Abstract: A technique includes providing a regulated voltage to a voltage supply plane of a component. The voltage causes the component to draw a current. The current is monitored, and the voltage supply plane is selectively coupled to ground to regulate a rate at which the current changes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a Line driver for amplifying an input signal, said line driver comprising: a first input terminal (11) for receiving said input signal, a non-linear amplifier (3) connected to said input terminal (11) and arranged to provide a first output signal at a first output terminal (13), a digital to analogue converter (15) arranged to transform said input signal to an analogue input signal, an analogue linear amplifier (5) comprising a second (6) and a third input terminal (8) and a second output terminal (10), set up as a comparator between a first correction signal provided at said second input terminal (6) and a second correction signal provided at said third input terminal (8) and arranged to provide a second output signal at said second output terminal (10), combining means arranged to combine said first output signal and said second output signal to provide a total output signal to an output line (7), a first operational amplifier (12) configured to sense the current of said

Abstract: Soft switching DC-to-DC converter operates at record high efficiency despite its small size and weight and ultra high overload current capability of several times the nominal load current. Such performance is made possible by use of unique magnetic and switching circuits with special properties. Other desirable performance features are provided concurrently such as: zero ripple current on input and output, low conducted and radiated Electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise, as well as low component stresses for increased converter reliability.

Abstract: A CPU core voltage switching circuit installed in a personal digital assistant wherein, when the personal digital assistant is using an application software product, a CPU clock frequency is reduced to a half of the frequency used when the personal digital assistant is in an initial start state or a memory data initialization state.

Abstract: A process control device is disclosed. The process control device comprises a measuring circuit (102) and a power regulator circuit (100). The measuring circuit (102) is coupled to the power regulator (100), and produces a control signal indicative of a measured value. The power regulator circuit (100) redirects a portion of the available power from the power regulator circuit (100) in proportion to the control signal produced by the measuring circuit (102) such that it does not limit available power to the measuring circuit (102). The process control device also may comprise a power control circuit (101) coupled to the measuring circuit (102). The power control circuit (101) redirects an amount of available power from the power regulator circuit (100) in proportion to the control signal. The process control device also comprisies two or more conductors (106, 107) that are in electrical communication with the power regulator circuit (100) and the power control circuit (101).

Abstract: A charge pump apparatus and a method for operating a charge pump power supply having an input and an output, the output coupled to a load, and the load having a bulk capacitor coupled thereto for providing a voltage source for the load. A source of varying voltage is provided as an input to the charge pump power supply. The output of the charge pump power supply is coupled to the load and to the bulk capacitor, and the charge pump power supply is operated in a first mode to provide current for charging the bulk capacitor when the voltage at the load is below a predetermined voltage, and alternatively in a second mode to cease the supply of current to the bulk capacitor when the voltage at the power supply is above a predetermined voltage. The charge pump comprises a capacitor-diode arrangement with a transistor switch operable to control the current flow through the charge pump and to the bulk capacitor.

Abstract: The switching power supplies convert AC or DC input voltage into a DC output voltage. Conventional topologies are implemented, wherein power factor correction and/or square-wave switching at resonant transition is accomplished. In a front-end, rectified line voltage is applied to an inductor that attains line current. A diode limits voltage at a front-end output to a holdup voltage stored in a capacitor. A switch selectively applies the holdup voltage to the front-end output. In a DC/DC power supply, a switch selectively applies the input voltage to an inductor that attains a current. A transformer provides primary and secondary voltages in response to the current. A voltage across the inductor is limited to the primary voltage that is stored in a capacitor. The secondary voltage is rectified and applied to another capacitor that provides the DC output voltage. No output inductor is required. Furthermore, a forward power supply employs a single output diode.

Abstract: A voltage down converter includes a first voltage down converting circuit and a second voltage down converting circuit. The first voltage down converting circuit supplies an internal power supply voltage VCCS1 to an internal circuit only during a period T when the internal power supply voltage VCCS 1 falls below a predetermined voltage according to a signal DCE. In the first voltage down converting circuit, P channel MOS transistors are selectively activated according to the levels of the plurality of voltages, and a voltage down converting partial circuit supplies a current of an amount corresponding to the level of the external power supply voltage VCC to a power supply node. As a result, even during the period T, the internal power supply voltage can be maintained at a level of the reference voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming an operating voltage (VCC2) for an electronic device (1) from a supply voltage (VS2) by means (7, 8) for forming the operating voltage. In the method, a minimum value (Vmin) and a maximum value (Vmax) are defined for the operating voltage (VCC2). The means (7, 8) for forming the operating voltage are provided with at least a first operating voltage supply block (7) and a second operating voltage supply block (8). In the first operating voltage supply block (7), the output voltage is limited smaller than said maximum value (Vmax) for the operating voltage. Furthermore, at least a first limit value (V3) is determined, and the supply voltage (VS2) is compared with said first limit value (V3), wherein if the supply voltage (VS2) is greater than said first limit value (V3), the first operating voltage supply block (7) is activated to form the operating voltage (VCC2) from the supply voltage (VS2).

