Abstract: An LDO regulator is arranged to provide regulation with a pass device, a cascode device, a level shifter, an error amplifier, and a tracking voltage divider. The error amplifier is arranged to sense the output voltage and provide an error signal to the pass device via the level shifter. The level shifter changes the DC level of the error signal such that the pass device is isolated from damaging voltages. The cascode device is arranged to increase the impedance between the output node and the pass transistor such that the LDO regulator can sustain input voltages that exceed process limits without damage. The cascode device is biased by the tracking voltage divider. The tracking voltage divider adjusts the biasing to the cascode device such that a decreased input voltages result in lower impedance, and increased input voltages result in higher impedance.

Abstract: The low-frequency, low power switching voltage switching pre-regulator is operable to propagate The pre-regulator is comprised of a chopping circuit, a pre-driver switching circuit and a feed back circuit. The output of the chopping circuit defines the output of the voltage pre-regulator and an input voltage is received at the input of the chopping circuit. The feedback circuit senses the magnitude of the voltage at the chopping circuit and derives a feedback signal in response thereto. The PWM interface circuit receives the feedback signals and a PWM signal of the type generally derived from a microprocessor. The PWM interface circuit switches the chopping circuit in response to the feedback and the PWM signals.

Abstract: A reliable uninterruptible DC power supply device. The DC backup power supply device includes an AC/DC converter, a DC/DC converter, voltage step-up/down choppers and a battery connected to a DC path of a main circuit connected with a load via a switching means, and a microcomputer. In the device, under control of the microcomputer, the voltage step-up/down choppers are first operated under a condition that the MOS FET was turned OFF for self diagnosis of the backup power supply device. Next, the switching means is turned ON to execute the remaining self diagnosis. The DC backup power supply device can execute its self diagnosis with a lessened likelihood of danger of exerting an adverse effect on the main circuit and also can exhibit a reliable uninterruptible power supply function.

Abstract: A wideband voltage regulator is configured to provide suppression of fast transients, which can include a boosting circuit and a sensing circuit. The boosting circuit can be suitably configured to boost the voltage regulator response, while the sensing circuit can determine when such a boost may be desired. Accordingly, the response of the voltage regulator can be accelerated to a fast load transient beyond the closed loop bandwidth limited response or the slew rate limited response of the voltage regulator. An exemplary voltage regulator can be configured with an active sensing circuit comprising a sensing amplifier with switch control outputs, and a boosting circuit comprising N stored charge sources, e.g.; boost capacitors, and (3N−1) switches that are configured to accelerate the voltage regulators response to a fast load transient beyond the closed loop bandwidth limited or slew rate limited response of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: The circuit contains a series regulator with an FET. A capacitor and a further FET, which is provided as a transfer gate and is driven by the POR signal, are connected in series between the source terminal, to which the external supply voltage is applied, and the gate connection. When the external voltage is applied, the FET opens, with the transfer gate switched on, corresponding to the charging of the capacitor which now takes place. Because this charging process takes a certain amount of time, overshoots in the internal voltage are prevented.

Abstract: An LCD backlight inverter has a buck switch for determining power supply to a DC/AC converter for converting voltage, the buck switch being connected between a supply voltage input terminal and the DC/AC converter. An overvoltage protection circuit is connected to an input terminal of said DC/AC converter for dividing voltage while providing a current path at the time of the initial drive. A first comparing block compares the dimension of a feedback signal with the dimension of a first reference voltage, the feedback signal representing the voltage according to an on/off status of the backlight. A second comparing block compares the dimension of the voltage divided in the overvoltage protection circuit with the dimension of a second reference voltage. A switching controlling block receives comparison signals from the first and second comparing blocks for controlling an on/off status of the buck switch according to the comparison signals.

Abstract: A capacitively compensated voltage regulator, adapted to be supplied with power from a voltage supply, and having an input port and an output port. The voltage regulator includes a voltage regulation circuit responsive to a reference voltage at the input port to provide a regulated voltage at the output port, including a compensation capacitor having a plate connected to a node internal to the voltage regulator, and including a current source coupled between the voltage supply and the internal node. The voltage regulator also includes a low power control circuit responsive to a low power command signal.

