With Threshold Detection Patents (Class 323/284)
  • Patent number: 11962294
    Abstract: A method for driving an output node includes driving a control node of an output device coupled to the output node according to an input signal and using a fixed regulated voltage and a variable regulated voltage. The method includes generating the fixed regulated voltage based on a first power supply voltage, a second power supply voltage, and a first reference voltage. The method includes generating the variable regulated voltage based on the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and a second reference voltage. The method includes generating the second reference voltage based on the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, a reference current, and a predetermined target voltage level of the control node of the output device. In an embodiment of the method, generating the second reference voltage includes periodically calibrating the second reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Onody, Tamas Marozsak
  • Patent number: 11942949
    Abstract: A signal correction circuit and a server are provided. The circuit comprises: a first signal processing component receiving an input signal and positive power supply voltages and negative power supply voltages, generating a first control voltage, and outputting a first voltage, the first voltage being zero within a first time period; a second signal processing component generating a second control voltage according to the first control voltage, performing energy storage charging according to the second control voltage, controlling an energy storage charging voltage according to the second control voltage, and outputting a second voltage, and the second voltage being zero in the second time period; and an output component performing superposition processing on the first voltage and the second voltage to obtain an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: INSPUR SUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 11926214
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising several touch-sensitive control elements that are arranged next to each other. It is provided that the control elements are able to communicate with each other via a voltage-controlled peer-to-peer line and determine when a particular control element should actively respond to touches or is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Wojciech Huwer
  • Patent number: 11923762
    Abstract: An example circuit includes a supply comparator having a supply input, a supply reference input and a supply comparator output. The supply input is coupled to a supply input terminal, and the supply reference input is configured to receive a supply reference voltage. A controller has a comparator input, a high-side output and a low-side output. The comparator input is coupled to the supply comparator output. A high-side switch having a control input. The high-side switch is coupled between the supply input and a switch output terminal, and the high-side output is coupled to the control input of the high-side switch. A low-side switch has a control input. The low-side switch is coupled between the switch output terminal and a ground terminal, and the low-side output is coupled to the control input of the low-side switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sachin Sethumadhavan, Sayantan Gupta
  • Patent number: 11916483
    Abstract: Provided is a DC/DC converter capable of providing overvoltage protection reliably without being affected by, for example, an external element connected to an output terminal. The DC/DC converter includes a comparator, an RS-FF circuit, a drive circuit, and an ON-timer circuit, and the ON-timer circuit includes: a current source circuit which provides an electric current based on a power supply voltage; a ripple generation circuit which generates a ripple voltage; an averaging circuit which averages the ripple voltage; a timer circuit which generates an ON-timer signal; and an overvoltage protection circuit (clamp circuit).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ABLIC INC.
    Inventor: Yoshiomi Shiina
  • Patent number: 11906997
    Abstract: A middle-range (mid) low dropout (LDO) voltage has both sinking and sourcing current capability. The mid LDO can provide a voltage reference in active mode and power mode for core only design to work in a Safe Operating Area (SOA). The output of mid LDO can track TO power and/or core power dynamically. The mid LDO can comprise a voltage reference generator and a power-down controller connected to an amplifier, which output is connected to a decoupling capacitor. The provision of a high ground signal allows the mid LDO provide the sinking and sourcing currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Szu-Chun Tsao, Yi-Wen Chen, Jaw-Juinn Horng
  • Patent number: 11894762
    Abstract: A direct current-direct current conversion circuit includes: an input inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a flying capacitor, a first switch, a second switch, a first inductor, a first diode, a first buffer circuit, a third switch, a fourth switch, a second inductor, a second diode, and a second buffer circuit. A power supply, the input inductor, the first diode, the second diode, the first capacitor, and the second capacitor are sequentially connected in series. A first terminal of the flying capacitor is connected between the first diode and the second diode. A second terminal of the flying capacitor is connected between the first switch and the third switch, and the second terminal of the flying capacitor is further connected between the second switch and the second inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Houjian Xu, Tiansan Lin, Fangpo Zhang
  • Patent number: 11886275
