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.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter includes: a boost converter that boosts an input voltage in accordance with a first control signal; an insulated converter that converts an output of the boost converter in accordance with a second control signal; a current sensor that detects an output current of the insulated converter; a first controller that generates the first control signal based on an error between the output current detected by the current sensor and a first threshold value; and a second controller that generates the second control signal based on an error between the output current detected by the current sensor and a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A PWM signal generation circuit and a PWM control circuit are provided in which the duty ratio is easily changed and which can also avoid adverse impact from ambient temperature changes and the like. At the beginning of charging a capacitor with a current flow, a voltage level at a connection point between the negative input terminal of a comparator and the capacitor is still below a charging threshold. When the charging threshold is exceeded, the comparator is inverted to a low state and a current flows into an output point of the comparator to start discharging the capacitor. At the beginning of discharging from the capacitor, the voltage level at the connection point is still above the discharging threshold. However, when the voltage level falls below the discharging threshold, the comparator returns to a high state, and the charging operation again takes over.

Abstract: A current detection circuit of the present invention has a switching device 1; an auxiliary switching device 2; an offset voltage source comprising an offset resistor device 7 and a current source circuit 8; a compensation circuit, comprising a differential amplifier 4 and a compensation transistor 5, for adjusting the output current of the auxiliary switching device 2 so that the potential obtained by subtracting the voltage drop across the offset resistor device 7 from the output potential of the switching device 1 is equal to the output potential of the auxiliary switching device 2, being configured that the detection level of the current flowing in the switching device 1 is shifted by an offset amount.

Abstract: A power supply creates a voltage difference between high and low power supply rails. The power supply has a voltage signal source, a capacitive coupling element, energy storage element 12, first and second rectifying diodes, a regulator, and bypass means for selectively decreasing the impedance between the voltage signal source and the low power supply rail or increasing the load presented to the voltage signal source. The capacitive coupling element is connected to the voltage signal source. Energy storage element 12 stores energy between the high and low power supply rails. The first rectifying diode is positioned between the capacitive coupling element and energy storage element 12. It is coupled to the voltage signal source through the capacitive coupling element and arranged to favor current flow toward energy storage element 12 from the capacitive coupling element. The second rectifying diode is positioned between the capacitive coupling element and the low power supply rail.

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a specific embodiment is also disclosed herein. The specific circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses eight solid state switches, such as IGBT's, eight diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing limit cycle oscillations within a switched power supply includes providing a programmable dither signal as an input to the digital control loop connected between an output and a control input of the switched power supply. The dither signal minimizes limit cycle oscillations from the output of the switched power supply.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a semiconductor device is provided wherein a stepdown-type DC-DC converter includes a first off detection circuit, a second off detection circuit, a capacitor, a capacitor, a diode, inverters, an inductor, a first level shift circuit, a second level shift circuit, a third level shift circuit, a 2-input NAND circuit, a 2-input NAND circuit, a high-side N-channel power MOS transistor and a low-side N-channel power MOS transistor. The first off detection circuit and the second off detection circuit reduce fall times of the gates of the N-channel power MOS transistors, thereby reducing dead time.

Abstract: A step up switching converter is disclosed. The switching converter comprises a first semiconductor switch arranged in series connection with a storage inductor and a sensor resistor. The control electrode of the first semiconductor switch is connected via a resistor to the input voltage, the resistor constituting the operating resistor of a second semiconductor switch. The voltage drop of the sensor resistor is fed to the control electrode of the second semiconductor switch as an indicator of the current through the storage inductor, and that connection of the storage inductor connected to the first semiconductor switch being connected on the one hand via a rectifier diode to an output capacitor which carries the output voltage, and on the other hand via a series RC element to the control input of the second semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A circuit for use with a power supply coupled in a switched leg of, for example, a lighting circuit, is described. The circuit provides a low impedance near the zero crossing of the AC signal and a high impedance thereafter, thereby allowing the power supply to draw current that bypasses, for instance, a light bulb.