Abstract: A current-limit circuit comprising a control transistor coupled to a power transistor in a current mirror configuration. A switch transistor is operatively coupled between the output of the power transistor and the control transistor to selectively activate the control transistor in response to an over current condition detected by a defect transistor. Current drawn through the power transistor in the over current condition is limited by the control transistor which is powered from the gate of the power transistor. The power and detect transistors are integrated on a semi-conductor substrate of a first conductivity type defining first and second surfaces. An array of adjacent transistor body regions of a second conductivity type provided adjacent said first surface with gate electrodes extending between adjacent body regions and insulated therefrom by a gate insulator layer. Transistor source regions of said first conductivity type are provided in said body regions adjacent said gate electrodes.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for decreasing power consumption and quickly increasing an output voltage. The converter includes a voltage generation circuit, a switching control circuit, a current detection circuit, and a step control circuit. An output transistor performs switching to generate the output voltage of the switching control circuit. The current detection circuit is connected to the voltage generation circuit to detect a load current, which is derived from the output voltage, and to generate a detection signal. A stop control circuit maintains the output transistor in an activated state in accordance with the detection signal and stops the operation of the switching control circuit when the load current is less than or equal to the load current.

Abstract: External output terminal 28 is clamped by clamping circuit 20, and a current mirror is configured using diode circuit 23 within clamping circuit 20 and detector transistor 34. When the voltage of external output terminal 28 can no longer be maintained by the first current supply circuit 11 alone as load 27 increases, clamping circuit 20 shuts off, and detector transistor 34 shuts off. As detector transistor 34 shuts off, the second current supplying element 12 becomes conductive and supplies a current to load 27. Because the second current supplying element 12 is not operating during normal operation during which the current consumption by load 27 is low, the current consumption is low. In addition, because no amplifier is required, only a small number of elements are required.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit that provides the current necessary to drive an output driver during transients and maintain low output impedance, while having a much better dropout voltage than a single source follower gain stage includes: an output driver 22; a source follower 34 for controlling the output driver; a localized feedback gain loop coupled to the source follower 34; and an amplifier 24 for controlling the source follower 34.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter has a primary-side circuit connected to a DC power supply and a converter for converting voltage supplied by the DC power supply into an AC signal; a secondary-side circuit for rectifying and smoothing the AC signal transmitted from the primary-side circuit to supply power to a load; and an auxiliary rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing the AC signal transmitted from the primary-side circuit to supply sub-power supply voltage to the converter of the primary-side circuit. The primary-side circuit further has a monitoring circuit for monitoring the sub-power supply voltage supplied from the auxiliary rectifying and smoothing circuit to the converter and a stop circuit for latching a conversion operation of the converter into an OFF state.

Abstract: A wideband voltage regulator is configured to provide suppression of fast transients, which can include a boosting circuit and a sensing circuit. The boosting circuit can be suitably configured to boost the voltage regulator response, while the sensing circuit can determine when such a boost may be desired. Accordingly, the response of the voltage regulator can be accelerated to a fast load transient beyond the closed loop bandwidth limited response or the slew rate limited response of the voltage regulator. An exemplary voltage regulator can be configured with an active sensing circuit comprising a sensing amplifier with switch control outputs, and a boosting circuit comprising N stored charge sources, e.g.; boost capacitors, and (3N−1) switches that are configured to accelerate the voltage regulators response to a fast load transient beyond the closed loop bandwidth limited or slew rate limited response of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A power MOSFET gate protection circuit includes a limiter having a low voltage conduction threshold controlled by its own wiring and including a first portion connected in parallel with a divider and adapted to be connected to the gate of an associated power MOSFET and a second portion adapted to be connected to the source of the associated power MOSFET.

