Switched (e.g., Switching Regulators) Patents (Class 323/351)
-
Publication number: 20110316519Abstract: A semiconductor device, circuit, and AC and DC load switch for maintaining a small input-output differential voltage and providing a defined response. The load switch can include a pass element coupled to an input terminal and an output terminal. The pass element can include a control terminal, with the control terminal controlling a response of the pass element. The load switch can include a first loop coupled to the control terminal configured to control a voltage drop between the input terminal and the output terminal while maintaining high impedance with the pass element. The load switch can include a second loop coupled to the control terminal configured to provide a defined filter response from the input terminal. The defined response can be a low pass response, high pass response, or a band pass response. The passband and/or stopband of the response can be programmed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: David Schie
-
Publication number: 20110316520Abstract: A battery control circuit includes a voltage detection circuit for measuring voltages of electric cells, balancing circuits for balancing the voltages or SOCs of the electric cells, a signal input/output circuit for communicating with the outside, a power supply circuit having two modes: a normal mode and a low consumption mode, and a time management circuit. It receives a signal containing a period of time until the shift of the power supply circuit from the normal mode to the low consumption mode, and stores it in the time management circuit. If a command from the outside has not been sent for a predetermined period of time or when an operation stop command has been sent from the outside, the time management circuit causes the power supply circuit to continuously operate in the normal mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd.Inventors: Youhei Kawahara, Ryouhei Nakao, Akihiko Kudo, Akihiko Emori, Kei Sakabe
-
Publication number: 20110304312Abstract: In a power circuit for reducing standby power consumption, a power supply is defined to include a primary power system and a stationary power system. The stationary power system outputs a stationary power after obtaining an input power. A control unit controls ON/OFF of the primary power system, obtains the stationary power as the required power, and receives a PS ON/OFF signal for triggering the control unit, so that the control unit controls the primary power system to supply a primary output power. The power supply includes a switch unit having two ends connected to a power circuit for outputting the stationary power and a virtual load respectively. The PS ON/OFF signal is provided for controlling the switch unit. If the switch unit does not receive the PS ON/OFF signal, it is OFF in a standby mode to avoid unnecessary power consumption of the virtual load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Tsun-Te SHIH, Yu-Yuan Chang, Yi-Hua Wang, Heng-Chia Chang
-
Patent number: 8076914Abstract: A switching regulator includes a step-down-and-step-up unit to convert an input voltage to a low voltage or to a high voltage in accordance with a control signal, and a controller including a low-pass filter to receive a reference voltage generated in accordance with an external control signal. The controller causes the step-down-and-step-up unit to perform a step-down operation or a step-up operation in accordance with a voltage difference between a proportional voltage proportional to an output voltage of the step-down-and-step-up unit and the reference voltage. The controller further causes the step-down-and-step-up unit to perform a step-down operation or a step-up operation in accordance with a voltage difference between an output voltage of the low-pass filter and the proportional voltage, and changes a time constant of the low-pass filter in accordance with the operation being performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Shinya Shimizu
-
Publication number: 20110292705Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating an input voltage to a power conversion module. In one embodiment, the method comprises computing a voltage regulation threshold based on an output voltage for the power conversion module; comparing an input voltage of the power conversion module to the voltage regulation threshold; and generating, when the input voltage satisfies the voltage regulation threshold, an average input voltage less than the voltage regulation threshold, wherein the average input voltage is generated from the input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ENPHASE ENERGY, INC.Inventor: Martin Fornage
-
Publication number: 20110285378Abstract: When a drive signal that is a PWM input signal is small (when the drive duty component of the PWM drive signal is small), shoot-through (through state) between the upper transistor and lower transistor can occur when there is variation in the drive circuit or transistors. An upper switching device and lower switching device control current supply to a load, and an upper drive circuit and lower drive circuit respectively drive the upper switching device and lower switching device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Shuji TAMAOKA
-
Patent number: 8058857Abstract: The present invention relates to a digitally controlled switched-mode power supply, wherein a switched-mode power supply is provided with a control circuit, which comprises a signal amplifier unit able to receive digital signals or analog signals and a switching controller able to receive the signals. The switching controller uses the signals to produce a clock signal, after which the clock signal is output, whereupon the signal amplifier unit feeds a signal back to control the switching controller. The signal amplifier unit is provided with at least one amplifier element, and when the amplifier element receives a digital signal or analog signal, then the signal is transmitted to the switching controller. Accordingly, the control circuit achieves the effectiveness to not only receive and transmit digital signals, but also receive and transmit analog signals, and is thus provided with the advantage of enormous flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Grenergy Opto, Inc.Inventors: Chi-Hao Wu, Chern-Lin Chen