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to efficient system on chip (SoC) power delivery with adaptive voltage headroom control are described. A method for adaptively controlling voltage headroom for a system includes, in response to either a detection of a headroom violation by a per core voltage regulator headroom monitor or a detection of a voltage droop by a per core droop detector, independently throttle operating frequency of a respective core clock signal. The method further includes, in response to meeting a predetermined criterion: (1) lowering the operating frequency of the respective core clock signal, (2) monitoring headroom violation events and droop events at the lowered operating frequency, and (3) if monitored headroom violation events or monitored droop events continue to meet the predetermined criterion, changing the voltage set point associated with the motherboard voltage regulator to a second voltage set point corresponding to a higher voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Lyakhov, Piyush Abhay Hatolkar, Anant Shankar Deval, Juan Pablo Munoz Constantine
  • Patent number: 11881780
    Abstract: An electrical system includes: 1) a buck converter; 2) a battery coupled to an input of the buck converter; and 3) a load coupled to an output of the buck converter. The buck converter includes a high-side switch, a low-side switch, and regulation loop circuitry coupled to the high-side switch and the low-side switch. The regulation loop circuitry includes: 1) a main comparator; 2) a bias current source coupled to the main comparator and configured to provide a bias current to the main comparator; and 3) a dynamic biasing circuit coupled to the main comparator and configured to add a supplemental bias current to the bias current in 100% mode of the buck converter. The supplemental bias current varies depending on an input voltage (VIN) and an output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Manuel Wiersch, Gerhard Thiele, Antonio Priego, Johann Erich Bayer
  • Patent number: 11870240
    Abstract: An eFuse for use in high voltage applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a solid-state switch having source and drain terminals connected to switch a load current from a high voltage source through a high voltage load. The apparatus also includes a sense circuit that senses a voltage between the switch source and drain terminals and turns off the switch when the voltage exceeds a selected voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Motiv Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatesh Prasad Hanglur Narasimha, James Michael Castelaz
  • Patent number: 11863057
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to dynamic bandwidth control of a variable frequency modulation circuit by selective contribution of a crossover frequency tuning engine (XFTE) in response to a transient in a switching frequency. In an illustrative example, the XFTE may generate a transient control signal (Ctrans) in response to a transient in a control output signal (Cout) indicative of switching frequency and received from a feedback control circuit. The XFTE may generate Ctrans, for example, according to a predetermined relationship between a crossover frequency and the switching frequency of the modulation circuit. The feedback control circuit may, for example, generate Cout from a predetermined reference and a control input signal. Cout may, for example, correspond to a pulse-width modulated output delivered to a load through an inductor. Various embodiments may advantageously increase the effective bandwidth of the modulation circuit while maintaining desired frequency response characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor International LP
    Inventor: Chris M. Young
  • Patent number: 11848667
    Abstract: A load switch circuit includes a power transistor, the first terminal is configured to receive the power supply voltage, and the second terminal is the output terminal of the load switch circuit and is coupled with an external inductive load; a clamping module including at least a mutually coupled clamping unit and a driving unit; the clamping unit, including a voltage-current converter and a first resistor, the first resistor is coupled between the output terminal of the voltage-current converter and the second terminal of the power transistor, the output terminal of the drive unit is coupled to the control terminal of the power transistor when the difference between the power supply voltage and the output voltage of the power transistor is greater than or equal to the preset clamping threshold, and the clamping unit outputs an effective drive control signal to the driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: LEN Technology Limited
    Inventor: Song Qin
  • Patent number: 11817777
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a circuit for adapting the on time in a switching voltage converter that includes a first transistor having a current terminal coupled to an output voltage terminal and to its control terminal. A second transistor is coupled between the first transistor and a ground terminal, and has a control terminal coupled to the first transistor. A third transistor is coupled between the output voltage terminal and a capacitor, and has a third control terminal coupled to the first control terminal. A current source is configured to provide a current that varies linearly between a first value and a second value. A fourth transistor is coupled between terminals of the capacitor, and has a fourth control terminal. A comparator has a first comparator input coupled to the capacitor. A logic circuit has an input coupled to the comparator output, and an output coupled to the fourth control terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Junwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 11811298
    Abstract: A sensor circuit for a power FET monitors current flowing through the FET and includes a regulator circuit regulating a first current flowing through a sense resistance, so voltage drop at the sense resistance corresponds to voltage drop between terminals of the FET. A measurement circuit provides a second current corresponding (or being proportional) to the first current. A first switch selectively applies the second current to a resistor based on a first control signal, and a low pass filter generates a low-pass filtered signal by filtering voltage at the resistor. A voltage follower generates a replica of the low-pass filtered signal, and a second switch selectively applies the replica to the resistor. When the FET is closed, a control circuit closes the first switch and opens the second electronic switch. When the FET is opened, the control circuit opens the first electronic switch and closes the second electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefano Ramorini, Roberto Pio Baorda
