With Ramp Generator Or Controlled Capacitor Charging Patents (Class 323/288)
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Patent number: 8604757Abstract: A DC/DC power conversion apparatus includes a reactor connected to a DC power supply and a DC voltage conversion section connected to the reactor. The DC voltage conversion section includes a plurality of switching devices, a charge-discharge capacitor which is charged or discharged by ON/OFF operations of the switching devices, a plurality of diodes which provide a charging route and a discharging route for the charge-discharge capacitor. The DC/DC power conversion apparatus also includes a smoothing capacitor on an output side, which is connected to the DC voltage conversion section and including a plurality of voltage division capacitors connected in series to each other, and a switching device for voltage equalization provided on a connection line provided between the negative terminal of the charge-discharge capacitor and a connection point between the voltage division capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Okuda, Hiroshi Ito
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Patent number: 8593128Abstract: Another embodiment includes a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator includes a series switch element connected between a first voltage supply and a common node, the series switch element comprising an NMOS series switching transistor, a shunt switch element connected between the common node and a second voltage supply, the shunt switch element comprising an NMOS shunt switching transistor. The voltage regulator further includes means for closing the series switch element during a first period by applying a switching gate voltage to a gate of the NMOS series switch transistor of the series switch element, wherein the switching gate voltage has a voltage potential of at least a threshold voltage greater than a voltage potential of the common node, means for closing the shunt switch element during a second period, the shunt switch element comprising an NMOS shunt switching transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: R2 Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Burns, David Fisher
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Patent number: 8593124Abstract: A switching power source apparatus includes a high-side MOSFET 11, a ramp generator 18 to generate a ramp signal, an amplitude signal generator (second feedback controller 2) to generate an amplitude signal Comp corresponding to an amplitude of the ramp signal, and a first feedback controller 1 to control the ON timing of the high-side MOSFET 11 according to the ramp signal, a feedback signal FB, and a first reference voltage REF and control the ON width of the high-side MOSFET 11 according to the amplitude signal Comp. The ramp generator 18 controls the inclination of the ramp signal so that the ramp signal maintains a predetermined amplitude. The first feedback controller 1 controls the ON width of the high-side MOSFET 11 so that the ON width does not become narrower than a predetermined limit value.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaru Nakamura
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Patent number: 8593126Abstract: A power supply device that includes a switch circuit to which an input voltage is supplied, a coil coupled between the switch circuit and an output terminal from which an output voltage is outputted. A voltage adding circuit adds a slope voltage to a reference voltage. A control unit compares a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage and the reference voltage and switches the switch circuit at a timing corresponding to a comparison result of the feedback voltage and the reference voltage. A slope adjustment circuit differentiates a current flowing in the coil and adjusts a slope amount of the slope based on a differentiation result of the current.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Shinichiro Suga, Kenta Ido, Tomohiro Suzuki, Hiroaki Sumiya, Katsuyuki Yasukouchi, Takahiro Yoshino
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Patent number: 8593841Abstract: A compensation circuit and method for constant current regulation of switching mode power supply are disclosed. The ringing waveform of a feedback signal, indicative of the output current of the power supply, causes error. To eliminate the error, a current source charges a capacitor in response to a demagnetizing oscillation signal indicative of the error caused by the ringing waveform of the feedback signal. The voltage across the capacitor is compared to a reference signal to generate a more accurate signal indicative of the conductive time of a secondary diode in a secondary winding of the switching mode power supply. This more accurate signal is inputted to a logic circuit to generate a constant current control signal to control a power switch of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Siran Wang, Yuancheng Ren, Junming Zhang, En Li
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Patent number: 8587285Abstract: A power regulator includes an output terminal, which outputs an output voltage, and a converter unit including a switch circuit, which is supplied with an input voltage, and a coil, which is coupled between the switch circuit and the output terminal. A control circuit compares a feedback voltage, which is in accordance with the output voltage, and a reference voltage and controls the switch circuit in response to a switching timing that is in accordance with the comparison result. The control circuit includes a voltage adding circuit, which adds a ramp voltage to the feedback voltage or the reference voltage, and a timing adjustment circuit, which is coupled to the voltage adding circuit to delay a timing for adding the ramp voltage with the voltage adding circuit from a switching timing of the switch circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Toru Miyamae
