Abstract: A current limiting circuit for a linear regulator includes an output stage transistor and a replica transistor, which have gates coupled to receive an output voltage from a linear amplifier and sources coupled to load circuitry. A drain of the output stage transistor is coupled to a VDD supply terminal, while a drain of the replica transistor is coupled to the VDD supply terminal through a first resistor. The output stage transistor and replica transistor are operated in saturation, such that proportional currents flow through these transistors. The voltage drop across the first resistor provides a first voltage, which is applied to a second amplifier. A reference voltage is also applied to the second amplifier. When the first voltage becomes less than the reference voltage, a feedback transistor is enabled to pull down the output voltage of the linear amplifier, thereby limiting the output current supplied to the load circuitry.

Abstract: In an overvoltage protection apparatus before an inverter configured to feed electric energy from a DC voltage source into an AC power grid, the overvoltage protection apparatus includes a DC voltage input stage. The DC voltage input stage includes at least two current-carrying lines and an EMC filter including interference suppressing capacitors and interference suppressing inductors, and surge arrestors configured to divert overvoltages with respect to ground are connected to the current-carrying lines after the EMC filter, from a point of view of the DC voltage source.

Abstract: The load drive device of the present invention comprises a load drive unit for switching on/off output current that flows to an inductive load; and an overcurrent protection circuit for detecting whether the output current is in an overcurrent state, wherein the load drive unit has an output transistor connected to one end of the inductive load; and a pre-driver for generating a control signal of the output transistor in accordance with an input signal, and the pre-driver has a first drive unit for switching on/off the output transistor during normal operation; and a second drive unit for switching off the output transistor more slowly than the first drive unit during overcurrent protection operation.

Abstract: A driving device for driving a semiconductor element can include a plurality of protection circuits that detect information necessary for performing protection operation for semiconductor elements that include a power conversion apparatus, a pulse signal generation circuit that sets a pulse sequence signal with a pulse width differently for each of the protection circuits and outputs a pulse sequence signal corresponding to the protection circuit that has been first detected a need for protection operation. The device can also include an alarm signal forming circuit that forms an alarm signal by ON-OFF control of a switching element and externally outputs the alarm signal, and a protection operation state discrimination circuit that discriminates existence of a protection operation state based on the alarm signal from the alarm signal forming circuit, and an alarm control circuit that delivers the pulse sequence signal outputted from the pulse signal generation circuit.

Abstract: In a switching control circuit, a length of a soft start period is set in accordance with a time constant of an external circuit connected to a soft start terminal of a switching control IC. A current flowing through a switching element is detected at a current detection terminal. When the value of the current exceeds a first predetermined current value, a second overcurrent protection function is performed, so that a switching operation is stopped. When the value of the current exceeds a second predetermined current value, a second overcurrent protection function is performed, so that the switching element is quickly turned off and a current peak value is limited. On the basis of a voltage at the soft start terminal after the soft start period has elapsed, one of the setting and non-setting of the first overcurrent protection function is selected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a switching circuit includes a high-side switch, a rectifier, and a driver. The high-side switch is connected between a high potential terminal and an output terminal. The rectifier is connected between the output terminal and a low potential terminal, forward direction of the rectifier is a direction from the low potential terminal to the output terminal. The driver is connected between the high potential terminal and the output terminal. The driver switches a high-side switch ON based on a high-side control signal. The driver switches the high-side switch OFF when a first short detector detects shorts of the output terminal with the low potential terminal after a first period longer than a backward recovery time of the rectifier until the high-side control signal changing.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided including a trigger circuit having a capacitor connected between a pulse generator and a second switching element, and a latch circuit connected via a diode, between a junction of a load with a first switching element and the control terminal of the second switching element, wherein when the pulse generator outputs a drive signal, both of the first switching element and the second switching element are turned on and the second switching element is held in the ON state through the latch circuit by a voltage at the junction. When the drive signal is stopped, both of the first switching element and the second switching element are turned off; meanwhile if the load is short-circuited, the first switching element and the second switching element are turned off through the latch circuit by the voltage at the junction.

