage generator circuit being independently adjustable at each predetermined temperature.