Overvoltage And Undervoltage Patents (Class 361/90)
  • Patent number: 10181739
    Abstract: A power storage adapter may use a high efficiency charging method when supplying electrical power to a portable information handling system when the power storage adapter is not connected to AC line power. In particular, when the portable information handling system draws the electrical power below a low load threshold, such as during a low power state, the power storage adapter may avoid supplying electrical power. When an internal battery of the portable information handling system has an SOC less than a recharging state of charge for the internally battery, the power storage adapter may resume supplying power to the portable information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss, Richard Christopher Thompson
  • Patent number: 10164422
    Abstract: A method and system for protecting low voltage devices driven by a high voltage circuit is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring an output voltage, from a high voltage block, to a low voltage block. The method further comprises comparing the output voltage with a range of voltages allowable for driving the low voltage block. The range of voltages may be pre-defined or dynamically determined. Furthermore, the method comprises operating a first set of switches and a second set of switches. The first set of switches are operated to feed voltage from the high voltage block to input of the low voltage block, and the second set of switches are operated to feed a plurality of reference voltages to the input of the low voltage block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SIGNALCHIP INNOVATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Himamshu Gopalakrishna Khasnis, Nikhil Birur Gururaja Rao
  • Patent number: 10135439
    Abstract: Disclosed examples include isolated load switch driver circuits to drive a load, including an impedance circuit that receives a digital input voltage signal from a signal source, and selectively allows a current signal to flow from the signal source to charge a buffer capacitor. An impedance control circuit controls the impedance circuit to limit the current signal in response to the buffer capacitor reaching a first threshold voltage, and an output circuit provides an output isolated from the digital input voltage signal to switch the load. A signaling circuit selectively enables the output circuit to draw power from the buffer capacitor in response to the voltage of the buffer capacitor reaching the first threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Giacomo Calabrese, Maurizio Granato, Giovanni Frattini
  • Patent number: 10033205
    Abstract: For preventing overcurrent discharge, a protection method, a power supply apparatus, and an electronic device are disclosed. The power supply apparatus may include a power supply module and a protection circuit coupled to the power supply module and an electrical terminal. The protection circuit may include a controller that directs power from the power supply module to the electrical terminal, wherein the controller stops a current flow from the power supply module to the electrical terminal in response to a voltage detected by the controller being higher than a threshold voltage based on a temperature of the protection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventor: Xianxi Li
  • Patent number: 10027124
    Abstract: A controller has a predicting section which computes a predicted electric energy predicted to be supplied from a power distribution grid to the load during an assessment period which is a predetermined period. The controller has a supply electric energy computing section which computes a supply electric power based on the predicted electric energy, the supply electric energy being an electric energy to be supplied to the load from the electric power converter during the assessment period. The controller has a time computing section which computes a discharge time by dividing the supply electric energy by a rated power of the electric power converter. The controller has a control section which controls the electric power converter so that an electric power corresponding to the rated power is supplied to the load only for the discharge time within the assessment period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 9947496
    Abstract: An alternating current circuit breaker includes a first galvanic separation switch (SW2) and a bypass switch (SW1) in a live line, and a second galvanic separation switch (SW3) in a neutral line, and a semiconductor switch element connected parallel to the bypass switch (SW1). The semiconductor switch element includes a combination of a rectifier bridge (D1-D4) and an isolated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). A processing unit is connected to a current measurement unit arranged in the live line, and is arranged to control the bypass switch (SW1), first and second galvanic separation switches (SW2, SW3) and the conducting state of the isolated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) in case of detection of a short circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INDUSTRIES (NETHERLANDS) B.V.
