Abstract: A control device according to an embodiment includes a driving unit that supplies, to a control target, a current or a voltage on which an Alternating-Current (AC) component is superimposed, an Analog-to-Digital (AD) converter, and an AD conversion controller. The AD conversion controller causes, in an AC cycle of the AC component, the AD converter to execute a first AD conversion in synchronization with a starting timing of the AC cycle, and then to execute second and subsequent AD conversions at predetermined time intervals in response to a trigger by an internal timer of the AD converter.

Abstract: A method for parameter estimation in an electromagnetic actuator having an electrical coil and an armature includes applying a voltage pulse to the electrical coil of the actuator prior to an actuator event and of sufficient duration to ensure that a resulting electrical current achieves steady state. At least one parameter of the actuator is estimated based upon the voltage pulse and the steady state current.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator (1) of a magnetic-inductive flowmeter for generating an alternating magnetic field running at least also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a measuring tube, wherein at least one field coil (2), a current regulator (3), a switching bridge (4) and a microcontroller (5) all form part of the magnetic field generator (1). Two different coil voltages are provided for the coil power supply, namely an initial voltage and a lower operating voltage, and a voltage selector (6) is provided for switching from the initial voltage to the operating voltage—and vice versa.

Abstract: A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling current through an inductive load such as an electromagnetic valve of a vehicle anti-lock braking system includes first and second driver stages, controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation) signals, for providing, respectively, an actuation path for valve current in an “on” phase and a recirculation path for valve current in an “off” phase. A peak value of current flowing in the actuation path at the end of an “on” phase is compared with a peak value of current flowing in the recirculation path at the start of the “off” phase in order to detect any malfunction of the circuit. An embodiment of the invention has the advantage of being able to detect any malfunction at very low and very high PWM duty cycles.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-valve controller includes a control switch, a control portion regulating a supply current supplied to the electromagnetic valve by controlling a drive of the control switch and controlling to open or close the electromagnetic valve, and a current detection portion detecting the supply current. The control portion controls the drive of the control switch based on a detection result of the current detection portion. The control portion controls the drive of the control switch by using a first pulse signal having a duty ratio that is variable, in a closed period. The control portion controls the drive of the control switch by using a second pulse signal maintaining the supply current to be constant so as to maintain the electromagnetic valve to be in the fully closed state, in a closed-state maintaining period.

Abstract: In a drive unit of a fuel injection device, an electric current is supplied to the fuel injection device by applying a high voltage to the fuel injection device from a high voltage source whose voltage is boosted to a voltage higher than a battery voltage at the time of opening a valve of the fuel injection device. Thereafter, the electric current supplied to the fuel injection device is lowered to a current value at which a valve element cannot be held in a valve open state by stopping the applying of the high voltage from the high voltage source. Thereafter, in a stage where a supply current is switched to a hold current, another high voltage is applied to the fuel injection device from the high voltage source.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling idle stop of a vehicle that can reduce braking noise and prevent startup delay may be included, wherein the method for controlling may include estimating a disk temperature, determining whether the estimated disk temperature may be lower than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and prohibiting engine stop according to the idle stop when the estimated disk temperature may be higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a medical fluid cassette includes a base and a magnetically attractive member overlying a fluid pump chamber of the cassette. The magnetically attractive member defines a cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of a piston.

Abstract: A method for determining the movement time curve of an electromagnetically driven armature of an actuator that has a coil may include: (a) applying to the coil a control signal dimensioned such that the armature undergoes only a partial deviation from the armature starting position without reaching an end position defined by a stop, and reaches the armature starting position again after reaching a turnaround position, wherein the deviation of the armature over time is described at least approximately by a section of a parabola at least between the turnaround position and the starting position, (b) determining the time at which the armature reaches the armature starting position again, (c) determining the speed with which the armature reaches the armature starting position again, and (d) ascertaining the movement time curve of the armature using a mathematical equation that describes the parabola based on the detected time and the detected speed.