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Patent number: 8587269Abstract: A DC-DC voltage converter having a switching stage including high- and low-side switches connected in series at a switched node across a DC voltage bus; a control circuit; and a feedback loop connected between an output of the switching stage and an input of the control circuit, the control circuit having a clock signal input and including an error processing circuit coupled to the input for detecting an output of the feedback loop, the control circuit turning OFF the low-side switch and turning ON the high-side switch when the clock signal is detected. The control circuit operates in a cycle-by-cycle operation generating PWM modulation synchronous to the external clock source.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: International Rectifier CorporationInventor: Maurizio Salato
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Patent number: 8587275Abstract: Circuitry and method for providing a signal indicative of instances of conduction of average inductor current in a DC-to-DC voltage converter. Such signal identifies a time when the instantaneous average current being conducted by the inductor in a DC-to-DC voltage converter can be measured by providing a signal edge approximately halfway through one of the increasing and decreasing current conduction intervals of the inductor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Faruk Jose Nome Silva, Karen Chan
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Publication number: 20130285635Abstract: There is provided a power supply circuit. A switching regulator is configured to drop a battery voltage to a first specific voltage. A series regulator includes a switching element and a capacitor connected at an output stage of the switching element. The series regulator is configured to drop the first specific voltage to a second specific voltage and output the second specific voltage. A control circuit is configured to adjust an amount of electric charge to be accumulated in the capacitor according to a voltage value of the first specific voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventor: Yuichiro SHIMIZU
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Patent number: 8570021Abstract: A DC/DC converter includes a first comparator configured to compare an output voltage to a reference voltage; a pulse generator circuit configured to generate a pulse signal when triggered by an output signal from the first comparator; a first switch circuit configured to open and close on the basis of the pulse signal; an output voltage generator configured to generate the output voltage on the basis of an input voltage supplied via the first switch circuit; a delay generator circuit configured to delay the output signal from the first comparator before outputting; and an error amplifier configured to control a delay time of the delay generator circuit on the basis of a potential difference between the output voltage and the reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Spansion LLCInventor: Takahiro Yoshino
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Patent number: 8570016Abstract: A duty cycle generator for generating a duty cycle signal to a power converter is disclosed. The duty cycle generator includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a signal protection unit including an input terminal coupled to the duty cycle signal for generating a break pulse to generate a protected duty cycle signal, a comparator for comparing a triangle-wave signal with a comparison signal to generate a comparison result, a NOR gate for generating a reset signal according to the comparison result and the protected duty cycle signal, an SR-latch for outputting a turn-on signal according to the clock signal and the reset signal, and an AND gate for generating the duty cycle signal according to the inverted clock signal and the turn-on signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Anpec Electronics CorporationInventors: Yueh-Lung Kuo, Chih-Yuan Chen
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Patent number: 8570019Abstract: A switching power source apparatus includes a high-side MOSFET 11 connected to an input voltage, a ramp signal generator 18 to generate a ramp signal in synchronization with a switching frequency of the high-side MOSFET 11, an amplitude signal generator to generate an amplitude signal Comp corresponding to an amplitude of the ramp signal, a superposing circuit 3 to generate a second ramp signal having a positive inclination corresponding to the amplitude and frequency of the ramp signal and provide a superposed signal by superposing the second ramp signal on a first reference voltage, a controller 1 to control the ON timing and ON width of the high-side MOSFET 11, and a sudden heavy load detector 23 to detect if light load changes to heavy load, and if detects such a change, widen the ON width of the high-side MOSFET 11.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaru Nakamura
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Patent number: 8564272Abstract: Various circuits, including DC/DC converters can include an integrated soft-start circuit. The integrated soft-start circuit includes a PMOS transistor configured to receive a reference signal and control the current to a bipolar junction transistor when the reference signal is in a first state. First and second NMOS transistors are included in the soft-start circuit, and receive the reference signal to turn off (to release from reset) when the reference signal is in the first state. A capacitor coupled in parallel with one of the NMOS transistors controls the soft-start signal. Various different transistors types can be used depending on the desired implementation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Integrated Memory Logic, Inc.Inventors: Ding Hsu Yen, Wei Zhang, Henry H. Yuan