Abstract: A switching regulator (18) for use in a switching power supply (10) detects a fault condition by looking for asserted feedback signal during a timer period. If feedback is asserted during the timer period, then the switching power supply (10) is operating normally. If feedback is not asserted during the timer period, then the switching power supply is in a fault condition. One way of implementing the timer is to charge and discharge by-pass capacitor (23). The timer period is the time for the VCC voltage to drop from a maximum value to a predetermined threshold. A counter (102) can also be used as the timer. When a fault is detected, the gate drive signal from the switching regulator is disabled for a period of time before attempting auto-restart.

Abstract: The present invention electricity pod controller device includes: (a) in-parallel connection to an incoming power supply of a facility including a hot line and a neutral line, and at least one ground. There are components connected between the hot line and the neutral line in the following order; (b) at least one front metal oxide varistor line transient voltage surge suppressor having a predetermined capability to suppress undesired power spikes; (c) at least one capacitor of predetermined capacitance; (d) at least two chokes in the form of inductor/metal oxide varistor transformers; (e) at least a second capacitor of its own predetermined capacitance; (f) at least one back metal oxide varistor having a predetermined capability. In preferred embodiments, the metal oxide varistor may be a plurality of varistors in parallel.

Abstract: A voltage regulator 100, 130 for isolating radio frequency circuits from on chip digital circuit originated noise and an integrated circuit chip including the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator 100, 130 includes regulator device (a PFET) 106 driven by a sense amplifier 110 to derive a regulator voltage 108 from a supply voltage 102. Another sense amplifier 114 senses changes in output load and adjusts current flow through a current shunt 120, 122 so that the current shunt 120, 122 shunts excess load current. The sense amplifier 110 driving the voltage regulator device 106 senses current flow through the current shunt 120, 122 and adjusts the current supplied by the regulator device 106 to reduce excess current. The current shunt 120, 122 is a series connected PFET 120 and NFET diode 122, with the gate of the PFET 120 driven to control current flow.

Abstract: The present invention system includes: (a) in-parallel connection to an incoming power supply of a facility including a hot line and a neutral line, and at least one ground. There are components connected between the hot line and the neutral line in the following order (b) front metal oxide varistor(s) line transient voltage surge suppressor having to suppress undesired power spikes;(c) at least one capacitor of predetermined capacitance;(d) at least two chokes in the form of inductor/metal oxide varistor transformers;(e) at least a second capacitor of its own predetermined capacitance;(f) back metal oxide varistor(S) having a predetermined capability. In preferred embodiments, the metal oxide varistor may be a plurality of varistors in parallel; (g) a failure indicator circuit connected to the transient voltage surge suppressor, including at least one relay, one voltage-surge responsive switch and one indicator signalling component.

Abstract: A linear regulator capable of sinking current. The linear regulator has an output terminal, providing the next stage with an output voltage. The next stage may feed the linear regulator with current. The linear regulator includes a first transistor, a first amplifier, a second transistor, and a second amplifier. When the output voltage at the output terminal is greater than a certain value, the second transistor conducts and sinks the current from the next stage. The linear regulator according to the invention can handle the problem of the feeding current from the next stage, making the output voltage under the restricted range of the linear regulator.

Abstract: A voltage regulator configuration is disclosed for combining the advantages of a linear regulator with the advantages of a switching regulator. The configuration includes a switching regulator that operates most of the time, but is disabled during sensitive measurements. A linear regulator operates for the brief periods that the switching regulator is disabled. This configuration eliminates any interference caused by switching harmonics and minimizes any inefficiencies that are inherent in the operation of the linear regulator. This configuration is particularly suitable for allowing periodic, high-sensitivity measurements in limited energy environments.

Abstract: The present invention includes a linear regulator with a Darlington bipolar output stage. The linear regulator includes a starting circuit, an output stage, and a reference voltage generator connected to a control loop. The starting circuit has output terminals connected to current sources and an input terminal connected to an input reference terminal of the linear regulator via a transistor of the PNP-type. The output stage includes two Darlington-connected transistors. The reference voltage generator supplies a voltage value approximately equal to the chosen output voltage value of the linear regulator. The control loop is configured as a voltage follower, which receives a reference voltage value from the reference voltage generator.