Abstract: A redundancy circuit for a diode circuit composed of a plurality of diodes connected in series, according to the present invention, includes: bypass circuits, each of which is connected in parallel to each group, the diode circuit being divided into a plurality of group, each group having one or more diodes connected in series, and each bypass circuit including a first voltage-controlled switching device connected in parallel to the corresponding group, and a detection circuit which has a constant voltage device and a fusing circuit, both of which are connected in series, the detection circuit being connected in parallel to the corresponding group; and when, because of increased resistance of any diode, a voltage applied to one of the groups exceeds a given voltage defined by the constant voltage device, the voltage-controlled switching device is turned on so as to bypass a current that is to pass through the corresponding group, whereby continuing the operation of the whole apparatus even when one or more di

Abstract: A buck/boost converter having an input and an output, a switching cell with a switch between the input and the output, and a selector selectively configuring the switching cell into at least two configurations from among the following: a parallel chopper configuration, a series chopper configuration, or an inductive-storage chopper configuration, the cell using the same switch in all the configurations. The converter has a single switch for various modes of operation of the converter.

Abstract: There is provided a second switch used to turn on/off connection between a first circuit portion with a decoupling capacitance on a first switch side. Then, in accordance with on/off of the first switch, the second switch is turned on/off. By performing such switch control, when the first and second switches and are turned off and the first circuit portion shifts to the standby mode, the electric charge stored in the decoupling capacitance in the on state of the first and second switches is held. The electric charge held in the decoupling capacitance contributes to charging of a parasitic capacitance of the first circuit portion when the first and second switches and are again turned on. Therefore, when the first circuit portion shifts from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, the instantaneous voltage drop at a first connection point can be reduced.

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control means and method for a transistor switch circuit controlling a power supply circuit for providing electric power to a load, comprising: a power supply stage having an LC circuit with an inductor, and a control stage having an estimation of the inductor current as a feedback signal. According to the invention, the current through the inductor is measured by means of a measuring winding (17) and an integrator having the function of an RC network. The current measuring circuit is very stable and absolutely free from any source of offset signals. Also, it has no frequency limitations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boost switching power supply with low switching loss. The boost switching power supply of the present invention includes a coil portion 3a and a first diode 4 that are serially connected between one terminal of a DC power source 2 and one terminal of a first capacitor 5 for smoothing, a first switching element 8 connected between a node A where the coil portion 3a and the first diode 4 are connected and the other terminal of the DC power source 2, a second magnetic element 7 and a second switching element 9 that are serially connected between the node A and the other terminal of the DC power source 2, and a second diode 10 and a second capacitor 11 that are serially connected between a node where the second magnetic element 7 and the second switching element 9 are connected and the node A.

Abstract: A synchronous switching voltage regulator circuit is provided. After the first PWM pulse or at the end of a soft-start, a gradual transition is made from asynchronous rectification to fully synchronous rectification. The gradual transition to synchronous rectification is made by gradually increasing the time that the synchronous switch is enabled to be on.

Abstract: A circuit design for a circuit for switching currents is disclosed, comprising at least one switch element (T1 . . . Tn, T1? . . . Tn?), and at least one respective main current conductor (D, S, A) for interlinking the switch element, the poles (V+, GND) of a current source and an energy accumulator (C). The aim of the invention is to reduce ohmic resistance and inductive resistance of such a circuit. To this end, an ancillary current conductor (D1, S1, A1) that has a lower current carrying capacity than the main current conductor is connected in parallel to at least one of the main current conductors (D, S, A).

Abstract: The present invention provides shunt voltage regulation by employing a rectifying means to rectify an incoming signal and a current sinking means to divert current from the output of the rectifying means in such a way that the output voltage is maintained at an appropriate level and the modulation level does not rise above the acceptable range. This is accomplished by having two feedback mechanisms for the control of said current sinking means. A first feedback mechanism utilizes a voltage dividing means to generate a control voltage signal that will cause the average output voltage of the rectifying means to be equal to the a reference voltage. A second feedback mechanism utilizes non-linear processing means and capacitors to transmit part of the modulation frequency to the control of the current sinking means, thereby keeping the modulation at the output of the rectifying mean at an appropriate level at all time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting circuit components from inrush current. A field effect transistor (FET) is controlled to provide a source of dynamic impedance, placed in series with a circuit component to be protected. The circuit uses a current limiting circuit to limit current flow into a small capacitor across the gate of the FET, thus controlling the rate at which the small capacitor charges, and hence, the rate at which the FET transitions from an “off” state with high in-series impedance to an “on” state with low in-series impedance. The current limiting circuit can be supplemented with a short circuit detection circuit that terminates current flow into the current limiting circuit upon a short circuit in the protected component. The surge limiting circuit, with optional short circuit detection, can be integrated within larger integrated circuits or produced as a discrete device with or without an imbedded protected component.

