Abstract: Provided is a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) apparatus for an energy harvesting system and an MPPT control method. A count value of the time for an output voltage of a direct current (DC)-DC converter to reach a high reference voltage is used to change and output a control parameter of the DC-DC converter for maximum power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing current for a plurality of circuits are provided. Aspects include receiving, by a controller, a fault threshold for each circuit of the plurality of circuits, operating one or more switching circuits to output a current for each circuit of the plurality of circuits, wherein the one or more switching circuits are coupled to a constant current sources, and wherein the one or more switching circuits drive a plurality of current drive circuits, monitoring, by a fault determining circuit, a voltage across each circuit of the plurality of circuits, and determine a fault condition for a first circuit in the plurality of circuits based at least in part on the voltage across the first circuit exceeding the fault threshold for the first circuit.

Abstract: A power converter and method to provide a small conversion ratio between an input and an output voltage. The power converter has an inductor coupled to the input port of the power converter. The power converter has a first stage with an input node; a first switch; a second switch; a third switch coupled to the second switch of the first stage and to a reference potential; and a flying capacitor coupled to the input node. The power converter also has a second stage with an input node; a first switch coupled to the input node of the second stage and to the output port of the power converter; a second switch coupled to the input node of the first stage; a third switch coupled to the second switch of the second stage and to the reference potential; and a flying capacitor coupled to the inductor.

Abstract: An energy harvester is provided. The energy harvester includes a current-voltage converter, a voltage-PWM converter, an analog multiplier, a sample-hold circuit, an ?-generator, and a fractional open-circuit voltage circuit.

Abstract: Power supply units e.g. in network operated loudspeakers are tailored to peak values that are reached only relatively rarely and then in pulses. With an intermediate storage of electrical energy in an intermediate circuit energy storage element it is possible to provide a significantly higher amount of power at least for a short period of time. The intermediate circuit energy storage element may be a capacitor or accumulator, for example, which is connected to an intermediate circuit voltage that is higher than the input voltage, and that is generated by an upconverter. A downconverter generates the output voltage of the power supply unit from the energy stored in the intermediate circuit storage element. The output voltage of the power supply unit is used as power supply for an audio amplifier. The power supply unit may provide for a short period of time a higher current or more energy respectively than the actual energy source, for example the network node.

Abstract: A current sensing circuit includes an inductor current sensing circuit and a processing circuit. The inductor current sensing circuit senses an inductor current of a direct current to direct current (DC-to-DC) converter to generate a first sensed current signal, wherein an average value of the first sensed current signal is not a constant under different input voltages of the DC-to-DC converter. The processing circuit generates a second sensed current signal, wherein the first sensed current signal is involved in generation of the second sensed current signal, the second sensed current signal is involved in current-mode control of the DC-to-DC converter, and an average value of the second sensed current signal is a constant under said different input voltages of the DC-to-DC converter.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply circuit operating within a wide input voltage range has a voltage follower unit and a voltage comparison unit. The voltage follower unit has an electronic switch, a resistor, and a Zener diode. The electronic switch has a first terminal electrically connected to a voltage input terminal of the working voltage conversion circuit, a second terminal electrically connected to a voltage output terminal of the working voltage conversion circuit, and a control terminal. The resistor is electrically connected between the first terminal and the control terminal of the electronic switch. The Zener diode has a cathode electrically connected to the control terminal of the electronic switch. The voltage comparison unit has a detecting terminal electrically connected to the voltage input terminal of the working voltage conversion circuit, and an output terminal electrically connected to the control terminal of the electronic switch.

Abstract: System and method for controlling a bleeder current to increase a power factor of an LED lighting system without any TRIAC dimmer. For example, the system for controlling a bleeder current to increase a power factor of an LED lighting system without any TRIAC dimmer includes: a first current controller configured to receive a rectified voltage generated by a rectifier that directly receives an AC input voltage without through any TRIAC dimmer; and a second current controller configured to: control a light emitting diode current flowing through one or more light emitting diodes that receive the rectified voltage not clipped by any TRIAC dimmer; and generate a sensing voltage based at least in part upon the light emitting diode current, the sensing voltage representing the light emitting diode current in magnitude.

Abstract: A control method includes entering, by a powered device, a first status, controlling, by the powered device, at least one of a plurality of first loads in the powered device to be in a connected state, and controlling, by the powered device, a second load in the powered device to be in a disconnected state.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining and indicating a source of power based on a characteristic of received power are disclosed. According to an aspect, a device includes a power line interface configured to receive power from multiple power lines. The device also includes a comparator module configured to compare one or more characteristics of the received power from the plurality of power lines. The comparator module is also configured to determine whether the received power on the power lines are from the same source based on the comparison. Further, the device includes a user interface configured to indicate whether the received power on the power lines are from the same source based on the determination.