-
Patent number: 8054060Abstract: A switched mode power supply unit realized by an integrated circuit comprising a control circuit controlling the operation of the switched mode power supply unit, wherein the control circuit is configured to provide a plurality of different circuit configurations for different operating environments. The circuit configuration for the control circuit is defined by a control signal received by the control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Nokia CoporationInventors: Martti Ojanen, Hannu Virta
-
Publication number: 20110267142Abstract: DC-DC converters adapted to provide two or more DC output voltages. More particularly, a multi-state or mode DC-DC converter circuit comprising first and second controllable switches configured for unidirectional conduction of charging current.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: AUDIOASICS A/SInventor: Ulrik Sørensen Wismar
-
Patent number: 8044641Abstract: A step-down switching regulator prevents an output voltage undershoot and enables a quick lowering of an output voltage immediately after turning off of power supply. The step-down switching regulator includes an NMOS transistor connected between an output terminal and a ground voltage and another NMOS transistor connected in parallel with a synchronous rectification transistor. Upon reception of an on/off signal for terminating the operation of the switching regulator, the NMOS transistors are turned on into an on-state.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Inoue
-
Patent number: 8044642Abstract: In a power supply device, a synchronous rectifier step-down converter alternately turns on and off a switch and a synchronous rectifier switch. A reference voltage generator generates a predetermined reference voltage. An error amplifier outputs an error voltage such that an output voltage of the step-down converter approaches the predetermined reference voltage. A pulse-width signal generator generates a pulse-width signal controlling turning on and off the switch and the synchronous rectifier switch based on the error voltage. A driver circuit controls turning on and off the switch and the synchronous rectifier switch based on the pulse-width signal. An inductor is connected in series with output of the step-down converter. A bypass switch short-circuits an output terminal of the step-down converter to an input terminal of the step-down converter. A mode controller controls turning on and off the bypass switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yohichi Sakai, Shinichi Kojima
-
Patent number: 8045049Abstract: A signal processor for reducing power consumption. The signal processor includes a signal processing circuit and a first regulator connected to the signal processing circuit. The first regulator receives an external regulated voltage from an external regulator connected to the signal processor and generates an internal regulated voltage that is in accordance with an output level of a CCD image sensor. The signal processing circuit operates with the internal regulated voltage and performs a predetermined signal processing on an image signal generated by the CCD image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Tohru Watanabe, Takashi Tanimoto, Tatsuya Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8040686Abstract: This invention provides a power supply comprising a mother board, a first socket, and a DC-DC converter module. The mother board comprises a transformer operative for transforming an input power into a first AC output power and a filter operative for receiving the first AC output power and filtering the first AC output power into a first DC output power. The first socket is mounted on the mother board and electrically coupled to a circuitry of the mother board by way of at least one conductor terminal operative for providing the first DC output power. The DC-DC converter module mounted on a printed circuit board electrically coupled to the mother board comprises a DC-DC converter operative for receiving the first DC output power and converting the first DC output power into a second DC output power and a third DC output power and a second socket operative for providing the second DC output power and the third DC output power by means of a conductive path of the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Sea Sonic Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yao-Chang Lin, Hsiu-Cheng Chang
-
Publication number: 20110227557Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for use in high-voltage, hot-swappable circuit board applications. A pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal biases a switching transistor by way of transformer coupling. The switching transistor operates to charge an inductor. A shut-down transistor is biased to drive the switching transistor into a non-conductive state. Inductor discharge through a diode is sensed and used in generating respective biasing signals. Switching transistor stress, heating and energy wastage are significantly reduced during circuit start-up.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Samuel M. Babb
-
Publication number: 20110215791Abstract: A novel design scheme for the compensation circuitry of solid-state Marx modulators has been described for enhancing the compensation ability of the compensation cells of the Marx modulators and simplifying the entire circuitry. High-speed solid-state switches are adopted in the compensation circuitry for the control of the compensation actions. Inductive components and diodes are used in the design scheme to smooth voltage curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Ping Chen, Martin L. Lundquist, David U.L. Yu
-
