Including Plural Final Control Devices Patents (Class 323/350)
  • Patent number: 11567557
    Abstract: An electronic device has a memory functional block that includes memory circuits and a memory physical layer (PHY) functional block with core logic that controls operations in the memory functional block, a memory PHY voltage regulator, a system voltage regulator, and a controller. The electronic device also includes a switch having an input coupled to an output of the memory PHY voltage regulator, another input coupled to an output of the system voltage regulator, and an output coupled to a power supply input of the core logic. The controller sets the switch so that electrical power is provided from the memory PHY voltage regulator to the core logic in a full power operating state. The controller sets the switch so that electrical power is provided from the system voltage regulator to the core logic in one or more low power operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Varadharajulu Gada, Sonu Arora, Xiaojie He
  • Patent number: 10903837
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for radio-frequency (RF) switching circuits, and more particularly for a PIN diode driver circuit for high speed, high repetition rate and/or high power applications. The PIN diode driver may include a dual voltage reverse bias provided to the PIN diode, which dual voltage reverse bias may be provided by a first, relatively lower voltage, power supply and a second, relatively higher voltage, power supply. The relatively lower voltage is to discharge an intrinsic layer of the PIN diode at a lower voltage than during reverse bias of the PIN diode at the second relatively higher bias voltage in order to reduce overall power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Johannes Jacobus Van Zyl
  • Patent number: 10762848
    Abstract: A display device is provided that includes a panel driving circuit configured to control the power supply unit to be disabled in response to a low-power mode and adjust a length of time required for a voltage level applied to high-potential voltage lines to transition from a first high-potential voltage to a second high-potential voltage. Thus, it is possible to suppress display of an abnormal image on a display panel in the low-power mode, and a length of time for transitioning from the normal mode to the low-power mode can be adjusted, and, thus, the brightness of the display panel can be naturally changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyunbeen Yim, DoWan Kim
  • Patent number: 10742212
    Abstract: A controller for a PIN diode coupled to a forward bias supply in series with an inductor by way of a first switch and coupled with a reverse bias supply in series with the inductor by way of a second switch. In reverse biasing the PIN diode, energy is recovered from the PIN diode, and possibly other components such as a reactance element (e.g., capacitor) coupled with the PIN diode, by momentarily disconnecting the reverse bias supply. In forward biasing the PIN diode, energy is recovered from the PIN diode, and possibly other components, by momentarily disconnecting the forward bias supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Johannes Jacobus Van Zyl
  • Patent number: 10594312
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to inject charge into an I-region of a PIN diode in response to a first state of a control signal. The second circuit may be configured to remove charge from the I-region of the PIN diode in response to a second state of the control signal. A radio frequency switching time of the apparatus is generally about two orders of magnitude lower than a carrier lifetime of the PIN diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: MACOM TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Wesley Fields, Rockford C. Curby
  • Patent number: 10476370
    Abstract: A power conversion system including power factor correction circuitry and power inversion circuitry. The power factor correction circuitry has a split-rail configuration and includes a bidirectional switch used to produce intermediate direct current power. The power inversion circuitry selectively operates switches to produce sinusoidal alternating current output power. The output power and the intermediate power are regulated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ASTRONICS ADVANCED ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Warren Wambsganss, Jeffrey A. Jouper
  • Patent number: 10210807
    Abstract: A display device is provided that includes a panel driving circuit configured to control the power supply unit to be disabled in response to a low-power mode and adjust a length of time required for a voltage level applied to high-potential voltage lines to transition from a first high-potential voltage to a second high-potential voltage. Thus, it is possible to suppress display of an abnormal image on a display panel in the low-power mode, and a length of time for transitioning from the normal mode to the low-power mode can be adjusted, and, thus, the brightness of the display panel can be naturally changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyunbeen Yim, DoWan Kim
  • Patent number: 9502973
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a buck converter for converting a high voltage at an input of the buck converter to a low voltage at an output of the buck converter includes a III-nitride switch interposed between the input and the output of the buck converter and a low resistance switch interposed between the output of the buck converter and a ground. The buck converter further includes a control circuit configured to control a duty cycle of the III-nitride switch. The III-nitride switch has a sufficiently high switching speed so as to allow a ratio of the input high voltage to the output low voltage of the buck converter to be substantially greater than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Americas Corp.
