Abstract: A converting circuit for receiving an input voltage and generating an output current, including: a transistor, coupled to a supply voltage at a drain of the transistor, and a source of the transistor is coupled to a first voltage, and a gate of the transistor is coupled to the input voltage and a fixed voltage; and a resistor, coupled to the input voltage and the gate of the transistor, and the output current flows through the resistor, wherein the output current is related to the fixed voltage, the input voltage and the resistor.

Abstract: A standard cell circuit including an input terminal to which input an input signal is input; an output terminal to output an output signal; a first wiring conductor, connected to an external power supply that outputs a first power supply voltage; a second wiring conductor to supply a second power supply voltage that is lower than the first power supply voltage; a standard cell to operate at the second power supply voltage supplied from the second wiring conductor; and a conversion circuit, connected to the first wiring conductor and the second wiring conductor, to convert the first power supply voltage input from the first wiring conductor into the second power supply voltage for output to the second wiring conductor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a primary voltage regulator and an ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator. The ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator supplies voltage to certain circuits used for providing data retention and dynamic operation, e.g., a real time clock and calendar (RTCC) when the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. The primary voltage regulator provides power to these same certain circuits when the integrated circuit is in an operational mode.

Abstract: A circuit, device, and method for controlling a buck-boost circuit includes a bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit and a comparator circuit. The bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit is electrically coupled to a buck-mode bootstrap capacitor of the buck-boost converter and to a boost-mode bootstrap capacitor of the buck-boost converter. The comparator circuit is configured to control the bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit to maintain a voltage of the bootstrap capacitors above a reference threshold voltage by transferring an amount energy from one of the bootstrap capacitors to the other bootstrap capacitors based on the particular mode of operation of the buck-boost converter.

Abstract: A power converter includes a bypass circuit connected in parallel with a power stage of the power converter. The bypass circuit provides a lower loss current path in parallel with the power stage when an input voltage of the power converter exceeds a predetermined threshold. The power converter may be a boost power converter used in a vehicle to provide power from a main power bus of the vehicle to a subsystem of the vehicle such as an anti-lock brake system.

Abstract: A stepwise voltage ramp generator includes a tank capacitor, a terminal of which is coupled to a reference potential to be charged with a voltage ramp. A transistor couples the tank capacitor to a supply line. A diode-connected transistor, biased with a bias current is coupled to the transistor to form a current mirror. A by-pass switch is electrically coupled in parallel to the diode-connected transistor, and is controlled by a PWM timing signal, the duty-cycle of which determines a mean slope of the generated voltage ramp.

Abstract: A power converter has one set of two semiconductor switches performing switching actions, each of which is formed of an FET and a free wheel diode connected in anti-parallel to the FET, and a smoothing capacitor, and convers power by complementary switching actions of the FETs in the semiconductor switches. The power converter is provided with a current sensor that detects a direction of a current flowing through the semiconductor switches and a gate generation portion that skips ON signals of PWM gate signals of the semiconductor switches when the direction of the current flowing through the semiconductor switches is negative.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a switching regulator including: a power stage having an upper gate device and a lower gate device coupled with each other, for converting an input voltage to an output voltage and generating a phase voltage at a node between the upper gate device and the lower gate device; and a control circuit including: a switch operation circuit controlling the power stage, the switch operation circuit generating a test signal turning on the upper gate device for a period of time and then turning it off; and a comparator for generating a ready signal indicating that the input voltage is ready according to comparison between the phase voltage and a reference voltage after the upper gate device is turned off.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention, as further described below, provide active termination circuits that can be used with power transmitter circuits. Embodiments reduce power loss due to impedance matching and increase power efficiency in power transmitter circuits. In particular, embodiments provide active termination circuits that can be configured to draw minimal amounts of the output current generated by the power transmitter circuits. At the same time, embodiments achieve optimal impedance matching, thus enabling optimal power transfer to the load. Further, embodiments can be controlled adaptively in real time to reduce parasitic effects on power transfer and to optimize impedance matching. Embodiments can be implemented using various transistor technologies (e.g., MOSFET, BJT, etc.), and can be used with a variety of power transmitter circuits, including, for example, power DACs, analog/digital RF transmitters, and analog/digital PAs.