Abstract: A voltage supply unit which operates at an internal switching frequency and has a capacitor connected in parallel with its output is connected to the input of a sensor unit operating at an internal switching frequency. The connecting line contains a resistor which, together with a capacitor connected in parallel with the input, forms a filter.

Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit has a pre-regulator that achieves a low temperature coefficient through the use of a VBE multiplier and feedback from the output bandgap voltage VBG. This low temperature coefficient in the pre-regulator allows the bandgap reference circuit to output the bandgap voltage VBG with a low temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and controlling one or more voltage and current supplies during a transition between and off-state to an on-state, or from an on state to an off-state, is enabled by detecting a voltage or current transition and controlling the voltage or current supply transition within a specified upper and lower limit about a reference transition.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for supplying a load which comprises a discharge lamp. The circuit includes apparatus for generating a DC voltage and provided with input terminals for connection to a supply voltage source. A rectifier is coupled to the input terminals for rectifying an AC voltage supplied by the supply voltage source. In addition, there are output terminals for connection to the load and a DC-DC converter connected between the rectifier and the output terminals and provided with a first inductor, a first unidirectional element, and a switching element. The output terminals are interconnected by a circuit branch which comprises a series arrangement of an impedance and a first capacitor, which impedance is shunted by a further unidirectional element. As a result, the inrush current which flows immediately after switching-on of the circuit arrangement is limited.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for providing a DC output signal from an AC input signal by (1) coupling an AC source to the DC output terminal and to a capacitor when the AC input signal is within a preselected AC voltage range thereby providing power to the DC output terminal while charging the capacitor, and (2) uncoupling the AC source from the DC output terminal and the capacitor when the AC input signal is outside of the preselected voltage range, thereby relying on the capacitor to provide power to the DC output terminal.

Abstract: A voltage boosting device for speeding power-up of multilevel nonvolatile memories, including a voltage regulator and a charge pump and having an output terminal; the voltage regulator having a regulation terminal connected to the output terminal, and an output supplying a control voltage; the read charge pump having an output connected to the output terminal and supplying a read voltage. The device further includes an enable circuit connected to the output and having a pump enable output connected to a charge pump enable terminal and supplying a pump enable signal. The pump enable signal is set at a first logic level so as to activate the charge pump when the read voltage is lower than a nominal value. In addition, the device generates a power-up sync signal which activates a read operation when the read voltage reaches its nominal value and a chip enable signal is set at an active value.

Abstract: A switching power supply includes a rectifying and smoothing circuit 6 coupled to an inductor L1 and a zener diode D2 coupled to the output of the rectifying and smoothing circuit 6. An internal resistor on the inductor L1 side viewed through the rectifying and smoothing circuit 6 is employed as a serial resistor for generating the voltage drop which is required for the zener diode D2 to absorb voltage fluctuation, whereby the voltage of the DC output 22 is stabilized.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal supply voltage generating circuit reduces power consumption in an active mode. The internal supply voltage generating circuit includes a first voltage-drop regulator, which supplies a relatively large driving power to an internal circuit, and a second voltage-drop regulator, which supplies a relatively small driving power to the internal circuit. First, the second voltage-drop regulator is activated and the first voltage-drop regulator is inactivated in one of a stand-by mode and a power-down mode. Then, at least the first voltage-drop regulator is activated in an active mode, and the first voltage-drop regulator is inactivated in an active pose of the active mode. The first voltage-drop regulator is activated when the active pose is cancelled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a constant output power supply that is different from a system power supply. A system power supply voltage is sensed and compared to a predetermined output voltage value. If the supply voltage is greater than the voltage value, the supply voltage is decreased, such as through regulation. If the supply voltage is less than the votlage value, the supply voltage is increased, such as through charge pumping. The apparatus is preferably coupled between a system power supply and a circuit that operates on a voltage that is different from the supply voltage.