Abstract: The present invention system includes:

Abstract: A load control circuit having an overload circuit capable of protecting a switching element from overload conditions over a wide range of operating conditions. The overload circuit limits the maximum average power dissipation of the switching element in accordance with a comparison of an average voltage across the switching element over a half-cycle and a variable threshold. The variable threshold is determined based on an ON-state resistance of the switching element and the environment in which the switching elements are operating. The variable threshold accounts for the squared term (V2 or I2) in determining power dissipation and allows power to be determined based on average voltage.

Abstract: A method to dynamically clamp the feedback control voltage in DC-DC converters, with the purpose to limit the duty-cycle and to protect the magnetic components against saturation, over a wide range of input voltage conditions. The clamping level is function of input voltage and allows the design optimization of the magnetic components in the way of minimizing their size and is active only during transient events, when momentary open loop condition may occur.

Abstract: A driver for producing a desired pulse width modulated current through a load has a driver control for storing diagnostics codes in a diagnostic register responsive to detection of at least one electrical fault condition in a circuit including the load. A short circuit detection signal is generated in response a sensed current exceeding a programmed load current range for the driver, whereupon the driver control disables the load current and generates an interrupt signal to a microprocessor. Open circuits and shorts across the load are distinguished by way of a minimum current signal representative of a sensed current flowing through the load exceeding a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to dynamically modify the internal compensation of a low drop out linear voltage regulator is presented. The process involves using zero mobile compensation; when the output pole of the voltage regulator moves, a compensating zero is moved toward higher frequencies. This compensation zero is used to compensate the effect of a second pole in the loop gain. The circuit includes an input stage having an error amplifier. The error amplifier includes a differential stage output coupled to an output terminal of the buffer stage. An output stage of the circuit includes an output transistor having a conduction terminal connected to an output terminal of the voltage regulator, and having a control terminal coupled to the output terminal of the buffer stage. Additionally, a variable compensation network is connected between the differential stage output and a voltage reference. This variable compensation network can include an RC circuit having a resistive transistor.

Abstract: The protection circuit comprises a clamping circuit with a switching element for reducing a supply voltage in case of a failure, especially in case of an overvoltage condition, and a holding circuit for providing a holding current for said clamping circuit. With the holding current the switch-off time in case of a failure is extended which avoids therefore an immediate start-up of the power supply when the supply voltage is reduced, and which would lead to a hiccup stage. The clamping circuit comprises a threshold circuit, which provides a switching voltage for the switching element when the supply voltage reaches an upper voltage limit. The switching element is connected to a charge capacitor which provides the switching-on voltage for the switching transistor, and by reducing this supply voltage the switching of the switching transistor is disabled.

Abstract: Presented is a low-drop type of voltage regulator formed with BiCMOS/CMOS technology. The regulator includes an input terminal that receives a stable voltage reference connected to one input of an operational amplifier through a switch controlled by a power-on enable signal. A supply voltage reference powers the operational amplifier. The regulator includes an output transistor connected to an output of the amplifier to generate a regulated voltage value to be fed back to the amplifier input. A second transistor is connected in series between the output transistor and the supply voltage reference. The regulator uses a control circuit portion connected between the control terminal of the second transistor and the supply voltage reference to prevent the breakdown of the output transistor from occurring.

Abstract: A safety circuit system for a DC driven device for use with a fluid delivery system includes a first voltage potential DC power line, a second voltage potential DC power line, a controller and a safety circuit. The first voltage potential DC power line is coupled to provide a first voltage potential to the DC driven device, and the second voltage potential DC power line is coupled to provide a second voltage potential to the DC driven device such that the second voltage potential is different relative to the first potential. The controller controls at least the first voltage potential on the first voltage potential DC power line. The safety circuit has an enable state and a disable state, in which the default state is the disable state. The safety circuit is coupled to the controller, and the controller controls the safety circuit to place the safety circuit in the enable state independently of controlling the first voltage potential on the first voltage potential DC power line.