  • Patent number: 11811320
    Abstract: A power conversion circuit includes a first and a second power converters for generating a first and a second driving voltages respectively. The second power converter is a switching converter. In a short-circuit detection mode, the first driving voltage is regulated to the first driving level, and the second power converter is configured to operate in a pulse frequency modulation mode to regulate the second driving voltage to a short-circuit detection level, and when a switching frequency of the second power converter exceeds a threshold frequency, a short-circuit condition between the second driving voltage and the first driving voltage is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: RICHTEK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Je-Kwang Cho
  • Patent number: 11804773
    Abstract: A dead time controller includes a phase detector, a filter circuit and an amplifying circuit. The phase detector generates a detection signal by detecting a phase difference between a first driving control signal applied to a first power transistor and a second driving control signal applied to a second power transistor, the detection signal being associated with a dead time corresponding to an overlapped deactivation interval between the first and second driving control signals. The filter circuit generates a DC voltage signal by filtering and averaging the detection signal based on a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal. The PWM signal is generated by performing a PWM on an output voltage provided at an output node coupled to a second terminal of the inductor. The amplifying circuit generates an amplified voltage signal having a voltage level proportional to the dead time by amplifying the DC voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyunseok Nam
  • Patent number: 11804834
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference regulator by use of capacitive parameters of the field-effect transistor for detecting the induced voltage and the induced current of the field-effect transistor to determine whether the operating frequency of the field-effect transistor is within the preset special management frequency of electromagnetic interference. When the basic frequency and the multiplied frequency exceed the limit, the content of the external capacitor unit can be adjusted to assist the products using field-effect transistors to maintain excellent electromagnetic interference adjustment capabilities under various loads, thereby optimizing the characteristics of electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: POTENS SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Wen Nan Huang, Ching Kuo Chen, Shiu Hui Lee, Hsiang Chi Meng, Cho Lan Peng, Chuo Chien Tsao
  • Patent number: 11799376
    Abstract: A buck-boost circuit is provided. A first terminal of a first switch is connected to an anode of an input power supply, a first terminal of a second switch is connected to an anode of an output power supply, a first terminal of a third switch and a first terminal of a first inductor are connected to a second terminal of the first switch, a first terminal of a fourth switch is connected to a second terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal of the second switch, a fifth switch is connected between the input power supply and the output power supply, and a first terminal of a first capacitor is connected to the anode of the output power supply, and a second terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the anode and a cathode of the input power supply through switches, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mengzhang Li, Yongjin Wang
  • Patent number: 11799380
    Abstract: Hybrid control of switching power converters. One example embodiment is a method including: operating the switching power converter such that a charge control switch has a conduction time in each switching cycle; and making adjustments to the conduction time, the adjustments dominated by voltage-mode control when the switching power supply is in a first operational state, and the adjustments dominated by current-mode control when the switching power supply is in a second operational state distinct from the first operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sangcheol Moon, Dongjin Park, Jihoon Jang
  • Patent number: 11787043
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot including a robot arm, a motor that drives the robot arm by electric power supplied from a battery, a motor drive circuit that controls driving of the motor, and a voltage conversion unit that converts and outputs a voltage output by the battery to the motor drive circuit, and a vehicle for mounting robot having a movement mechanism and a coupling unit to which the robot is coupled, and moving the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 11791709
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a first transistor including a first drain terminal, a first gate terminal and a first source terminal, a depletion-mode transistor including a second drain terminal, a second gate terminal and a second source terminal, the second drain terminal connected to the first drain terminal, the depletion-mode transistor arranged to sense a first voltage at the first drain terminal and generate a second voltage at the second source terminal, and a comparator arranged to receive the second voltage, and transition the first transistor from an on state to an off state in response to the first transistor entering its saturation region of operation. In one aspect, the first transistor includes gallium nitride (GaN). In another aspect, the circuit further includes a logic circuit arranged to receive an output voltage generated by the comparator and to drive the first gate terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Navitas Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Marco Giandalia, Jason Zhang, Hongwei Jia, Daniel M. Kinzer