Abstract: A method for regulating a buck converter, in which the amount of the output volume is adjusted via a controlled switching, comprising a pulse sequence showing a pulse rate and being pulse width modulated, of a conductivity, which is switched serially and drops over an output voltage, and an arrangement with a control input and with a control output, between which an analog-to-digital converter, a non-linear amplifier, an IIR filter, and a pulse width modulation circuit is switched, allow a quick reaction upon a load transient by which the regulation of the output voltage at a buck converter occurs faster and with less overshooting. This is attained such that the sample rate is adjusted greater than the pulse rate and the pulse values of the pulse sequence are controlled during the cycle duration.

Abstract: A threshold voltage detection circuit comprises a first inverter, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor. The first inverter comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, a first electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected with the second terminal of the first inverter, a fourth electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected with the first terminal of the first inverter, a seventh electrode of the third transistor is electrically connected with the second terminal of the first inverter and the first electrode of the first transistor, a tenth electrode of the fourth transistor is electrically connected with a third electrode of the first transistor and a fifth electrode of the second transistor, and an eleventh electrode of the fourth transistor is electrically connected with a ninth electrode of the third transistor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power generating circuit including a first transistor in which a second control signal is applied to a control terminal and a first control signal is applied to one end, and which has the other end connected to an output terminal, a second transistor in which the first control signal is applied to a control terminal and the second control signal is applied to one end, and which has the other end connected to the output terminal a third transistor in which one of the first and the second control signals is applied to a control terminal and which has one end grounded, and a fourth transistor in which the other one thereof is applied to a control terminal and which has one end connected to the other end of the third transistor and the other end connected to the output terminal.

Abstract: An internal voltage generating circuit includes a first voltage application unit, a second voltage application unit, a first regulator, a second regulator, and a controller. The first and second voltage application units respectively provide a first voltage and a second voltage. The controller generates a bulk voltage, a first control signal, and a second control signal from the first and second voltages. The first regulator is enabled or disabled according to the first control signal and generates and outputs the first internal voltage based on the bulk voltage, the first voltage, and a first reference voltage. The second regulator is enabled or disabled according to the second control signal and generates and outputs the second internal voltage based on the bulk voltage, the second voltage, and a second reference voltage.

Abstract: The power generating circuit includes: a first transistor having a control terminal to which a second control signal is applied and one end to which a first control signal is applied; and a second transistor having a control terminal to which the first control signal is applied and one end to which the second control signal is applied, wherein the other ends of the first transistor and the second transistor are connected to an output terminal.

Abstract: A self-optimizing energy harvester comprises a thermoelectric generator coupling to a thermal source, producing a source voltage greater than a minimum start-up voltage, where the thermoelectric generator drives a boost circuit and a feedforward circuit, delivering power to a load. A conventional boost circuit has a maximum output power only at the input voltage for which a fixed set point resistor is chosen. The feedforward circuit dynamically optimizes the boost circuit according to a dynamic set point resistance, thus increasing output power for a wide range of input voltages, relative to using a fixed reference resistor. The dynamic set point resistance is the sum of a variable resistance and a reference resistance. A sample element forms a differential voltage between the source and input voltage elements, and the variable resistance corresponds to the differential voltage. A reference resistor is chosen to establish the minimum start-up voltage.

Abstract: A circuit includes a reactor, a diode, and a switching element. The reactor and the diode are connected in series with each other on a power supply line. The switching element is provided between a power supply line and a point between the reactor and the diode. A circuit includes a reactor, a diode, and a switching element. The reactor and the diode are connected in series with each other on a power supply line. The switching element is provided between the power supply line and a point between the reactor and the diode. Characteristics of at least any of the reactors, the switching elements, and the diodes are different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter having high step-up ratio. The self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter having high step-up ratio has a first switch receiving a pulse driving signal, a first winding, a second winding and a synchronous rectification circuit constructed by an auxiliary winding and a second switch. The first winding inducts a reverse voltage when the first switch is repeatedly switched on and off. The reverse voltage then is raised via the second winding, and the auxiliary winding cooperates with a switch circuit to switch on/off the second switch according to an inducted voltage, so as to achieve an object of synchronous rectification. Under a condition of outputting high current, the present invention can greatly reduce power-consumption of rectifying and enhance efficiency.

