Including Single Unidirectional Element With Bidirectional Pass Patents (Class 323/239)
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Patent number: 12149094Abstract: A wireless power receiver includes a rectifier with first and second inputs coupled to first and second terminals of a receiver coil, and having a first output coupled to ground and a second output at which a rectified voltage is produced. A first switch is coupled between the second input and ground, and is controlled by a first gate voltage generated at a first node. A second switch is coupled between the first node and ground, and is controlled by a second gate voltage. The first gate voltage closes the first switch to couple the second input to ground when the rectified voltage is less than a threshold voltage, boosting the rectified voltage. The second gate voltage closes the second switch to cause the second gate voltage to be pulled to ground when the rectified voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, limiting the boosting of the rectified voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte LtdInventors: Chee Weng Cheong, Kien Beng Tan
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Patent number: 11682973Abstract: An apparatus includes a first timer configured to determine a turn-off time of a first high-side switch of a buck-boost converter, and a second timer configured to determine a turn-off time of a second low-side switch of the buck-boost converter based on a comparison between a first signal and a second signal, the first signal being proportional to an input voltage of the buck-boost converter, and the second signal being generated based on a signal proportional to an output voltage of the buck-boost converter.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: M3 Technology Inc.Inventors: Bo Yang, Xiaoyu Xi, David Meng
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Patent number: 11594980Abstract: Technologies for alternating current regulation controller include a controller configured to determine a voltage duty cycle based on a target voltage, and to determine a delay time based on the voltage duty cycle. The controller is coupled to input phases of an alternating current generator having multiple phases. Each phase is coupled to a silicon controlled rectifier. For each phase, the controller identifies a rising edge asserted on the input phase, waits the delay time after identifying the rising edge, and asserts an output pulse on an output driver coupled to the silicon controlled rectifier coupled to the input phase in response to waiting the delay time. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Wells Vehicle Electronics, L.P.Inventor: David R. Hansen
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Patent number: 11411507Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: matrix converter circuitry to perform power conversion between a primary side electric power and a secondary side electric power; rectifier circuitry to convert the primary side electric power to charge a capacitor; and control circuitry to: set a changeover reference voltage at a first reference voltage when the primary side voltage magnitude is a first voltage magnitude and set the changeover reference voltage at a second reference voltage when the primary side voltage magnitude is a second voltage magnitude; and select, based on the changeover reference voltage and the terminal voltage, a connection state from: a first connection state in which the rectifier circuitry is connected to the capacitor by a first route including a current limit device; and a second connection state in which the rectifier circuitry is connected to the capacitor by a second route that bypasses the current limit device.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventors: Hirotaka Karakama, Hidenori Hara, Masashiro Tanaka, Mitsugu Tajima, Yoichi Yano
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Patent number: 11120955Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker device includes: at least one external conductor section from an external conductor supply connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device to an external conductor load connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device; a mechanical bypass switch arranged in the external conductor section; a first semiconductor circuit arrangement connected in parallel to the mechanical bypass switch; an electronic control unit; a current measuring arrangement arranged in the external conductor section, which current measuring arrangement is connected to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit controlling the mechanical bypass switch and the first semiconductor circuit arrangement when a given overcurrent, namely a short-circuit current, is detected by the current measuring arrangement; and a second semiconductor circuit arrangement arranged in the external conductor section in series with the mechanical bypass switch and in parallel to the first semiconductor circuit arrType: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Kenan Askan
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Patent number: 10797608Abstract: A flyback converter communication channel is provided that comprises a pair of capacitors. A transmitter on a first side of a transformer for the flyback converter transmits a transmitter signal over a first one of the capacitors. The transmitter also transmits a complement of the transmitter signal over a second one of the capacitors. A receiver on a second side of the transformer controls a switch transistor responsive to a high-pass-filtered difference of the received signals from the pair of capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR INC.Inventors: Wenduo Liu, Kun Yang, Laiqing Ping
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Patent number: 10439500Abstract: An isolated power converter includes primary side switch devices coupled to secondary side rectifying devices by a transformer and a controller. Responsive to a transient load condition, the controller switches the primary side switch devices at an initial switching period having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle to transfer energy across the transformer during the positive half cycle and the negative half cycle. The positive half cycle and the negative half cycle of the initial switching period have the same initial duration. The controller is further operable to symmetrically reduce the duration of the positive half cycle and the negative half cycle for at least one subsequent switching period during the transient load condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Amir Babazadeh, Darryl Tschirhart