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Patent number: 8558523Abstract: A method of operating a regulator controller IC for performing intermittent diode braking for controlling a multiple phase voltage regulator. The method includes receiving at least one signal for detecting repetitive load transients, determining a rate of the repetitive load transients, generating diode braking control signals, each for applying diode braking to a corresponding one of multiple phases for at least one load transient when the repetitive load transients are below a first rate, and controlling the diode braking control signals to drop application of diode braking of at least one phase for at least one load transient when the repetitive load transients are at least the first rate. The method may include rotating the application of diode braking among the phases during successive applications of diode braking. The method may include dropping an increased number of phases for diode braking as the rate of repetitive load transients is increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Weihong Qiu, Chun Cheung, Faisal Ahmad
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Patent number: 8552705Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC to DC converter system (100), which comprises converter means (110) and control means (120). The switching sequence of the first, second and third switching means (S1, S2, S3) is controlled by the control means (120) in such a manner that, during the on-time of the second switching device (S2), the first current (II) that flows through the inductive storage element (L) of the converter means (110) can be indirectly measured through the first voltage (VC1) across the capacitive storage element (C1), which is being charged with a second current (12) proportional to the input voltage (Vin) of the converter means (110) and provided by the current source (CS). Thus, the on-time of the second switching means (S2) varies inversely proportional to the input voltage (Vin).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: ST-Ericsson SAInventor: Henricus Cornelis Johannes Buthker
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Patent number: 8552706Abstract: DC-DC voltage converter structures and methods are provided that employ first and second transistors which are switched to control currents through an inductor and a capacitor to thereby provide an output voltage substantially equal to a predetermined reference voltage. Preferably included is a voltage feedback loop in which an error voltage is fed back to a loop comparator and further included is a current feedback loop that provides to the comparator a first voltage ramp whose amplitude is proportional to the amplitude of the converter's input current. The output signal of the comparator sets the duty cycles of the first and second transistors. In each converter period, the first and second transistors of the voltage converter respectively control, through the inductor, a first current with a rising slope and a second current with a falling slope. Finally, converter stability is enhanced by providing a second voltage ramp having a slope related to a fraction (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Guoming Wu
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Patent number: 8541999Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that implements a switched-capacitor power converter which is configured to actively control power loss while converting an input voltage to an output voltage. This system includes one or more switched-capacitor blocks (SCBs), wherein each SCB includes a first capacitor and a set of switching devices configured to couple a constant-potential terminal and a time-varying-potential terminal of the first capacitor between the input voltage, the output voltage and a reference voltage. The system also includes a clocking circuit which produces gate drive signals for switching transistors in the one or more SCBs. The system additionally includes a controller configured to actively control the gate drive signals from the clocking circuit to substantially minimize the power loss for the switched-capacitor power converter.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: William C. Athas, Thomas C. Greening
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Patent number: 8541993Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of DC-DC converters, especially in valley current mode. The DC-DC converter is operable so that a low side supply switch may be turned off, before the high side supply switch is turned on. During the period when both switches are off the current loop control remains active and the change in inductor (L) current is emulated. One embodiment uses a current sensor for lossless current sensing and emulates the change in inductor current by holding the value of the output of the current sensor (ISNS) at the time that the low side switch turns off and adding an emulated ramp signal (VISLP) until the inductor current reaches zero. Embodiment employing a pulse-skip mode of operation based on a minimum conduction time are also disclosed. The invention enables a seamless transition from Continuous Conduction Mode the Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Pulse Skipping and provide converters that are efficient at low current loads.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plcInventors: Andrew Notman, Mark McCloy-Stevens, Douglas James Wallace MacFarlane, Holger Haiplik