Patent number: 8004263Abstract: In a switching regulator, when a control switching signal received from outside is indicating PWM control, a second reference voltage generating circuit outputs, as a second reference voltage, a voltage that is lower than the minimum voltage of an output voltage range of an error amplifying circuit, so that output signals from a comparator are fixed at a high level. When a control switching signal received from outside is indicating VFM control, the second reference voltage generating circuit adjusts the second reference voltage according to the voltage difference between an input voltage and an output voltage, because the optimum second reference voltage varies according to the voltage difference between the input voltage and the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Hirata, Yohichi Sakai
-
Publication number: 20110199071Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement and a method for driving a load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Jens Barrenscheen
-
Patent number: 7999530Abstract: A power supply with and input and output includes an amplifier configured to set an output voltage of the power supply output equal to a fixed input voltage for the power supply. The power supply has a first output stage coupled to the amplifier and configured to source and sink current at the output of the power supply between a first voltage rail and a third voltage rail. The power supply has a second output stage coupled to the amplifier and configured to source and sink current to the output of the power supply between a second voltage rail and the third voltage rail. A selection device is configured to enable the first and second output stages based on a selection input signal. The selection device is situated outside of the first and the second output stages.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Patrick Sullivan, Steven R. Bristow, William Robert Creek, Jeffrey Allen King
-
Publication number: 20110193533Abstract: A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Benno Koeppl, Michael Scheffer, Frank Auer
-
Publication number: 20110160809Abstract: There is disclosed a device for limiting the amount of electrical charge delivered from an implantable pulse generator to an electrode of an implantable neurostimulation system. The device, connectable between the pulse generator and an electrode, includes a capacitor connected between two depletion mode n-channel MOSFETs with the gate terminals of each of the MOSFETs being connected to opposite terminals of the capacitor, and the source terminals of the MOSFETs being connected to the same terminal of the capacitor as the gate terminal of the other MOSFET. A switch can also be connected in parallel to the capacitor to facilitate the draining of the stored energy stored in the capacitor. Additionally, circuitry can be connected between the two MOSFETs, with the circuitry configured to resonate at a know frequency of electromagnetic interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Timothy J. Cox
-
Patent number: 7969039Abstract: A controller is capable of executing direct couple control that directly couples a first power device and a second power device without causing a DC/DC converter to convert voltage. During the direct couple control, a drive signal that causes no voltage conversion is intermittently output to at least one of a plurality of switching devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Mimatsu, Yasushi Kojima, Seigo Murashige, Yutaka Asano
-
Publication number: 20110140684Abstract: A power controller having externally adjustable duty cycle provides an inversely proportional relationship between duty cycle and input voltage and creates a conversion curve associated with the duty cycle and the input voltage. The slope and/or maximal duty cycle of the conversion curve can be dynamically adjusted through an external setting interface according to the specification of the magnetic components adopted in a power conversion circuit. Therefore, saturation of magnetic components is effectively prevented, and magnetic components with optimal specification are easily available to choose.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Chiccony Power Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ben-Sheng CHEN
-
Publication number: 20110133661Abstract: A power supply system includes a power converter, a switch, and a controller. The power converter is operable for providing power to a load. The switch is coupled to the power converter and is operable for adjusting the power to the load. The switch has a gate, a source and a drain. The controller is coupled to the switch and is operable for controlling a state of the switch. The controller has a first control terminal for providing a gate voltage to the gate of the switch, a second control terminal for providing a source voltage to the source of the switch, and an input terminal for receiving a supply voltage via the source of the switch. The controller is also operable for limiting the supply voltage within a predetermined maximum level by regulating the gate voltage to a preset level.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Zhimou REN, Jun REN, Yunning XIE, Tiesheng YAN, Feng LIN
-
Patent number: 7952335Abstract: The invention relates to a power converter for converting a first electrical power signal into a second electrical power signal having an output voltage Vout with a DC component comprising a control circuit (320) arranged for measuring the output voltage Vout and controlling the operation of the power converter in dependence thereof. The control circuit (320) comprises voltage level shifting means (326) for generating a measurement voltage signal V2 by adjusting the DC component of the output voltage Vout.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: ST-Ericsson SAInventor: Steven Jan Gerritsen
-
Publication number: 20110115462Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a process for supplying unidirectional current to a load, controlling a reverse electromotive force (REMF), capturing inductive energy from the load, and supplying the captured inductive energy to the load. In an illustrative example, an operating cycle may include a sequence of operations. First, inductive energy captured from the load on a previous cycle may be supplied to the load. Second, energy may be supplied to the load from an external power source. Third, a REMF voltage may be substantially controlled upon disconnecting the power source from the load. Fourth, the load current may be brought to zero by capturing the inductive energy for use on a subsequent cycle. In some embodiments, a single power stage may supply a DC inductive load, or a pair of power stages may be operated to supply bidirectional current to an AC load.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: FLYBACK ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Paul M. Babcock, David J. Babcock, Phillip N. Smith