  • Patent number: 11777394
    Abstract: A control method improves the efficiency profile of a power supply across a wide range of output loading. The method includes obtaining a measure of output power for a power supply, which includes one or more output modules and an auxiliary power supply. The method determines whether a maximum power rating of the auxiliary power supply is sufficient to provide the measure of output power. Responsive to a determination that the maximum power rating of the auxiliary power supply is sufficient to provide the measure of output power, the controller of the power supply directs the auxiliary power supply to provide the output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiqun Zhu, Sung Kee Baek, Joel Goergen, Doug Paul Arduini, Ruqi Li
  • Patent number: 11777396
    Abstract: A single-stage battery charging system includes a hybrid converter comprising a plurality of first power switches connected in series, an inductor and a first flying capacitor, wherein the inductor is connected to a midpoint of the plurality of first power switches, a switched capacitor converter comprising a plurality of second power switches connected in series, and a second flying capacitor, and an isolation switch coupled between the midpoint of the plurality of first power switches and a midpoint of the plurality of second power switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Halo Microelectronics International
    Inventor: Rui Liu
  • Patent number: 11757358
    Abstract: In an example, a method includes storing a pending PWM pulse for a switching voltage regulator. The method also includes determining a switching voltage regulator is operating in a current limit mode, where an inductor current is above a current limit threshold. The method includes providing a predetermined number of PWM pulses in the current limit mode. The method also includes, responsive to providing the predetermined number of PWM pulses, ceasing storage of pending PWM pulses for the switching voltage regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Naman Bafna, Preetam Charan Anand Tadeparthy, Ammineni Balaji, Sreelakshmi Suresh, Mayank Jain
  • Patent number: 11757343
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a soft start manager such as implemented via hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The soft start manager receives input parameter from a power supply; the input parameter (such as output voltage, duty cycle, input voltage, etc.) is associated with conversion of the input voltage into an output voltage that powers a load. The soft start manager monitors a magnitude of the input parameter. Based at least in part on the magnitude of the input parameter, the soft start manager controls a switching period applied to switch circuitry in the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: David Lewis, Benjamim Tang, Venkat Sreenivas
  • Patent number: 11757283
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for providing current from a DC power supply to pulsed loads in an array. The array comprises at least two electronic units. Each electronic unit comprises a regulator connected to an energy storage, to a pulsed load and to a charge control unit. The charge control unit is arranged to control the supply of DC current to the pulsed load connected to the electronic unit. The method comprises: selecting a pulse load pattern for the pulsed loads, selecting a charge control sequence by a control system connected to the electronic units and the DC power supply, starting the selected charge control sequence, starting the pulse load pattern, providing DC current from the DC power supply to each electronic unit at different times according to the selected charge control sequence set by the charge control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Valter Nilsson, Theodor Hassiakis, Ola Bååth
  • Patent number: 11750095
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a voltage converter includes: a first transistor coupled between a first rail configured to receive a supply voltage and a first node; and an inductance coupled between the first node and a second node configured to deliver an output voltage, wherein, at each operating cycle of the converter, the first transistor is maintained in the on state for a first time period proportional to the inverse of a voltage difference between the supply voltage and the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Helene Esch, Mathilde Sie, David Chesneau, Eric Feltrin
  • Patent number: 11750078
    Abstract: A converter system includes a first switch and a controller configured to switch the first switch between first and second states based on input and output voltages of the converter system, wherein the controller includes: a timer unit including a first timer configured to determine a first duration based on a target switching frequency of the converter system, and a second timer configured to determine a second duration based on a predetermined duration equal to or greater than a minimum duration of the first state of the first switch and the input and output voltages; and a control logic unit, configured to switch the first switch from the second state to the first state upon expiration of both the first and second durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wei Zhao, Jianzhang Xie
  • Patent number: 11742836
    Abstract: The semiconductor device comprises a first ring oscillator and a second ring oscillator. An input of the first ring oscillator is an end output of the first ring oscillator and an output of the second ring oscillator and wherein an input of the second ring oscillator is an end output of the second ring oscillator and an output of the first ring oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Carl Radens
  • Patent number: 11742765