    Inventor: Stephane Ernoux
  • Patent number: 9496790
    Abstract: In a power conversion apparatus, a secondary winding is connected between main terminals of one of two circuit elements included in a main series circuit, and a voltage applied to a primary winding induces a voltage in a secondary winding in a direction from a first main terminal of a secondary winding, which is disposed at a low-potential side of the main series circuit, toward a second main terminal of a secondary winding, which is disposed at a high-potential side of the main series circuit. A rectifying unit blocks a current flowing from the high-potential side of the main series circuit toward the low-potential side of the main series circuit in a current path that includes the secondary winding and bypasses one of the two circuit elements included in the main series circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fujiyuki Iwamoto, Kazuhiro Umetani
  • Patent number: 9412853
    Abstract: A protective device for a voltage-controlled semiconductor switch has a gate connection, a power emitter connection, an auxiliary emitter connection and a collector connection. The semiconductor switch can switch a current between the collector connection and the power emitter connection. A voltage-limiting device limits the voltage between the gate connection and the power emitter connection. A deactivation device is connected to the voltage-limiting device and deactivates the voltage-limiting device during a switch-on of the semiconductor switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans-Günter Eckel, Steffen Pierstorf
  • Patent number: 9144137
    Abstract: A controller for a buck regulator for a lighting system including light emitting diodes includes a voltage control loop configured to compare a voltage reference and a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage is based upon a DC supply voltage to the controller. A voltage regulator is configured to receive an output of the voltage control loop and to generate a current reference. A current control loop is configured to receive a feedback current and to compare the current reference to the feedback current. A current regulator is configured to receive an output of the current control loop. A pulse width modulation circuit is configured to receive an output of the current regulator and to generate drive signals for first and second switches of the buck regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Pantas Sutardja, Wanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9013169
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a soft-start time of a DC power supply includes a digital potentiometer, a first drive circuit, and a controller. The digital potentiometer includes a first potentiometer. The first drive circuit includes a first driver, a first MOSFET, and a first charge capacitor. The first driver charges the first charge capacitor via the first potentiometer when the DC power supply is first switched on, and the first MOSFET is switched on to connect the DC power supply to the load when the first charge capacitor is fully charged. The controller regulates resistance of the first potentiometer to regulate a charge time constant of the first charge capacitor, enabling a gradual rise in voltage supplied, from approximately zero to full power, within a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Bin Fu, Yuan-Xi Chen, Ya-Jun Pan
  • Patent number: 8981741
    Abstract: A voltage regulator has an input terminal for receiving a supply voltage and an output terminal for providing a regulated voltage and a regulated current. Furthermore, the voltage regulator includes a regulator for generating the regulated voltage and the regulated current according to a regulation of the supply voltage. The regulator includes a plurality of regulation branches arranged between the input terminal and the output terminal, each one for providing an output voltage used for obtaining the regulated voltage and for providing an output current contributing to define the regulated current. The regulation branches are partitioned into a plurality of subsets each one including components adapted to operate within a corresponding maximum voltage different from the maximum voltage of the other subsets. In addition, the regulator includes a selector for selectively enabling the regulation branches according to an indicator of the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonino Conte, Carmelo Ucciardello, Gianbattista Logiudice
  • Publication number: 20150048891
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter, which provides a converter output voltage using a DC source voltage, is disclosed. The DC-DC converter includes converter control circuitry and a boosting charge pump. The converter control circuitry selects one of a first boost operating mode, a second boost operating mode, and a boost disabled mode based on the DC source voltage. During the boost disabled mode, the boosting charge pump presents a high impedance at a charge pump output of the boosting charge pump. Otherwise, the boosting charge pump provides a charge pump output voltage. During the first boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about one and one-half times the DC source voltage. During the second boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about two times the DC source voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ashraf Rozek, Michael R. Kay
  • Publication number: 20150042306