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Patent number: 10224718Abstract: A superposition principle of waveform based on conceptions of waveform continuity and flexible regulation of voltage proposes three concepts, respectively being flexible AC transformation, flexible power transmission and transformation and flexible voltage regulation; proposes three new technologies, respectively being a transient impedance technology, a flexible stepless voltage regulation technology and a flexible stepped voltage regulation technology; proposes three new products, being an AC voltage regulating electronic switch, a transient impedance transformer and a high-speed voltage regulating transformer; proposes six high-voltage power grid connection methods, being a power grid connection method type of a transient impedance transformer, a power grid connection method of a transient impedance step up auto transformer and the like; and proposes a new reactive compensation connection method for a reactive compensation device.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Inventor: Chongshan Sun
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Patent number: 10205733Abstract: A cyber signal isolator system and a cyber signal isolator method for protecting a component of an Industrial Control System are described. The cyber signal isolator system includes one or more devices configured to monitor physical-level signal information to determine a cyber security threat or breach event based on activity occurring with physical signals present at one or more components of an Industrial Control System.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: MISSION SECURE, INC.Inventors: Daniel D. Park, John Mark Baggett, Edward C. Suhler, Rick A. Jones, Gary W. Huband, Paul D. Robertson, Dean Weber
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Patent number: 10205396Abstract: The invention relates to a method (300) for controlling a galvanically isolated DC converter (100). The DC converter (100) comprises a full bridge (110) for converting an input DC voltage (UinDC) into an input AC voltage (UinAC), a transformer (120) for converting the input AC voltage (UinAC) into an output AC voltage (UoutAC), and a rectifier (130) for converting the output AC voltage (UoutAC) into an output DC voltage (UoutDC). The method comprises the steps: determining (320) the duty cycle (D) of the full bridge (110); comparing (330) the determined duty cycle (D) with a duty cycle threshold value (Dth); calculating (340) an input DC voltage (UinDCcalc) according to an input current (I_in), the output DC voltage (UoutDC), a transformation ratio (U) of the transformer (120) and an adapted value (D_ad) of the duty cycle of the full bridge (110).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Gholamabas Esteghlal
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Patent number: 10128834Abstract: A bidirectional integrated CMOS switch is provided which is capable of switching voltages beyond the range of the supply and ground potentials. The switch is composed of NMOS and PMOS transistors as the switch conductor path, a diode bridge, and control circuitry to turn the switch on and off by means of low voltage logic, regardless of the voltages on the switch terminals. The device and method of the invention enables the switching of high voltage loads operating at arbitrary or floating voltages relative to the low voltage power supply and ground, and provides on/off control of the switch with ordinary low voltage logic levels. The invention provides bidirectional switching without conducting through the parasitic body diodes of the CMOS devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Telephonics CorporationInventor: Harold Simmonds
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Patent number: 10088174Abstract: A line voltage thermostat having a multiple heatsink switch. A total switch may have a semiconductor switch mounted on each heatsink of the multiple heatsink switch. The semiconductor switches of the respective heatsinks may be connected in parallel to represent the total switch. Each of the two or more heatsinks, having a semiconductor switch for switching, and in total conveying the same power as one equivalent switch with one total heatsink, may have higher maximum operating temperatures and higher thermal resistances than twice the thermal resistance of the one total heatsink. The two or more heatsinks may be situated within a housing of the line voltage thermostat, and be easier to distribute in the housing to achieve an efficient layout of a display and control buttons for the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Lionel Bravard, Daniel Landry, Daniel Tousignant, Evelyne Tremblay, Joel McNabb-Baltar
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Patent number: 9919610Abstract: Magnetic-coupling-based wireless power transfer systems and schemes are provided that ensure fast wireless power transfer to charge batteries of electric vehicles (EVs) with high power transfer efficiencies and safety to humans and other animals in or near the EVs. A wireless power transfer system can include a direct 3-phase AC/AC converter with a circuit topology that enables bidirectional power flow. The direct 3-phase AC/AC converter can convert a power input at a low frequency, such as 3-phase 50/60 Hz, into a power output at a high frequency, such as a frequency in a range of 10-85 kHz for wireless power transfer applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: The Florida International University Board of TrusteesInventors: Arif Sarwat, Masood Moghaddami