    Abstract: A method for determining a scheme for converting power in every power conversion control period and converting power according to the determined scheme may comprise the steps of: calculating average power in a transformer inductor at the time of power conversion according to an SPWM scheme in a control period; calculating average power in the transformer inductor at the time of power conversion according to a DPWM scheme in a control period; and converting power according to a scheme by means of which the calculated average power of the transformer inductor is greater. Here, in the step of calculating the average power in the transformer inductor at the time of power conversion according to the DPWM scheme, it is possible to select a DPWM scheme with the maximum duty in a step-up or step-down condition given in the control period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: HYOSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byung Hwan Jeong, Hae Won Seo, Byeng Joo Byen, Hyun Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 11742759
    Abstract: A voltage converter system includes a switch adapted to be coupled to an inductor, and configured to switch between first and second states responsive to a control signal. Calibration circuitry is configured to generate a calibration signal, including setting the calibration signal to a particular value for a particular time responsive to a transient from a first load condition of the voltage converter system to a second load condition of the voltage converter system. Control circuitry is coupled to the calibration circuitry and configured to generate the control signal based on a combination of a feedback voltage, a reference voltage, the calibration signal, and a periodic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Junjie Mai, Weibing Jing, Jian Guo
  • Patent number: 11736018
    Abstract: An embodiment electronic device includes a first circuit including first and second transistors series-coupled between a node of application of a power supply voltage and a node of application of a reference voltage, the first and second transistors being coupled to each other by a first node, and a second circuit, configured to compare a first voltage on the first node with first and second voltage thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventors: Sebastien Ortet, Didier Davino
  • Patent number: 11736019
    Abstract: A signal generation circuit includes: a capacitor charged and discharged by a current proportional to an input voltage; a switch controlling charging and discharging of the capacitor based on an output signal of a comparator that compares a feedback voltage according to an output voltage and a predetermined first reference voltage; a reference voltage generation unit generating a second reference voltage that is generated by adding an offset voltage proportional to the input voltage to an output proportional voltage proportional to the output voltage; and a comparator comparing a terminal voltage of the capacitor and the second reference voltage, and generates an ON-time signal based on an output signal of the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki Otsuka, Naoto Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11728722
    Abstract: A control circuit for a power converter comprising switching transistors and an output inductor is disclosed. One terminal of the output inductor serves as an output node, and another terminal of the output inductor serves as a switching node. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling switching transistors in the power converter. The control circuit includes: a RC oscillator network connected to two terminals of the output inductor, the RC oscillator network configured to generate an oscillation signal containing a feedback ramp slope compensation component in response to a change in a voltage across the terminals of the output inductor; a comparator; an on-time generation circuit; and a control signal generation circuit to generate the control signal for controlling the switching transistors in the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI BRIGHT POWER SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shungen Sun, Hanfei Yang
  • Patent number: 11722053
    Abstract: A method is provided for driving a half bridge circuit that includes a first transistor and a second transistor that are switched in a complementary manner. The method includes generating an off-current during a plurality of turn-off switching events to control a gate voltage of the second transistor; measuring a transistor parameter of the second transistor during a first turn-off switching event during which the second transistor is transitioned to an off state, wherein the transistor parameter is indicative of an oscillation at the first transistor during a corresponding turn-on switching event during which the first transistor is transitioned to an on state; and activating a portion of the off-current for the second turn-off switching event, including regulating an interval length of the second portion for the second turn-off switching event based on the measured transistor parameter measured during the first turn-off switching event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann Groiss, Emanuele Bodano
  • Patent number: 11716013
    Abstract: A Buck-Boost converter includes an input node to receive a supply voltage and a supply current, an output node, an inductor, capacitors including a load capacitor and a helper capacitor, and transistors to configure the Buck-Boost converter to: when the supply voltage is turning ON, operate in a Buck mode to (a) in a first cycle, use the supply current to charge the capacitors and an inductor magnetic field, and (b) in a second cycle, without using the supply current, discharge the inductor and the capacitors through the output node, to limit an inrush current; and when the supply voltage is turning OFF, operate in a Boost mode to (c) in a third cycle, cause the helper capacitor, but not the load capacitor, to charge the magnetic field, and (d) in a fourth cycle, discharge the inductor, and the capacitors, through the output node, to extend a voltage hold-up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Chien Heng Lin