-
Publication number: 20110099389Abstract: A power supply system includes a power supply coupled to a load via a main power rail, and a switch coupled between the power supply and the load on an auxiliary power rail. A controller controls the switch to couple the auxiliary power rail to the load in response to a startup command, and the controller controls the switch to uncouple the load from the auxiliary power rail in response to a shut down command and a low power mode being enabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.Inventors: Terry Matula, Vaibhav P. Sapre, Stephen Seitsinger, John Stuewe
-
Patent number: 7932708Abstract: A power converter is provided. The power converter comprises an output pin having an address setting function, for flexibly setting a system management bus (SMBus) slave address. As such, the present invention is adapted for saving the amount of the strapping pins employed in the power converter, and thus saving the IC packaging cost.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Nuvoton Technology CorporationInventor: Doung-Yi Liu
-
Publication number: 20110089920Abstract: A dual supply circuit uses a dual feedback control, single inductor, dual polarity boost architecture with a low side power FET for end of current recirculation sensing. A dual feedback system tracks the output voltage variations and a low side power FET end of current recirculation sensing utilizes the internal current limit sensing system. Logic defining the state of operations allows the regulator to operate in both single and dual mode to cater to wide application ranges. The positive boost regulator can be operated in a buck mode making the output voltage constant with high input supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.Inventors: Kong Yin Leong, Soon Hwei Tan
-
Patent number: 7928705Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit for a host electronic device includes a buck converter circuit having an input terminal coupled to a first node and having an output terminal coupled to a second node, a switched capacitor voltage converter circuit having an input coupled to the first node and an output coupled to the second node. The buck converter circuit may be configured to be selectively enabled and disabled in response to a control signal, and the switched capacitor voltage converter circuit may be configured to operate when the buck converter circuit is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Franciscus N. M. Hooijschuur, Jacobus Haartsen, Tjapko Uildriks
-
Publication number: 20110084683Abstract: A low powered activation electronic device includes a power source, an electronic circuit, having two spaced apart electrodes, electrically connected to the power source to form an opened circuit, and two fabric contacts made of textile material provided at the two electrodes of the electronic circuit, wherein the electronic circuit is formed a closed circuit to activate the electronic device in responsive to a physical touch by a human operator at the two fabric contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Jack Chu
-
Publication number: 20110080156Abstract: Disclosed is a buck converter for converting a high voltage at the input of the buck converter to a low voltage at the output of the buck converter. The buck converter includes a control circuitry configured to control a duty cycle of a control switch, the control switch being interposed between the input and the output of the buck converter. A synchronous switch is interposed between the output and ground. The control switch and the synchronous switch comprise depletion-mode III-nitride transistors. In one embodiment, at least one of the control switch and the synchronous switches comprises a depletion-mode GaN HEMT. The buck converter further includes protection circuitry configured to disable current conduction through the control switch while the control circuitry is not powered up.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Briere, Jason Zhang, Bo Yang
-
Publication number: 20110068769Abstract: A dimmer switch has a user adjustable high-end trim. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a triac, for controlling the amount of power delivered from a source of alternating current power to a lighting load, such as an electric lamp. A user-adjustable timing circuit controls the conduction time of the triac from a minimum time to a maximum time. The maximum possible conduction time of the triac is the high-end trim. The minimum possible conduction time of the triac is the low-end trim. The timing circuit includes a user-accessible switch that allows a user to reduce the high-end trim from a first nominal level to a second reduced level, lower than the first level, without substantially affecting the low-end trim. The switch allows a user to switch a transient voltage suppressor into and out of parallel connection with a resistor that is part of an RC timing circuit for the triac.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventor: Jackson Gehman
-
Publication number: 20110068768Abstract: A switching power supply includes a power switch, an adjusting circuit and a limit signal generator. The power switch operates according to a switch control signal. The adjusting circuit adjusts the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal which corresponds to the current passing the power switch. When the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal, the limit signal generator samples a reference signal and updates the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Ren-Yi Chen, Chun-Teh Chen
-
