Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for measuring the average output current of a power converter circuit by determining peaks valleys in the output current. A current monitoring circuit may include an averaging unit, which may sample the output current during a current peak as well as during a current valley. During a hold phase the averaging unit may output a signal proportional to the average output current based on the sampled peak current and sampled valley current. In some examples, the averaging unit may include three functional units. A first unit may be configured to determine the output current, a second block may be configured to hold the previously determined peak current and a third block may be configured to hold the previously determined valley current. In this manner the averaging unit may continuously output a signal proportional to the average output current of the power converter.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an efficient scheme is provided for sampling inductor currents in a digital multiphase PWM controller used for high-bandwidth voltage regulation. Some embodiments use the data from the PWM modulator along with weighted states based on the PWM waveform and past conversions in order to prioritize which current sense input should be sampled for each conversion. In these and other embodiments, a single ADC is used to sample inductor currents from two or more phases in a multiphase PWM controller, thereby providing power and area savings, for example.

Abstract: Provided are electrical circuits and methods for power factor correction. An example method includes receiving, by converter, an input voltage at a fundamental frequency and generating an output voltage; generating, based on the output voltage, a first measurement signal; subtracting a first reference signal from the first measurement signal to obtain a first error signal; generating an adaptive current sense signal, generating a reference voltage based on the input voltage, subtracting the reference voltage from the current sense signal thus generating a second measurement signal to control the current measurement; subtracting the second measurement signal from the input voltage to obtain a difference signal, wherein the difference signal is largely minimized by removing overtones of the fundamental frequency; generating, based on the difference signal, a second error signal; using a sum of the second error signal as a first order correction to the first error signal to regulate the converter.

Abstract: A circuit comprising a first processing element having a first output configured to couple to a voltage control circuit, a second output configured to couple to a gate terminal of a first transistor, and a third output configured to couple to a first node and a control circuit. The control circuit comprises a second processing element having multiple outputs, a second transistor having a gate terminal configured to couple to one of the outputs of the second processing element, a first terminal configured to couple to a second node and to a drain terminal of the first transistor, and a second terminal, and a third transistor having a gate terminal configured to couple to a second of the outputs of the second processing element, a first terminal configured to couple to a third node, and a second terminal.

Abstract: An improved AC direct to DC extraction conversion system is described. The AC direct to DC extraction conversion system consists of an efficient electronic switch employed to provide controlled pulsed power to a storage device. The AC to DC converter in one minimal version consists of a pair of N-MOSFET transistors, a voltage divider, a storage element and a pair of diodes. The design enables high efficiency with minimal components that may be fully integrated onto silicon.

Abstract: Provided is a power distribution system that includes a reconfigurable DC/DC power converter configured to be connected with an energy storage device at an input end for receiving an input voltage therefrom, and a power electronics building block having a primary bridge unit, a secondary bridge unit magnetically connected with the primary bridge unit, and an outer bridge unit at an output end and connected to an output of the secondary bridge unit, configured to output an output voltage.

Abstract: A method for providing an output power of a switched mode power converter comprises the steps of determining a block length and, if a set value of the output power is below a first power threshold, preventing a power flow through the converter in each period of the multiphase AC voltage for at least one blocking interval. Each blocking interval has a duration of one block length. The switched mode power converter has a multiphase AC side with a number N of conductors for receiving a multiphase AC voltage. The number N of conductors is at least three. Power flows into the switched mode power converter through a combination of current-carrying conductors. The block length is defined by a time span between two subsequent changes of the combination of the current-carrying conductors.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter includes at least one primary switch, a primary inductor, and a switch rectifier circuit or a switch flyback circuit. A switch driving circuit is structured to drive the at least one primary switch. A fault detection method includes directly or indirectly detecting a voltage waveform or a current waveform of at least one terminal of the primary inductor, and determining whether the at least one primary switch is in a diode rectifying state or in a diode flyback state based on the voltage waveform or the current waveform to detect whether there is a fault in the switch driving circuit.