Abstract: A voltage regulating circuit has a clamp up circuit and a clamp down circuit operating in tandem. The clamp down circuit receives the unregulated voltage and an activation signal and in response thereto generates a first output signal at an output node in the event the unregulated voltage exceeds the first output signal. The clamp up circuit receives the unregulated voltage and an inverse of the activation signal and in response thereto generates a second output voltage at an output node in the event the unregulated voltage is below the second output voltage. The output node of the clamp down circuit is connected to the output node of the clamp up circuit. Thus, the output voltage is regulated to be between the first output voltage and the second output voltage.

Abstract: A device which rectifies and regulates high voltage alternating current without the use of transformers, large capacitive coupling circuits or high voltage linear regulators. The device includes a rectifier, a control circuit for sensing the output voltage of the rectifier and switching on and off the input power, a storage capacitor and a low voltage linear regulator. The control circuit, which incorporates a voltage sensing circuit and a switch, limits the output voltage of the rectifier as seen by the linear regulator.

Abstract: A DC converter for stepping down DC voltage having two input terminals (E1, E2) to be connected to an input DC voltage source with a high voltage level; two output terminals (A1, A2) for taking a regulated low output DC voltage; a coil (TS) having a center tap (MA) and connected at one end (TA1) with a first one (E1) of the input terminals via an electronic switch device (MOS) and at the other end (TA2) with the second input terminal (E2) via a first capacitor (C1); the charging voltage of the first capacitor (C1) forming the output DC voltage; a second capacitor (C6) connected at one end with a node located between switching device (MOS) and coil (TS) and at the other end with the center tap (MA) via a first diode (D2); a control device (EV, PWM for comparing the charging voltage of the second capacitor (C6) with a reference voltage (REF) and rendering the switch device (MOS) conductive and non-conductive with a pulse-frequency modulated and/or pulse-width modulated switching pulse sequence depending on the

Abstract: An electronic apparatus which controls the driving of a load circuit in accordance with a detected feed power voltage. The feed power voltage can be accurately detected even when it is low. In order to achieve this, the apparatus in one embodiment includes a power feed unit, a boosting circuit for increasing a voltage of the supply power, a voltage detecting circuit for detecting the voltage of the supply power as increased by the boosting circuit and outputting a voltage detection signal, and the load circuit which is driven based on the supply power. A voltage detection circuit detects the supply voltage only when it is not being used to drive the load circuit.

Abstract: A linear type of voltage regulator, having at least one input terminal adapted to receive a supply voltage and one output terminal adapted to deliver a regulated output voltage, includes a power transistor and a driver circuit for the transistor. The driver circuit includes an operational amplifier having an input differential stage biased by a bias current which varies proportionally with the variations of the regulated output voltage at the output terminal of the regulator.

Abstract: An electrical power supply (EPS) including a voltage regulator (SR1) and an inrush current limiter (ICL1) having a current limiting circuit (CL1) and a support capacitor (C1). Charging current spikes produced in particular when the electrical power supply (EPS) is switched on are limited by the current limiting circuit (CL1). The current limiting circuit (CL1) is connected in series with the support capacitor (C1), thus preventing load current from flowing through the current limiting circuit. A step-up converter circuit (SUC) is connected upstream of the current limiting circuit (CL1) with the particular purpose of increasing the voltage (V). An advantage of the arrangement is that, due to the step-up converter circuit (SUC), the support capacitor (C1) has considerably improved support characteristics with regard to the switching regulator (SR1).

Abstract: An onboard electric vehicle charger is provided which incorporates a forward converter with dynamic balancing of the primary drive currents of its ferrite core transformer to produce 5,000 watt charging power with a power density of 333 watts per kilogram and full safety isolation between the input power source and the batteries plus small size (approximately 15" by 9" by 6") and weight (less than 15 kilograms) and a power factor correcting boost preregulator with dynamic adjustment of its compensation networks which produces full correction to substantially unity (99.9+%) for power factor with current total haromonic distortion (THD) of 2% to 3% over the entire power range of 100 watts to 5,000 watts. The same boost preregulator circuit allows operation from power sources of 95 to 145 VAC or 200 to 275 VAC.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for regulating an auxiliary output with an over-winding on a synchronous buck regulator are provided. Though these regulators have produced regulated auxiliary outputs in conventional circuits, the regulation used in conventional circuits has not been maximized. This caused the auxiliary output voltage to vary with changes in load on the primary output as well as with changes in load on the auxiliary output. The present invention directly regulates the auxiliary output voltage of the synchronous buck regulator by adjusting the gate amplitude of a MOSFET switch located in the power loop of the auxiliary output.