Abstract: An actuator including actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece forming a pocket for a ferromagnetic armature located therein. The actuator including a radial magnet and a solenoid coil constructed and arranged to cause a linear displacement of the armature upon application of a coil drive current from a control circuit. The actuator may include a flexible membrane that partially encloses the armature to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. In a valve design, a fluid flow is stopped by driving the membrane against a valve seat. Pressure from the controlled fluid in the conduit is transmitted through the membrane to the fluid within the armature chamber so that the armature does not need to counteract force applied to the membrane by the conduit fluid's pressure. A fluid flow is opened by driving the membrane away from the valve seat.

Abstract: In a feed control apparatus that controls a feed state for an inductive load by controlling the opening and closing of a load opening and closing element connected in series to the inductive load, a free-wheeling circuit element employing a field effect transistor is connected in parallel to the inductive load so that a capacitor is charged by opening the free-wheeling circuit element when the load opening and closing element is closed and the free-wheeling circuit element is closed by charges charged to the capacitor when the load opening and closing element is opened. A connection is made in polarity in which a closed-circuit conduction direction in the free-wheeling circuit element is the same as a conduction direction in an internal parasitic diode of the free-wheeling circuit element, and the free-wheeling circuit element conducts backward by a small-capacity capacitor. Consequently, a voltage drop and a temperature rise are reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a relay circuit involves driving a relay circuit using a first driver circuit if a voltage of a battery supply for the relay circuit is lower than a voltage threshold and driving the relay circuit using a second driver circuit if the voltage of the battery supply for the relay circuit is higher than the voltage threshold.

Abstract: An excitation circuit, which is used in an electromagnetic flow meter, measures a flow rate value for a fluid, based on an electromotive force. An excitation coil, which is provided on an outside of a measurement tube, is supplied with an excitation current, where, in response, the electromotive force, which is perpendicular to a magnetic field of the excitation coil that is generated in the fluid within the measurement tube, is detected by a pair of electrodes provided on the measurement tube.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for an actuator having a coil and a control device for supplying power to the coil, by controlling a power supply to the actuator by a diagnostic device, controlling a supply of power to the coil by a control device, monitoring an electric signal supplying the actuator, and deriving a diagnostic indicator of the actuator from a result of monitoring; and a device and computer code for executing the method.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter includes an internal transistor and a current sensor that is operable to sense a current passing through the transistor. The DC/DC converter also includes an output current estimator module that estimates the output current based on the sensed transistor current.

Abstract: A method for determining the opening point in time of a control valve having a coil drive of an indirectly driven fuel injector for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle may include: detecting the time curve of the current intensity of a current flowing through the coil drive, determining a current integral with respect to the detected current intensity as a function of the time and starting from a defined initial time, and determining a time at which the current integral reaches at least a predefined current integral reference value, wherein the determined time is the opening point in time of the control valve. A corresponding device and a computer program for determining the opening point in time of a control valve of an indirectly driven fuel injector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering system comprising a vacuum processing chamber having a chamber shield, a magnetron assembly, and a substrate, the magnetron assembly comprising a permanent magnetic assembly and an electromagnetic coil assembly, a first impedance circuit coupled between a power supply and the electromagnetic coil assembly, the first impedance circuit comprising a first resistor and a first capacitor, and a second impedance circuit having a second resistor and a second capacitor, and coupled between the substrate and a susceptor.

Abstract: A fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine delivers fuel into a fuel rail via a high-pressure pump. The quantity of the delivered fuel is influenced by a quantity control valve operated by an electromagnetic operating device.

Abstract: An electrical stepper motor comprises a magnetical rotor and at least two electromagnetical driving coils for causing rotation of the rotator. A method of detecting an operating condition of the as e.g. a stall state of the electrical stepper motor comprises the steps of connecting one contact pin (P, M) of at least one of the electromagnetical driving coils via a high-impedance resistor (R1, R2) to a defined voltage source during a non-activated state of the driving coil, detecting a voltage induced at the driving coil during the non-activated state and converting the detected voltage into a digital signal, and digitally analyzing the digital signal and deriving an operating condition of the rotor by evaluation of the signal waveform including positive and negative components of the signal.