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: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially eliminating ripple and transient voltage using a current controlled voltage regulator. Current control (460) senses load current (iL) changes and produces control voltage (VCONTROL) in response to the load current changes. The control voltage increases the conductivity state of shunt transistor (470) such that any deficit of current caused by load changes at load (420) during a positive voltage transient is conducted through shunt transistor (470). The control voltage decreases the conductivity state of shunt transistor (470) such that any excessive current caused by load (420) during a negative voltage transient is balanced by the reduction of current in shunt transistor (470).

Abstract: An open loop current control system for regulating the flow of electrical current in an inductor that utilizes two methods of monitoring the current flow in the inductor. The open loop control system maintains the level of current in the inductor between two boundary levels by switching a boost transistor between an on and an off position based upon the level of current in the inductor. The control system measures the level of current in the inductor when a boost transistor is turned on. When the boost transistor is turned off, the control system determines the time period that is required for the current in the inductor to decay from the upper boundary level to the lower boundary level based upon the measured voltage difference across the inductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for wireless power transmission, which makes it possible to generate an increased voltage on the receiver side using a radio signal that is optimized for this purpose and thereby permits operation particularly of digital semiconductor components in the receiver even if the receiver does not have a power supply of its own.

Abstract: A voltage regulator has an input terminal, an output terminal, a first transistor connecting the input terminal to an intermediate terminal, a second transistor connecting the intermediate terminal to ground, a controller that drives the first and second transistors to alternately couple the intermediate terminal between the input terminal and ground, and a filter disposed between the input terminal and the output terminal to provide a substantially DC voltage at the output terminal. The controller drives the two transistors with different gate voltage, and the two transistors can have different gate oxide layer thicknesses.

Abstract: A switching voltage converter in half bridge topology operates in switching mode with variable locking, consisting of two power switches, and one control circuit. The TOP switch is realized by one or more n-channel transistors. The BOT switch is realized by one or more p-channel transistors. The output Upwm of the half bridge is selected as a reference potential, which is not constant and varies during operation, for the control circuit and supply voltage Ubtop, Ubbot of the drivers of the TOP and BOT switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying batteries of different types is disclosed where each battery includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and an identification terminal connected to a tap between two cells of the battery. The apparatus includes a positive contact positioned so as to engage the positive terminal of a battery, a negative contact positioned so as to engage the negative terminal of the battery, an identification contact positioned so as to receive a tap voltage from the identification terminal of the battery indicative of a particular battery type, and a microcomputer connected to the positive, negative, and identification contacts, wherein the microcomputer identifies the particular type of the battery on the basis of where the tap voltage lies with respect to a plurality of specified voltage ranges.

Abstract: A power supply noise sensor includes a noise sensing section A to sense impulse noise applied to a power supply line and an output holding section B to hold a sense output from the noise sensing section A. The noise sensing section A includes a time constant circuit to gradually vary a power supply voltage including impulse noise. When a peak value of the impulse noise reduces after the peak value exceeds a predetermined value, a direction of a current flowing through the time constant circuit is inverted to hold a noise output from the output holding section B also after the impulse noise disappears. Therefore, the impulse noise in the forward direction and the impulse noise in the reverse direction superimposed onto the power supply system of the sensor can be sensed in a simple configuration.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a transistor that controls, according to the resistance of the load externally connected to the output terminal thereof, the current fed to the base of an output-stage transistor for driving the load to turn it on. In this circuit configuration, even if a base current of the output-stage transistor is so determined as to permit the semiconductor device to drive the heaviest permissible load, only a reduced amount of extra current is fed to the base of the output-stage transistor when it is turned on with a light load connected to the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An enhancement mode JFET as a switching device in a boost converter circuit combined with a single rectifier diode and an inductor. A control circuit coupled to the gate of the JFET switches the JFET between a current conducting state and a current blocking state. The ratio of converter dc output voltage to converter dc input voltage is determined by the ratio of JFET conducting time to the sum of JFET conducting time and JFET blocking time. This pulse width modulation scheme is thus used to adjust the dc output voltage level. Limits on both frequency of operation and duty cycle result from slow switching speeds. Each time a device switches between states, a certain amount of energy is lost. The slower the device switching time, the greater the power loss in the circuit. The effects become very important in high frequency (fast switching) and/or high power circuits where as much as 50% of the losses are due to excessive switch transition time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the characteristic(s) of a discharge lamp (for example a fluorescent lamp or a high-intensity discharge lamp) operated by a high-frequency electronic ballast including a resonant tank that includes an inductor and a capacitor, wherein the characteristic(s) are selected from the group consisting of lamp input voltage, lamp resistance and lamp power, and including capability for measuring the inductor voltage and/or current, and capability for determining the characteristic(s) from the measured inductor voltage and/or current. More generally, the apparatus and method provide techniques for determining a number of parameters of a power converter circuit simply from measuring an inductor voltage or inductor current.