Abstract: A switching flyback regulator circuit for providing a plurality of regulated DC voltage supplies, wherein one of the regulator circuits includes a saturable reactor for regulating one of the output voltages. The flyback regulator circuit includes a primary inductive element coupled to a first switch to turn charging current flow through the primary inductive element ON and OFF, a first secondary inductive element having a first end coupled to supply a first power source and magnetically coupled with the primary inductive element, and a second secondary inductive element magnetically coupled with the primary inductive element. The second secondary inductive element has a first end coupled to produce the second power source and a second end coupled in series with the saturable reactor and a second switch to control current flow through the second secondary inductive element.

Abstract: A power supply device provides high voltage power from a low voltage source. The power supply device can be manufactured so as to have a thin profile and therefore is particularly well-suited for use as a power supply for a flat screen CRT (cathode ray tube). The power supply device includes a voltage regulator, a DC-to-AC converter, and a multiplier. The voltage regulator is connectable to the low-voltage source and is arranged so as to step-down a source voltage level of the low-voltage source to produce an input voltage at a lower voltage level than the source voltage level. The DC-to-AC converter is connected to the input voltage from the voltage regulator and is arranged so as to convert the input voltage into an AC voltage. The multiplier is connected to the AC voltage from the DC-to-AC converter and is arranged so as to convert the AC voltage into a substantially DC output signal having a DC voltage level which is significantly higher than the source voltage level.

Abstract: A controller is described with a final stage which provides a defined supply voltage for a downstream electronic circuit and a circuit stage upstream from the final stage for reducing the quiescent current supplied by a voltage source. A significant reduction of the quiescent current is achieved by simple means in that the circuit stage has an electronic switch that can be set to the open or closed state by a target-value signal (SW) supplied by a control circuit.

Abstract: A load controller and method are provided for maximizing effective capacity of a non-controllable, renewable power supply coupled to a variable electrical load also coupled to a conventional power grid. Effective capacity is enhanced by monitoring power output of the renewable supply and loading, and comparing the loading against the power output and a load adjustment threshold determined from an expected peak loading. A value for a load adjustment parameter is calculated by subtracting the renewable supply output and the load adjustment parameter from the current load. This value is then employed to control the variable load in an amount proportional to the value of the load control parameter when the parameter is within a predefined range. By so controlling the load, the effective capacity of the non-controllable, renewable power supply is increased without any attempt at operational feedback control of the renewable supply.

Abstract: A synchronous converter including a control module including a pulse generator configured to produce a pulse. An input port suitable for receiving an input voltage from a voltage source, is couple to a first conversion stage of the converter. The first conversion stage preferably includes a first pair of transistors, a first stage capacitor, and a first winding of a coupled inductor. The first pair of transistors are preferably driven by the control module pulse generator such that the first conversion stage is coupled to the input port during the first interval of the pulse and isolated from the input port during the second interval of the pulse and the gain of the first conversion stage is approximately equal to the duty cycle of the pulse. The converter further includes a second conversion stage preferably including a second pair of transistors, a second stage capacitor, and a second winding of the coupled inductor.

Abstract: A method and system that uses an anticipatory signal to pre-adjust the output of the power supply to compensate for an upcoming load change, thereby minimizing the voltage deviation at the load. A control circuit, such as a processor, controlling the system generates an anticipatory signal indicating an upcoming change in the load that is input to the power supply. The power supply, in response to the signal from the processor, adjusts the output of the power supply accordingly to compensate for the upcoming load change. When the system performs the operation that results in the load change, the power supply output has already been adjusted accordingly and the deviation of the load voltage caused by the change in the load is minimized.

Abstract: A programmable delay circuit employs a comparator to control an output driver. The comparator compares a ramp signal to an error control signal derived from an error amplifier or in the alternative to a disable signal. The output of the comparator is latched on until a reset signal is received. The reset signal is produced when the ramp signal is discharged below a predetermined level. The programmable delay circuit is useful in a secondary side post regulator to control a totem pole driver. The totem pole driver in turn controls a switching device coupled to a voltage on a secondary winding.