Abstract: A method for regulating a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel injection system includes a high-pressure pump which is associated with a quantity control valve having a solenoid valve electromagnetically operable by a coil for supplying fuel, the quantity control valve regulating the fuel quantity pumped by the high pressure pump and the coil of the solenoid valve being energized according to a setpoint current value in order to close the valve for supplying fuel to the high-pressure pump; when the solenoid valve closes, the setpoint current value is reduced from a first current setpoint value to a second current setpoint value so that an emission of audible noise generated when the solenoid valve closes during operation of the internal combustion engine is at least partially reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic excitation circuit is used as a circuit for providing a magnetic excitation electric current based on a magnetic excitation power supply voltage to a magnetic excitation coil of an electromagnetic flow meter. The magnetic excitation circuit includes four voltage storing circuits that store and output a driving voltage that is charged by a common driving voltage. The voltage storing circuits are connected respectively between the control terminals and the output terminals of four switching elements. When the four switching elements are turned ON in relation to a positive interval or a negative interval, the four switching elements operate by the driving voltages that are outputted from the respective voltage storing circuits.

Abstract: A device for controlling an injection valve actuator for an internal combustion engine has a voltage source, the voltage of which is high compared to the voltage of a vehicle battery and which is connected to the actuator by way of at least one controllable switch. A switching controller can be connected to the vehicle battery at the input end and it is connected to the voltage source at the output end to generate the high voltage from the voltage of the vehicle battery. The switching controller is designed in such a way that the high voltage of the voltage source is regulated to a higher value as the temperature increases.

Abstract: A method of solenoid valve control includes measuring voltage across the solenoid valve and current through the solenoid valve, and using the results to aid in controlling the solenoid valve. For instance, one or both of the measured values may be used to determine when actual engagement of the solenoid valve occurs. An initial lower voltage and lower current can be used, and then as conditions change, the changes in condition can be accounted for by increasing voltage and current to maintain the desired response time of the solenoid valve. By measuring and controlling voltage and current less of a margin can be used, both in setting voltage/current levels and in selecting the time over which a pull voltage/current is utilized. This reduces the wasted energy in the system, as well as reducing the temperature rise in the solenoid valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: A method of increasing speed of an electro-mechanical relay provides an electro-mechanical relay having a coil and at least one contact. A first resistor and a second resistor are each in series with the coil, with the second resistor being in parallel with a first switch. A voltage is provided to the first switch, with the first switch being ON, thereby shorting out the second resistor and providing a first current through the first resistor and to the coil, to move the contact to a closed position. After a certain amount of time, the first switch is turned OFF so that a second current is provided through the first and second resistors and to the coil, maintaining the contact in the closed position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a carrier, a power unit, a switch, and a controller. The carrier is configured to carry a recording medium. The power unit is configured to provide drive power to the carrier. The switch is configured to switch an operation state of the carrier between an ON state and an OFF state of a transmission of the drive power from the power unit to the carrier. The controller is configured to provide a control power to control the switch such that the control power is reduced after switching from the OFF state to the ON state.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement controls at least one injection valve, in particular a solenoid injection valve, for an internal combustion engine. The circuit includes a supply potential connection, a reference potential connection; one or more solenoids; a controllable voltage boosting circuit for generating from the first voltage a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. The voltage boosting circuit is connected at a first input to the supply potential connection and at a first output to the solenoids by means of a respective first controllable semiconductor switching element. A control circuit is connected at least to a respective first semiconductor switching element and the voltage boosting circuit. The control circuit applies the first or the second voltage to the first coil connection of exactly one solenoid depending on an actuation state of one of the injection valves.

Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A method is for closing a solenoid valve in which the solenoid valve is charged with a first current value that results in a first closing of the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is subsequently charged with a second current value that results in a renewed partial opening of the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is subsequently charged with a third current value that results in a second closing of the solenoid valve, the third current value being selected such that the second closing takes place with a higher closing speed of the solenoid valve than does the first closing.