Abstract: A frequency translator is usable in a switching DC-DC converter of the type operating as a voltage regulator and as a battery charger. The frequency translator receives at inputs a division voltage (VFB) proportional to a present value of the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC-DC converter, a reference voltage (VREF) correlated to a nominal value of the output voltage (VOUT), and a limiting signal (VL) indicative of a normal operation or of current limitation operation of the DC-DC converter, and supplies at an output a bias current (IBIAS) which is supplied to an input of an oscillator supplying at an output a comparison signal (VC) presenting a periodic pattern with a frequency which is correlated to the bias current (IBIAS).

Abstract: A diode-resistor network for modifying the gain/bandwidth of the feedback loop. The feedback loop gain modifier circuit comprises two (2) diodes and a resistor coupled and parallel with a resistor in the AC feedback path of an amplifier. The diodes are connected such that one diode conducts on a voltage bus overshoot and the other diode conducts on a voltage bus undershoot. In this manner, during large step load transients, one of the gain modifier circuits diodes conducts thereby coupling the resistors in parallel resulting in a modified the gain/bandwidth of the feedback loop. In this way, the feedback gain modifier circuit does not affect the small signal feedback loop stability because it is only activated when a large transient is present.

Abstract: A constant voltage power supply includes one or more sense leads connected to a load and in a feedback control loop. The voltage at the load is fed back via the sense leads for comparison to a reference voltage in the loop to generate an error signal that adjusts the voltage output of the power supply to achieve and maintain the voltage delivered to the load constant at a desired value. The power supply further includes a continuity checking circuit for checking continuity status of the sense leads while the power supply is in a disable mode wherein it is isolated from the load. This allows any detected discontinuity to be repaired before the supply is connected to a load. The detected discontinuity informs the user that the voltage delivered to the load will not be accurately controlled because of the broken or disconnected sense lead.

Abstract: A output driving circuit having an output driving element, an overshoot protection mechanism, and an undershoot protection mechanism. When the overshoot protection mechanism senses an overshoot voltage at the output terminal of the output driving element, it raises the voltage at the control terminal of the output driving element. This serves to maintain the voltage between the output terminal and the control terminal of the output driving element within a safe range, thereby preventing overstress or damage to the element. When the undershoot protection mechanism senses an undershoot voltage at the output terminal of the output driving element, it lowers the voltage at the control terminal of the output driving element. This serves to maintain the voltage between the output terminal and the control terminal of the output driving element within a safe range, which in turn prevents overstress and damage to the element.

Abstract: A voltage overshoot protection circuit includes an integration circuit configuration. The integration circuit configuration is included in the voltage overshoot protection circuit so as to integrate excess diverted current drawn from a bus. The voltage overshoot protection circuit is adapted to be electrically coupled to the bus.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of startup modes for operating a boost type switching power supply. A linear charging mode couples the input voltage directly to the output voltage, thereby precharging the output capacitor of the switching power supply. The linear mode serves to reduce inrush battery current and limit the stress voltage on the power switching devices. A pseudo-buck mode, preferably entered into after the linear mode has precharged the output capacitor, operates the boost type switching power supply in a manner providing power to the output essentially as a buck type switching power supply would. This results in continuous charging of the output capacitor, thereby reducing startup time and increasing power efficiency. The pseudo-buck mode also enables step-down voltage generation with boost type circuitry. A pseudo-boost mode facilitates a smooth transition between the pseudo-buck and traditional boost modes.

Abstract: The highly efficient multi-frequency voltage regulating circuit is capable of converting magnetic field energy to electrical energy for charging either a battery or an energy storage device such as a capacitor. The invention provides a magnetic field sensor circuit that measures the strength of incoming magnetic field energy with respect to a reference current. The invention also provides for a programmable magnetic field detection circuit which is used to adjust the detection level of the inductor-capacitor magnetic field converter circuit. A discharge expediter circuit is provided to improve the efficiency of the magnetic field converter circuit by discharging excess energy.