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Patent number: 9887539Abstract: A power conversion device includes an AC power source configured to output an AC voltage, a DC power source configured to output a plurality of DC voltages having different levels, an inverter configured to receive the AC voltage and the plurality of DC voltages and output an output voltage by boosting the AC voltage in a booster mode in accordance with first and second control signals, the booster mode being a mode in which a level of the AC voltage is smaller than a predetermined value, a reactor configured to smooth the output voltage of the inverter, and a control circuit configured to generate the first and second control signals using a first and second carrier signals having different frequencies, respectively, in the booster mode, and selectively output the first or second control signal in accordance with the level of the AC voltage from the AC power source.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Qichen Wang, Satoru Fujita
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Patent number: 9837898Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control circuit and a control method for a power converter. The power converter comprises a power switch and an inductor being coupled to the power switch. The control circuit controls operation of the power switch to charge and discharge the inductor for generating an inductor current and providing an output current. The control circuit controls the power switch to be turned on when or after an inductor current detection signal is zero, and controls the power switch to be turned off when the inductor current detection signal reaches a peak reference signal or when the power switch has been turned on for a maximum on time. The control circuit also adjusts the maximum on time in accordance with the inductor current detection signal, so that the power converter provides a constant output current to a load. The control circuit operates at a peak-value current mode and maintains the current of the power converter nearly stable without obtaining a compensation signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: SILERGY SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY (HANGZHOU) LTD.Inventors: Jian Deng, Xiaoru Xu
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Patent number: 9634555Abstract: A power factor correction (PFC) boost circuit. The PFC boost circuit can include a first switching device, a second switching device, a first gate driver coupled to the first switching device, a second gate driver coupled to the second switching device, and a PFC controller configured to control the first and second gate drivers. The PFC controller will utilize a new technique, referred to herein as “predictive diode emulation” to control the switching devices in a desired manner and to overcome inefficiencies and other problems that might arise using traditional diode emulation. The PFC controller is configured to operate in synchronous and non-synchronous modes.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Efficient Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Michael A. De Rooij, Johan Strydom
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Patent number: 9537419Abstract: A power supply system includes: a switching power supply configured to rectify and smooth an AC voltage of an AC power supply to generate a predetermined DC voltage; a low-capacity power supply circuit that generates a zero-cross detection signal corresponding to zero-cross points of the AC power supply based on a rectified current flowing in a smoothing capacitor; and a controller configured to receive the zero-cross detection signal from the signal generating circuit and perform a determining process of determining whether it is possible to perform detection process of the zero-cross points based on a voltage value of the zero-cross detection signal. If the control unit determines that it is possible to perform the detection process of the zero-cross points, the control unit performs a zero-cross point detecting process of detecting the zero-cross points based on the zero-cross detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Katsumi Inukai
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Patent number: 9471071Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a voltage regulator for improved voltage regulation using a remote feedback and remote feedback low pass filter. The system comprises of a power management unit, a remote load point (HOST), an inductor, a filtering capacitor, a printed circuit board (PCB) track output net, a ground connection, a remote feedback line, and a low pass filter (LPF). In this present disclosure, the electrical connection of the remote feedback low pass filter to the output filter capacitor minimizes transient ringing, reduced noise coupling, and improved system stability.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) LimitedInventor: Pietro Gallina
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Patent number: 8988050Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch or an electronic switch) for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a controllably conductive device for controlling the power to the load, a microprocessor operable to generate a control signal that is representative of whether the load should be controlled on or off, a capacitor operable to produce a supply voltage for powering the microprocessor, a power supply that charges the capacitor when the controllably conductive device is non-conductive, and a control circuit that receives the control signal from the microprocessor. The control circuit is operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device for maintaining the controllably conductive device non-conductive after the beginning of each half-cycle until the magnitude of the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Daniel F. Carmen
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Patent number: 8890357Abstract: A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.Inventor: Graham J. Campbell
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Patent number: 8723488Abstract: An energy savings device, system, and method wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system. A volts zero crossing point detector determines the zero volts crossing point of the signal. The positive half cycle and negative half cycle of the signal are identified and routed to a digital signal processor for processing the signal. The signal is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: The PowerWise Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Lumsden