Abstract: A fault tolerant synchronous rectifier PWM regulator system and method are disclosed. In the system and method, a force commutated synchronous rectifier is operable to be coupled to an electrical bus, and a low side switch is operable to be coupled to a common ground. In addition, a first fuse is coupled to the force commutated synchronous rectifier and the low side switch, and is operable to open in response to a first fault. Furthermore, an inductor is coupled to the first fuse, the force commutated synchronous rectifier and the low side switch, and a second fuse is coupled to the inductor and is operable to be coupled to a current source and to open in response to a second fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods of regulating a power supply may involve ramping an output voltage of the power supply toward an operating voltage level at a first slew rate in response to detecting a soft start condition of the power supply. A determination can be made as to whether the output voltage has exceeded an intermediate voltage level and, if so, the output voltage may be ramped toward the operating voltage level at a second slew rate. The first slew rate can be substantially less than the second slew rate in order to prevent an electrostatic discharge pump from activating.

Abstract: An under-voltage protection circuit has a power input terminal connected to a battery, a power output terminal connected to an electronic device, a switch circuit for switching the power supply circuit from the power input terminal to the power output terminal, a control circuit for controlling the switch circuit, and a control voltage generating circuit that generates a first control voltage when the switch circuit is cut off. The control circuit controls the switch circuit in accordance with the first control voltage. The control voltage generating circuit further generates a second control voltage when the switch circuit is conductive, and then the control circuit controls the switch circuit in accordance with the second control voltage.

Abstract: A comparator includes a first potential supply terminal, a second potential supply terminal supplying a different potential from that of the first potential supply terminal, a first transistor of a first conductivity type coupled between the first potential supply terminal and a first node, and including a control terminal coupled to a first terminal, a second transistor of the first conductivity type coupled between the first potential supply terminal and a second node, and including a control terminal coupled to a second terminal, a third transistor of a second conductivity type coupled between the first node and a third terminal, and including a control terminal coupled to the second node, and a fourth transistor of the second conductivity type coupled between the second node and the second potential supply terminal, and including a control terminal coupled to the second node.

Abstract: A motor control device detecting short-circuit and disconnection faults of a power relay includes: a drive circuit of a motor; the power relay having first and second switching elements; a capacitor; a voltage detector detecting a voltage of the first switching element; a charger charging the capacitor; and a controller detects a short-circuit fault of the first and second switching elements according to the detection voltage when the first and second switching elements turn off after the charger charges the capacitor, detects a disconnection fault of the second switching element according to the detection voltage when the first switching element turns off, and the second switching element turns on and detects a disconnection fault of the first switching element according to the detected voltage when the first switching element turns on, and the second switching element turns off.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator capable of enabling overcurrent protection in a state in which an output current is large even if an input/output voltage difference is small, without waiting until the output voltage decreases. A sense current that a sense transistor flows is detected by a differential amplifier circuit, and hence, in the state in which the input/output voltage difference is small and the output current is large, the overcurrent protection can be enabled even when the output voltage does not decrease. Further, a good fold-back characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and other terminals in an integrated controller of a power supply. Offset and clamp circuitry may apply a positive or negative offset voltage and clamp current to one or more terminals of the controller. In the event that a terminal having the offset voltage and clamp current is accidentally coupled to the protected terminal, the offset voltage and clamp current may be applied to the protected terminal. The protected terminal may be coupled to a fault detection circuitry operable to detect a fault signal at the protected terminal. The fault detection circuitry of the controller may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of the fault signal at the protected terminal or may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of a predefined threshold number of cycles in which the fault signal is detected.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a transformer and an integrated circuit regulator. The integrated circuit regulator is coupled to the transformer and includes switching regulator logic, a counter, and a switching transistor. The regulator logic generates a switching signal in response to the feedback signal. The counter receives the feedback signal, where the feedback signal periodically cycles between a first state and a second state when the switched mode power supply operates normally. An output of the counter indicates an auto-restart mode of the regulator in response to the feedback signal remaining in the first state for a predetermined count due to a fault condition. The switching transistor is coupled to be turned on and off in response to the switching signal when the output of the counter does not indicate the auto-restart mode and is disabled when the output of the counter indicates the auto-restart mode.