    Abstract: A current generating circuit includes a reference voltage generating unit, a clock signal generating unit, a reference current generating unit, and a current mirror unit. The reference voltage generating unit generates a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. The clock signal generating unit generates clock signals. The reference current generating unit generates a reference current corresponding to a selection signal based on the first reference voltage. The current mirror unit supplies a first current and a second current based on the reference current. A capacitor charges voltage based on the second current. A selection signal generating unit counts clock signals during a period in which a voltage charged in the capacitor is less than the second reference voltage, and outputs the selection signal based on the counted result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Bo-Yeon KIM, Hee-Sun AHN
  • Patent number: 8933685
    Abstract: A protection system and method for protecting a direct current to direct current voltage converter (DC-DC converter) from a potentially damaging excessive output current due to exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field is disclosed. The system includes a detector circuit configured to monitor a signal characteristic of the DC-DC converter, and a linear regulator having an output coupled to the load output of the DC-DC converter. The system further includes a control system configured to disable a load output of the DC-DC converter and enable the output of the linear regulator when the detector detects that the signal characteristic has moved outside a predetermined threshold range. Moreover, the control system is further configured to disable the output of the linear regulator after a predetermined time period, and enable the load output of the DC-DC converter after the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Ahsanul Adeeb, John Endredy, Christopher Truong Ngo, Ashraf Rozek
  • Publication number: 20140375131
    Abstract: The systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide single phase inverters that may be cooperatively controlled to provide one, two, or three phase unipolar electricity. In an embodiment, a solar panel may be connected to a DC to DC converter and a unipolar power converter. In an embodiment, the unipolar power converter output may be a single phase signal approximating a desired voltage waveform and frequency, offset from the ground electrical potential such that the voltage output signal may be always positive, thus “unipolar”. In an embodiment, the unipolar power output of each string of solar panels may be connected to a dedicated, predetermined phase of a load, such as a three phase grid system. In an embodiment, the DC output of a DC to DC converter may be connected in parallel with other DC to DC converters and other unipolar converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sorin Spanoche, Mika Nuotio, David Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140327308
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular solid-state bi-directional energy conversion system, which regardless of scale and directional flow, measures, adjusts, harvests, and manages the conversion of frequency, phase, and voltage between the primary and secondary sides providing for safer, efficient, lower-cost energy distribution. The system may include voltage suppression devices at either of its connection sides; network communication devices for system diagnostics, reporting, metering, and power distribution grid management; and on-board communication devices for field maintenance and other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Palmetto Power, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Cargile, Fred Fabian
  • Publication number: 20140176114
    Abstract: A time sequence circuit for a power supply unit includes first through tenth resistors, first and second electronic switches, first through fourth diodes, and a capacitor. Each of the first and second electronic switches includes first through third terminals. When the power supply unit outputs all voltages, the power supply unit outputs a high-voltage level power good signal. If one of the voltages is not outputted, the power supply unit outputs a low-voltage level power good signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HAI-QING ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8716885
    Abstract: A switching assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a first switch connected to the first terminal, and a second switch connected to the second terminal. The switching assembly further includes a rectifier bridge connected between the first switch and the second switch, and a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The switching assembly also includes a control unit that selectively opens and closes the first switch, the second switch and the third switch, and selectively turns on and off the rectifier bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Erik Pfitzer, Adil Oudrhiri
  • Patent number: 8686708
    Abstract: A switching circuit includes: a switching section including at least one first terminal, a plurality of second terminals, and a switching element configured to connect the first terminal to one of the second terminals; a driver driving the switching element in accordance with an external terminal switching control signal; a DC-to-DC converter, which supplies electric power to the driver, having a first state with a response to a load transient and a second state with the response to a load transient being slower than the first state; and a power controller controlling the DC-to-DC converter to operate with the first state during a first time period corresponding to change in the external terminal switching control signal, and to operate with the second state during a second time period other than the first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshifumi Ishimori, Mitsuru Sugawara, Toshiki Seshita
