Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing an optimized feedback loop compensation for a buck/boost switching converter circuit. The buck/boost switching converter circuit may be operating in either a continuous conduction mode boost mode, or a continuous conduction mode buck mode, or a discontinuous conduction mode. A compensation circuit is provided that includes an error amplifier circuit that includes at least one compensation capacitor that provides an additional capacitance that adjusts a location of at least one dominant pole and at least one compensation zero of the buck/boost switching converter circuit to provide optimized feedback loop compensation.

Abstract: A method for controlling brake resistors and a brake chopper, the number of brake resistors being two or more and the brake resistors being connected in series with switches to be controlled, the series connection being connected between a positive and a negative rail of a DC voltage intermediate circuit, the method comprising the step of determining a magnitude for a voltage of the DC intermediate circuit; and determining a first voltage limit and a second voltage limit. The method further comprises the steps of switching brake resistors to the intermediate circuit in a periodically alternating manner, each switch being switched during a switching period and the on-period of each switch in a switching period being responsive to the magnitude of the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit when the voltage is above the first predetermined limit and below the second predetermined limit.

Abstract: A system and method to optimize multi-core microprocessor performance using voltage offsets is presented. A multi-core device tests each of its processor cores in order to identify each processor core's optimum supply voltage. In turn, the device configures voltage offset networks for each processor core based upon each processor core's identified optimum supply voltage. As a result, the offset voltages produced by the voltage offset networks are subtracted from the multi-core device's main voltage, which results in the voltage offset networks supplying optimum supply voltages to each processor core. The voltage offset networks may include fuses to generate a fixed voltage offset, or the voltage offset networks may include a control circuit to dynamically adjust voltage offsets during the multi-core device's operation.

Abstract: An internal voltage generating circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a control signal generating unit configured to enable one of a plurality of control signals in response to a calibration code; and a signal variable voltage distributing unit configured to determine a distribution ratio in response to one enabled control signal of the plurality of control signals and generate an internal voltage by distributing an external voltage at the determined distribution ratio.

Abstract: A voltage reference driver includes a voltage divider circuit with a voltage reference output node to output a voltage between a first voltage and a second voltage. The voltage reference driver also includes a first selectable impedance circuit coupled to a node at the first voltage and further coupled to the voltage reference output node, and a second selectable impedance circuit coupled to a node at the second voltage and further coupled to the voltage reference output node. Combinations of the first selectable impedance circuit and the second selectable impedance circuit are selectable such that a constant impedance is maintained at the voltage reference output node within a threshold value.

Abstract: A device for generating a voltage comprises first and second plates spaced apart from each other, for being charged at respective different potentials. A third plate is placed at a first distance from the first plate so as to form a first capacitor, and a first semiconductor element is connected between the third plate and the second plate. This voltage generating device produces an output voltage having an amplitude that is dependent upon the first distance and taken between the third and second plates.

Abstract: A computer having a CPU which operates with at least two operation modes, comprising: a mode signal output unit outputting an operation mode signal corresponding to the operation mode of the CPU; a CPU power supply supplying power having a voltage level corresponding to the operation mode signal outputted from the mode signal output unit to the CPU; and a control unit controlling the CPU power supply to decrease an equivalent series resistance value to power outputted from the CPU power supply for a predetermined period of time for delay from when switching the operation mode of the CPU has been sensed, based on the operation mode signal outputted from the mode signal output unit.

Abstract: An AC electrical power dividing circuit includes a hot line, a neutral line, a ground line, two output ports, a first voltage-dividing module, a second voltage-dividing module, a first sampling resistor, and a second sampling resistor. The hot line is coupled to the ground line via the first voltage-dividing module and the first sampling resistor in turn. The neutral line is coupled to the ground line via the second voltage-dividing module and the second sampling resistor in turn. One of the output ports is connected to a node between the first voltage-dividing module and the first sampling resistor. Another one of the output ports is connected to a node between the second voltage-dividing module and the second sampling resistor. The AC electrical power dividing circuit supplies adjustable AC power to an AC electrical device from a 110 V or a 220V power source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to provide transformerless safety isolation in a power supply. One example regulated power converter includes input terminals included in a primary circuit of the power converter. Output terminals are included in a secondary circuit of the power converter. A plurality of safety capacitors including first and second safety capacitors are also included. Each of the plurality of safety capacitors includes a respective first terminal coupled to the primary circuit and a respective second terminal coupled to the secondary circuit. The plurality of safety capacitors galvanically isolates the primary circuit from the secondary circuit. A power switch is included in the primary circuit. The power switch is coupled such that switching of the power switch causes energy to transfer between the primary and secondary circuits through the plurality of safety capacitors.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reducing energization transients in a three phase AC power system which includes an electrical device having legs A, B and C associated with corresponding phases of the power system. The method includes the steps of connecting the legs of the device with the power system in an order determined by an energization sequence, wherein the energization sequence is either ABC or ACB. The apparatus includes a three phase electrical device having legs A, B, and C associated with corresponding phases of a three phase AC power system and switches operable to connect the legs of the device with the power system, wherein the switches are configured to be actuated in an order determined by an energization sequence, and wherein the energization sequence is either ABC or ACB. The switches may be controlled by a switch controller.