Abstract: A power control circuit for reducing AC power to a load, including a bilateral power control switch for connection in series with the load, a bilateral energy return switch for connection in parallel with the load, and a driver circuit connected to the switches. The driver circuit is configured to control the high speed power switches so that the energy return switch is closed when the power control switch is open; and vice-versa. A timer circuit is connected to the driver circuit and causes the power control switch to close and then open at least once during each half cycle of the AC current.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a constant current circuit which is connected between an input node with which a power supply voltage is supplied and an output node to which a load is connected and which supplies constant current to the output node. The voltage regulator also includes a first transistor which is provided in parallel to the constant current circuit and which flows insufficient current to the output node when current flowing through the load is larger than the constant current and a second transistor which is provided between the output node and a common potential node and which flows surplus current to the common potential node when current flowing through the load is less than the constant current. The voltage regulator also includes a control circuit which controls a conductive state of the first and the second transistors so that an output voltage of the output node is maintained at constant voltage.

Abstract: It is an object to enhance a breakdown voltage without requiring a complicated manufacturing process while maintaining a stable operation. A control signal (A) output from an MCU (11) is transmitted to a driving circuit (3a) for driving a power switching element (1a) of an upper arm through two-stage level shift circuits. The level shift circuit in a first stage is constituted by a series circuit of a switching element (13) and a resistive element (14), and the level shift circuit in a second stage is constituted by a series circuit of a switching element (16) and a resistive element (17).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for boosting power supplied at a remote node in a distributed power system in response to a feedback signal derived from a measured voltage at a remote node include, in one embodiment, a power system with remote boost regulation employing a variable power supply and a remote active boost regulator working in coordination. The remote active boost regulator monitors the variable power supply output voltage; using an amplifier, compares the measured voltage with a reference voltage; and generates a feedback signal. The feedback signal is delivered to a variable power supply causing the power supply to increase, or boost, output voltage to compensate for distribution losses and remote loading.

Abstract: A power supply for an LCD and a voltage sequence control method in which the sequence for voltages applied to a gate driver IC for outputting a driving voltage of an LCD panel is controlled by arranging a switching element between a DC-to-DC converter and the gate driver IC so as to switch a turn-on voltage to a turn-off voltage to be applied to the gate driver IC, and a latch up is prevented by arranging diodes in reverse and forward directions to the lines for applying the turn-on and turn-off voltages respectively so that the applied voltage is not deviated from the latch up preventing scope. Voltages are applied or removed from the gate driver IC in accordance with a predetermined sequence, and an abnormal voltage is prevented from being applied in an early stage of driving, to thereby stabilize the LCD panel operation.

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: A multiple power supply circuit architecture, such as a circuit power system including a first voltage rail, a first reference rail, a second voltage rail, a second reference rail, and a first selective connector between the first and second voltage rails.

Abstract: When a first switch is closed, a power-supply voltage V is applied to a serial resonance circuit that is made up of a coil and a capacitive load. When the voltage Vc of the capacitive load exceeds the power-supply voltage V, a diode conducts a current, and thereby the voltage Vc of the capacitive load is clamped at the power-supply voltage V, and resonance stops. As a result, a flywheel current flows through a closed loop that is made up of a coil, a first diode, and a first switch in a closed state, in this order. When the first switch is opened, the flywheel current has the loop shut off, and, therefore, the voltage of the serial resonance circuit falls rapidly in order to sustain or maintain the current, and falls below the earth potential so as to allow a second diode to conduct the current.

Abstract: An enhancement mode JFET as a switching device in a buck converter circuit combined with a single rectifier diode and an inductor. A control circuit coupled to the gate of the JFET switches the JFET between a current conducting state and a current blocking state. The ratio of converter dc output voltage to converter dc input voltage is determined by the ratio of JFET conducting time to the sum of JFET conducting time and JFET blocking time. This pulse width modulation scheme is thus used to adjust the dc output voltage level. Limits on both frequency of operation and duty cycle result from slow switching speeds. Each time a device switches between states, a certain amount of energy is lost. The slower the device switching time, the greater the power loss in the circuit. The effects become very important in high frequency (fast switching) and/or high power circuits where as much as 50% of the losses are due to excessive switch transition time.