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Patent number: 8536848Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for controlling a pulse width modulator (PMW) converter for direct AC/AC conversion and/or AC voltage regulation. According to some embodiments of the invention, an output voltage may be provided, independent of the input voltage quality, thereby avoiding or minimizing power company irregularities, brownouts and the like. Embodiments of the present invention may be useful, for example, for use in connection with motors and motored devices or other applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Power Offer Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Ofer Zilberberg
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Patent number: 8519693Abstract: A control circuit includes a drive signal generator controlling switching of a power switch to regulate a flow of energy to one or more loads coupled to a power converter output. A regulator circuit charges a capacitor to a first voltage and stops charging the capacitor if an energy requirement of the one or more loads falls below a threshold. The regulator again charges the capacitor after the capacitor is discharged from the first voltage to a second voltage. An unregulated dormant mode control circuit renders dormant the drive signal generator and the regulator circuit while the capacitor is discharged from the first voltage to the second voltage causing the regulation of the flow of energy to the power converter output to cease. The drive signal generator and the regulator circuit are powered up after the capacitor is discharged from the first voltage to the second voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventor: David Michael Hugh Matthews
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Patent number: 8519686Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for soft start of a direct current (DC) link capacitor of a DC power distribution system includes a power input connected to a DC power source of the DC power distribution system; a plurality of power switches arranged in parallel, the plurality of power switches being connected to a power output of the SSPC, the power output being connected to the DC link capacitor; and an SSPC controller configured to: pulse width modulate the plurality of power switches with a phase-shifted sequence in a current limiting mode; determine whether soft start is complete; and in response to determining that the soft start is complete, turn on the plurality of switches at a maximum gate-source voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Joshua C. Swenson, Vietson M. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8519692Abstract: An output voltage of a voltage regulator is set to within a prescribed voltage range in a short time. The voltage regulator comprises: an amplifier (AMP) that amplifies a difference between a reference voltage and a voltage proportional to an output voltage; an NMOS transistor (MN1) that has a control terminal connected to an output terminal of the amplifier (AMP) and that drops a power supply voltage to output an output voltage; a first capacitive element (C1) that has a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the amplifier (AMP) and a second terminal connected to ground; a second capacitive element (C2) that has a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the amplifier (AMP); and a control circuit (11) that, subsequent to supply of the power supply voltage, controls operation activation of the amplifier (AMP) and also supplies a drive signal to a second terminal of the second capacitive element (C2).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Shingo Nakashima
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Patent number: 8513936Abstract: A switching power supply circuit includes: a comparator for comparing a reference voltage, which is an output signal of a reference voltage generation circuit, with a feedback voltage, and outputting a set signal when a difference between the reference voltage and the feedback voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold value; an ON-time generation circuit for generating an ON-time signal for defining a period of time during which a switching element is kept ON; and a flip-flop circuit which turns on or off the switching element by the set signal and turns off or on the switching element by the ON-time signal. The reference voltage generation circuit has a first reference power supply for generating a first reference voltage, a second reference power supply for generating a second reference voltage, a capacitor, a resistor, and switch means.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Torex Semiconductor Ltd.Inventor: Norimasa Hane
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Patent number: 8513928Abstract: A bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter is particularly well suited for applications where multiple bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converters are connected in parallel to a common battery. Multiple bidirectional DC-DC converters, as disclosed, may be connected in parallel to a common battery and, at least in boost mode, substantially no current circulates between the parallel connected bidirectional DC-DC converters.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Eric Mikael Tötterman, Esa Kai Paatero