Abstract: A method for current limiting an operational amplifier includes sensing a first current through a first branch of the operational amplifier. The first branch conducts the first current from a limited current supply connected to an operational amplifier output. The first current is compared to a reference current to generate a regulation signal. A variable current source is controlled with the regulation signal. An output current of a transconductance amplifier is limited with the variable current source to limit the first current in response thereto.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for ultrasound imaging comprising Time Delay Spectrometry. A frequency swept signal can be transmitted through a medium, such as human tissue. The signal can be a low-voltage signal (e.g., 0 volts to 5 volts peak-to-peak) transmitted for long duration (e.g., 20 milliseconds) at various frequencies. As the signal propagates through the medium it can be reflected and delayed. A delay associated with the signal the can cause a change in the associated frequencies. The signal can be filtered to retain only frequencies in an audio frequency range. The signal can be beamformed and processed to produce an image.

Abstract: A power detect circuit is disclosed. A power detect circuit includes a voltage multiplier that receives an external supply voltage and generates a second supply voltage that is greater than the former. A voltage regulator is coupled to receive the second supply voltage and outputs a regulated supply voltage. A bandgap circuit is coupled to receive the second supply voltage when a first switch is closed, and the regulated supply voltage when a second switch is closed. The bandgap circuit generates a reference voltage for the voltage regulator, as well as one or more output voltages. A comparator circuit is coupled to receive the one or more output voltages from the bandgap circuit, and may compare these one or more output voltages to the regulated supply voltage.

Abstract: A power converter and a method for receiving an input voltage and providing an output voltage is presented. The power converter has a switching circuit to generate the output voltage. The switching circuit has a first switch, a switch control circuit arranged to selectively operate the first switch in a first state or a second state. There is a ripple reduction circuit to set a first state duration based on a property of a load current. The load current is a current that the power converter provides to a load that is coupled to the output voltage.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage module (HESM) configured to be used on an aircraft to provide electrical energy may include a battery and an ultracapacitor each configured to receive the electrical energy, store the electrical energy, and discharge the electrical energy, a power bus in electronic communication with the battery and the ultracapacitor, and a controller coupled to the battery and the ultracapacitor and configured to control charging and discharging of the battery and of the ultracapacitor such that a measured voltage of the power bus is adjusted based upon at least one of a battery state of charge (SOC) or an ultracapacitor SOC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for large-current power supply and constant-current control. Large-current power supply includes: primary power supply, energy-feedback circuit and direct-current (DC) large-current generator; energy-feedback circuit includes freewheel diode and magnetic reset winding; and secondary coil of DC large-current generator is connected to load. Without output rectifier diode and filter capacitor at load end of large-current power supply provided herein, power consumption problem of output rectifier diode at large current is unnecessarily considered, and electrolytic capacitor is not needed for filtration; and therefore, service life of power supply is greatly prolonged, larger current is output by extending, and power supply has advantages of simple circuit, small size, easy control and high working reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first winding and a second winding on a core and having first taps coupled in common to a first node of an inverter circuit. The apparatus further includes a switching circuit configured to selectively couple a second tap of the first winding to a second node of the inverter circuit and to selectively couple a second tap of the second winding to a third node of the inverter circuit. The switching circuit may be configured to provide a desired balance of first and second voltages at respective ones of the second and third nodes with respect to the first node. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for improving a power factor (PF) of a power converter in signal communication with a rectifier and an electromagnetic interference capacitor is disclosed. The system includes a controller and a threshold detector. The threshold detector is configured to measure and compare a rectified voltage against a threshold voltage and the controller is configured to set the power converter to a stop-mode. The power converter is set to the stop-mode at a stop-time that is less than a first zero-crossing time. The controller is further configured to set the power converter to a run-mode at a time that is past the first zero-crossing time.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage module (HESM) configured to be used on an aircraft to provide electrical energy includes a first energy storage component and a second energy storage component each configured to receive the electrical energy, store the electrical energy, and discharge the electrical energy. The HESM also includes a controller coupled to the first energy storage component and the second energy storage component. The controller is configured to control charging and discharging of the first energy storage component and of the second energy storage component such that the first energy storage component is charged to a desired first energy storage component state of charge (SOC) before the second energy storage component is charged.