Publication number: 20110062940Abstract: A charge-and-add DC-DC voltage converter design using a switch network that toggles between two states, either simultaneously charging a flying capacitor (one or any number) or creating a DC voltage on the output capacitor by connecting all flaying capacitors in series thus adding the input voltage to remaining voltages on flying capacitors after they were charged. A pulse generator delivers a train of pulses to toggle the switch network. Depending on the applications, the train of pulses can be continuous when a fixed unregulated voltage must be delivered, or a defined number of pulses when voltage (power) surge is to be produced. The charge-and-add converters should be capable of delivering a regulated output voltage, and in this case, pulse-width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) can be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Vladimir Shvartsman
-
Patent number: 7902809Abstract: A buck converter circuit is disclosed in which one or both of the control switch and the synchronous switch are III-nitride-based depletion mode. An enhancement mode switch is connected with one or both of the III-nitride based switches and operated to prevent conduction of current by the III-nitride based switch until all biases are established for proper operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: International Rectifier CorporationInventors: Michael A. Briere, Jason Zhang, Bo Yang
-
Patent number: 7904740Abstract: Methods and apparatus operative in a portable electronic device having a processor and a switching mode power supply detect entry of the processor into a power saving mode during active operations and signal the switching mode power supply that the processor has entered a power saving mode. In response to the signaling the switching mode power supply optimizes its operating state in order to increase power supply efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Jaakko Nousiainen
-
Patent number: 7898238Abstract: A method of generating an output DC voltage of a gas discharge process voltage supply unit, in which in a first voltage transformation stage a first DC voltage is transformed into a second DC voltage of a predetermined voltage range, and the output DC voltage is generated from the second DC voltage in a second voltage transformation stage. A switching element of at least one boost converter is switched with a controlled pulse-duty factor for generating the output DC voltage in the second voltage transformation stage. This method permits striking and maintenance of a plasma process.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: HUETTINGER Elektronik GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Peter Wiedemuth, Stefan Schirmaier, Markus Winterhalter
-
Patent number: 7889519Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a dc-dc converter for operating at substantially fixed switching frequency, the converter including a rectifier, and a resonant inverter coupled to the rectifier, the resonant inverter including a switch and a reactive network having first, second, third and fourth energy storage elements, wherein an impedance magnitude at the output of the switch due to the reactive network has minima at dc and at a frequency near a second harmonic of the switching frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: David J. Perreault, Juan M. Rivas, Anthony D. Sagneri, Olivia Leitermann, Yehui Han, Robert C. N. Pilawa-Podgurski
-
Patent number: 7876076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Morihito Hasegawa
-
Patent number: 7868560Abstract: An inverter driving circuit for an LCD is switched on/off more stably to improve heating radiation characteristics and drive efficiency. In the driving circuit, a controller supplies a first driving signal. A level shifter provides a second driving signal. A first delay circuit delays a rising section of the first driving signal to provide the first driving signal. A second delay circuit delays a falling section of the second driving signal to provide the second driving signal. Also, a power switching circuit is provided. The inverter driving circuit for the LCD, when a switching device thereof is turned off, has less current flowing in the switching device, thereby generating less heat. In addition, the inverter driving circuit prevents heat generation caused by current flowing reversely in the switching device, thereby enhancing drive efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Chul Gong, Byoung Own Min, Yu Jin Jang, Sang Cheol Shin
-
Patent number: 7859244Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present invention provide a voltage regulator comprising a first driver, a second driver, and a controller configured to control the first driver and the second driver to selectably operate in one of a plurality of operating modes, including an external driver mode and an internal driver mode, wherein which one of the plurality of operating modes is selected is based on presence or absence of one or more external drivers. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Ravishanker Krishnamoorthy, Rudy Kurniawan
-
Patent number: 7856253Abstract: An integrated circuit for supplying power includes an IC chip having a rectangular shape and having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, a switching regulator implemented on the IC chip and having a driver transistor whose ON time of switching is controlled to adjust an output voltage of the switching regulator, and a series regulator implemented on the IC chip, wherein the driver transistor of the switching regulator is positioned near the first edge, and the series regulator is positioned near the second edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Agari, Kohji Yoshii
-
Patent number: 7855541Abstract: A power supply control circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, a power supply control circuit includes a controller to be coupled to a switch to regulate an output of a power supply in response to a feedback signal and a parameter change signal. A parameter response circuit is coupled to generate the parameter change signal in response to a difference between a first value of a parameter measured before an event and a second value of the parameter measured after the event. The difference between the first value of the parameter and the second value of the parameter is representative of the relative efficiency of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventor: William M. Polivka