Abstract: An interface electronic circuit between an energy harvesting stage is provided with an inductor and a charging stage, the interface electronic circuit having a regulation circuit capable of servo-controlling an average input impedance value of the interface electronic circuit to a predetermined optimum impedance value.

Abstract: Provided is an energy harvester having excellent portability. The energy harvester includes a flat plate-shaped energy harvesting section and a pair of connectors that are electrically conductive. The energy harvesting section includes an electricity generating region that utilizes energy in the external environment to generate electrical power and metal foils. The metal foils extend from the electricity generating region to a peripheral part of the energy harvesting section. The electrical power of the electricity generating region is supplied to the metal foils. The peripheral part includes a pair of holes that expose part of each of the metal foils. Each of the connectors includes a spring, a terminal part that is electrically connected to the spring and is connectable to an external device, and a flat plate part that overlaps with the energy harvesting section. The springs are electrically connected to the metal foils exposed via the holes.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to circuits and techniques for detecting or responding to temperature of a power switch. A driver circuit for the power switch may be configured to deliver a modulation signal to a control node of the power switch to control on/off switching of the power switch, wherein the driver circuit is further configured to modulate an output impedance of the driver circuit at the control node, perform one or more voltage measurements while modulating the output impedance of the driver circuit, and control the power switch based at least in part on the one or more voltage measurements.

Abstract: A power supply having at least one PMIC provides flexible control to the power manage systems. The PMIC has an enable pin configured to receive a control signal, and a clock pin configured to generate and/or receive a series of clock pulses, so as to facilitate the operation of the PMIC.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for detecting circuit defects and/or for preventing overvoltages in controllers. The electrical circuit including a power controller circuit, encompassing a first transistor, a control loop including an operation amplifier and a first reference voltage source, and feedback resistors, and an overvoltage suppression circuit, encompassing a second transistor, a control loop including an operation amplifier and a reference voltage source, and feedback resistors, the power controller circuit being provided to make a voltage available for the overvoltage suppression circuit and the overvoltage suppression circuit being provided to make a protected voltage available.

Abstract: A capacitive power supply circuit including, between first and second terminals of application of an AC input voltage, a distributed capacitive structure including a plurality of elementary capacitive units, each including a current limiter series-connected with a capacitor between first and second terminals of the unit and a voltage limiter connected in parallel with the capacitor, the elementary capacitive units being series-coupled by their first and second terminals.

Abstract: A battery charge control apparatus to be installed in a vehicle includes a current regulation circuit and a controller. The vehicle is provided with a first battery, a voltage converter, a second battery, and an onboard device. The voltage converter lowers an output voltage of the first battery. The second battery is electrically charged by an output from the voltage converter and outputs a voltage lower than an output voltage of the first battery. The onboard device is operated by an output from the second battery and an output from the voltage converter. The current regulation circuit is disposed between the voltage converter and the second battery and reduces an amount of a charging current to be delivered via the voltage converter to the second battery. The controller controls the current regulation circuit on the basis of an output current from the voltage converter.

Abstract: Adaptive charging networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention enable the optimization of electric design of charging networks for electric vehicles. One embodiment includes an electrical supply; a plurality of adaptive charging stations; wherein at least one adaptive charging station distributes power to at least one other adaptive charging station; wherein at least one adaptive charging station is configured to communicate capacity information to a controller; and wherein the controller is configured to control the distribution of power to the plurality of adaptive charging stations based upon the capacity information received from at least one adaptive charging station.

Abstract: A voltage limiting circuit for limiting the voltage developed across a current sensing circuit and a method are disclosed. The voltage limiting circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive an input signal from the current sensing circuit, and an output terminal configured to receive an output signal from the current sensing circuit. A voltage sense circuit is connected to the input terminal and output terminal to detect that a predefined threshold voltage is developed between the input terminal and output terminal. An activation circuit receives a signal from the voltage sense circuit to activate the voltage limiting circuit, and a level shifting circuit interfaces the voltage sense circuitry to the activation circuitry and other circuits by level shifting signals to required levels.

Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes first and second inputs to receive a supply voltage and a reference voltage, respectively, from a power supply component, the supply voltage being higher than the reference voltage by a scaling factor of at least five. The voltage converter iteratively charges an internal filter capacitor to produce a converted voltage that follows the reference voltage by switchably coupling the first input to the filter capacitor while the converted voltage is less than the reference voltage to raise the converted voltage, and by switchably decoupling the first input from the filter capacitor while the converted voltage exceeds the reference voltage to enable the converted voltage to decay.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes a rectifying circuit that full-wave rectifies an input AC power, a first conversion circuit that includes a passive element, a first switching element, and a second switching element and digitally converts a rectified power while compensating a power factor of the rectified power through at least one of the passive element, the first switching element, and the second switching element, a second conversion circuit that converts the digitally-converted power into a power with a specified magnitude and output the power with the specified magnitude, a device circuit that consumes an output power of the second conversion circuit, a first control circuit that monitors current consumption of the device circuit and controls an amount of output current of the second conversion circuit based on the current consumption of the device circuit, and a second control circuit that controls a power factor compensation degree of the first conversion circuit based on the current consumption, wh

Abstract: An electric module for adapting a first signal of a first system to a second signal of a second system, including: a power supply source supplying a first signal; a converter module configured to convert the first signal into an intermediate signal; a microcontroller controlling and regulating the converter module; and an inverter module configured to output a signal compatible with a second signal of a second system.

Abstract: A carry-signal controlled LED light with fast discharge includes at least one LED and a drive unit. The drive unit includes a signal detector, a fast discharge unit, a light control unit, and a capacitor. The signal detector receives the carry light signal and provides a discharging control signal according to the carry light signal. The fast discharge unit receives the discharging control signal and controls a voltage of the carry light signal to be fast lower than a low-level voltage. The light control unit drives the light behavior of the at least one LED according to light command content of the carry light signal. The capacitor receives a DC power source to be charged and provides the required work power to the LED light when the fast discharge unit fast discharges.

Abstract: A power factor corrector circuit and a method of operating the power factor corrector circuit include a power factor corrector operable in a conduction mode within an operating frequency between a minimum value and a maximum value. A measured variable k1 can define a relation between a predetermined level set for a current ripple of a peak current Ipeakh minus a peak current Ipeakl in combination with a variable a that sets a ratio between a primary and secondary stroke interval and a resulting time period.

Abstract: A wind turbine temperature control system for maintaining the temperature of an energy storage device, the temperature control system has a breaking resistor for providing heat to the energy storage device and a power supply for causing a current to flow in the breaking resistor.

Abstract: Resource providers that provide a resource (e.g., electricity) to customers often have programs that operate to save customers money or otherwise benefit the customers. Traditionally, customers enroll in these programs by assenting to enroll in combination with providing that customer's account number. For various reasons, requiring the customer to provide his or her account number dramatically reduces the number of customers that ultimately sign up for a program. Accordingly, customer's willing to sign up for programs offered by the resource provider can do so without the need to give a customer number. Rather, the necessary information can be determined based on an image of the customer's meter.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a rectifying/smoothing circuit that receives an AC voltage input and converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage by rectification and smoothing, an AC voltage cut-off detection circuit that detects a cut-off of the AC voltage, and a voltage processing circuit that is connected to a post-stage of the rectifying/smoothing circuit wherein the post-stage means a downstream side from the rectifying/smoothing circuit and operates when the AC voltage cut-off detection circuit has detected a cut-off of the AC voltage. The AC voltage cut-off detection circuit is provided with a signal transmitting element that is connected to the post-stage of the rectifying/smoothing circuit, and receives power supplied from the rectifying/smoothing circuit and sends a signal to the voltage processing circuit when the AC voltage is cut off.

Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a power converter, a target command controller, a feedback controller, and a gain adjustor. The power converter is configured to convert first power supplied from a power generation source into second power. The target command controller is configured to increase or decrease a target command so as to cause the first power to follow maximum suppliable power of the power generation source. The feedback controller is configured to control the power converter by feedback control that is based on a deviation between the target command and at least one of a supplied voltage and a supplied current supplied from the power generation source to the power converter. The gain adjustor is configured to adjust a gain of the feedback control based on at least one of the supplied voltage, the supplied current, and the target command.

Abstract: A buck converter includes a power switch having a first end to receive an input voltage, and a soft start circuit configured to compensate a soft start voltage during a soft start time period according to a result of comparing a feedback voltage corresponding to an output voltage of the buck converter and an input detection voltage corresponding to the input voltage. The buck converter controls switching of the power switch using the soft start voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting a power conversion system. A system controller includes a first controller terminal and a second controller terminal. The first controller terminal is configured to provide a drive signal to close and open a switch to affect a first current flowing through a primary winding of a power conversion system. The second controller terminal is configured to receive first input signals during one or more first switching periods and receive second input signals during one or more second switching periods. The system controller is configured to determine whether a temperature associated with the power conversion system is larger than a predetermined temperature threshold, and in response to the temperature associated with the power conversion system being larger than the predetermined temperature threshold, generate the drive signal to cause the switch open and remain open to protect the power conversion system.