Abstract: A multilevel voltage generating circuit includes first and second input nodes provided on a first resistance element and supplied with first and second reference voltages. A current substantially flows in a first specific area for a line between the first and second input nodes based on a difference between the first and second reference voltages. A first group of output nodes are provided for the first resistance element to output a portion of a plurality of level voltages. A first one of the first group of output nodes for one of the plurality of level voltages which is closest to the first reference voltage is provided outside the first specific area. The first output node, the first input node, and the second input node, are arranged on a line on the first resistance element in this order.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit includes placing dummy pattern on a second interconnection layer positioned just above the first power line based on a placement result of the first power line, the dummy pattern having a long axis parallel with a direction of the first power line; and electrically connecting the dummy pattern to the first power line, based on placement results of the first power line and the dummy pattern.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling an output reference voltage generated by a reference voltage generator disposed on a memory device are provided. A signal for enabling a clocked standby mode of the memory device is received. If the signal indicates that the memory device is in the clocked standby mode, a first reference voltage is generated as the output reference voltage of the reference voltage generator using a first voltage. If the signal indicates that the memory device is not in the clocked standby mode, a second reference voltage is generated as the output reference voltage of the reference voltage generator using a second voltage.

Abstract: A remote voltage regulator module (VRM) for high-current, low voltage applications. In one embodiment, an electronic system includes a VRM configured to provide a DC output voltage. The VRM is coupled to a load board via a first bus bar and a second bus bar. The VRM includes a first capacitance of a first amount, while the load board includes a second capacitance of a second amount. A loop between the VRM and the load board is formed by the first and second bus bars and first and second capacitances. The loop is characterized by a transfer function that is second order or less.

Abstract: A system for delivering power to a device in a specified voltage range is disclosed. The system includes a power delivery network, characterized by a response function, to deliver power to the device. A current computation unit stores values representing a sequence of current amplitudes drawn by the device on successive clock cycles, and provides them to a current to voltage computation unit. The current to voltage computation unit filters the current amplitudes according to coefficients derived from the response function to provide an estimate of the voltage seen by the device. Operation of the device is adjusted if the estimated voltage falls outside the specified range.

Abstract: A description is given of a circuit arrangement with a resistor voltage divider chain which comprises a number N of two-terminal resistors which are connected in series between a number N+1 of connection points, with N being greater than or equal to 2.

Abstract: A system for delivering power to a device in a specified voltage range is disclosed. The system includes a power delivery network, characterized by a response function, to deliver power to the device. A current computation unit stores values representing a sequence of current amplitudes drawn by the device on successive clock cycles, and provides them to a current to voltage computation unit. The current to voltage computation unit filters the current amplitudes according to coefficients derived from the response function to provide an estimate of the voltage seen by the device. Operation of the device is adjusted if the estimated voltage falls outside the specified range.

Abstract: A LED driving device includes a plurality of LEDs, a voltage detecting circuit, and a current switching circuit. When the voltage detecting circuit detects the different voltage level of power source without coupling to a filtering capacitor, it sends a signal to the current switching circuit and then the current switching circuit is automatically activated to electrically rearrange the configuration of LEDs with a predetermined current value by lighting the greatest number of LEDs that improving the power factor and efficiency.

Abstract: A heating system including a power supply and a heating element for conducting a current from the power supply. A temperature sensing device is adopted to detect a temperature of the heating element, and a switch is connected in a circuit containing the power supply and the heating element to switch the current on or off. Further, a microprocessor produces a pulse-width-modulated signal as a function of the detected temperature, where the pulse-width-modulated signal drives the switch.