Abstract: A high voltage and high power boost converter is disclosed. The boost converter includes a boost converter IC and a discrete Schottky diode, both of which are co-packaged on a standard single common die pad. The bottom cathode is electrically connected to the common die pad. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a saw-tooth generator including a saw tooth node configured to have a saw-tooth voltage generated thereon; and a first switch having a first end connected to the saw tooth node. The integrated circuit further includes a second switch coupled between an output node and an electrical ground, wherein the first switch and the second switch are configured to operate synchronously. A first current source is connected to the saw tooth node. A second current source is connected to the output node.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter circuit steps down a power source voltage and supplies a stepped-down DC power. The DC-DC converter circuit includes a voltage divider circuit formed of plural capacitive elements for dividing the power source voltage. The DC-DC converter circuit includes plural current supply circuits provided between the voltage divider circuit and output terminals. The current supply circuits connect each of the capacitive elements to the output terminals such that each of the capacitive elements supplies the power to the output terminals in the same polarity. The current supply circuits include plural switching elements, which selectively render the current supply circuits conductive.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes: a normally-on first transistor coupled to an input voltage; an inductor provided between the first transistor and an output terminal; a return circuit provided between a reference voltage and a connection node of the first transistor and the inductor; a drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to a gate of the first transistor; and a negative voltage generation circuit that is coupled to the reference voltage, generates a negative voltage on the basis of a pulse signal generated at the connection node by switching operation of the first transistor, and supplies the negative voltage to the drive circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply apparatus supplying driving power. The power supply apparatus includes: a first power converter bypassing input power when a voltage level of the input power having a predetermined voltage level is within a reference voltage level range, and converting the input power to DC power having a preset voltage level when the voltage level of the input power is outside of the reference voltage level range; and a second power converter converting the power inputted from the first power converter to driving power having a preset voltage level.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a power control unit adapted to provide adjustable levels of a controlled output power signal, such as but not limited to a pulse width modulated signal or a serial binary signal. One embodiment of a power control unit according to the present invention comprises a housing holding internal electronic components. This housing further comprises input and output wiring extending out of the housing and internally connected to the electronic components. The electronic components further comprise circuitry capable of providing at least 2 levels of the controlled output power signal. The present invention also includes lighting systems incorporating a power control unit according to the invention.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A boost converter is disclosed in the present disclosure. The boost converter includes a switching element, a first diode, a second diode, a first inductor, a second inductor, a DC voltage input terminal and a DC voltage output terminal. The first inductor, the second inductor and the second diode are connected in sequence between the DC voltage input terminal and the DC voltage output terminal. The second diode has an anode connected to the second inductor and a cathode connected to the DC voltage output terminal. The switching element includes a first end, a second end and a third end for controlling connection or disconnection between the first end and the second end. The first end is connected between the first and the second inductor. The boost converter of the present disclosure is convenient to use and features high inductance coupling efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter including one or more charge pumps and configured to receive an input voltage and a first clock signal and a second clock signal. The first clock signal and second clock signal may be non-overlapping, and each may alternate between a ground voltage and a first voltage. The DC-DC converter may be configured to produce an output voltage over the clock cycle that has a negative polarity with a magnitude substantially equal to a sum of magnitudes of the input voltage and an integer multiple of the first voltage, the integer multiple being equal to a number of the one or more charge pumps in the DC-DC converter.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an improved electric power supply. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A dimmable ballast circuit for a compact fluorescent lamp controls the intensity of a lamp tube in response to a phase-control voltage received from a dimmer switch. The ballast circuit comprises a phase-control-to-DC converter circuit that receives the phase-control voltage, which is characterized by a duty cycle defining a target intensity of the lamp tube, and generates a DC voltage representative of the duty cycle of the phase-control voltage. Changes in the duty cycle of the phase-control voltage that are below a threshold amount are filtered out by the converter circuit, while intentional changes in the duty cycle of the phase-control voltage are reflected in changes in the target intensity level and thereby the intensity level of the lamp tube.

Abstract: A direct current (DC)-DC converter having a DC-DC converter semiconductor die and an alpha flying capacitive element is disclosed. The DC-DC converter semiconductor die includes a first series alpha switching element, a second series alpha switching element, a first alpha flying capacitor connection node, which is about over the second series alpha switching element, and a second alpha flying capacitor connection node, which is about over the first series alpha switching element. The alpha flying capacitive element is electrically coupled between the first alpha flying capacitor connection node and the second alpha flying capacitor connection node. By locating the first alpha flying capacitor connection node and the second alpha flying capacitor connection node about over the second series alpha switching element and the first series alpha switching element, respectively, lengths of transient current paths may be minimized, thereby reducing noise and potential interference.

Abstract: At least a first shunt switching element and switching control circuitry of a first switching power supply are disclosed. At least the first shunt switching element is coupled between a ground and an output inductance node of the first switching power supply. The first switching power supply provides a buck output signal from the output inductance node. The switching control circuitry selects one of an ON state and an OFF state of the first shunt switching element. When the buck output signal is above a first threshold, the switching control circuitry is inhibited from selecting the ON state. The first switching power supply provides a first switching power supply output signal based on the buck output signal. By using feedback based on the buck output signal, the switching control circuitry may refine the timing of switching between series switching elements and shunt switching elements to increase efficiency.