Abstract: A power supply unit includes a rectifying module to rectify an alternating current (AC) voltage, a first bulk capacitor to receive the rectified AC voltage from the rectifying module, a first transistor coupled in series with the first bulk capacitor, an AC input monitoring circuit, and a current source. The AC input monitoring circuit holds the first transistor in an OFF state in response to a detection of an AC voltage dropout. The current source adopts an adaptive gate voltage to control the first transistor in response to a detection of the AC voltage being re-applied, and turns on the first transistor based on the adaptive gate voltage to limit a re-rush current within the power supply unit after the AC voltage is re-applied.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine which is connected to an electrical grid, detects a grid frequency present in the grid and in the case of which the power output is regulated on the basis of the grid frequency by a controller and, in particular, switches off the power feed into the electrical grid if a limit value of a grid frequency is exceeded, wherein a change in the grid frequency over time is detected, a rate of change is determined and the rate of change is compared with a rate of change limit value and a modified frequency value is used to regulate the power output in the event of the rate of change limit value being exceeded.

Abstract: A switching element with a small current capacity is provided to be able to be used in a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter includes a switching circuit in which a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element are connected in series, a flying capacitor that is connected between a connection portion between the first switching element and the second switching element and a connection portion between the third switching element and the fourth switching element, a reactor that is connected between a connection portion between the second switching element and the third switching element and a positive electrode of an input unit, and a control circuit that turns on/off the switching element, in which the control circuit turns on/off the switching elements so that a peak value in a reactor current becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A power source device has: a storage unit configured to receive a generated power and store as a storage power; a boost unit configured to generate, from a storage power supplied from the storage unit, a boosted power having a higher voltage than a voltage of the storage power, and supply the boosted power to a load; and a voltage detection unit configured to output a boost operation permission signal permitting a boost operation of the boost unit to the boost unit when the storage voltage of the boost unit increases to become a voltage equal to or higher than a minimum operation voltage of the boost unit. The boost unit is configured to start the boost operation by the storage power supplied from the storage unit and operates on the boosted power generated by the boost operation as an operation power source when the boost operation permission signal is output from the voltage detection unit.

Abstract: A method of self-healing power grids after power outages includes providing an Adaptive Restoration Decision Support System (ARDSS) for generating a restoration solution using static and dynamic input data from power generator(s) powering transmission lines, from the transmission lines and loads. At a beginning of a restoration period a two-stage problem is solved including a first and second-stage problem with an optimal planning (OP) function as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem using initial static and dynamic data to determine start-up times for the power generator and energization sequences for transmission lines involved in the power outage. Only the second-stage problem is again solved with an optimal real-time (OR) function using the start-up times and energization sequences along with updated static and dynamic data to determine operating parameters for the grid.

Abstract: A processor includes a plurality of cores, at least two of which may execute redundantly, a configuration register to store a first synchronization domain indicator to indicate that a first core and a second core are associated with a first synchronization domain, and a power controller having a synchronization circuit to cause a dynamic adjustment to a frequency of at least one of the first and second cores to cause these cores to operate at a common frequency, based at least in part on the first synchronization domain indicator.

Abstract: A memory system includes: a buffer memory device including a reference voltage pad; a memory controller including a controller ZQ pad; and a controller calibration resistor, wherein the reference voltage pad, the controller ZQ pad, and the controller calibration resistor are coupled to each other.

Abstract: Radio-frequency amplification systems, devices and methods. In some embodiments, an amplification system can include a supply circuit configured to provide a high supply voltage in an average power tracking mode. The amplification system can further include an amplifier configured to operate with the high supply voltage and provide an impedance that substantially matches an impedance of a component coupled to an output of the amplifier. The amplification system can further include a signal path configured to route an amplified signal from the output of the amplifier to the component, with the output path being substantially free of an output matching network.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection apparatus and method. The overvoltage protection apparatus includes: a determining unit, having an input end connected to an input end of the apparatus and an output end connected to an input end of a soft-start unit, and configured to determine whether an input voltage at the input end of the apparatus exceeds a preset protection voltage; and the soft-start unit, having an input end connected to the input end of the apparatus and an output end connected to an output end of the apparatus, where if the determining unit determines that the input voltage does not exceed the preset protection voltage and remains stable in a preset delay time, the soft-start unit delivers the input voltage to the output end of the apparatus; and otherwise, the soft-start unit does not deliver a voltage signal to the output end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for regulating an electrical power source, comprising the steps of detecting for one or more predetermined conditions associated with a load power of the electrical power source, whereupon the one or more predetermined conditions is detected, acquiring electrical characteristics of the electrical power source to determine a global maximum load power value arranged to approximate a true maximum load power of the electrical power source, and processing the global maximum load power value to determine a local maximum load power value of the electrical power source, wherein the local maximum load power value is arranged to be more accurate in approximating the true maximum load power of the electrical power source when compared with the global maximum load power value.