-
Patent number: 7831851Abstract: A switching regulator is disclosed that includes a switching transistor controlling output of an input voltage by switching in accordance with an input control signal; a smoothing circuit part configured to smooth the output voltage of the switching transistor and output the smoothed voltage to an output terminal; a control circuit part configured to control the switching of the switching transistor in synchronization with an externally input clock signal so that a voltage at the output terminal is a predetermined constant voltage; and a clock signal detector circuit part configured to detect the presence or absence of inputting of the clock signal. Upon detecting stoppage of the inputting of the clock signal, the clock signal detector circuit part causes the control circuit part to stop operating and perform a standby operation for reducing power consumption and thereby to turn off the switching transistor.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Kohji Yoshii
-
Patent number: 7830133Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting occupancy in an area using multiple detection technologies (e.g., ultrasound and infrared sensing) to intelligently control switching of plural load circuits whereby one of the circuits is affected by photocell control. A programmable controller implements auto-on, manual-on, reversion to auto-on and override operations with respect to the separately controlled load circuits based on sensor outputs and user inputs. An improved power supply for an occupancy sensor and load control device employs a DC voltage derived from leakage AC voltage between line and ground to drive the sensors and other circuits, and a switching regulator with a switching cycle controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) subsystem of the apparatus, allowing synchronous, delayed or exclusive operation relative to the sensing technology such as the US transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Jonathan D. Williams, Todd J. Blackman, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Vadim Konradi
-
Patent number: 7812588Abstract: The present invention is related to, in general, an output voltage adaptive converting apparatus and method thereof. The invention provides an output voltage adaptive voltage converting apparatus, comprising a clock generating unit that generates predetermined clock signals; a switching amplifying unit that amplifies an input voltage (Vi) and produces an output voltage (Vo) based on the clock signals; a feedback filtering unit that filters the output voltage (Vo) and produces a filtered voltage (VOB); a voltage comparing unit that compares the filtered voltage (VOB) with the input voltage (Vi) and produces a control voltage (Vc); and a voltage switching unit that connects a source voltage (Vdd) of the clock generating unit to the input voltage (Vi) or the filtered voltage (VOB) based on the control voltage (Vc).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Luxen Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Seul Yi Soh, Myung Jin Soh
-
Publication number: 20100253317Abstract: To include a first X decoder constituted by a transistor whose off-leakage current has a first temperature characteristic, a pre-decoder circuit and a peripheral circuit constituted by a transistor whose off-leakage current has a second temperature characteristic, a power supply control circuit that inactivates the X decoder when a temperature exceeds a first threshold during a standby state, and a power supply control circuit that inactivates the pre-decoder and the peripheral circuit when a temperature exceeds a second threshold during the standby state. According to the present invention, whether power supply control is performed on a plurality of circuit blocks is determined based on different temperatures, therefore optimum power supply control can be performed on each of circuit blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.Inventors: Shinya OKUNO, Kiyohiro FURUTANI
-
Patent number: 7804378Abstract: There is described a method and an apparatus for pulse width modulation with a predefined switching period having an adjustable ratio of the switch-on duration to the switch-off duration, in which a quantized signal is converted into a pulse-width-modulated signal and is generated in the form of a discrete pulse sequence of switch-on operations and switch-off operations with the predefined switching period, the switching edge for the switch-on duration and/or the switch-off duration being determined on the basis of the ratio of the switch-on duration to the switch-off duration.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Uwe Krause, Uwe Nolte, Jan Spannberger
-
Patent number: 7804287Abstract: A current-loop output circuit for an industrial controller provides for low power dissipation and reduced part count by driving current loads of different resistances directly from a switched voltage source. Proper filtering and design of a feedback loop allows the necessary transient response times to be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Terdan, Xiaofan Chen
-
Patent number: 7800352Abstract: A modulation controller includes an error amplifier which receives a reference voltage and an output voltage (VOUT) from a switching regulator being controlled by the controller at its inputs and provides a VCOMP signal at its output, and at least one comparator, wherein a first input of the comparator is coupled to an output of the error amplifier and a second input coupled to receive a ramp signal. A VCOMP shift cancellation circuit is interposed between the first or second input of the comparator, wherein the VCOMP shift cancellation circuit improves diode conduction mode performance (DCM) of the regulator by reducing a variation in average VCOMP.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Weihong Qiu, Robert Isham