  • Patent number: 8669749
    Abstract: A switching power supply unit of a non-insulated, synchronous rectification type converts a voltage input to an input terminal into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage. The unit includes an inductor, a plurality of output switching elements, a plurality of rectifying switching elements, a switching element control circuit, a switching regulator integrated circuit, and a plurality of buffer circuits. The output switching elements, the rectifying switching elements, the switching element control circuit and the buffer circuits are integrated on the switching regulator integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yohichi Shiwaya
  • Publication number: 20140022012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switched mode power supply comprising at least one switch and at least one inductor, the at least one switch being arranged to connect one terminal of the at least one inductor to one of a plurality of supply voltages, the other terminal of the at least one inductor providing a supply output, and further comprising a capacitor connected in parallel with the at least one inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Paul Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140003093
    Abstract: There are provided a multi-level converter capable of outputting power having various voltage levels with respect to a single input power supply by using a simple circuit, an inverter having the same, and a solar power supply apparatus having the same. The multi-level converter includes a first buck-boost unit having a first power switch switching an input power supply and outputting a first power having a voltage level varied according to switching of the first power switch; a bypass unit outputting a second power having a voltage level of the input power supply; and a second buck-boost unit having a second power switch switching the input power supply and outputting a third power having a voltage level varied according to switching of the second power switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Doo Young SONG, Sung Jun PARK, Min Ho HEO, Tae Hoon KIM, Tae Won LEE
  • Publication number: 20130328603
    Abstract: A current output control device is provided that includes: a current cell array section including plural current cell circuits that are each connected in parallel between a first terminal (power source) and a second terminal (ground) that connect between the first terminal and the second terminal in by operation ON so as to increase control current flowing between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a code conversion section (decoder) that generates signals (row codes, column codes) to ON/OFF control current cells so as to change the number of current cells that connect the first terminal and the second terminal according to change in an externally input code and that inputs the generated signals to the current cell array section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Suguru KAWASOE
  • Publication number: 20130272691
    Abstract: A power source switching device includes a first switch circuit provided between a first power source and a load section, a second switch circuit provided between a second power source and the load section, a third switch circuit provided between the first power source and the load section in series with the first switch circuit, a fourth switch circuit provided between the second power source and the load section in series with the second switch circuit, a logic circuit that controls the third and the fourth switch circuits to prevent at least one of the third and fourth switch circuits from turning on while both of the first and second switch circuits are in an on state, and a control circuit that controls the first switch circuit, the second switch circuit, and the logic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: SHUN YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20130207637
    Abstract: With a power conversion device, it is possible to lengthen the lifespan of a mechanical switch by preventing an absorption by the mechanical switch of induction energy accumulated in a reactor when there is a problem. When a mechanical switch is turned off when there is a problem, an absorption by the mechanical switch of induction energy accumulated in a reactor is prevented by the energy accumulated in the reactor being released to a capacitor via a diode, thus enabling a lengthening of the lifespan of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Odaka, Akio Toba, Masakazu Gekinozu, Kouetsu Fujita
  • Publication number: 20130162033
    Abstract: A power-supply device has a DC power supply, a load, a booster circuit disposed between the DC power supply and the load, wherein the booster circuit supplies a voltage at the DC power supply to the load while boosting the voltage, a bypass element disposed between the DC power supply and the load, wherein the bypass element constitutes a bypass path with respect to the booster circuit, a controller that controls an operation of the booster circuit, a first switching element that drives the bypass element in a first driving path, and a second switching element that drives the bypass element in a second driving path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Toshinori Origane, Kazushi Kodaira, Masayuki Miyashita, Shinji Horio
  • Publication number: 20130154606