Abstract: In various implementations, string inverter circuit configurations are provided that allow for increased device lifetimes. In one implementation, for example, an inverter includes a pair of inverter input terminals. A ground-balancing converter module is coupled between the pair of inverter input terminals and ground. The ground is disposed between each of the pair of inverter input terminals. A plurality of converter modules is coupled to an output of the ground-balancing converter module, each of the plurality of converter modules providing an output ac phase of the inverter. In another implementation, a method of controlling an inverter is provided. The method includes controlling a voltage level of each terminal of the pair of inverter input terminals to have equal magnitudes and opposite polarities with respect to a ground voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a low-dropout regulator (LDO) is disclosed. The system and method includes a charge pump that is controlled to provide a charge pump voltage to power the LDO. The charge pump voltage can be adjusted relative to the LDO's input voltage to ensure efficient operation of the LDO for input voltages over a range. The charge pump is also controlled to limit the maximum charge pump voltage provided to ensure safe operation of the LDO. The system and method also includes a under voltage lockout circuit that enables the LDO when it is determined that the charge pump voltage is sufficient to meet multiple criteria enable For example, the charge pump voltage may be analyzed to determine if it is above a minimum voltage and also sufficiently higher than the LDO's output voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power stage with vertical integration for high-density, low-noise voltage regulators are described. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include: a processor; and a multi-phase voltage regulator (VR) coupled to the processor, where the multi-phase VR comprises at least one power stage, and where the at least one power stage includes: a High-Side Field-Effect Transistor (HSFET) die mounted on a leadframe; a Low-Side FET (LSFET) die mounted on the leadframe; at least one decoupling capacitor mounted on the leadframe; and a driver circuit mounted on a clip, where the clip overlays at least a portion of the HSFET die and the LSFET die.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna, and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna, and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.

Abstract: A system includes a controller for automated test equipment (ATE) contactor to interface with a device under test (DUT) including a power converter having a primary and secondary side, each side has an input/output (I/O) pin. The controller causes the ATE contactor to apply a load current on the secondary side of the power converter at a first value and vary the load current to a second value. The contactor receives first and second indications, at the first and second load currents, of a voltage on the primary side I/O pin, a voltage on the primary side of the power converter, an input current on the primary side of the power converter, a voltage on the secondary side I/O pin, and a voltage on the secondary side of the power converter. The controller determines a primary and secondary side ATE contactor resistances based on the first and second indications.