Abstract: A switching device includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements coupled in series, a smoothing capacitor, and snubber circuit. Each of the semiconductor switching elements includes a free wheel diode. The smoothing capacitor is coupled in parallel with a direct current power source and the semiconductor switching elements. The smoothing capacitor smoothes an output of the direct current power source and supplies the smoothed output to the semiconductor switching elements. The snubber circuit is coupled between a first connecting point and a second connecting point in parallel with the semiconductor switching elements. An inductance of a first channel provided from the first connecting point to the second connecting point through the smoothing capacitor is equal to or more than 10 times as large as an inductance of a second channel including the semiconductor switching elements and the snubber circuit.

Abstract: In a driver, a dissipating unit dissipates, upon a potential difference between input and output terminals of a switching element being lower than a predetermined potential, electrical charge for overcurrent detection between the input and output terminals. The dissipating unit includes a rectifier having a pair of first and second conductive terminals. The first conductive terminal is connected to the input terminal of the switching element. An overcurrent determiner determines that an overcurrent flows between the input and output terminals of the switching element upon determination that electrical charge has not been dissipated by the dissipating unit despite the change of the switching element from the off state to the on state. A failure determiner determines whether there is a failure in the dissipating unit as a function of a potential at a point on the first electrical path from the failure determiner to the second conductive terminal.

Abstract: A buck circuit includes a first inductor, a second inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first electronic switch, a second electronic switch, a controller, a voltage input terminal, and a voltage output terminal. The relationship of the capacitance C of the first capacitor, the resistance R of the first resistor, the inductance L of the first inductor, and the equivalent impedance Z of the first inductor is R*C=L/Z. The controller detects voltage of the first capacitor, determines whether current of the first inductor is more than a preset value according to the voltage of the first capacitor, and executes over-current protection when the current of the first inductor is more than the preset value.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a power supply for providing a supply voltage, an interface circuit electrically connected to an external device, a switch circuit and a protection circuit. The switch circuit is connected between the power supply and the protection circuit, and is capable of being turned on to transmit a supply voltage from the power supply to the interface circuit through the protection circuit for powering the interface circuit or can be turned off to stop transmitting the supply voltage. When the external device generates a large reverse voltage, it is transmitted to the protection circuit through the interface circuit, and the protection circuit eliminates the reverse voltage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a switch unit and a power generation system thereof. The switch unit includes a contact switch having a main contact and a control terminal, where the control terminal receives a first drive signal to turn on the contact switch; and a bi-directional controllable switch structure, which is connected in parallel to two ends of the main contact of the contact switch and receives one or more second drive signals to turn on the switch structure. When the switch unit performs a turn-off operation, the bi-directional controllable switch structure provides a commutation bypass for the contact switch, so as to protect the contact switch.

Abstract: Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A fault protection scheme for a photovoltaic power converter system is provided. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a fault protection circuit is coupled between a power converter and a ground reference. The fault protection circuit includes a fuse and a current sensor coupled in series with the fuse. A controller is configured to receive current readings from the current sensor and compare the current readings to a current threshold. The current threshold is selected to be less than the fuse current rating of the fuse. The controller identifies a fault condition if the current flowing through the ground protection circuit exceeds the current threshold value. A contactor can also be provided to temporarily lift the power converter relative to the ground reference to determine the existence of other fault paths in the system.

Abstract: There is provided a protection circuit that protects a power converter connected to a secondary winding of a double-fed induction generator, the protection circuit including a rectifying unit connected to the secondary winding and configured to rectify an electric power coming through the secondary winding, a power consumption unit configured to consume the electric power rectified by the rectifying unit, and a switching unit connected to the power consumption unit in series and configured to switch to adjust the electric power flowing into the power consumption unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe circuit that can prevent an arm short, when a half-bridge circuit is configured by using a normally-on switching element, and the half-bridge circuit is used as a driver circuit or an inverter circuit. In a driver circuit configured by a half-bridge circuit in which one of input and output terminals of a first switching element 14 is connected to a first power-supply voltage V1 on a high-voltage side, and the first switching element 14 and a second switching element 15 are connected in series, a normally-off third switching element 16 is inserted between the second switching element 15 and a second power-supply voltage V2 on a low voltage side. The third switching element 16 is turned off, when an operating voltage VH or VL supplied from control-circuit power supplies 13a and 13b is insufficient for the operation of a control circuit 11.