Abstract: Disclosed is driving circuit for AC contactor for driving a AC contactor, including a first switch connected in series with a winding of the AC contactor, a first diode reversely connected in parallel with the winding of the AC contactor for providing a discharging path for the winding, a DC startup holding unit having an output terminal connected in series with the first switch and a detection terminal connected to a first contact switch of the AC contactor. The DC startup holding unit is configured to selectively convert a DC driving voltage into a first DC voltage or a second DC voltage. When the AC contactor is not magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the first DC voltage. When the AC contactor is magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the second DC voltage.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a first needle and a second needle controlling respectively fuel flow towards a first series of outlets and a second series of outlets. It includes a passive control valve adapted to select, on the basis of the fuel feeding pressure, the needle to be activated for fuel delivery to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An injector with such an assembly is economic and efficient to spray fuel with two different patterns.

Abstract: A solenoid valve driving circuit for a solenoid valve includes a current detector for detecting a current that flows in a solenoid coil, a rate of change over time calculating unit for calculating a rate of change over time of the detected current, and a maintaining state transition determining unit for determining a timing at which transition from a first period to a second period occurs based on the calculated rate of change over time.

Abstract: A braking circuit is adapted to supply generatively produced energy of the motor as load resistance to a bipolar transistor. The braking circuit has a voltage regulator, which controls a voltage, applied to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor to achieve an associated controlled voltage based on a reference voltage. A first power supply connector of the electrical motor, in the generator mode of operation of the electrical motor, is coupled to a collector terminal of the bipolar transistor and to the voltage input of a voltage regulator. A second power supply connector of the electrical motor is coupled to an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor and is coupled to a reference input of the voltage regulator via a resistive branch including at least one electrical resistor.

Abstract: A capacitor 16 is charged by turning on a switching element 12, and when a relay 18 is operated, by turning off the switching element 12 and turning on a switching element 13, a constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 are series-connected, and a switching element 14 is turned on to cause the series circuit of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 to be connected to a relay coil 20, so that the voltage resulting from addition of the output voltage of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the charging voltage of the capacitor 16 is supplied to the relay coil 20, whereby causing the relay 18 to be turned on, after which the capacitor 16 is gradually discharged by means of the relay coil 20.

Abstract: In an embodiment according to the invention, the controller for a solenoid in an electromechanical lock is arranged to generate motion power to move the solenoid plunger and holding power to hold the solenoid plunger in place so that the motion power generated consists of a higher power level and a lower power level that are alternating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch arrangement of an electric motor drive (1). The electric motor drive comprises safety switches (3) determined by the safety of the drive, a controlled mechanical brake (4), a power supply circuit (5) of the brake control, a power converter (6), which power converter comprises a network rectifier (7) and a power rectifier (8) of the motor. The power rectifier of the motor is at least partly implemented with controlled semiconductor switches (9, 10) arranged into a bridge. The power converter comprises an intermediate circuit (11, 12) between the network rectifier and the power rectifier of the motor. The switch arrangement comprises normally-open switches (13, 14) in the intermediate circuit of the power converter (6).