Abstract: An efficient, high density, inline converter module includes a power conversion circuit and an input wiring harness for connecting the input of the power circuit to a unipolar source. A second wiring harness or electrical connectors may be provided for connecting the output of the power conversion circuit to a load. Connections between a wiring harness and the power conversion circuit may comprise conductive contacts, configured to distribute heat. The power circuit may be over molded to provide electrical insulation and efficient heat transfer to external ambient air. A DC transformer based inline converter module may be used in AC adapter, vehicular, and power system architectures. An input connector for connecting the input wiring harness to the input source may be provided. In some embodiments the input source may be an AC source and the input connector may comprise a rectifier for delivering a rectified, unipolar, voltage to the input of the power conversion assembly via an input wiring harness.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes a low dropout regulator voltage converter circuit. The voltage converter generates three voltages (e.g., 1.2 volts, 2.5 volts, and 1.8 volts) for an electronic system, which can be a smartphone or electronic tablet or other device. An implementation has at least one charge pump voltage converter circuit. The low dropout regulator voltage converter circuit provides an output voltage based on its input voltages and can operate with a very small input-to-output differential voltage. Compared to using a Buck converter, a low dropout regulator does not have an external inductor, which saves space. An implementation of the voltage converter can also include at least one charge pump voltage converter circuit to generate a voltage of the voltage converter.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for reducing negative undershoot during transient load response for a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) boost power converter. In some embodiments, reduction of negative undershoot during transient load response is achieved by overriding the PWM duty cycle to a maximum duty cycle when VDDBOOST drops during load step. This maximum duty cycle (“max”) mode is triggered when VDDBOOST is within a hysteresis window. Setpoint for maximum duty cycle is versus DCDC converter output and input voltage. In some embodiments, a lookup table is implemented for determining the setpoint for maximum duty cycle.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine generator (1) comprising an electrical generator (10) and a power converter (12), the power converter (12) comprising an electrical switch (14a, 14b) that is configured to process electrical power produced by the electrical generator (10), the method comprising: controlling an output from the electrical switch (14a, 14b) using a variable pulse-width modulated control signal, thereby to control characteristics of output power from the power converter (12); acquiring sample data (26) relating to an electronic signal within the wind turbine generator (1), wherein the sample data (26) is used for controlling the wind turbine generator (1); and dynamically adjusting a frequency (30) at which the sample data is acquired to synchronise data acquisition with a carrier frequency (24) of the control signal.

Abstract: A power system includes a power conversion stage that receives power from an input source and delivers power to a load via a power distribution bus. A control system samples the voltage delivered by the power conversion stage at a location close to the output of the power conversion stage and the load voltage at a location close to the load. The control system further measures the current flowing between the output and the load through the power bus. The samples may be used to determine a representation of the bus resistance. The determined bus resistance may be used to introduce a negative resistance characteristic in the power conversion stage as a way of compensating for the actual bus resistance.

Abstract: A transformer apparatus for a charging station for electrically charging vehicles. The charging station includes at least two charging points. The transformer apparatus includes an input connection for electrical connection to an electrical power source. The transformer apparatus further includes at least one primary winding, and connected downstream electrically in series, at least three electrically parallel secondary windings that are DC-isolated from one another. The secondary windings are configured to be connected to at least two output connections of the at least two charging points of the charging station by switching logic. The switching logic connects at least two secondary windings electrically in parallel with a respective output connection of a respective charging point.

Abstract: A voltage supply unit includes a control circuit, a capacitor circuit and a unidirectionally-conductive circuit. The control circuit controls an output end of the control circuit to be electrically connected to a first input end or a second input end of the control circuit under the control of a voltage signal from a first voltage output end. The capacitor circuit controls a potential at a first input end. When a difference between a first level and a potential at the first input end is greater than or equal to a predetermined on-state voltage, the unidirectionally-conductive circuit allows a unidirectional current flowing from a first level end to a first end thereof, and when the difference between the first level and the potential at the first input end is smaller than the predetermined on-state voltage, controls the first level end to be electrically disconnected from the first input end.

Abstract: A power electronic module (10) for a charging station having an input-side power factor correction circuit, a voltage link and an output-side DC chopper. The power factor correction circuit is of three-phase (11) design for three-phase current; each phase (11) has at least one high-voltage-side switch and one low-voltage-side switch; and diodes that prevent current from flowing back are installed. Also disclosed is a corresponding charging station and an electricity charging station.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power converter that includes an inductance and a switched-capacitor network that cooperate to transform a first voltage into a second voltage features a controller, a switched-capacitor terminal for connection to the switched-capacitor network, and switches. at least one of which connects to the switched-capacitor terminal.

Abstract: A power module with current rerouting across a printed circuit board (PCB) for decreasing electromagnetic interference and signal degradation is applied in an electronic device. The power module includes the PCB, a switch control chip, a switch circuit, a filtering circuit, a first switch, a second switch, and a control unit. The PCB includes a powered copper area, a first ground copper area, and a second ground copper area. When in the S3, S4, or S5 state and a voltage output terminal is disabled, the control unit turns off the first switch and turns on the second switch, to couple the powered copper area to the second ground copper area. When the voltage output terminal is enabled, the control unit reverses the on and off operations to enable the voltage output terminal to output a voltage.