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Publication number: 20140117949Abstract: A dimming power supply includes a power source, a transformer, a full bridge rectifier and a control switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: Laurence P. Sadwick, Mohammad M. Mojarradi
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Patent number: 8699253Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method for a soft switch circuit in a switch power source, which generates an alternating primary power filter current by controlling first and second primary power switching devices to be closed and opened, and generates an intermittent alternating resonant current in the same direction as the primary power filter current in a resonant branch by controlling forward and backward auxiliary switching devices to be closed and opened to thereby achieve closing of the first and second primary power switching devices at a zero voltage, and which generates a balance current with the same magnitude as and in the opposite direction to the resonant current in the resonant branch in at least a period of time during the resting of the resonant current by further controlling the forward and backward auxiliary switching devices to be closed and opened to thereby achieve an average current of zero across the resonant branch in a switching cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Chuntao Zhang, Xiaofei Zhang, Xueli Xiao
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Patent number: 8698462Abstract: The invention provides a power converter and method for controlling same, comprising a plurality of switch elements, an inductive reactor, and at least two ports for the movement of electrical energy. Any energy-moving port may be made unipolar, bidirectional, bipolar, or bidirectionally bipolar. Ports may be equipped with sensing circuitry to allow the converter output to be controlled responsively to an input signal. The invention may be configured to be used in many ways, for example, as a power-supply, as an amplifier, or as a frequency converter. The invention may comprise energy predictive calculating means to obtain excellent transient response to line and load variations. The invention may also include a switch to create a low impedance path around the inductor to allow current to recirculate through the inductor when it is not needed at any of the ports.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: CogniPower, LLCInventors: Thomas E. Lawson, William H. Morong
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Power conversion apparatus and method of controlling capacitor voltage of power conversion apparatus
Patent number: 8674631Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Masaki Kono, Keita Hatanaka -
Patent number: 8395911Abstract: A circuit for operating a household appliance includes a controller that controls processes of a household appliance, a switching power supply that supplies current to the controller, a pushbutton that couples the switching power supply to a supply grid, an electronic controller connected parallel to the pushbutton that is actuable by the switching power supply by a control connection, and a voltage storage connected between the control connection of the electronic controller and a reference potential.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Holger Helmschmidt, Anton Hertlein
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Publication number: 20120256603Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronous regulation circuit for turn-on and turn-off phase angle of the AC voltage, wherein a solid switch unit is installed between an AC power source and a load, and a phase angle regulation circuit is utilized to synchronously regulate both of the turn-on phase angle and turn-off phase angle of the solid switch unit, so that the sine waveform voltage of the AC power source can be kept to output in symmetrical waveforms within the range in which the turn-on and turn-off phase angles being synchronously regulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
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Patent number: 8269450Abstract: A winding switching apparatus includes a winding switching device and a drive circuit. The winding switching device is configured to switch a plurality of windings of an AC motor. The drive circuit is configured to control the winding switching device. The winding switching device includes a winding switch, a diode bridge, and a capacitor. The diode bridge includes a positive-side DC output terminal, a negative-side DC output terminal, and AC input terminals. The AC input terminals corresponds to respective phases of the AC motor. The positive-side and negative-side DC output terminals are respectively connected to positive-side and negative-side DC buses provided in an inverter. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to winding-switching terminals corresponding to the respective phases of the AC motor. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to phase terminals provided in the winding switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Koji Higashikawa, Kenji Yamada, Katsutoshi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 8159850Abstract: A converter control device includes a converter device formed by three converter circuits connected together in parallel between a secondary battery as a first power source and a fuel cell as a second power source. A control unit includes: a PID control module for controlling the converter device by PID control and executing a desired voltage conversion; a drive phase quantity changing module for changing the number of drive phases of the converter device in accordance with the passing power of the converter device; and an integration term correction function switching module which switches the PID control integration term correction function when changing the number of drive phases.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kota Manabe, Takahiko Hasegawa, Takeshi Maenaka