Abstract: A snubber circuit comprises a first energy storage device and circuitry coupled to the first energy storage device to facilitate capturing, by the first energy storage device, energy of a switching circuit. The snubber circuit also comprises a second energy storage device coupled to the first energy storage device to store the captured energy. The circuitry additionally facilitates resetting of the first energy storage device.

Abstract: A voltage regulator comprises an N type depletion MOS transistor having a drain connected to the positive electrode side of a power supply, a source connected to a stabilizing capacitor, and a gate receiving a constant reference voltage, and has an output terminal at the source of the N type depletion MOS transistor. In this simple circuit configuration, the voltage regulator can markedly reduce a noise carried on an output voltage.

Abstract: A low-voltage-driven boost circuit is provided. The boost circuit includes an inductor, a diode, a capacitor, a first switch and a second switch. The second switch is coupled between the first switch and an anode of the diode. The first switch selectively conducts according to a switch signal, and the second switch conducts as the first switch conducts.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission system includes a cable fault ride-through system. The cable fault ride-through system is configured to ensure the HVDC power transmission system remains operational via an earth path between the power source end and the load end during a transmission cable fault, even in the absence of a neutral bus and/or dc circuit breakers.

Abstract: A bootstrap assist circuit and a startup circuit comprising a voltage controlled switch and a startup ramp voltage generator connected to the voltage controlled switch that will control a high side switch, a dimming interface or an enable/disable input function. Said system is used to provide a bootstrap technique to continuously switch a floating high side switch (MOSFET) by continuously charging a capacitor and then “level shifting” said capacitor voltage across the gate and source of the said high side switch to turn the switch on.

Abstract: A power-supply module includes at least one power-supply component, an inductor and a package. The inductor is disposed over the at least one power-supply components, and the at least a power-supply component and the inductor are disposed within the package. Besides, the power-supply module further comprises a printed circuit board, and the at least one power-supply component and the inductor are mounted to the printed circuit board. Moreover, the inductor comprises a plurality of leads that support the inductor over the at least one power-supply component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the electronic management of a photovoltaic generator, said system comprising a plurality of n static converters (11, 12, 13) connected in parallel, each converter (11, 12, 13) being electrically connected to at least one photovoltaic cell (10) of the generator. The number of converters connected is determined by comparing the generated power to thresholds P1, P2, . . . , Pn-1 which are defined as the power values substantially at the point of intersection of the performance curves for an increasing number of converters. The invention also relates to a generator comprising said system and to the associated control method.

Abstract: A method and device for operating a direct converter circuit are provided. A control signal controls power semiconductor switches of switching cells of the associated phase module. The control signal is formed, for each phase module, from the difference between a reference signal relating to the voltage over the phase module and a voltage signal over the inductor. The voltage signal over the inductor is formed from a reference signal relating to the current through the corresponding phase module. The reference signal relating to the current through the phase module is formed from a respective mean value or instantaneous value of a phase power of a phase of the first and second current or voltage systems connected to the phase module and from respective sums of the instantaneous values or the mean values of the phase powers of the phases of the first and second current or voltage systems, respectively.

Abstract: A power supply system is provided that provides voltage clamping capabilities to provide over voltage protection to circuit elements and circuit systems. The power supply includes isolation mechanisms that generate a regulated power supply that is independent of an input power source. Voltage addition/multiplication techniques may be utilized to generate a reference voltage, from the regulated power supply, that is capable of setting a maximum voltage on a clamped power supply. The power supply system may operate without input from other circuits/systems associated with an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A cascade-connected boost circuit is disclosed. The cascade-connected boost circuit includes a first-stage boost circuit, a second-stage boost circuit, an output terminal and a regulation filtering capacitor. The first-stage boost circuit includes an input terminal, a PWM generator, a first inductor and a first switch. The second-stage boost circuit includes a second inductor and a second switch. The PWM generator controls the first switch and the second switch to turn on or turn off simultaneously. A power supply from the input terminal respectively charges the two inductors via two paths when the two switches are turned on. The two inductors release energy when the two switches are turned off. The two switches share the voltage of the output terminal. The cascade-connected boost circuit according to the present invention solves the issues that the withstand voltage limit of a single switch and the limit of a duty cycle.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply (SMPS) controller is disclosed. The controller comprises a monitoring circuit adapted to monitor the rate of change of a voltage at an input (1) and to monitor the drop in voltage at the input (1) from a peak value. The controller is adapted to generate a signal for closing the switch when the monitored rate of change falls below a first predetermined threshold and the monitored drop in voltage exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system including a first transistor, a first capacitor and a circuit. The first transistor has a first control input and is configured to regulate an output voltage. The first capacitor is coupled at one end to the first control input and at another end to a circuit reference. The circuit is configured to provide a first voltage to the first control input, where the first voltage includes an offset voltage that is referenced to the output voltage and adjusted to compensate for variations in the first transistor.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator capable of preventing a large current from flowing even when a battery (110) is connected with reverse polarity by mistake. The voltage regulator employs a circuit configuration in which a substrate potential (n-well) of an output transistor (103) of the voltage regulator is not fixed to a potential of a VDD terminal, and a power supply of a reference voltage circuit (101) and an error amplifier (102) is not fixed to the VDD terminal.