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a power circuit including a DC/DC converter, an A/D converter, a control unit, a determining unit, and a conversion timing adjusting unit. The determining unit determines whether a transition timing of the conversion candidate timing signal overlaps a transition timing of the first switching signal or a transition timing of the second switching signal. The conversion timing adjusting unit adjusts the conversion candidate timing signal so that the transition timing of the conversion candidate timing signal does not overlap the transition timing of the first switching signal and the transition timing of the second switching signal when the transition timing of the conversion candidate timing signal overlaps the transition timing of the first switching signal or the transition timing of the second switching signal to thereby generate the conversion timing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takayuki MIYAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8441149
    Abstract: A high-speed low dropout (HS-LDO) voltage regulation circuit suitable to enable a power gate unit to produce a variable voltage signal based on the load of a processor is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, selection logic may dynamically enable or disable the HS-LDO circuit to allow the power gate unit to operate under a fully-on or fully-off mode. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Malay Trivedi, Tong H. Kim
  • Patent number: 8432212
    Abstract: A switching element having an electromechanical switch (such as an electrically conductive membrane switch, for example a graphene membrane switch) is disclosed herein. Such a switching element can be made and used in a switching power converter to reduce power loss and to maximize efficiency of the switching power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Badger, Joseph F. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 8384483
    Abstract: A distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes a primary converter connected to an input voltage and configured to provide an unregulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from the input voltage. Additionally, the distributed power converter also includes a secondary regulator connected galvanically to the unregulated DC intermediate voltage and configured to generate a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier. In another aspect, a method of operating a distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes providing an unregulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from an input voltage and generating a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier that is galvanically connected to the unregulated DC intermediate voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Model
  • Publication number: 20130009624
    Abstract: Provided are semiconductor elements 107A, 107B, and 107C that allow a current to flow that is at most a maximum current determined by the level of control signals VGA, VGB, and VGC and that depends on the difference between the voltage of a DC power supply BA and the charging voltage of a capacitor 102, a controller 105 that outputs a control signal to each semiconductor element, and a temperature detection circuit that detects the temperature of each semiconductor element. Until a predetermined time elapses after the electric circuit is closed, the controller 105 adjusts the level of each control signal based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit so that current through the electric circuit does not exceed a current limit, and after the predetermined time period elapses, the controller 105 adjusts the level of each control signal so that current through the electric circuit is allowed to exceed the current limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Masaki Tagome
  • Patent number: 8325129
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a back light assembly that emits light on a liquid crystal panel; and an inverter that controls brightness of the light emitted from the back light assembly according to a difference between video data of at least three frames that are sequentially inputted to the liquid crystal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Kyoung Oh
  • Publication number: 20120293156
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for assisting an output current of a voltage converter, are disclosed. One method includes detecting a request for a positive change in an output voltage of the voltage converter, selecting an output current assist value based on the requested positive change in the output voltage, for a predetermined load, and assisting the output current with the selected output assist current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: R2 SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Pablo Moreno Galbis, James E.C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8222885
    Abstract: A high frequency power supply, in particular a plasma supply device, for generating an output power greater than 1 kW at a basic frequency of at least 3 MHz with at least one switch bridge, which has two series connected switching elements, wherein one of the switching elements is connected to a reference potential varying in operation, and is activated by a driver, and wherein the driver has a differential input with two signal inputs and is connected to the reference potential varying in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Huettinger Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kirchmeier, Hans-Juergen Windisch, Michael Glueck, Erich Pivit
  • Patent number: 8193864