Abstract: For use with a power converter having a current sensor that senses an output current of the converter and generates a proportional voltage and a controller having an overvoltage protection circuit associated therewith. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a voltage sense input coupled to an output of the converter and a first reference voltage input, an integrated protection circuit, method of providing current-limiting and short-circuit protection and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the integrated protection circuit includes an operation amplifier circuit, coupled between the current sensor and the controller, that generates a voltage signal and causes the controller to limit a current supplied by the converter to the output when the proportional voltage exceeds a second reference voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending the supply of reserved power during an interruption to power supplied by a primary power supply in an in-flight entertainment system is disclosed. The apparatus has a power supply that provides a first supply voltage and a capacitor coupled to the power supply that stores a second supply voltage. The apparatus further has a detector circuit that generates a first signal upon detection of an interruption in the first supply voltage. A control circuit coupled to the detector circuit, the capacitor and the power supply, generates a second signal in response to the first signal. A processing circuit coupled to the power supply, the capacitor and the control circuit, disables its operation in response to the second signal. The capacitor provides the second supply voltage to the control circuit in response to the interruption.

Abstract: A driver circuit for a semiconductor power switch. The driver circuit supplies a high voltage pulse to the gate of an IGBT. The driver circuit also monitors the voltage on the collector of the IGBT with respect to the emitter. If the voltage at the collector of the IGBT does not drop when the IQBT is turned on, the IGBT driver circuit detects a short circuit and triggers a linear integrator within the driver circuit. The linear integrator gently ramps down the voltage on the gate of the IGBT.

Abstract: A power supply unit has a transistor and a resistor circuit connected in series between a power source line and a reference potential point. The node between the transistor and the resistor circuit is connected to an output terminal. A capacitor is connected between the output terminal and the reference potential point. In response to the activation of a starting switch, the transistor is turned on. The power supply unit further has a delay circuit for delaying a rise in the voltage at a predetermined point in the resistor circuit, a current limiting circuit for limiting the current flowing through the transistor, and a current limiting level control circuit for controlling, in accordance with the output of the delay circuit, the level to which the current limiting circuit limits the current. Thus, output of an unduly large current is suppressed when the power supply unit is started up in response to the activation of the starting switch.

Abstract: A charging apparatus having a power supply circuit that provides a DC output current via a sense resistor. A current detector amplifies, detects and provides a voltage across the sense resistor. A controller designates the output of the current detector as a determination signal when the DC output current is equal to a preset voltage. Responsive to the determination signal, the controller generates a control signal in order to control the DC output current of the power supply circuit. More particularly, the current detector includes a first differential amplifier that amplifies and output the voltage across the sense resistor, a second differential amplifier amplifies and supplies a differential voltage between the output of the first differential amplifier and a predetermined first reference voltage, and a first output circuit responsive to the output of the second differential amplifier delivers the determination signal.

Abstract: A power-down circuit includes a power-on reset circuit that determines whether the supplied power falls below a prescribed level and, in response, outputs a reset signal for at least a prescribed period of time. A power supply latching circuit is responsive to the power-on reset circuit for switching on a power supply switching circuit to supply power from a power supply when the reset signal is not output. A power-down shutdown circuit, preferably under software control, and a power cutoff circuit, may be coupled to the power supply latching circuit, or alternatively the power-on reset circuit, for shutting down the power supplied from the power supply.

Abstract: Transient protection apparatus and circuitry that allows a circuit being protected to operate during the transient and after the transient. Two types are included, one being a blocking type for use in severe conditions when little is known about the source of the transients and protection must be provided, and the other being a shunt suppresser type for use where the impedance of the transient or other parameters known about the transient allows such use. For the blocking type, when a transient voltage is detected, a series component (Q-1) decouples prevents the transient from reaching the circuit being protected. A charge pump (A-1) is provided that powers the circuit being protected during the duration of the transient. A shunt suppressor type provides a zener threshold (Z1) detector with a power boost provided by a MOSFET or IGBT (Q-30.