  • Patent number: 11699914
    Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply able to discharge power to a load for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; a connector able to be electrically connected to an external power supply; a control device configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power supply or configured to be able to convert power which is input from the connector into charging power for the power supply; and a zener diode provided between the connector and the control device so as to be connected in parallel with the control device. A maximum value of zener voltage of the zener diode is lower than a maximum operation guarantee voltage of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventor: Takeshi Akao
  • Patent number: 11695340
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device, which includes a direct voltage to direct voltage converter, and a controller that receives first current information, second current information, an input voltage, and a feedback voltage from the direct voltage to direct voltage converter, controls the direct voltage to direct voltage converter based on the input voltage in one of a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode, controls the direct voltage to direct voltage converter based on the first current information and an output voltage such that buck conversion is performed in the first mode and the second mode, and controls the direct voltage to direct voltage converter based on the second current information and the output voltage such that boost conversion is performed in the second mode and the third mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Chan Lee, Dongho Shin, Chang Seok Chae
  • Patent number: 11687107
    Abstract: This application relates to voltage regulators and, particular, to low-dropout regulators (LDOs). The regulator (300) has an output stage (102) which receives an input voltage (Vin) and outputs an output voltage (Vout) and which includes at least one transistor (103) as an output device configured to pass an output current to the output, based on a drive voltage (V1). A differential amplifier (101) is configured to receive a feedback signal derived from the output voltage and also a reference voltage (REF) to generate an amplifier output to control the drive voltage (V1) to minimise any difference between the feedback signal and the reference voltage. A controller (301) is operable to selectively reconfigure the output stage to provide a change in output current in response to a load activity signal (ACT), which is indicative of a change in load activity that results in a change in load current demand for a load connected, in use, to the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Melanson, John P. Lesso
  • Patent number: 11682969
    Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit includes a high side (HS) transistor having a control input and a low side (LS) transistor having a control input. The LS transistor is coupled to the HS transistor at a switching terminal. A comparator has first and second inputs and an output. A first resistor is coupled to the switching terminal. A second resistor is coupled between the first resistor and the second input of the comparator. A capacitor is coupled between a second resistor terminal of the second resistor and ground. A switch has first and second switch terminals and a control input. The first switch terminal is coupled to the first resistor terminal of the second resistor, and the second switch terminal is coupled to the second resistor terminal. A delay circuit has an input and an output. The output of the delay circuit is coupled to the control input of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Liang Zhang, Guoyang Wu, Weibing Jing, Dan Li
  • Patent number: 11677324
    Abstract: A converter system includes a switch adapted to be coupled to an inductor, and configured to switch between first and second states responsive to a loop control signal. Calibration circuitry is configured to operate in first and second control modes, provide a calibration voltage in the first control mode, and store the calibration voltage in the second control mode. In a first instance of the first control mode, the calibration voltage is based on a difference between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage. In a second instance of the first control mode, the calibration voltage is the stored calibration voltage from the second control mode. A comparator is coupled to the switch and the calibration unit, and is configured to provide the loop control signal based on a combination of at least the feedback voltage, the reference voltage, the calibration voltage, and a periodic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Biao Chen, Jiancong Ruan, Runqin Tan
  • Patent number: 11671001
    Abstract: A voltage converter includes a converting circuit having an inductor connected to a switching node, a first switch element connected between the switching node and a ground voltage, and a second switch element connected between the switching node and an output node; and a switching control circuit configured to adjust a feedback voltage divided from an output voltage of the output node based on a current state of the inductor, and configured to generate switching control signals for charging the inductor with an input voltage and discharging a voltage charged in the inductor, based on a sensing signal based on a current of the inductor and the adjusted feedback voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronios Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dam Yun, Haneul Kim, Dongwoo Baek, Jehyung Yoon, Sangik Cho
  • Patent number: 11658569
    Abstract: A method of implementing a load line in a power converter includes: adjusting a target voltage used to regulate an output voltage of the power converter, based on sensed load current information that has delay between updates; and responsive to detecting a load current transient and before the next update to the sensed load current information becomes available, adjusting the target voltage based on blind load current information. A corresponding controller, power converter and electronic system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventors: Keng Chen, Charles Amirault, James Garret