Abstract: An energy harvesting interface receives an electrical signal from an inductive transducer and outputs a supply signal. An input branch includes a first switch and a second switch connected in series between a first input terminal and an output terminal, and further a third switch and a fourth switch connected in series between a second input terminal and the output terminal. A first electrical-signal-detecting device coupled across the second switch detects a first threshold value of an electric storage current in the inductor of the transducer. A second electrical-signal-detecting device coupled across the fourth switch detects whether the electric supply current that flows through the fourth switch reaches a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device of related art, the degree of freedom when using one pad with plural functions has been disadvantageously low. A semiconductor device has an internal logic circuit, a regulator circuit, and an interface circuit, and the regulator circuit and the interface circuit are coupled to one shared pad. In the case where a driving transistor of the regulator circuit is controlled to be in a conductive state, the shared pad is used as a terminal to which an input voltage of the regulator circuit is input. In the case where the driving transistor of the regulator circuit is controlled to be in a disconnected state, the shared pad is used as an input/output terminal of the interface circuit.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes an input capacitor group, a first-converting circuit, a second-converting circuit, a first filter circuit, a second filter circuit, a third filter circuit and a control circuit. The input capacitor group receives a direct-current-input voltage. The first-converting circuit and the second-converting circuit are connected to the input capacitor group in parallel. The first filter circuit includes a first output inductor and a second output inductor. The second filter circuit includes a third output inductor and a fourth output inductor. The third filter circuit is connected between the first filter circuit and the second filter circuit. The control circuit separately controls the first-converting circuit and the second-converting circuit. The first output inductor is connected to the first-converting circuit, the second-converting circuit and the second output inductor.

Abstract: Advances in the arts are disclosed with novel methods and circuit systems for controlling power in an energy harvesting system. Techniques and related systems for controlling power output of an energy harvesting device provide for monitoring at least one power parameter at a power source and monitoring at least one power parameter at a load such as a storage medium. The power source output is adjusted in order to optimize energy harvesting and/or storage based on real-time performance parameters.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for global maximum power point tracking comprises monitoring an output power of a DC power source while executing a maximum power point tracking algorithm and adjusting a maximum power point tracking command signal in response to the output power being less than a reference output power. The command signal is adjusted until the output power exceeds a previous output power by a reference amount. The command signal may be a voltage command signal, a current command signal, an impedance command signal, a duty ratio command signal, or the like.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a first battery; a second battery; a voltage converter including a plurality of switching elements; and a controller configured to turn on or off the plurality of switching elements in accordance with pulse width modulation control. The controller is configured to control phases of the pulse width modulation control signals such that the first high-level period of the first pulse width modulation control signal and the second high-level period of the second pulse width modulation control signal do not overlap with each other at a predetermined condition.

Abstract: To minimize excessively high output or increases in magnetic-flux leakage by controlling power feeding on the power-feeding side if an unforeseen situation occurs. This power-feeding device (100) feeds power to an external power-receiving device (150) in a contactless manner. A power-feeding coil (103) uses electromagnetic power to feed electrical power to a power-receiving coil (154) in the power-receiving device (150). While power is being fed from said power-feeding coil (103), a power-feeding-side control unit (107) determines the amount of displacement of the power-feeding coil (103) and, on the basis of the determined displacement amount, controls the amount of electrical power being fed.

Abstract: An output current calculating circuit for a flyback converter operating under CCM and DCM is disclosed. The off current value IOFF and the blanking current value ILEB flowing through a sensing resistor are calculated using a detection module and are summed together using a current summing unit. A voltage converted from the sum value of the off current value IOFF and the blanking current value ILEB is transmitted through an output stage in a predetermined time ratio of a cycle with the duty cycle determined by a logic control unit, in which the logic control unit controls the output stage to receive the voltage converted from sum current in a predetermined time period of each cycle, and prevents the output stage to receive the voltage converted from sum current in the remaining time other than such predetermined time period of each cycle.