Abstract: An operation signal generating unit 11 and a reset unit 12 are included in a first circuit unit 10 that operates based on a first power supply voltage V1 and an output operation of a second power supply voltage B2 is stopped by outputting a reset signal Sr from the reset unit 12 to a regulator 20 in accordance with an operation signal Si of the operation signal generating unit 11. Hence, unlike a conventional technique, a large transistor for cutting off a power supply line is unnecessary, and therefore a device size can be reduced.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit providing a regulated output voltage to a load can include a switching regulator with an input configured to be coupled to an input voltage source and an output configured to be coupled to the load. The power conversion circuit can further include a metered charge transfer converter, such as a charge pump or a switched or pulsed current source, having an input configured to be coupled to an input voltage source and having an output configured to be coupled to the load. A controller coupled to the metered charge transfer converter can be configured to operate the metered charge transfer converter to deliver energy to the load responsive to a dip of the regulated output voltage below a threshold caused by an increase in current drawn by the load. The metered charge transfer converter may be located closer to the load than the switching regulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating computing devices at peak power efficiency in real time are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes analyzing a set of input and output characteristics of a component operable on a computing device servicing one or more workloads. The method also includes determining whether an efficiency metric associated with the component is met based on the set of input and output characteristics. Further, the method includes setting an indicator in response to determining that the efficiency metric is met. Further, the method includes assigning additional workload to another computing device based on whether the indicator is set.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes a PWM converter configured to convert AC power supplied from an AC power supply into DC power and supply it to a DC link, a DC link capacitor which is provided in the DC link and may store the DC power, an inverter configured to convert the DC power in the DC link into AC power for motor driving and output it, and a boosting ratio control unit configured to control the boosting ratio as the ratio of the value of the DC voltage output from the PWM converter to the peak value of the AC voltage input from the AC power supply, to allow a motor to be driven using AC power output by converting the DC power stored in the DC link capacitor by the inverter during shut-off of supply of the DC power from the PWM converter to the DC link.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device that is small and has diagnosability, and that can quickly recover from power source malfunctions. Provided is a semiconductor device that includes: a control signal generation circuit that generates control signals which differ according to the fluctuation time of power-source voltage; and a control circuit that changes an operation sequence according to the differences in the control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a DC-DC converter having a semiconductor switch and a current source, wherein the DC-DC converter includes a commutation resonant circuit that is at least partially determined by parasitic characteristics of the DC-DC converter. The apparatus includes a driving unit configured to switch the semiconductor switch by performing a switching process. The driving unit is configured to perform the switching process with a switching duration that is shorter than a cycle duration of a resonant frequency of the commutation resonant circuit. Furthermore, the driving unit is configured to select a time instant of the switching process such that a current provided by the current source generates an overshoot at the semiconductor switch of at most 30% with respect to an idle state of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: An output regulated charge pump including a low drop out (LDO) regulator configured to output a variable first output voltage, a multi-stage charge pump configured to receive the variable first output voltage and produce a second output voltage to power a load, a first feedback circuit configured to compare the second output voltage to a reference voltage, and a second feedback circuit configured to measure level of current used by the load, wherein the second feedback circuit outputs a level select signal to the LDO that is configured to vary a level of the first output voltage and reduce charge pump output ripple.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a voltage converting system. The voltage converting system includes a first power converter configured to convert an input voltage to an intermediate voltage, a second power converter configured to convert the intermediate voltage to an output voltage at a target voltage level, and a control circuit coupled to the first power converter and the second power converter. The control circuit is configured to, upon detection of the input voltage having a voltage level that is within a first range, perform a close-loop control of the second power converter to output the output voltage at the target voltage level.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit can include: a power meter configured to measure THD at an input port; a switching-type regulator that is controllable by a switching control signal in order to adjust a power factor of an input signal thereof; and a controller configured to generate the switching control signal to control the switching-type regulator to perform power factor correction, where the controller minimizes the THD by adjusting a current reference signal according to a measured THD, and the current reference signal represents an expected inductor current of the switching-type regulator.