Abstract: A power converter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power converter includes an input for receiving a supply power; a switching device for controlling of power delivered to an output load; a controller for controlling the operation of the switching device; a first and second sensing circuit for providing first and second signals indicative of voltage and current inputs, respectively, to the converter; and a detector to detect a difference in polarity between the first and second signals; wherein the switching device is operable to switch between a first and second state, the first state being ‘on’ and the second state being ‘off’, and wherein the controller causing the switching device to be in the first state responsive to a detected difference in polarity between the signals to thereby dissipate a residual energy in the power converter.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a voltage-down circuit for generating an internal power supply voltage obtained by lowering an external power supply voltage in a chip; and a chip internal circuit applied with the internal power supply voltage obtained in the voltage-down circuit, wherein the voltage-down circuit includes a first circuit connected at one end to an external power supply, a second circuit connected between the other end of the first circuit and the internal circuit, for creating the internal power supply voltage, and a capacitor connected to a connection node of the first circuit and the second circuit and to a ground node of the chip internal circuit, and the capacitor is charged by the first circuit when a current flowing in the second circuit is smaller than a preset value and supplies a discharge current to the second circuit when the current flowing in the second circuit is larger than the preset value.

Abstract: A power supply with a shunt voltage regulator for controlling unwanted emissions of “red” information which includes a feedback loop to reduce input voltages so as to reduce unnecessary power dissipation, where the feedback loop includes a sensed power consumption signal and a low pass filter to remove any “red” information from the sensed power consumption signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for reducing a variable, in particular pulsed input voltage (Uein) to an operating voltage Uz, Uarb to be delivered to an evaluation circuit (10), in which the input voltage Uein can be reduced, in accordance with a division factor (F) made available by at least one voltage divider (R1, R3, T1, R4; R7, R8, R2), to obtain the operating voltage Uz, Uarb, in which the at least one voltage divider (R1, R3, T1, R4; R7, R8, R2), can be regulated in such a way that the division factor (F) can be increased with an increasing input voltage Uein and can be decreased with a decreasing input voltage Uein.

Abstract: An adapter circuit PSA includes a comparator module OA, and a regulation module RM for normally adjusting the value of an output voltage Vout intended to be applied to an external circuit to a predetermined nominal regulation value Vreg0. In response to a measuring module SC sensing a reverse current flow at the output which is produced when an external power supply source in the external circuit connected to the output of the adapter circuit PSA includes an effective voltage source Vext which imposes on the output a voltage VDD which has a higher value than the nominal regulation value Vreg0, feedback coupled to an input to the comparator module OA is activated to raise the value to which the output voltage VDD is regulated to equality with the value of the effective voltage source Vext, thereby nulling the output current.

Abstract: An improved string switching apparatus and method is provided for controllably connecting a plurality of solar array strings to an output power bus. The string switching apparatus can include a plurality of field effect transistors electrically connected in parallel with respective solar array strings and a digital controller for controllably switching the field effect transistors between on and off states to thereby control the power level of the output power bus. The field effect transistors can be switched between an on state in which the output of the respective solar array string is shunted and an off state in which the output of the respective solar array string is delivered to the output power bus. In addition to merely providing power to an output power bus, the string switching apparatus and method can controllably connect the plurality of solar array strings to either an output power bus or an auxiliary power bus, such as a battery charging power bus.

Abstract: A dual output alternator system includes an alternating current (ac) voltage source controllable by controlling a field current, a rectifier coupled to the ac voltage source and having first and second outputs coupled to respective ones of first and second outputs of the dual output alternator system, a sensor coupled to at least one of the ac voltage source, an engine and a back emf signal source and a control system having a first input coupled to an output of the sensor, a second input coupled to at least one of the first and second outputs of the dual output alternator system and a first output coupled to the rectifier.

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: A controller for a solar electric generator that permits the generator to produce power substantially at its maximum capacity while also providing efficient charging at three charging stages; i.e., bulk charging, acceptance charging and float charging. Power is transferred from the generator to a temporary electric storage device that is periodically partially drained of power to maintain the temporary electric storage device at a voltage corresponding to the voltage needed by the generator to provide maximum generator power. The electric power drained from the temporary storage device is used to charge conventional batteries. In a preferred embodiment, the temporary storage device is a capacitor that is part of a buck regulator operating at 50 kHz with duty factor control between 0% and 100%. This buck topology switching type regulator provides the periodic draining.