Abstract: A single replica current is proportional to current through a main switch of a switching power converter. This replica current may be used for current compensation, detection and response to an overload, detection and response to a super-overload, and combinations thereof. An input voltage is switchably coupled to an output signal generating a load current responsive to a switch control. A replica switch generates a replica current proportional to the load current. A ramp modulation signal may be generated. A voltage ramp of the ramp modulation signal may be adjusted in response to the replica current. A feedback difference signal is compared to the ramp modulation signal to generate a comparison output. Comparison of an overload reference voltage to a replica voltage proportional to the replica current generates an overload signal. The switch control is generated responsive to the comparison output and may be modified responsive to the overload signal.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit prevents a voltage higher than an allowable voltage value from being supplied to a predetermined to-be-protected circuit. A voltage is applied from outside to an input end 11. A cathode terminal of a zener diode 13 is connected to the input end 11. A first resistance element 14 is connected between an anode terminal of the zener diode 13 and a ground terminal. A voltage detection integrated circuit 15 detects a voltage between both ends of the zener diode 13, and outputs a detection signal that indicates whether or not the detected voltage is higher than the allowable voltage value. When the detection signal indicates that the detected voltage is no higher than the allowable voltage value, a MOSFET 16 supplies the to-be-protected circuit with the voltage applied to the input end 11.

Abstract: There is provided a fault detection apparatus including an open/close unit configured to open/close an electric path to pass a direct current forward, a reverse-current detector configured to detect a reverse current running through the electric path backward, and an opening unit configured to open the open/close unit when the reverse current is detected by the reverse-current detector.

Abstract: A voltage regulator has an output transistor that outputs an output voltage. A first circuit controls a control terminal voltage to increase the output voltage when an undershoot has occurred in the output voltage. A second circuit controls the control terminal voltage to prevent an output current from exceeding an overcurrent when the output current becomes the overcurrent, and disables the first circuit when the output current is prevented from exceeding the overcurrent so that the first circuit does not control the control terminal voltage to increase the output voltage.

Abstract: A power stage for driving an electric machine comprising at least two semiconductor switches designed as semiconductor chips, which are connected by at least one bridge conductor to form a half bridge. The semiconductor switches area contact with each one of their contact surfaces an electric conductor track. The conductor tracks and the at least one bridge conductor are connected to the electric connection terminals for the machine and/or the power supply. The at least one bridge conductor is designed as conductor element which is arranged in at least one plane which is partially disposed approximately parallel to the extension plane of at least one of the conductor tracks. The at least one bridge conductor area contacts the semiconductor switches at a second contact surface which is disposed opposite the first contact surface which is connected to one of the conductor tracks.

Abstract: A memory module includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a voltage regulator down, and a storing unit. The power terminal and the ground terminal are connected to a power source that supplies a first direct voltage. The voltage regulator down is connected to the power terminal and configured for converting the first direct current voltage to a second direct current voltage. The storing unit is connected the voltage regulator down for storing data and reading or writing data when the storing unit receives the second direct current voltage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a step up circuit with output floating for driving a load such as a LED or a series of LEDs in a string. The step up circuit comprises an input port, an output port, an inductor, an input capacitor, an output capacitor, a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. The third switch S3 is an additional switch for purpose of high dimming ratio control, short circuit protection and input disconnection realization. Further, the third switch can implement an additional LDO function when the voltage at the input port is larger than the voltage across the load.

Abstract: An early break bypass switch provides a modular system for bypassing an inverter when needed without allowing switching induced damage to the inverter. In an embodiment of the invention, a shaft-mounted switch provides rotatable cams and sliding followers for positive opening contacts while providing an auxiliary switch section for breaking and making contact to an inverter controller in a specific sequence relative to inverter power. In this way, the inverter is both isolated from the line power and also protected during switching from being damaged by switching-induced spikes and transient signals and surges.