Abstract: The present invention is disclosed by that the power source device is operatively controlled by the switching device to supply AC power to excite the driving coil thereby producing larger electromagnetic effect to obtain actuating force, and after actuation, the power source device being operatively controlled by the switching device is switched to provide DC power output of lower voltage to the driving coil thereby passing smaller current to maintain excitation while required operating characteristics of the electromagnetic actuating device are still ensured.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is driving circuit for AC contactor for driving a AC contactor, including a first switch connected in series with a winding of the AC contactor, a first diode reversely connected in parallel with the winding of the AC contactor for providing a discharging path for the winding, a DC startup holding unit having an output terminal connected in series with the first switch and a detection terminal connected to a first contact switch of the AC contactor. The DC startup holding unit is configured to selectively convert a DC driving voltage into a first DC voltage or a second DC voltage. When the AC contactor is not magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the first DC voltage. When the AC contactor is magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the second DC voltage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling bi-directional drive current through an actuator. The method may include receiving a direction control signal, manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one switchable positive current path or at least one switchable negative current path through an actuator based at least in part on the direction control signal, providing feedback based at least on current associated with the actuator, and controlling the current based at least in part on the feedback. The method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via pulse width modulation control.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: The power-off electromagnetic brake (2) attracts an armature that is pressed by a spring force to a rotating member by a magnetic attraction force that is generated by energizing an exciting coil, and brake force that is acting on the rotating member is released. A voltage control circuit (12) continuously energizes the exciting coil for a fixed length of time and generates a considerable magnetic attraction force in order to attract the armature to a yoke when a brake power source (14) is switched on during brake release. After the armature has been attracted to the yoke, the voltage control circuit (12) intermittently energizes the exciting coil at a set cycle and a set on/off duty ratio to hold the armature in an attracted state to the yoke, thereby reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Abstract: A fast turn-off and fast turn-on circuit (10) providing at least one power source (12, 20), at least one switching device (14, 22), a coil (16), and at least a first voltage control device (18). The at least one switching device (14, 22) is connected to the at least one power source (12, 20) for selectively connecting the at least one power source (12, 20) to portions of the circuit (10). An electrical current from at least one power source (12, 20) charges the coil (16) and creates an electromagnetic field when the at least one switching device (14, 22) is in a closed position and connects the at least one power source (12, 20) with the coil (16). The first voltage control device (18) limits a voltage in the circuit (10) when the electromagnetic field decays.

Abstract: A controller moves a solenoid operated valve with a first solenoid operating pulse during a travel time. After a time interval, the controller applies a second pulse, which moves the valve towards its original position. The time interval may be varied, and a characteristic indicative of the return of the valve to the original position may be detected based on a comparison of the pulses.

Abstract: An electronic control device for a switch unit, which includes an electromagnetic actuator having a control coil powered by an excitation current for closing a power electrical circuit. The electronic control device includes a storage unit for storing at least one coil control profile which contains a plurality of values representative of the excitation current as a function of respective points of time. A drive unit is connected to the storage unit, and receives at its input an external close command and controls at its output the excitation current at respective points of time from the receipt of the external close command to follow the plurality of excitation current values of said control profile during the closing of the power circuit. The drive unit operates in open loop mode, without using information relating to the switch unit that includes at least a measurement of an excitation current at the control coil.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement for current regulation of an electromagnetic load, especially an electric motor, generator, solenoid valve, or the like, with a coil, a power switch element, and a freewheeling diode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement has an integrated measurement resistor for measuring the coil current. The measurement resistor is arranged in a freewheeling path of the circuit arrangement in series between the freewheeling diode and the power switch element, and has a digital processing means connected after a voltage measurement device assigned to the measurement resistor for at least partial compensation of resistor manufacturing variations and/or temperature fluctuations in the voltage signal and/or an error due to analog voltage signal processing.

Abstract: An over-current protection device for use in a switched mode power supply prevents over-current conditions caused by short-circuits faults. The over-current protection device monitors a current in the switched mode power supply, and in particular, determines a peak current value associated with the monitored current. The monitored current is compared to a reference value to determine whether an over-current condition exists. If an over-current condition is detected, then the over-current protection device modifies the ‘off’ time of the switched mode power supply based on the determined peak current value.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve actuating controller actuates a solenoid-operated valve by energizing an actuating coil of the solenoid-operated valve in a rated mode, enough to move a movable member in the actuating coil, during a first period. Further, the actuating coil is energized in a power saving mode, during a second period after the first period. The solenoid-operated valve actuating controller has a timer circuit for setting the first period, an oscillating circuit for energizing the actuating coil in the power saving mode during the second period, and a control circuit for stopping an oscillating operation of the oscillating circuit during the first period based on an output signal from the timer circuit, and for energizing the actuating coil in the rated mode.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a fuel injection coil enables the controller to selectively add a pulse of increased amplitude to the beginning of an injection current pulse. Optionally, the controller can also select one of a plurality of amplitudes for the pulse and control the duration of the pulse.