Abstract: Reduction of energization transients in a three phase Y-connected load having legs A, B and C associated with corresponding phases of a three-phase AC power system is achieved by energizing respective legs of the load in an order determined by a energization sequence dependent upon a type of the load. The energization sequence defines first, second and third legs of the legs A, B and C to be energized. A conduction path for current to flow between a neutral point of the Y-connected load to ground through a transient-limiting impedance while the first, second and third legs are being energized is employed. The transient limiting impedance has an impedance value selected such that after the first leg is energized, an energization transient produced on energizing the second leg and an energization transient produced on energizing the third leg are both approximately minimized.

Abstract: A multi-axes industrial processing machine with a multi-axes electrical drive system and at least two axle drives that have each an axle module and a built-in motor is disclosed. The machine further includes an impedance that is transformer-coupled with a supply module through an annular core. Either the phase lines on the AC side of the supply module or the output lines of the DC side of the supply module as well as an additional winding are wound on the annular core. The impedance is connected in parallel to the additional winding.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is provided with a reference voltage generation circuit for generating a voltage to be a reference, a function circuit that is operated using an output voltage of the reference voltage generation circuit, and a reference voltage stabilization capacitor for stabilizing the output voltage, which is connected to an output terminal of the reference voltage generation circuit. During standby, the function circuit stops operating while the reference voltage generation circuit continues operating to prevent discharging of the reference voltage stabilization capacitor, thereby realizing reduction in power consumption of the function circuit such as an analog circuit as well as high-speed recovery from the standby state to the normal operation state.

Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing the loads in a circuit (1, 4) of semiconductor power switches arranged in series or in parallel is disclosed. Individual switching signals (iG1, iG2) for the semiconductor power switches (S1 . . . S4) are generated by determining a system-widely valid synchronous sampling time (tsj) independently for each semiconductor power switch (S1 . . . S4) due to a synchronous event (es) of the whole circuit (1, 4). Control loop offsets between actual values (ai) measured synchronously at the sampling time (tsj) and given desired values (as) of an asynchronous state variable (a(t)) of the semiconductor power switches (S1 . . . S4) are reduced in the same or in following switching cycles.

Abstract: A cost and space efficient diode circuit arrangement for limiting current from an AC source using only a few components, the circuit includes a capacitor coupled to an AC source and at least two oppositely polarized diodes connected in parallel. This circuit may be used in a variety of applications. For example, the circuit finds particular use in household appliances and electronics, such as vacuum cleaners, where electrical compartment space for light emitting diodes (LEDs) is constrained.

Abstract: For compensation of voltage drop in a multi-conductor cable (3) connecting an electric multi-phase power source (1) with a consumer installation (4), in particular for supply of ground power to aircraft standing in airport parking positions, adjustment of the output voltage of the electric power source (1) to a level above the nominal voltage is accomplished by determining a set of cable impedance parameters and vector representations of the fundamental components of the individual output currents of the phases of the multi-phase AC power. By matrix multiplication of the vector representations of the fundamental current components by the cable model matrix a set of vector representations of fundamental voltage drop signals is calculated for the phases of the multi-phase AC power, and used as reference signals for a voltage controller (13) in the power source (1) to produce for each phase a compensation voltage for addition to the nominal voltage.

Abstract: An active digital voltage regulator circuit is a two terminal device that is connected in shunt to first and second power supply input lines. The active digital voltage regulator circuit stores energy during times when the local power supply voltage is greater than a predefined voltage, e.g., during times when the parasitic inductances supplement the local power supply voltage. The active digital voltage regulator circuit uses the stored energy to supplement the local power supply voltage during times when the local power supply voltage starts to collapse, e.g., during periods when inductive losses are preventing the power supply from maintaining the local power supply voltage. Consequently, digital active voltage regulator circuit smooths the local power supply voltage by greatly ameliorating the ripple voltages associated with parasitic inductances and resistances. A control circuit within the regulator circuit is a combination of two self-biasing and off-set nulling power supply monitor circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally methods and apparatus for controlling current demand in an integrated circuit. One embodiment relates to a method that includes detecting if a supply voltage overshoot or a undershoot is present or anticipated, and if detected, controlling current consumed by a power consumption circuitry to ensure that the power supply voltage remains within acceptable levels. Other embodiments relate to an integrated circuit having a capacitive decoupling structure, power consumption circuitry, and power consumption control circuitry for controlling current consumed by at least a portion of the power consumption circuitry. Therefore, embodiments of the invention relate to monitoring and controlling power consumption (i.e. current demand) of a power consumption circuit (such as an integrated circuit) in order to prevent devastating supply voltage undershoots, overshoots, and oscillations.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus using a precharging scheme is provided, where the size of an IC is minimized. The decoding apparatus may be used in a resistance array digital/analog converting apparatus implemented in an IC for driving a TFT-LCD to minimize the size of the IC. The disclosed decoding apparatus includes an input device for inputting digital data signals, a precharge device for precharging a plurality of output nodes with a first logic value in response to a precharge signal before the plurality of output nodes are enabled by a digital data signal provided from the input device, and a switch device for providing a second logic value to an output node from among the plurality of output nodes.