Abstract: A DC--DC switching regulator which converts a supplied DC voltage V.sub.DD to a DC output voltage V.sub.OUT for driving a load using a DC--DC buck converter operated with fixed-width pulses V.sub.X at an instantaneous switching rate n.sub.i. The regulator has a feedback for computing a subsequent switching rate n.sub.i+1 based on the instantaneous switching rate n.sub.i, an output frequency f.sub.OUT derived from output voltage V.sub.OUT by a ring oscillator and a desired frequency f.sub.DES provided by a frequency signaling device or a frequency signaling port of the load. By altering the desired frequency f.sub.DES the load communicates its power needs. The regulator can be used in the low-power regime and at high power levels.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the output voltage (V2) of a DC-to-DC converter (100). The DC-to-DC converter (100) comprises converting means (101) and regulating means (102). The converting means is fed by a first DC-voltage (V1) from the regulating means. The first DC-voltage (V1) is determined by a feed back portion (VDIV) of the output voltage (V2) from the converting means and a reference voltage (VREF). The reference voltage is derived from a pulse train (PT1). The output voltage (V2) depends on both the first DC-voltage (V1) and the pulse train (PT1). The output voltage (V2) from the DC-to-DC converter is kept constant under varying load and the output voltage level can be adjusted in an easy and flexible manner by the pulse train.

Abstract: In an on-off current controller for an electrical machine, such as a switched reluctance motor, a delay is created in the switch-off of the current switches after the current reaches the demanded level. The delay causes the current to rise further above the demanded level, but reduces the error between the average current and the demanded level.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for auxiliary voltage production in which auxiliary voltage is produced essentially independently from a directly regulated output voltage of a transformer with the aid of a reverse voltage which is applied to an output rectifier.

Abstract: A two-stage switching regulator having low power modes responsive to load power consumption. A first stage of the regulator is a power factor correction (PFC) stage. A second stage is a pulse-width modulating (PWM) stage. When a load draws a high level of current, switching in both stages is enabled. Under certain conditions, switching in either one or both of the stages is disabled by the duty cycle for the corresponding switch falling to zero. When switching in both stages is enabled, as in a normal mode, switching in the PWM stage is then disabled in response to an error signal falling below a first error threshold. When switching in the PFC stage is enabled and switching in the PWM stage is disabled, as in a first low power mode, switching in the PFC stage is then disabled in response to a feedback voltage rising above a first feedback threshold.

Abstract: A controlled output voltage is provided for a switching mode power converter operating in the continuous conduction mode without requiring a feedback path coupled to monitor the output voltage. Instead, a voltage related to the input voltage is monitored. The monitored voltage is compared to a periodic waveform for forming a switch control signal. In the case of a buck converter operating as a voltage regulator, over each period of the periodic waveform, the periodic waveform is representative of the inverse function. In the case of a boost converter operating as a voltage regulator or buck converter operating as a bus terminator or power amplifier, over each period of the periodic waveform, the periodic waveform has a linear slope. The switch control signal controls a duty cycle of the power switches. Therefore, switching is controlled in an open loop, rather than in a closed loop.

Abstract: A boost converter for converting an input voltage received at an input thereof into first and second output voltages provided at first and second outputs thereof, respectively, and a method of operating the boost converter.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for converting a DC voltage into another DC voltage, with simultaneous regulation of the emittable voltage (U.sub.A) at a predetermined value. The circuit arrangement includes a combination of an upward and a downward transformer having at least one switching transistor (3) connected in series with a common memory coil (1) to a circuit output terminal, and a smoothing capacitor (5) connected in parallel to the output load (6), i.e., across the output terminals. The coil (1) is connected for a specific time to the supply voltage source (U.sub.Bat) by a time function circuit (9, 10). The coil (1) is connected directly to the positive pole (+) of the supply-voltage source (U.sub.Bat), and a current limiter circuit is provided in the long or forward branch of the circuit arrangement in front of the output of the circuit arrangement, with the current limiter circuit comprising a resistor (4) and a transistor (15) and influencing the switching transistor (3) disposed in the long branch.

Abstract: A switching device which can reduce effectively noise that is generated from a charge pump used to generate a drive voltage for driving a plurality of semiconductor switches. In the switching device, the charge pump used to generate the drive voltage for operating the plurality of the semiconductor switches is shared in common by these semiconductor switches, and the plurality of the semiconductor switches can be driven by the drive voltage that is generated by the single charge pump. Due to this structure, the noise to be generated by the charge pump can be controlled to a minimum and the noise interfering into the power line can be removed by a single noise remove circuit, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the switching device.