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Patent number: 8513935Abstract: A single replica current is proportional to current through a main switch of a switching power converter. This replica current may be used for current compensation, detection and response to an overload, detection and response to a super-overload, and combinations thereof. An input voltage is switchably coupled to an output signal generating a load current responsive to a switch control. A replica switch generates a replica current proportional to the load current. A ramp modulation signal may be generated. A voltage ramp of the ramp modulation signal may be adjusted in response to the replica current. A feedback difference signal is compared to the ramp modulation signal to generate a comparison output. Comparison of an overload reference voltage to a replica voltage proportional to the replica current generates an overload signal. The switch control is generated responsive to the comparison output and may be modified responsive to the overload signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventor: A. Paul Brokaw
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Publication number: 20130207633Abstract: Provided is a switching regulator including a circuit for detecting a short-circuit state easily and reliably, without the need of an adjustment step such as trimming. In accordance with a drive signal of a power switching element of the switching regulator, a discharge circuit is controlled. When the power switching element is short-circuited and becomes the ON state all the time, the discharge circuit stops its operation, and a capacitor is continuously charged. A voltage detection circuit detects that a charge voltage of the capacitor has reached a predetermined potential, to thereby detect the short-circuit state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.Inventor: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
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Publication number: 20130207632Abstract: An improved DC-DC power converter employs a feed-forward circuit to improve the response of the output voltage to transient signals on the input voltage. A portion of the input voltage generated by the feed-forward circuit is combined with either the sense voltage or the set point reference to offset one of the voltages applied to the PWM circuit comparator. The feed-forward circuit essentially bypasses the PWM feedback loop to quickly pre-compensate for the input transient and allow the output voltage to settle rapidly at a new operating point. The feed-forward circuit can be implemented with a resistive voltage divider network connected to the input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Gurjit Singh THANDI, Harry Hui
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Patent number: 8508195Abstract: A PFC converter that prevents and reduces switching losses by controlling ripple of inductor current and enables application for high power usage, includes a switching device that is turned off when an inductor current flowing through an inductor reaches a first threshold value, and turned on when the inductor current reaches a second threshold value. A switching control circuit sets a reference value of the inductor current using results from an input voltage detection circuit and an output voltage detection circuit. The first threshold value is produced by adding a predetermined value to the reference value, and the second threshold value is produced by subtracting the predetermined value from the reference value.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Uno
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Patent number: 8508963Abstract: In a step-down switching regulator, a switching element is a high-voltage NMOS transistor, turned on and off based on a control signal generated by a controller, and charges an inductor with an input voltage input to an input terminal. A first drive circuit is a low-voltage MOS transistor and turns on and off the switching element based on the control signal. A voltage generator generates a predetermined first power supply voltage not greater than a withstand voltage of the low-voltage MOS transistor. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the first drive circuit and stores charge from the voltage generator to supply power to the first drive circuit. One end of the capacitor is connected to a junction node between the switching element and the inductor, and the other end of the capacitor is supplied with the first power supply voltage generated by the voltage generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Shohtaroh Sohma
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Publication number: 20130200873Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a soft-start function with auto-disable are described. Such methods and apparatuses can gradually increase a voltage towards a reference voltage using a ramp generator and a control loop and can disable the ramp generator and the control loop once the voltage has reached the reference voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: Gary Chunshien Wu
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Publication number: 20130200871Abstract: A high voltage waveform is generated that is similar to a low voltage input waveform. The high voltage waveform is a series of pulses that are applied directly to the device. An error signal controls the frequency, magnitude, and duration of the pulses. A feedback signal derived from the high voltage waveform is compared with the input waveform to produce the error signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: ROGERS CORPORATIONInventor: Rogers Corporation