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Publication number: 20120086415Abstract: An IGBT/FET-based energy savings device, system and method (1) wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections (2) are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system (1). A magnetic flux concentrator (3) senses the incoming analog signal (20) and a volts zero crossing point detector (5) determines the zero volts crossing point (21) of the signal (20). The positive half cycle (22) and negative half cycle (23) of the signal (20) are identified and routed to a digital signal processor (10) for processing the signal (20). The signal (20) is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: THE POWERWISE GROUP, INC.Inventor: John L. Lumsden
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Patent number: 8085009Abstract: An IGBT/FET-based energy savings device, system and method (1) wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections (2) are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system (1). A magnetic flux concentrator (3) senses the incoming analog signal (20) and a volts zero crossing point detector (5) determines the zero volts crossing point (21) of the signal (20). The positive half cycle (22) and negative half cycle (23) of the signal (20) are identified and routed to a digital signal processor (10) for processing the signal (20). The signal (20) is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Powerwise Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Lumsden
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Patent number: 8085010Abstract: A TRIAC/SCR-based energy savings device, system and method (1) wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections (2) are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system (1). A magnetic flux concentrator (3) senses the incoming analog signal (20) and a volts zero crossing point detector (5) determines the zero volts crossing point (21) of the signal (20). The positive half cycle (22) and negative half cycle (23) of the signal (20) are identified and routed to a digital signal processor (10) for processing the signal (20). The signal (20) is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Powerwise Group, Inc.Inventor: John L Lumsden
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Patent number: 8049363Abstract: A motor drive circuit comprises positive and negative input terminals for connection of the motor circuit to a DC supply, a DC link filter connected between the input terminals: an electric motor having at least two phases, a plurality of motor drive sub-circuits, each connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and which each control the flow of current into or out of the respective phase of the motor that has been drawn from the supply through the DC link filter, and a switching means provided in the electrical path between the DC link filter and the electric motor drive sub-circuits, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which it connects the DC link filter to the motor drive sub-circuits, and an open position which isolates the DC link filter from the motor drive sub-circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Andrew McLean, John Anthony Bolton
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Patent number: 7974113Abstract: Reverse conducting type semiconductor switches are arranged in a bride from, an energy storage capacitor is connected with its DC terminal to obtain a magnetic energy regeneration switch, and then an induction coil is connected to its AC terminal. An AC pulse current of variable frequency is obtained by applying a gate signal to the semiconductor switch to thereby turn it ON/OFF; since a voltage is generated automatically by regenerating magnetic energy, a DC power supply is connected to the opposite ends of the capacitor through a smoothing coil, thus injecting power.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Ryuichi Shimada, Tadayuki Kitahara, Kazuhiko Fukutani
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Patent number: 7973519Abstract: A device for transforming an AC voltage to a lower AC voltage includes a generator of a PWM control signal and a first bidirectional switch to couple a load to the AC voltage during a conduction-phase. A second bidirectional switch discharges energy from the load during an off-phase of the first bidirectional switch. A first driving circuit of the first bidirectional switch is input with the PWM control signal and generates a first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the first bidirectional switch. A second driving circuit for the second bidirectional switch is input with the PWM control signal and generates a second PWM signal, in phase opposition to the first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the second bidirectional switch. An electric decoupling circuit is between the generator and second driving circuit. A transformer is between respective conduction terminals of the bidirectional switches.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Mario Di Guardo, Giovanni Mangraviti
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Patent number: 7944723Abstract: A matrix converter that can be used as part of a two-stage power converter has three ac three ac voltage lines AC1, AC2 and AC3 and two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2. An array of six semiconductor switches 10a to 10f are arranged such that each of the three ac voltage lines AC1, AC2 an AC3 can be connected to one of the two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2 when the associated switch is closed. A freewheel path is provided between the two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2, which provides a fifth state of operation when all the switches 10a to 10f are open.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Converteam UK LtdInventor: Allan David Crane
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Patent number: 7872428Abstract: TRIAC or SCR based dimmer circuits with temperature compensation features to enable them to also function properly with outdoor line or low voltage AC light fixtures. The TRIAC's or the SCR's operate as static switches that are ideal for driving directly resistive loads, such as incandescent lamps, in line or low voltage AC dimmer circuits. The performance of this type of a circuit is very temperature dependent but it can be compensated for temperature related changes in the output or load RMS voltage by means of preventing variations in the trigger angle the circuit is running at. Temperature compensation is achieved by means of zener diodes being incorporated in the trigger circuit section of a TRIAC or an SCR based dimmer circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Inventor: Elias S. Papanicolaou