Abstract: Power supply circuitry is disclosed which suppresses changes in a converted voltage regardless of changes in a load state without substantially increasing the volume and weight of the power supply circuitry and raising the manufacturing cost. The circuitry has a direct current power source. A first DC-to-DC converter converts a voltage of the direct current power source. A smoothing filter smoothes the converted voltage of the first DC-to-DC converter and outputs it. The power supply circuitry further includes a power supply section. The power supply section has a voltage detecting portion for detecting a decrease in the converted voltage and outputs a voltage-decrease detection signal. A power holding portion charges capacitor devices with the converted voltage or a voltage of the direct current power source, and discharges the capacitor devices when a voltage-decrease detection signal is output.

Abstract: A programmable delay circuit employs a comparator to control an output driver. The comparator compares a ramp signal with a disable signal or an error control signal derived from an error amplifier. The comparator latches the output on until a reset signal is received. The reset signal is produced when the ramp signal is discharged below a predetermined level. The programmable delay circuit is useful in a secondary side post regulator to control a grounded totem pole driver. The totem pole driver in turn controls a switching device coupled to a voltage on a secondary winding.

Abstract: The fast transient load corrector is a circuit that attaches to the output terminals of a switching converter. Requiring no feedback circuit that interacts with any control parameter of the switching regulator, the fast transient load corrector works independently to improve the transient response of any switching regulator. Effectively the fast transient load corrector combines with the actual load to form a slowly varying composite load which permits the switching converter to maintain a well regulated output voltage or a voltage of pre-defined waveform. The conceptual construction consists of a bi-directional controlled current source and either a voltage sensor or a current sensor. The voltage or current sensor measures the amount of load disturbance and triggers the bi-directional controlled current source to supply transient current to the load. The quantity to be sensed can be the output voltage, the rate of change of the output voltage, or the rate of change of the output current.

Abstract: A converter for converting a DC voltage not stabilized, such as the terminal voltage of a battery, into a stable DC voltage, comprising a voltage comparison unit (2 in FIG. 1) and an operation changeover control unit (3). The voltage comparison unit (2) compares an input voltage and an output voltage. The operation changeover control unit (3) controls the changeover of the operations of the DC/DC converter (1) so that the DC/DC converter (1) may perform a step-down operation as the operation of a step-down type converter when the input voltage is higher than the output voltage as the result of the comparison, and that it may perform a step-up operation as the operation of a step-up type converter when the output voltage is higher than the input voltage. Thus, losses in the smoothing reactor and smoothing capacitor of the step-up/down converter are suppressed to enhance the efficiency thereof.

Abstract: An electrical power supply is provided with a regulation stage which on being supplied at its input with a dc input voltage with a significant ripple component (V.sub.S1.sbsb.--.sub.OUT), outputs a dc output voltage (V.sub.S2.sbsb.--.sub.OUT) at a level substantially equal to the dc input voltage value at the troughs of the input ripple component (V.sub.T). As a result of this operation, the power dissipated in the stage is minimized. In order to regulate the dc output voltage (V.sub.S2.sbsb.--.sub.OUT) to be at a particular level, this output voltage is compared to a reference to produce a control signal (S) that is fed back to an upstream regulation stage. This upstream stage then serves to vary the level of the trough voltage at the input of the downstream regulation stage.

Abstract: A high power factor electronic ballast for operating a high pressure gas discharge lamp comprises a boost converter function and a buck function. The boost converter function and the buck function have common components. The combination boost-buck converter reduces parts count, as compared to the parts count required for the separate boost and buck circuits of the prior art, by making some components of the single circuit act simultaneously in both the boost and buck functions. The rigid forcing of the ac input current waveform to follow the ac input voltage waveform is relaxed, to give performance priority to the buck function for the common components. Harmonics are allowed to enter the system in moderation in return for a less expensive and more reliable system that does not compromise lamp power control.

Abstract: The switch of this invention has two conduction terminals and basically consists of the parallel coupling, across the two conduction terminals, of a first N-channel MOS transistor and second P-channel MOS transistor. The first MOS transistor will be conducting when the signal applied to the conduction terminals has a first polarity, and the second MOS transistor will be conducting when the signal applied to the conduction terminals has a second polarity. Advantageously, if two unidirectional conduction circuit elements are respectively connected in series with the main conduction paths of the two MOS transistors, the drain/body junctions of the latter will never be conducting regardless of the way the switch is connected.

Abstract: Magnetic direct current to direct current converter with the input isolated from the output. A pulse generator from the feedback is incorporated in the feedback circuitry to regulate the output relative to the input.