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Patent number: 8502511Abstract: The present invention discloses a buck switching regulator including a power stage, a driver circuit and a bootstrap capacitor. The power stage includes an upper-gate switch, a first lower-gate switch and a second lower-gate switch. The first upper-gate switch is electrically connected between an input terminal and a switching node. The first lower-gate switch is connected in parallel with the second lower-gate switch, both of which are electrically connected between the switching node and a first node. The driver circuit controls the operation of the upper-gate switch and the first lower-gate switch. The bootstrap capacitor is electrically connected between a boot node and the switching node, wherein the boot node is electrically connected to a supply voltage. When a voltage across the bootstrap capacitor is smaller than a reference voltage, the second lower-gate switch is turned on to charge the bootstrap capacitor from the supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Richtek Technology CorporationInventor: Nien-Hui Kung
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Patent number: 8497665Abstract: A capacitor drop power supply circuit for supplying power to a load has a switch configured to alter a configuration of the power supply circuit to reduce input current of the power supply circuit. The switch is operable by the load to alter the configuration when the load enters a power save mode. The switch is operable to alter the configuration of the power supply circuit between a first configuration having a first current path through the power supply circuit in a first current direction, and a second configuration having a second current path through the power supply circuit in the first current direction. The switch changes the power supply circuit between the first configuration and the second configuration when the load enters a power save mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co. Ltd.Inventor: Zhong Mei Wang
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Patent number: 8497719Abstract: Circuits and methods to limit an in-rush current of a load circuit such as a processor are disclosed. A charge pump is used as driver for switches with pulse modulation width (PWM) control on the duty cycle of a clock. A clock generator generates a ramp signal with variable slope and a reference voltage. The slope of the ramp signal is dependent on the in-rush current of the switch. No dedicated slew rate driver or an external capacitor is required. The main building blocks are: a charge pump used as driver connected to single supply domain, one external (or internal) switch device, a single capacitive feedback between the switch device and the PWM control, and a PWM control comprising a fix frequency voltage triangular pulse generator with variable slope proportional to the in-rush current measurement.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbHInventors: Pier Cavallini, Alessandro Angeli
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Patent number: 8492989Abstract: The present invention is related to a switched-mode power supply. It is also related to a LED lighting system and driver which comprise such a switched-mode power supply. In addition, the present invention is related to a method for electrically driving a load. According to the present invention, the switched-mode power supply is switched from a charging state, in which an energy storage is charged, to a discharging state, in which the energy storage feeds a load, when a current limit has been exceeded. This current limit is set proportional to an instantaneous voltage outputted by the rectifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Lioris B.V.Inventor: Pedro De Smit
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Patent number: 8487593Abstract: A controller for a switched mode power supply converting an input voltage to a regulated output voltage according to one embodiment includes a control network and a detection network. The control network develops a pulse width control signal for regulating a level of the output voltage. The detection network detects a phase lag of the output voltage and adjusts operation of the control network based on the phase lag. The phase lag may be determined from any parameter incorporating phase shift, such as the output voltage or the compensation voltage. Various alternative schemes are disclosed for adjusting the control loop, including, but not limited to, adding slope compensation, adjusting window resistance or window current, adding adjustment current to adjust ripple voltage, adjusting ripple transconductance, and adjusting ripple capacitance. Digital and analog compensation adjustment schemes are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Laur, Rhys S. A. Philbrick
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Patent number: 8482272Abstract: A DC-DC converter operates as a step-down chopper using a main switch element, a sub switch element, an inductor and a capacitor. A sub switch control signal generating circuit discharges a capacitor with a voltage that is proportional to a difference between a voltage of a power supply input unit and a voltage of a power supply output unit when a PGATE signal is at an “L” level, and charges the capacitor with a voltage that is proportional to the voltage of the power supply output unit when an NGATE signal is at an “H” level. The sub switch element is forcibly turned off and reverse flow of an inductor current is prevented even at the time of a light load as a result of the voltage of the capacitor being generated as an NCTL signal. Thus, reverse flow of an inductor current is prevented and a high-efficiency DC-DC converter is provided without the use of a high-speed comparator or any other kind of comparator.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motonori Murase