Abstract: A pair of equivalent controlled impedance buffers are connected in a push-pull configuration to a transformer primary coil. A pair of equivalent pre-drivers are connected to the pair of buffers. Each pre-driver receives a driver input signal and outputs a buffer input signal (based on the input signal) and a DC offset compensation signal. Each buffer receives the buffer input signal from its associated pre-driver for buffered output as a line driver signal to the primary coil. Each buffer further receives the DC offset compensation signal generated its pre-driver to compensate for an offset introduced by the transformer. A balanced bridge hybrid is also connected between the buffer output and internal nodes. An adjustment circuit processes the hybrid output during training mode to generate an adjustment signal for application to an adjustable current source within each buffer.

Abstract: A fast DC discharge device for a large rated capacity, includes a capacitor (C1), a switch (SW2) serially connected to capacitor (C1), a high voltage transformer (T1), an amplifier (AMP1) connected to the primary coil of high voltage transformer (T1), a switch (SW1) connected between high. voltage transformer (T1) and switch (SW2), a diode (D1) connected in parallel to switch (SW1), and an inductance connected between the secondary coil of high voltage transformer (T1) and switch (SW1), for reducing the instant current during the early stage of discharging, and for protecting switch (SW1) from failure caused by multiple discharges over a long period of time, and a switch (SW3) connected between the output of the amplifier (AMP1) and the primary coil of the high voltage transformer (T1), which is an open circuit during the discharge cycle, so that the transformer (T1) will show an inductive characteristic during the discharge cycle. Resistance (R3) is arranged in parallel with capacitor (C1).

Abstract: An RF power supply that is capable of tracking rapid changes in the resonant frequency of a load and capable of quickly responding to varying load conditions so as to deliver the desired amount of power. The present invention also provides an RF power supply capable of delivering a wide range of power over a broad frequency range to a load that is remotely located from the power supply. According to one embodiment, the RF power supply includes a direct current (DC) voltage source that provides a DC voltage within a predetermined.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus 200 comprises an energy supplying circuit 210 for supplying energy at a predetermined timing, and an energy preserving circuit 220 for receiving the energy supplied from the energy supplying circuit 210 and preserving the energy. The energy preserving circuit 220 includes an inductor 221, a capacitance 223 connected to one end of the inductor 221 at a node 222, and a capacitance 225 connected to the other end of the inductor 221 at a node 224. Energy is supplied to a load via at least one of the node 222 and the node 224.

Abstract: An impedance-to-voltage converter utilizes an operational amplifier to convert an impedance into a voltage without suffering from the influence of stray capacitances. The impedance-to-voltage converter is formed of an operational amplifier which has an imaginary short-circuit state between an inverting input and a non-inverting input thereof when an impedance element is connected between an output and the inverting input, a shielding line for shielding a line for connecting the impedance element to the inverting input, an AC signal generator connected to the non-inverting input, and a shielding line for shielding the signal line. The shielding lines are connected to the non-inverting input.

Abstract: A dual mode apparatus for alternately supplying a low power reference voltage and a high power reference voltage, both at the same voltage level. The apparatus includes a driver, an output buffer and a switch. The driver generates the low power reference voltage, which is directly supplied during a standby mode of a receiving unit. The output buffer receives the low power reference voltage during an active mode of the receiving unit, and generates the high power reference voltage therefrom. The switch is connected between an output of the driver and the output buffer, and provides the high power reference voltage during the active mode, and the low power reference voltage during the stand-by mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sputtering power supply apparatus which realizes stable sputtering at a pressure lower than the discharge start pressure, so that scattering of sputtering particles due to collision with sputtering inert gas can be reduced, thereby improving the step coverage and the denseness of the sputter film. According to the present invention, there is provided a sputtering power supply apparatus comprising a sputtering DC power source (A), a constant current circuit (B) connected to the DC power source, a sputtering source (21) connected to the constant current circuit (B), and a control unit (11) for controlling a current output from the constant current circuit (B) so as to be a constant current.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic inductance circuit having a transistor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a capacitor and a first current source. The main current path of the transistor and the first resistor are connected in series to form a first serial circuit between an input terminal and an output terminal. The second resistor and the capacitor are connected in series to form a second serial circuit between the input and output terminals, thus forming a parallel circuit of the first and second serial circuits. The connection point between the second resistor and the capacitor is coupled to the control terminal of the transistor. The connection point is connected to the first current source for determining the operating point of the transistor.