Abstract: Performance failure in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is determined independently by itself. A selective tripping can be done within a shorter time than one cycle of an AC output. A UPS converts a DC voltage to an AC voltage and supplies the AC voltage to a load device. A UPS has a control unit conducting a failure determination by using an instantaneous value of an internal voltage and current. It is preferred that a UPS includes an inverter unit and a trip switch. The inverter unit includes a semiconductor bridge circuit generating a sinusoidal AC voltage by modulating a DC voltage with voltage instruction values, and a filter circuit inserted between the semiconductor bridge circuit and the load device. The trip switch connects and trips a connection between the inverter unit and the load device according to the failure determination of the control unit.

Abstract: Monitoring of a core logic internal voltage regulator output is performed to detect, alarm and put an integrated circuit device into a safe mode when the voltage on the core logic exceeds a safe operating voltage value. This allows putting the integrated circuit devise into a predictable, detectable and safe mode, and to alarm the over-voltage condition to a system monitor to alert on a fault and subsequent fault disposition.

Abstract: The load drive device of the present invention comprises a load drive unit for switching on/off output current that flows to an inductive load; and an overcurrent protection circuit for detecting whether the output current is in an overcurrent state, wherein the load drive unit has an output transistor connected to one end of the inductive load; and a pre-driver for generating a control signal of the output transistor in accordance with an input signal, and the pre-driver has a first drive unit for switching on/off the output transistor during normal operation; and a second drive unit for switching off the output transistor more slowly than the first drive unit during overcurrent protection operation.

Abstract: A driver circuit of an integrated circuit is described. The driver circuit comprises a signal node coupled to receive an output signal of the integrated circuit; an inductor circuit having a resistor coupled in series with an inductor between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to the signal node; an electro-static discharge protection circuit coupled to the second terminal of the inductor circuit; and an output node coupled to the second terminal of the inductor circuit. A method of generating an output signal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection circuit, a resonance converter having the same, and a protection method thereof. A resonance converter having high-side and low-side switches senses a current flowing through the low-side switch and determines a zero voltage switching failure by using a width of a current flowing to a negative direction of the low-side switch.

Abstract: A conventional ground fault interrupter in an arrangement with a frequency converter and electrical machines may be accidentally tripped due to operation-related leakage currents. This can be prevented by operating a ground fault interrupter for a frequency converter receiving a mains current in the following manner: receiving switching information about switching operations in the frequency converter, measuring a signal associated with a common mode current in a power line device which conducts the mains current to the frequency converter, determining, based on the switching information, an expected signal expected for the common mode current produced by the switching operations, identifying, based on the measured signal and the expected signal, a fault current, and interrupting the mains power depending on the identified fault current. A ground fault interrupter is hereby provided with an evaluation unit configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: A fault detection, identification, and protection system for a phase leg of a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) power converter includes a fault detection circuit, the fault detection circuit configured to determine, based on signals received from the two inner switches and two outer switches via their respective gate drivers, the presence of a fault in the phase leg; a fault identification circuit, the fault identification circuit being configured to determine, based on signals from the fault detection circuit, a location of the fault in the phase leg; and a protection circuit, the protection circuit being configured to turn off at least one of the inner switches or outer switches in response to the identification of the location of the fault by the fault identification circuit.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for providing over-voltage transient protection of a voltage regulator. In an example, an apparatus can include a first transistor including a control node and first and second switch nodes, and a low-pass filter configured to couple to the control node of the first transistor and to switch the first transistor to a first state when a voltage change of the supply voltage exceeds a threshold. The first transistor, in the first state, can be configured to couple a control node of a second transistor to the supply voltage to protect components coupled to a regulator transistor.

Abstract: A fault detection, identification, and protection system for a phase leg of a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) power converter includes a fault detection circuit, the fault detection circuit configured to determine, based on signals received from the two inner switches and two outer switches via their respective gate drivers, the presence of a fault in the phase leg; a fault identification circuit, the fault identification circuit being configured to determine, based on signals from the fault detection circuit, a location of the fault in the phase leg; and a protection circuit, the protection circuit being configured to turn off at least one of the inner switches or outer switches in response to the identification of the location of the fault by the fault identification circuit.