    Abstract: A distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes a primary converter connected to an input voltage and configured to provide a regulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from the input voltage. Additionally, the distributed power converter also includes a secondary regulator connected galvanically to the regulated DC intermediate voltage and configured to generate a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier. In another aspect, a method of operating a distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes providing a regulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from an input voltage and generating a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier that is galvanically connected to the regulated DC intermediate voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lineage Power Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Model
  • Patent number: 8138744
    Abstract: Combined type transformer includes: a transformer core; first and second coils provided with respect to the transformer core; first and second inductor cores provided around the first coil; and third and fourth inductor cores provided around the second coil. The transformer core and the first and second coils constitute a transformer, the first coil and the first and second inductor cores constitute a first inductor, and the second coil and the third and fourth inductor cores constitute a second inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Nagano, Mitsuaki Hirakawa, Toshihisa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8085017
    Abstract: A pulse control system for a multiphase regulator including an error amplifier, a multiphase generator, and an adaptive controller. The error amplifier provides an error signal indicative of output voltage error. The multiphase generator develops modulation pulses for phases based on the error signal. The adaptive controller is responsive to a load indication signal and redirects at least one modulation pulse from a first of phase to a second phase. The load indication signal may be received from a microprocessor indicating a low power mode. The adaptive controller provides a smooth and efficient transition to low load conditions by dropping operation of one or more phases and redirecting modulation pulses to the remaining one or more phases, and reduced phases improve power efficiency for the low load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Weihong Qiu, Robert H. Isham, Chun Cheung
  • Publication number: 20110109297
    Abstract: Parallel switches arranged to transfer power between an AC power source and a load may be individually operated during different portions of the AC waveform. In some embodiments, the switches may be operated during alternate cycles of the waveform to cause the individual switches to sequentially conduct the entire load current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Nam Tosuntikool
  • Patent number: 7876076
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter for preventing through current from causing erroneous operation of an ideal diode. A first transistor for receiving input voltage is connected to an ideal diode, which includes a second transistor and a comparator for detecting current flowing through the second transistor and generating a detection signal. A control circuit generates a switching signal for turning the first transistor on and off so as to keep the output voltage constant. A pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal for turning off the second transistor before the first transistor is turned on and keeping the second transistor turned off for a predetermined period from when the first transistor is turned on. An erroneous operation prevention circuit generates a control signal for keeping the second transistor turned off from when the second transistor is turned off to when the first transistor is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Morihito Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7868605
    Abstract: Power regulator circuitry is provided for powering loads such as programmable memory element arrays on integrated circuits. The power regulator circuitry may have control circuitry that generates a first digital control signal to turn on and off a regulated power supply circuit and a second digital control signal to turn on and off a switch-based power supply circuit. The outputs of the regulated power supply circuit and switch-based power supply circuit may be connected to an output terminal for the power regulator circuitry. The first and second digital control signals may be used to ensure that the regulated power supply circuit is turned on before the switch-based power supply circuit is turned off. The switch-based power supply circuitry may contain serially connected transistors. The transistors may be turned off in an order that prevents latchup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ping-Chen Liu, Thien Le, Leo Min Maung
  • Publication number: 20100289476
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for adjusting a voltage supplied to an IC by a power supply circuit that produces a regulated-output voltage based on an output-control signal generated by a resistive voltage divider. The circuit includes a PVT detector configured to generate an interface control signal and an interface circuit (i) connected to PVT detector and to the resistive voltage divider and (ii) configured to adjust its resistance in response to the interface control signal. Adjusting the resistance of the interface circuit causes the voltage of the output-control signal to be adjusted, thus causing the power supply circuit to adjust the regulated output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: AGERE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Kouros Azimi, Mohammad S. Mobin, Gregory W. Sheets, Lane A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7812581