  • Patent number: 11644853
    Abstract: A technique for adjusting a power supply for a device is provided. The technique includes detecting a low-power trigger for a device; switching a power supply for the device from a high-power power supply to a low-power power supply; detecting a high-power trigger for a device; and switching a power supply for the device from the low-power power supply to the high-power power supply, wherein the high-power power supply consumes a larger amount of power than the low-power power supply, and wherein the high-power power supply provides a greater amount of noise reducing and a greater tolerance to temperature differences than the low-power power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonu Arora, Michael Arn Nix, Moises E. Robinson, Xiaojie He
  • Patent number: 11637490
    Abstract: In some examples, a device for controlling a transistor in a power converter system includes a first circuit configured to generate an error current based on a difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal, where the feedback signal depends on an output voltage of the power converter system. The device also includes a frequency generator configured to generate an activation signal based on the difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal. The device further includes a pedestal circuit configured to define a peak current threshold for the transistor based on an offset value. The device also includes a logic circuit configured to activate the transistor based on the activation signal and deactivate the transistor when a current sense signal reaches the defined peak current threshold, where the current sense signal is representative of a power current conducted by the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Marco Flaibani, Davide Dal Bianco, Giuseppe Loccia, Tommaso Pieretti, Winand Van Sloten
  • Patent number: 11637438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of battery powered electrical appliances or personal hygiene, in particular to a hair removal device such as an electric shaver or epilator as well as an electric toothbrush. A control device for a battery powered electrical appliance for personal hygiene is described, wherein the control device is adapted to cause the battery powered electrical appliance to perform automated contact fritting of a battery contact by controlling the battery powered electrical appliance such that a current pulse exceeding a wetting threshold is applied across the battery contact during a standby period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hermann, Torsten Klemm, Andreas Erndt
  • Patent number: 11632047
    Abstract: A convenient electronic circuit in which a switch is able to be switched through electric power obtained using weak radio waves is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: SEIKO GROUP CORPORATION, ABLIC INC.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Yoshida, Noboru Kawai, Fumiyasu Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 11630133
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a voltage fluctuation detection circuit, which includes a rising edge trigger circuit and a detection and output circuit connected to an output terminal of the rising edge trigger circuit. When a change of the operating voltage within a preset clock period is greater than a preset bias voltage, an output signal of the output terminal undergoes at least one target flip between a high level and a low level. When the output signal of the rising edge trigger circuit always undergoes the target flips in N consecutive preset clock periods, and the operating voltage is always not less than a starting threshold value in each target flip of all the target flips in the N consecutive clock periods, the detection and output circuit generates an first signal, where N is a natural number not less than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hypower Microelectronics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ning Zhu
  • Patent number: 11632045
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a current loop controller configured to control a boost converter, including: an amplifier configured to scale a measured current; a subtractor configured to subtract the scaled measured current from a desired current and to output an error signal; a controller including an integral part and a proportional part configured to produce a control signal based upon the difference signal and a gain value, wherein the gain value is based upon a measured value tps, wherein tps is the on-time plus the secondary time of the boost converter; and a switch signal generator configured to produce a gate signal based upon the control signal, wherein the gate signal controls the boost converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hinderikus Maria Langeslag, Remco Twelkemeijer
  • Patent number: 11621637
    Abstract: A control circuit of a power converter includes a sensing circuit, a ramp signal generator, an error amplifier, a comparator and a PWM circuit. The sensing circuit, coupled to a first output circuit, provides a current sensing signal. The ramp signal generator, coupled to the sensing circuit, receives the current sensing signal to provide a ramp signal. The error amplifier receives a reference voltage and an output feedback voltage of the power converter to provide an error amplification signal. The comparator, coupled to the ramp signal generator and the error amplifier, provides a control signal according to the ramp signal and the error amplification signal. The PWM circuit, coupled between the comparator and the first output circuit, receives the control signal and provides a PWM signal to control the first output circuit. The ramp signal generator adjusts a slope of the ramp signal according to the current sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: UPI SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventor: Wei-Hsiu Hung