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Patent number: 7834597Abstract: In an embodiment, a power converter system is provided for AC voltage regulation. The power converter system receives an AC input voltage at an input terminal and provides an AC output voltage to a load at an output terminal. A main bi-directional switch is coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The main bi-directional switch is operable to control the provision of the AC output voltage. A reactive current flows through the main bi-directional switch if the load is reactive. An auxiliary bi-directional switch is coupled to the output terminal. The auxiliary bi-directional switch is operable to circulate the reactive current due to the reactive load, thereby reducing any voltage spikes in the power converter system.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Sampat Shekhawat
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Patent number: 7786709Abstract: The invention provides a power converter and method for controlling same, comprising a plurality of switch elements, an inductive reactor, and at least two ports for the movement of electrical energy. Any energy-moving port may be made unipolar, bidirectional, bipolar, or bidirectionally bipolar. Ports may be equipped with sensing circuitry to allow the converter output to be controlled responsively to an input signal. The invention may be configured to be used in many ways, for example, as a power-supply, as an amplifier, or as a frequency converter. The invention may comprise energy predictive calculating means to obtain excellent transient response to line and load variations. The invention may also include a switch to create a low impedance path around the inductor to allow current to recirculate through the inductor when it is not needed at any of the ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Lawson Labs, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Lawson, William H. Morong
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Patent number: 7755918Abstract: A converter circuit for switching a large number of switching voltage levels is specified, in which a first switching group is provided for each. Second switching groups are provided, each having a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Peter Barbosa, Peter Steimer, Toufann Chaudhuri
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Patent number: 7728564Abstract: A load control device is adapted to be disposed in series with an AC voltage source and an electrical load and is operable to provide substantially all voltage provided by the AC voltage source to the load. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device, a controller, a zero-crossing detector, and a power supply for generating a substantially DC voltage for powering the controller. The power supply is operable to charge an energy storage device to a predetermined amount of energy each half-cycle. The controller is operable to determine when the power supply has stopped charging from the zero-crossing detector each half-cycle, and to immediately render the controllably conductive device conductive to conduct the full load current. Before the controllably conductive device begins to conduct each half-cycle, only a minimal voltage develops across the power supply to allow the energy storage device to charge.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: William Bryce Fricke, Aaron Dobbins, James P. Steiner, Chen Ming Wu, Russell Weightman, David J. Perreault, Ryan Lane, Joseph William Sapp, Kyle A. McCarter
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Patent number: 7688044Abstract: A device coupled to a primary AC voltage and a load includes an input, an inductive element coupled thereto, and a generator of a PWM control signal. A capacitor is coupled in parallel to the load. A first bidirectional switch couples the load and primary AC voltage during conduction phases. A second bidirectional switch discharges energy from the load during off phases of the first bidirectional switch. A first driving circuit for the second bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a first PWM signal applied between control and conduction terminals of the second bidirectional switch. A second driving circuit for the first bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a second PWM signal, in phase opposition with the first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the first bidirectional switch. An electric decoupling circuit is between the generator and the second driving circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Mario Di Guardo, Giovanni Mangraviti
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Patent number: 7679354Abstract: A phase detecting device includes a power input unit that receives an AC voltage; a phase detector that detects zero-crossing points of the AC voltage, and outputs a phase detecting signal when the zero-crossing points of the AC voltage are detected; and a power switch that selectively cuts off a flow of AC into the power input unit in response to a mode control signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bong-su Shin
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Publication number: 20100052629Abstract: A switching regulator includes a low-side switch having a body diode. During the low-side switch is on, a zero-current sense circuit monitors the inductor current of the switching regulator and triggers a signal to turn off the low-side switch when the inductor current falls down to a zero-current threshold, to prevent reverse inductor current from the output terminal of the switching regulator. A body-diode turn-on time controller monitors the turn-on time of the body diode and adjusts the zero-current threshold according thereto, and the turn-on time of the body diode can be reduced to an optimal interval subsequently. The self-adjustable zero-current threshold is adaptive according to the application conditions, such as the inductor size, input voltage and output voltage of the switching regulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Kwan-Jen Chu, Nien-Hui Kung, Tzu-Huan Chiu, Chien-Ping Lu