Abstract: A two-stage power converter is disclosed in which a second stage may command a first stage to adjust an output voltage from the first stage to compensate for PVT variations in the second stage. Alternatively, the second stage may adjust a clocking frequency to compensate for the PVT variations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first winding and a second winding on a core and having first taps coupled in common to a first node of an inverter circuit. The apparatus further includes a switching circuit configured to selectively couple a second tap of the first winding to a second node of the inverter circuit and to selectively couple a second tap of the second winding to a third node of the inverter circuit. The switching circuit may be configured to provide a desired balance of first and second voltages at respective ones of the second and third nodes with respect to the first node. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A power supply having a transformer, a magnetizing current regulation circuit, and a device for controlling the regulation circuit intended to switch the regulation circuit alternately from the magnetizing state to the demagnetizing state is disclosed. The control device is intended to prolong the magnetization phase for a magnetization time (TF). The power supply also includes an output capacitor connected to a secondary of the transformer so as to form a resonant circuit with the leakage inductor, the voltage between the terminals of the output capacitor corresponding to the output voltage (VS) of the power supply. The magnetization time (TF) and the value of the output capacitor are such that, on the resonance portion of the magnetization phase, the output voltage (VS) describes a sine wave portion and, starting from an initial value (VS0) below the median value of the sine wave, passes through said median value.

Abstract: A power source device includes a storage capacitor, a voltage detection circuit, input terminals, and output terminals, further includes: a boost circuit which converts a storage power provided to the input terminals to a boosted power under the condition that a stored voltage becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined voltage, and outputs the boosted power from the output terminals; and a MOS transistor which controls a supply of the boosted power to a load. One of the input terminals is connected to a gate terminal of the MOS transistor, and one of the output terminals is connected to a source terminal of the MOS transistor. The MOS transistor turns on to convert the storage power to the boosted power in the boost circuit, while the MOS transistor turns off not to convert the storage power to the boosted power in the boost circuit.

Abstract: A switched capacitor converter includes a primary switching circuit, a flying capacitor circuit, and a secondary switching circuit. The primary switching circuit includes plurality of switching transistors in series. The flying capacitor circuit includes one or more flying capacitors with each flying capacitor connected to a switching transistor. The secondary switching circuit includes two or more switching transistors and provides a first path for charging and a second path for discharging the flying capacitors. At startup, the flying capacitors are discharged via a first current source while the switching transistors are turned off. After discharging, the flying capacitors are charged via a second current source, while a first switching transistor of the primary switching circuit is kept turned off and the rest of the switching transistors perform switching according to a switching cycle. After charging, the switched capacitor converter may enter a steady state operation.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller for controlling at least one switch of a switching converter may include a current estimator configured to determine an estimated inductor current through an inductor of the switching converter based on a previous sample of a current through the inductor and a switch control configured to control activation and deactivation of the at least one switch based on the estimated inductor current.

Abstract: In one example an electronic device comprises a power supply comprising an operating power rail and a standby power rail, a processing platform capable to switch between an operating power state and at least one low power state, a switch to selectively couple a power input of the processing platform to one of the operating power rail or the standby power output rail and logic, at least partially including hardware logic, to activate the switch based at least in part on the operating state of the processing platform. Other examples may be described.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for a remote-control device for a motor vehicle includes an electric power source and a supercapacitor block. The supercapacitor block has one or more supercapacitors, and said supercapacitor block is arranged in parallel with the electric power source. Additionally, a transmitter/receiver is connected to the supercapacitor block and a frequency amplifier stage is connected to said transmitter/receiver.