Abstract: The circuit includes two regulating loops connected in parallel to each other. A slow regulating loop presents a lower first intervention threshold, and a fast regulating loop has a higher second intervention threshold. The slow regulating loop is low-gain and frequency-stable for accurately controlling the maximum value of the current supplied by the driver in the event of slow overloads or transient states. In the event of rapid overloads, the current supply increases rapidly and the fast regulating loop is turned on to rapidly discharge the parasitic capacitance of the driver.

Abstract: A circuit that monitors and disables power supply signals to a microprocessor in a computer system utilizing a main power supply and secondary voltage regulators. The circuit detects whether the voltages supplied by the secondary voltage regulators to the microprocessor fall within a predetermined range that is governed by microprocessor requirements. If a supply voltage falls outside its specified range, the circuit turns on a metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET) connected between one of the main power supply voltages and ground, effectively shorting the primary supply voltage to ground. This activates fault detection circuitry internal to the main power supply, causing the main power supply to shut down, thereby removing all power supply voltages to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path includes a hysteresis control circuit arranged to control a power supply charge-accumulation switch and an undervoltage trip-lockout circuit in parallel. More specifically, the arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for inducing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path; an energy accumulator for accumulating a magnitude of energy to cause an interruption of the circuit path; an energy accumulator control circuit controlling the magnitude of energy accumulating; a trip lock-out circuit, responsive to an insufficient magnitude of accumulated energy, for preventing an interruption of the circuit path; and a range control circuit, responsive to the current inducer circuit, for operating a power-related signal between a first level and a second level to control the energy accumulator control circuit and the trip lock-out circuit.

Abstract: An improved regulator apparatus comprises a regulation unit, in response to an operation signal, for regulating an input voltage to provide a regulated voltage to its dependent load and an overcurrent protection unit for blocking the operation of the regulation unit when a short-circuiting occurs in the load. The overcurrent protection unit includes a bypass transistor for bypassing the operation signal to the regulation unit and a diode for sensing the change in the potential level of the regulated voltage to activate the bypass transistor.

Abstract: A direct-current stabilizer includes an n-p-n transistor as a control transistor, and a control terminal to which a control voltage for driving the control transistor is applied. The value of the control voltage is determined so that a voltage applied to the base of the control transistor is not lower than the sum of the emitter voltage and the base-emitter voltage. With this structure, since the control transistor is driven by the control voltage of a value different from that of the input voltage, it is possible to limit the input voltage to a low value, allowing the difference between the input voltage and the output voltage to be minimized. Moreover, it is possible to switch the output of the direct-current stabilizer by connecting to the control terminal a transistor for switching the application of the control voltage to the control terminal between on and off. Furthermore, when the control terminal is connected to the input terminal, the control transistor is driven by the input voltage.

Abstract: A current limited linear regulator including a pass transistor 56 is provided with a shutdown circuit 64 comprised of a shutdown transistor 90, base resistor 92, and zener diode 98. When a excessive load is placed on the regulator and the current level limit is reached, the output voltage begins to drop and the voltage drop V2 across the pass transistor 56 increases. When the voltage drop V2 across the pass transistor 56 is equivalent to the sum of the zener voltage of the zener diode 98 and the emitter-base junction bias voltage of the shutdown transistor 90, the transistor 90 switches a current into bias resistor 62 that prevents the control circuit from regulating the output, causing the pass transistor to become highly resistive and shut off. The shutdown circuit holds this condition until the offending load is effectively removed. The zener diode is chosen according to the power rating of the pass transistor 56 and the predetermined current level limit.

Abstract: A heating element, such as a switching transistor, a choke coil, or the like, contained in a power supply apparatus, is arranged in such a manner as to be thermally coupled to a diode inserted in series with a power supply line. The heating element heats up in operation, causing the diode temperature to rise and thereby reducing the diode forward voltage drop.