    Abstract: A multiphase regulator which includes an output node developing an output voltage, a feedback circuit determining error of the output voltage and providing a compensation signal indicative thereof, at least three phase circuits coupled in parallel to the output node, and an adaptive controller. Each phase circuit includes a modulation circuit and a switch circuit. Each modulation circuit receives the compensation signal and generates pulses on a corresponding one of the pulse modulation signals. Each switch circuit is coupled to the output node and is controlled by a corresponding pulse modulation signal. The adaptive controller is responsive to a load indication signal, such as indicating a low load condition, and drops operation of at least one of the phase circuits and adds at least one pulse to a pulse modulation signal of each remaining phase circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Weihong Qiu, Robert H. Isham, Chun Cheung
  • Publication number: 20100253316
    Abstract: A current control circuit in accordance an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a first transistor that controls a current flowing to a load, a first resistor through which a current flows according to a current flowing through the first transistor, a control signal generation circuit that generates a control signal used to control the first transistor based on a comparison voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, the comparison voltage being determined based on a resistance value of the first resistor and a current flowing through the first resistor, and a reference voltage generation circuit that generates the reference voltage, the reference voltage generation circuit including a constant current source and a second resistor connected in series with the constant current source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norihiko Araki
  • Patent number: 7808225
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises a parallel arrangement of a first switched mode power supply (1) which has a first system bandwidth (LB 1) and a second switched mode power supply (2) which has a second system bandwidth (LB2) covering higher frequencies than the first system bandwidth (LB 1). The first switched mode power supply (1) is dimensioned to supply a first maximal output power (P1m), the second switched mode power supply (2) is dimensioned to supply a second maximal output power (P2m) being smaller than the first maximal output power (P1m). A control circuit (3) varies a reference voltage (Vr) of both the first switched mode power supply (1) and the second switched mode power supply (2) to obtain a corresponding variation of an output voltage (Vout) of the parallel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: ST-Ericsson SA
    Inventors: Ralf Burdenski, Pieter Gerrit Blanken, Giuseppe Grillo, Derk Reefman
  • Patent number: 7688047
    Abstract: The power circuit includes a switching regulator part, a series regulator part and a control circuit part for controlling operation of the switching regulator and controlling the second predetermined voltage of the series regulator part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Sugiyama, Shoichi Nitta, Tomonari Kato
  • Patent number: 7675282
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for voltage regulation including a first transistor coupled between a first node and a third node, a second transistor coupled between a second node and the third node, a third transistor coupled between the third node and an output node, and a control unit that can be coupled to the first transistor, that can be coupled to the second transistor, and is coupled to the third transistor, wherein the control unit is configured to steer the transistors such that a predetermined output voltage is provided at the output node when a supply voltage is provided at one of the first node and the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thomas Jean Ludovic Baglin
  • Patent number: 7635971
    Abstract: A switching control IC is provided with a circuit for generating a triangular wave using a frequency that is dependent on a capacitor connected to a CT terminal of the switching control IC, and a resistor connected to an RT terminal thereof. A synchronizing signal input circuit for externally receiving a synchronizing signal that is a pulse voltage signal is connected to the CT terminal. A charging voltage for the capacitor connected to the CT terminal is changed by the synchronizing signal, which synchronizes the frequency of the triangular wave with the synchronizing signal, whereby the frequencies of a plurality of DC-DC converters are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanari Tago
  • Publication number: 20090289720
    Abstract: High-efficiency envelope tracking (ET) methods and apparatus for dynamically controlling power supplied to radio frequency power amplifiers (RFPAs). An exemplary ET circuit includes a switch-mode converter coupled in parallel with a split-path linear regulator. The switch-mode converter is configured to generally track an input envelope signal Venv and supply the current needs of a load (e.g., an RFPA). The split-path linear regulator compensates for inaccurate envelope tracking by sourcing or sinking current to the load via a main current path. A current sense path connected in parallel with the main current path includes a current sense resistor used by a hysteresis comparator to control the switching of the switch-mode converter. The split-path linear regulator is configured so that current flowing in the current sense path is a lower, scaled version of the current flowing in the main current path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Koji Takinami, Paul Cheng-Po Liang