Abstract: An active digital voltage regulator circuit is a two terminal device that is connected in shunt to first and second power supply input lines. The active digital voltage regulator circuit stores energy during times when the local power supply voltage is greater than a predefined voltage, e.g., during times when the parasitic inductances supplement the local power supply voltage. The active digital voltage regulator circuit uses the stored energy to supplement the local power supply voltage during times when the local power supply voltage starts to collapse, e.g., during periods when inductive losses are preventing the power supply from maintaining the local power supply voltage. Consequently, digital active voltage regulator circuit smooths the local power supply voltage by greatly ameliorating the ripple voltages associated with parasitic inductances and resistances. A control circuit within the regulator circuit is a combination of two self-biasing and off-set nulling power supply monitor circuits.

Abstract: A heater temperature control circuit for controlling a temperature of, for example, a heater incorporated in a laser printer for fixing a toner image on a recording material includes a voltage divider circuit delivering an output voltage divided by a thermistor changing a resistance value thereof in response to temperature changes with generation of heat by a heater and a resistance having a predetermined resistance value, and a heater control circuit comparing the output voltage of the voltage divider circuit with a reference voltage, thereby delivering a control signal for controlling an amount of heat generated by the heater on the basis of results of comparison.

Abstract: A power lag compensation device is provided including a housing. A socket assembly is situated within the interior space of the housing for releasably receiving a plug connected to an appliance for being in electrical communication therewith. A plug assembly is mounted on the housing and extended therefrom exterior of the housing. The plug assembly includes a pair of spaced parallel rectangular prongs. The rectangular prongs each have an associated interconnect wire connected to a corresponding socket of the socket assembly. The plug assembly serves to releasably insert within a socket which is connected to an alternating current power source. A triggering mechanism is connected in communication with one of the interconnect wires within the housing. The triggering mechanism is adapted for producing an activation signal upon the detection of a current flow therethrough.

Abstract: A power generator using a piezoelectric element is provided which generates electric power at a high efficiency. It has been determined that the efficiency of power generation varies as a function of the ratio of an initial unloaded value of the power generator to a prescribed voltage of the input of an electric power system. A high power generation efficiency can be obtained when the voltage ratio is in the range of approximately two to twenty. In particular, when the voltage ratio is in the range of approximately four to six, a maximum power generation efficiency can be obtained. The invention provides a small-sized, high performance power generator which can be used in practice in portable electronic devices or the like.

Abstract: A switch controlled variable capacitor circuit that includes a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal; a switch connected across the first and second terminals of the capacitor; a pulse width modulator for controlling the switch to close at positive going zero crossings of a sinusoidally varying current provided to the first and second terminals, and to open at D seconds after the positive going zero crossings, wherein D is in a range of 0.25 to 0.5 times the period T of the sinusoidally varying current; and a diode connected across the first and second terminal of the capacitor for conducting the sinusoidally varying current during a portion of a negative half of each period of the sinusoidally varying current. The switch variable capacitor circuit has a capacitance that is controlled by varying D.

Abstract: The measuring device is incorporated in a projection of the casing. Its auxiliary electrode forms the high-voltage capacitor of a capacitive voltage divider together with the internal conductor, and is connected with the casing via a low-voltage capacitor. The measurement connection emerges from the projection in gas-tight manner, and is connected to a display or measuring device. In order to be able to detect high-frequency compensation operations, also, the low-voltage capacitor consists of two nested cones with a solid dielectric. A terminal resistor which is connected to the internal conductor of a gas-tight coaxial connector is arranged in the inside cone. The terminal resistor is adapted to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial connector and that of the measurement connection. The measuring device with the auxiliary electrode can be inserted into tubular gas connections in the casing of a high-voltage conductor, especially in compressed gas-insulated, encased high-voltage switch conductors.