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Patent number: 8476883Abstract: A compensation circuit has a resistor, a switch and a compensation capacitor. The resistor and the switch are connected in series between a power node and a compensation node. The compensation capacitor is connected to the compensation node, whose voltage is responsive to the output power source. For a predetermined period of time after the voltage falls below a predetermined value, the switch is open and no current flows through the resistor from the power node to the compensation node.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Leadtrend Technology Corp.Inventors: Da-Chun Wei, Wen-Chung Yeh
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Patent number: 8466670Abstract: A power supply for a gated load includes a power current source controlled by a current magnitude signal. A capacitor integrates the power current to produce load voltage. The power current is sampled, and compared with a reference voltage appearing across a reference capacitor, to produce the current magnitude signal. The reference voltage is controlled by a window comparator which charges the reference capacitor when the load voltage exceeds an upper threshold, and discharges the reference capacitor when the load voltage is less than a lower threshold. The window comparator is enabled by the load gating signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Viorel M. Pacala
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Publication number: 20130147456Abstract: A DC-DC converter including a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller for converting an input voltage into an output voltage is provided. The PWM controller includes: an error amplifier, receiving a reference voltage and a feedback voltage and provides an error signal; a compensation unit coupled to an output of the error amplifier, compensating the error signal and comprising a first resister and a first capacitor; a ramp generator, generating a ramp signal according to a constant on time PWM signal; a first comparator coupled to the compensation unit and the ramp generator, comparing the compensated error signal with the ramp signal to generate a trigger signal; and a PWM generator coupled to the first comparator, providing the constant on time PWM signal according to the trigger signal, an input voltage of the DC-DC converter and the output voltage of the DC-DC converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: uPI Semiconductor CorporationInventor: uPI Semiconductor Corporation
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Patent number: 8451629Abstract: A circuit for an oscillator structured to drive a control device of a switching resonant converter; the converter having a switching circuit structured to drive a resonant load provided with at least one transformer with at least a primary winding and at least a secondary winding. The control device structured to drive the switching circuit, and the converter structured to convert an input signal into an output signal, the integrated circuit includes a first circuit structured to charge and discharge a capacitor by a first current signal such that the voltage at the ends of the capacitor is between first and second reference voltages, the current signal having a second current signal indicating the output voltage of the converter; the integrated circuit including a second circuit structured to rectify a signal indicating the current circulating in the primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Claudio Adragna
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Patent number: 8450988Abstract: A DC-DC converter comprises a high-side switch, a low-side switch connected to the high-side switch, and an output capacitance. An inductance has one end connected to the high-side switch and the low-side switch and another end connected to the output capacitance. A shunting device circulates current flowing through the inductance back to the inductance during a load reduction transition to control a voltage across the output capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Steven Fan-Nin Kung
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Patent number: 8446135Abstract: A control circuit and method for a ripple regulator system generate a ripple signal in-phase and synchronous with an inductor current of the ripple regulator system, and extract a ripple information proportional to the amplitude of the ripple signal. The ripple signal is used for triggering control in PWM signal generation to make the ripple regulator system have small ripples and better loop stability simultaneously. The ripple information is used to improve the output offset of the ripple regulator system that is caused by the ripple signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.Inventors: An-Tung Chen, Chih-Hao Yang
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Patent number: 8446138Abstract: A stability compensation circuit and a DC-DC converter including the same are provided. When an output voltage of the DC-DC converter decreases more than a predetermined value, the stability compensation circuit quickly charges an integral capacitor by using an additional converter or by reducing an effective resistance of a charging circuit which charges the capacitor. Since an output voltage of an integrator in the stability compensation circuit is enabled to quickly reach a control voltage, the instant decrease of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter can be quickly compensated for.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji Yeoul Ryoo