Abstract: A buck converter for converting a DC voltage at input terminals into an output voltage at output terminals is disclosed. The buck converter includes a DC voltage link including a series-connection of at least two capacitors between the output terminals, and one subcircuit per each capacitor of the series-connection. Each subcircuit includes an inductor and a freewheeling diode. A first one of the input terminals is connected to a first output terminal by a series-connection of a semiconductor switch and the inductor of a first one of the subcircuits, and the subcircuits are coupled for balancing the voltages across their inductors. The buck converter may be used upstream of an inverter bridge of an inverter, such that a maximum voltage at the input terminals may exceed a maximum voltage rating of the bridge switches within the inverter.

Abstract: An electrical accumulator unit includes a power storage device, a first switch, a power converter, a controller, and a dissipation circuit for dissipating energy remnant in the power converter when the electrical accumulator unit is turned Off. The first switch connects the power storage device to the power converter, which includes at least a second switch that is selectively turned On and Off to regulate the transfer of power between the power storage device and an output of the electrical accumulator unit. The controller turns Off the electrical accumulator device by turning Off the first switch, thereby disconnecting the power storage device from the power converter, and turning On the second switch to connect the dissipation circuit to the power converter in a recirculation circuit path that dissipates energy stored in the power converter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for obtaining information enabling the determination of a characteristic like the maximum power point of a power source, characterised in that the apparatus for obtaining information enabling the determination of the characteristic of the power source comprises means for monitoring the voltage on an inductor linked to the power source in order to obtain information enabling the determination of the characteristic of the power source.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first transistor, a second transistor coupled in parallel with the first transistor, and a first parasitic inductance between an emitter of the first transistor and an emitter of the second transistor. The semiconductor device includes a first circuit configured to provide a first gate driver signal to the first transistor based on a common driver signal and a second circuit configured to provide a second gate driver signal to the second transistor based on the common driver signal. The first circuit and the second circuit are configured to compensate for a voltage drop across the first parasitic inductance such that the first gate driver signal and the second gate driver signal are in phase with and at the same magnitude as the common driver signal.

Abstract: Switch-mode voltage converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a switch-mode voltage converter includes a switching transistor coupled between an input voltage (Vin) and the ground and a controller coupled directly between the input voltage (Vin) and the ground. The controller is configured to periodically turn on the switching transistor for a generally constant period of time. The controller is further coupled to a DC bias voltage (Vbias) and configured to generate a control current based on the input voltage (Vin) and the DC bias voltage (Vbias) for generating a switching signal to the switching transistor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a voltage regulator includes an output transistor, a voltage detector, a controller, and a discharge circuit. The output transistor is connected between a power supply terminal and an output terminal. The voltage detector is connected between the output terminal and a ground terminal. The voltage detector is configured to divide an output voltage between the output terminal and the ground terminal according to an inputted voltage switching signal and generates a first voltage on the ground terminal side and a second voltage having a polarity the same as a polarity of the first voltage and having an absolute value lower than or equal to an absolute value of the first voltage. The controller is configured to detect a difference between the first voltage and a reference voltage and control the output transistor.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes main circuits, in which switching elements are connected in parallel with diodes, respectively. An auxiliary circuit, which is formed of a series-connected second switching element and a capacitor, is connected in parallel with the diode operating as a freewheeling diode. The switching element of the main circuit, which is opposite to the auxiliary circuit, is set to turn on at a reference time. The second switching element of the auxiliary circuit is set to turn on in advance of the reference time by an interval of a discharging time period of the capacitor in a dead time period.