Abstract: A power protection circuit includes a power providing unit, a first and second voltage converters, a first and second switches, a first and second voltage detecting circuits, and a first and second warning circuits. The first switch connects between the power providing unit and the first voltage converter. The second switch connects between the power providing unit and the second voltage converter. The first and second voltage detecting circuits are respectively connected to the first and second voltage converters. The first and second warning circuits are respectively connected to the first and second voltage detecting circuits. When the input voltage of the first voltage detecting circuit drops, the first switch turns off the first voltage converter, the first warning circuit signals a warning; when the input voltage of the second voltage detecting circuit drops, the second switch turns off the second voltage converter, the second warning circuit signals a warning.

Abstract: This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and other terminals in an integrated controller of a power supply. Offset and clamp circuitry may apply a positive or negative offset voltage and clamp current to one or more terminals of the controller. In the event that a terminal having the offset voltage and clamp current is accidentally coupled to the protected terminal, the offset voltage and clamp current may be applied to the protected terminal. The protected terminal may be coupled to a fault detection circuitry operable to detect a fault signal at the protected terminal. The fault detection circuitry of the controller may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of the fault signal at the protected terminal or may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of a predefined threshold number of cycles in which the fault signal is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a power system comprising a generator providing power to an alternating current bus, a power converter for converting alternating current power on the alternating current bus to direct current power on a direct current bus, and a direct current load powered by the direct current power on the direct current bus. An undesired condition is identified at the input to the power converter from the alternating current bus. The undesired condition is caused by at least one of the power converter, the direct current bus, or the load. The power converter is disconnected from the alternating current bus in response to identifying the undesired condition for at least a time delay. The time delay is selected such that the power converter is disconnected from the alternating current bus before the alternating current bus is disconnected from the generator due to the undesired condition.

Abstract: A converter cell of a modular converter is provided. The converter cell includes a bridging unit which has a mechanical bistable relay, an electronic switch, a drive for switching the relay and the electronic switch, and an energy store for supplying power to the mechanical relay, the electronic switch and the drive. The drive includes passive overvoltage detection configured to charge the energy store if the overvoltage is exceeded. The drive includes an additional switch which is closed when a voltage on the energy store exceeds a predefined value, and the drive supplies current from the energy store to at least one of the relay and the electronic switch. The drive has hysteresis, such that, if the voltage on the energy store is undershot, at least one of the relay and the electronic switch is still supplied with current from the energy store.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light-emitting diode driving circuit having short circuit protection. The light-emitting diode driving circuit has a boost circuit, a first switch unit, a light-emitting diode string and a control chip. The boost circuit receives an input voltage and outputs a relatively higher output voltage. The first switch unit is connected between the boost circuit and the light-emitting diode string. The control chip is connected to the boost circuit and the first switch unit, and controls the first switch unit to be cut off when the light-emitting diode string is short-circuited, so as to cut off the current loop from the input power source to the light-emitting diode string to achieve the object of short-circuit protection and stopping power consumption.

Abstract: System and method for protecting a power converter. An example system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a power supply, a load, a voltage conversion unit, a feedback unit, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit. The power supply provides an input voltage. The voltage conversion unit converts the input voltage to an output voltage which is supplied to the load. The voltage conversion unit includes a feedback pin and an output pin for outputting the output voltage. The feedback unit is connected to the output pin and the feedback pin for sampling the output voltage to generate a feedback signal. The voltage conversion unit receives the feedback signal through the feedback pin and adjusts the output voltage according to the feedback signal. The ESD protection circuit is connected to the feedback pin and is used for eliminating an ESD surge current flowing through the feedback pin.

Abstract: A novel inductive overvoltage suppression circuit for power converters is presented. High amplitude voltage spikes are generally occurring in high frequency power converters in presence of small parasitic inductances coupled to the power distribution rails, in correspondence of the switching transitions, particularly when high load currents are required. The presented invention proposes active clamps to limit the amplitude of the overvoltage. Furthermore the excess energy in the parasitic inductances is utilized to provide energy and/or a signal to determine when to turn on the next phase power device with the fastest transition possible without incurring in cross-conduction currents in the power stage of the converter, thus improving its overall performance, and circuit reliability in addition to achieving high conversion efficiency.