    Inventor: Ronaldus Niehoff
  • Patent number: 9900943
    Abstract: A two-terminal IC chip and method thereof. For example, a two-terminal IC chip includes a first chip terminal, a second chip terminal, a first switch configured to receive a control signal, a first capacitor coupled to the first switch, a second switch configured to receive the control signal, a second capacitor coupled to the second switch, a third switch configured to receive the control signal, and a third capacitor coupled to the third switch. A first terminal voltage is a voltage of the first chip terminal, a second terminal voltage is a voltage of the second chip terminal, and a chip voltage is equal to a difference between the first terminal voltage and the second terminal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Luo, Liqiang Zhu, Zhiliang Chen, Lieyi Fang
  • Patent number: 9881756
    Abstract: An exemplary contactor control system and method to reduce the amount of sound during the translation of an automotive contactor from a closed state to an open state is provided. The contactor has an electrical coil and first and second electrical contacts. The control system includes a microcontroller and a high side driver circuit. The microcontroller generates a pulse width modulated signal that is applied to the high side driver circuit and decreases a duty cycle thereof to decrease a first control voltage applied to the electrical coil over a time interval. The microcontroller maintains a duty cycle for another time interval to maintain the contactor in the closed operational state. Next, the microcontroller decreases the duty cycle to reduce a speed of a contactor armature prior to contacting a stop member to reduce an amount of sound while transitioning the contactor to the open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pavel Dutov, Alexander J. Smith, Richard A. McCormick, Adam Ing
  • Patent number: 9847303
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection chip is provided. The electrostatic discharge protection chip includes an electrostatic discharge module for discharging abnormal static electricity on the driver chip, and at least one detection module for detecting an equivalent resistor of the electrostatic discharge module in the driving circuit to determine whether the electrostatic discharge module is abnormal. The technical problems of the undetectable abnormal condition of the electrostatic discharge module, low functional efficiency, and high production cost are resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoyu Huang
  • Patent number: 9819259
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a power system includes operating a power converter at a first output power, monitoring a first input voltage at an input port of the power converter. The method further includes upon detecting that the first input voltage drops below a first pre-determined voltage threshold, reducing the first output power of the power converter to a second output power lower than the first output power, and suspending operation of the power converter after the reducing the first output power of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventors: Ali Fawaz, Marcus Schaemann
  • Patent number: 9806636
    Abstract: A DC/AC converter apparatus comprising: input terminals to be connected to a DC power source; a DC/AC conversion unit configured to receive input DC electrical power via the input terminals and to convert the input DC electrical power into AC electrical power, the DC/AC conversion unit comprising two output terminals; two AC backup output terminals; a switch arrangement to selectively connect the two AC output terminals to the grid terminals and to the two AC backup output terminals; a control unit associated to the switch arrangement and configured to: drive the switches of the switch arrangement, sense when an AC voltage at the grid terminals is below a predetermined threshold; and automatically drive the switches of the switch arrangement to disconnect the two AC output terminals from the grid terminals and to connect the two AC output terminals to the two AC backup output terminals when the AC grid voltage is below a said predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andrea Becattini, Sauro Macerini
  • Patent number: 9797292
    Abstract: This disclosure provides an ignition coil for a spark ignited internal combustion engine. The ignition coil includes a coil body having an outer surface and internal windings coupled to a connector. The ignition coil also includes a housing surrounding the coil body. The housing has an outer wall spaced apart from the outer surface of the coil body thereby forming a gap between the outer surface of the coil body and the outer wall. The outer wall includes an opening in flow communication with the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9787212
    Abstract: Motor drive power conversion systems are provided including a rectifier and a switching inverter, wherein the switching devices of the rectifier, the inverter and/or of a DC/DC converter are silicon carbide switches, such as silicon carbide MOSFETs. Driver circuits are provided for providing bipolar gate drive signals to the silicon carbide MOSFETs, including providing negative gate-source voltage for controlling the off state of enhancement mode low side drivers and positive gate-source voltage for controlling the off state of enhancement mode high side drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Baumann, Richard Lukaszewski, Rangarajan Tallam, Lixiang Wei, Lee Gettelfinger, Garron Morris, Bruce Weiss, Neil Gollhardt, Navid R. Zargari, William Brumsickle, Robert Wright Reese, Stephen E. Denning
  • Patent number: 9779781