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Patent number: 7633783Abstract: A converter device which is configured by connecting three converter circuits in parallel is provided between a secondary battery serving as a first power supply and a fuel cell serving as a second power supply. A control unit includes a PID control module which controls the converter device by PID control, for executing desired voltage conversion; a module for modifying the number of drive phases which changes the number of drive phases of the converter device in response to an electric power passing through the converter device; and a gain switching module which switches feedback gains in the PID control when the number of drive phases is changed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kota Manabe, Takahiko Hasegawa, Takeshi Maenaka
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Publication number: 20090237044Abstract: A bidirectional interleaved DC to DC converter comprises positively coupled filter inductors that are coupled to a switching network that receives power from a DC power source, such as a battery. The positively coupled inductors are integrated as a single coupled inductor, which allows the DC to DC converter to convert DC voltage to various voltage levels with reduced voltage ripple, without the need for supplemental filter capacitors that are large and costly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Orges Gjini, Michael Joseph Krok, Herman Lucas Norbert Wiegman
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Patent number: 7580805Abstract: A circuit for regulating power is disclosed. The present invention provides circuits and methods for current sensing variations, static droop settings, mismatched phase outputs, and temperature variations in a multiphase power regulator. The circuits may include a calibration controller that senses and regulates both a current sensing circuit and the droop in a power regulator over a range of temperatures thus equalizing phase outputs. The present invention includes the schematic organization and implementation of the circuit, the circuit's calibration, its use, and implementation. This invention advantageously provides circuits and methods to properly power a processor or IC chip according to the unique power specifications of the processor or chip.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Nupower Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Fereydun Tabaian, Hamed Sadati, Ali Hejazi, Ahmad Ashrafzadeh
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Patent number: 7564227Abstract: A power supply adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC voltage source and an electrical load for generating a DC voltage, the power supply comprising an energy storage capacitor, the DC voltage produced across the capacitor; a charging circuit adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the load and to conduct a load current from the source to the load, the charging circuit coupled to the energy storage capacitor for charging the energy storage capacitor; a controllably conductive device coupled in parallel electrical connection with the charging circuit and having a control input for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive, the controllably conductive device adapted to carry the load current from the source to the load when the controllably conductive device is conductive; and a triggering circuit coupled to the control input of the controllably conductive device for causing the controllably conductive device to become conductive whType: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Lutron Electronics, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Aaron Dobbins, Russell Weightman, David Perreault, James P. Steiner, Chen Ming Wu
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Patent number: 7463984Abstract: A circuit arrangement for triggering and monitoring a load which is connected in the shunt arm of a bridge circuit, including a control circuit for triggering switch elements S1 to S4 of the bridge circuit and a self-diagnosis system for testing the load connections, wherein the self-diagnosis system consists of a self-diagnosis circuit including a storage element for storing electrical charges, said circuit being linked to a signal connection of the control circuit, which signal connection is switchable as input or output, and to a load connection, and a self-diagnosis program which is stored in a memory of the control circuit and switches the signal connection to output during a first phase of the test in order to charge the storage element and switches the signal connection to input during a second phase of the test in order to capture the charge status of the storage element.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Köllner, Rudolf Liberda, Ludwik Waskiewicz
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Publication number: 20080238377Abstract: A device coupled to a primary AC voltage and a load includes an input, an inductive element coupled thereto, and a generator of a PWM control signal. A capacitor is coupled in parallel to the load. A first bidirectional switch couples the load and primary AC voltage during conduction phases. A second bidirectional switch discharges energy from the load during off phases of the first bidirectional switch. A first driving circuit for the second bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a first PWM signal applied between control and conduction terminals of the second bidirectional switch. A second driving circuit for the first bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a second PWN signal, in phase opposition with the first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the first bidirectional switch. An electric decoupling circuit is between the generator and the second driving circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: STMicroelcetronics S.r.l.Inventors: Mario Di Guardo, Giovanni MANGRAVITI