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Publication number: 20130106385Abstract: A hysteretic power converter constituted of: a switched mode power supply; a hysteretic comparator, a first input of the comparator arranged to receive a feedback signal providing a representation of the output voltage of the switched mode power supply and a second input of the comparator arranged to receive a reference voltage; a ramp capacitor coupled to one of the first and second input of the comparator; a current source, a terminal of the current source coupled to the ramp capacitor and arranged to drive current to the ramp capacitor; and a switchable current source, a terminal of the switchable current source coupled to the ramp capacitor, the switchable current source arranged to drive current to the ramp capacitor in a direction opposite the current driven by the current source, wherein the switchable current source is alternately enabled and disabled responsive to the output of the hysteretic comparator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: MICROSEMI CORPORATIONInventor: MICROSEMI CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8432139Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes: a high-side MOSFET as a main switching element which is driven by using a bootstrap capacitor; a low-side MOSFET as a synchronous rectifier, wherein a series circuit of the high-side MOSFET and the low-side MOSFET is connected to a DC power supply; and a coil and a smoothing capacitor, which are serially connected between the drain and the source of the low-side MOSFET; an overvoltage protection unit, which clamps an overvoltage; an overcurrent interrupting unit, which interrupts an overcurrent that flows when the overvoltage protection unit clamps the overvoltage; and a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit includes: a differential-voltage detecting unit detecting the voltage of both ends of the bootstrap capacitor; and a control unit that, when the voltage detected by the differential-voltage detecting unit exceeds a predetermined value, turns OFF the low-side MOSFET and turns ON the high-side MOSFET.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takamune Suzuki
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Publication number: 20130099761Abstract: The present invention discloses a SMPS. The SMPS comprises an output port, configured to supply a load; a control signal generator, having an input and an output configured to provide a first control signal; a first switch configured to receive the first control signal and regulate the voltage at the output port; and a ramp signal generator, comprising an input and an output, wherein the input is configured to receive the control signal and the output is configured to provide a current signal simulating an output signal at the output port, and wherein the output of the ramp signal generator is further coupled to the input of the means for generating control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Yan Dong, Peng Xu
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Patent number: 8428709Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling the application of current and/or voltage to deliver drug from patient contacts of an electrotransport drug delivery device by indirectly controlling and/or monitoring the applied current without directly measuring from the cathode of the patient terminal. In particular, described herein are electrotransport drug delivery systems including constant current delivery systems having a feedback current and/or voltage control module that is isolated from the patient contacts (e.g., anodes and cathodes). The feedback module may be isolated by a transistor from the patient contacts; feedback current and/or voltage control measurements may be performed at the transistor rather than at the patient contact (e.g., cathode).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: Incline Therapeutics, Inc., Alza CorporationInventors: Bradley E. White, Paul Hayter, John Lemke, Scot Satre, Corinna X. Chen, Brian W. Read, Jason E. Dougherty
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Patent number: 8421432Abstract: Three modifications are provided to obtain a fast and accurate average current limit in a DC/DC converter. The first modification relates to providing a bias signal control configured to apply a variable DC bias signal to the compensation ramp signal generated in the DC/DC converter so that the compensating ramp signal is biased to zero at the end of each ON-time for each cycle so that the peak current limit is independent of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal during current limit conditions. A second modification relates to modulating the clamp voltage that establishes the peak current limit as a function of ripple of the inductor current for each cycle of the pulse width modulation signal so as to reduce or cancel the effect of the inductor ripple current on the average output current during current limit conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventor: Charles Edward Hawkes
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Patent number: 8421431Abstract: A frequency-jitter-controller for a power-converter is provided, and which includes a first and a second capacitance units, a first and a second charge-discharge control units, a comparing unit and a control unit. Both capacitance units are charged to a crossing-voltage during a charging phase and discharged to a reference voltage and a clamp voltage respectively during a discharging-phase in response to operations of both charge-discharge control units. The comparing unit outputs a pulse signal, compares voltages of both capacitance units during the charging phase, and compares the voltage of the first capacitance unit and the reference voltage during the discharging phase. The control unit generates a frequency jitter control signal according to the pulse signal to adjust a rising rate of the voltage on the second capacitance unit, so as to change a frequency of the pulse signal, and thus reduce EMI generated by switching switch-elements in the power-converter.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Power Forest Technology CorporationInventor: Ju-Lin Chia