Abstract: A potentiometric circuit arrangement 30 is based on a resistive potentiometer tarck 11 with a capacitively coupled `wiper` 14', the resistive track being driven by switched alternating voltages of +/- V at 12 and -/+(X-V) at 13, where X is a reference voltage and V is the output of an integrator 15 to which the voltage sensed by the elecrode 37, and rectified at 36, is applied. A null voltage point establishes itself at the position of the electrode and stabilizes the integrator output at a d.c. voltage proportional to the distance of the `wiper` from the track end 12. Any `wiper` displacement taps a non-null signal which integrated applies new voltages to the track until the null point is re-established at the `wiper` position. The capacitive pick-up enables a potentiometer-type voltage output with less wear of the track, less drag against motion and less electrical noise, and electronic differentiation (27) of the position signal to give a rate signal.

Abstract: An insulating member which functions as a voltage divider in a high voltage system. The insulating member includes an insulating body having a head section and a base section. The insulating body is made of plastic containing conductive fillers to reduce the active resistance of the body. A metal fitting is embedded in the head section for connecting the head section with high voltage carrying components and for supporting such components. A further metal fitting is embedded in the base section for mechanically holding the insulating member at a grounded frame portion of a high voltage system. An electrode is disposed in the region of the further metal fitting and extends over a significant portion of the cross-sectional area of the insulating body. An electrical terminal is connected with the electrode and is insulated against grounded components of the high voltage system.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the power dissipated by an electrical resistance coupled to a supply voltage which varies, includes a feedback circuit, coupled to the electrical resistance, for producing a feedback current corresponding to the current flowing through the heater. A correction circuit produces a correction current corresponding to variations in the supply voltage. An integrator receives the correction current and the feedback current and amplifies the error indicated by the correction current and the feedback current. A pulse width modulator receives the amplified error and controls the ON time of a switching device to control the flow of current through the electrical resistance. The flow of current through the electrical resistance is controlled to maintain the power dissipated by the resistance constant.

Abstract: A voltage regulator that reduces the voltage output of a generator to make it appropriate for use with an external load. The voltage regulator includes a starting unit for use with on-demand generators to cause the on-demand generator to start without presenting a risk to the external load.

Abstract: The reactance of series capacitor equipment connected to an electrical transmission power line can be changed during operation with the aid of a transformer on-load tap-changer which switches in or out a variable number of capacitor modules. The tap-changer comprises a tap selector, the contacts of which in currentless state can be moved between the capacitor steps, and a diverter switch with a plurality of sequentially operating contact members and with resistors arranged to prevent direct short-circuiting of the capacitor steps. The tap-changer can be at line potential and operated remotely by contact-moving means at ground potential.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive potentiometer for an operator control panel. A linear strip having a polymeric resistor film is provided as an operator actuatable control. The stray capacitance of an operator's body, when the operator touches the strip along its length, unbalances a transformer bridge and provides a voltage proportional to the position of the operator's finger along the length of the polymeric resistor. The potentiometer is suitable for use in any operator control environment where it is desired to (1) rapidly and quickly approach a control range without multiple turns required by optical position encoder-type control devices, or (2) rapidly and quickly be reset to a null or zero state upon the completion of a control in preparation for a subsequent control.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply current regulator includes at least one high voltage rectifier diode having a plurality of pn junctions, said diode being adapted to be connected between a high voltage power supply whose current is to be regulated and a load such that the diode is reverse biased. A control circuit, operating at a voltage which is relatively low compared with the power supply voltage, controls the reverse current through the diode to the load. The reverse current constitutes the load current. The control circuit includes a light source for illuminating the pn junctions of the diode with a predetermined flux of photons, the reverse current through the diode being a function of the photon flux on the diode junctions.

Abstract: A power supply circuit having rectifiers and selectable first to n-th power supply voltage terminals for supplying various levels of output voltages. Between respective terminals and an earth, first smoothing capacitors (e.g. C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) are connected. Between i-th terminal and (i-1)-th terminal (wherein, 2.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n), second smoothing capacitors (e.g. C.sub.5, C.sub.6, C.sub.n, C.sub.n-1) are connected. When i-th terminal is selected, not only capacitance of the first smoothing capacitor connected between the i-th terminal and the earth, but also capacitance of the first capacitor connected between the (i-1)-th terminal and the earth and the second capacitor connected between the i-th and (i-1)-th terminals are utilized for smoothing operation.