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to dual in-line memory module (DIMM) battery backup. Some examples disclosed herein describe systems that include a backup power source pluggable into a DIMM slot. The backup power source may include a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to a DIMM to provide backup power to the DIMM. Each of the plurality of battery cells supporting the DIMM may be electrically connected to a DC-to-DC converter in series and to each other in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Hai Nguyen, Daniel Hsieh, Abhishek Banerjee
  • Patent number: 9735767
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus includes a switching element; an ON-drive constant-current circuit supplying a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element thereby charging the control terminal of the switching element; an OFF-drive switching element discharging electrical charge from the control terminal of the switching element by being turned ON; and a control circuit adapted to control the ON-drive constant-current circuit and the OFF-drive switching element in response to a drive signal being inputted, thereby controlling the voltage of the control terminal of the switching element so as to drive the switching element. The control circuit controls the current control transistor based on the voltage of the current detection resistor and supplies the constant current to the control terminal of the switching element, and detects an abnormality in the ON-drive constant-current circuit based on the voltage of the current detection resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Watanabe, Shunichi Mizobe, Tsuneo Maebara
  • Patent number: 9729007
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supplying method and an uninterruptible power supply. The method includes switching an uninterruptible power supply to a bypass working mode from a main loop working mode, so as to provide mains power for a load through a bypass; determining the working mode of the uninterruptible power supply; and when the uninterruptible power supply is in the bypass working mode, adjusting a working frequency of at least one switch tube in a main loop of the uninterruptible power supply to a second frequency from a first frequency, where the second frequency is less than the first frequency, so as to reduce power loss when the uninterruptible power supply is in the bypass working mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Cheng, Peiguo Liu, Mita Cai
  • Patent number: 9722411
    Abstract: The present provides a secondary power system and a power supply device. The secondary power system is used for supplying power for a load equipment, and comprises: a fuse circuit, a filter circuit, a convertor circuit and an over-voltage and under-voltage protection circuit, wherein, the fuse circuit, the filter circuit, the over-voltage and under-voltage protection circuit and the convertor circuit are sequentially connected in series; the over-voltage and under-voltage protection circuit is configured to cut off power supplied to the convertor circuit when power supplied by the primary power source is an under-voltage or over-voltage; the convertor circuit is configured to convert the primary power source into a secondary power source. The secondary power system, by providing an over-voltage and under-voltage protection circuit, can not only lower the cost of the convertor circuit, but also save the space occupied by the convertor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qingyong Li
  • Patent number: 9684328
    Abstract: A system includes an excitation system configured to regulate one or more outputs of a power generating system. The excitation system includes a power conversion module (PCM). The PCM includes a direct current (DC) link, a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) configured to generate an output to the system, and a nonlinear resistor configured to limit a voltage of the DC link to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jordan Brantley Casteel
  • Patent number: 9641006
    Abstract: A battery pack (10) includes a plurality of battery cells (100), a measurement unit (measurement unit (200)), and a battery control unit (battery control unit (400)). The plurality of battery cells 100 are connected in series to each other. The measurement unit (200) measures voltages of the battery cells (100). The battery control unit (400) controls discharge of the battery cells (100) on the basis of the voltages measured by the measurement unit (200). In addition, when the battery cells (100) perform the discharge, the battery control unit (400) specifies a minimum voltage cell in which the voltage is lowest on the basis of the voltages measured by the measurement unit (200). Further, before the minimum voltage cell is over-discharged, the battery control unit (400) outputs a first signal for reducing a discharge current in the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NEC ENERGY DEVICES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tadahiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9608620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system and control method for controlling a switching device (1) integrated in an electronic converter, the object of which is to extend the working voltage range of the switching devices and thus increase the power of the electronic DC/AC converter which prepares the energy produced by a energy generating system and injects it into the electrical grid. It basically comprises a voltage source (3), a capacitance (7), a first gate resistor (21) and a second gate resistor (22), a first circuit formed by a series resistor (6) with a first diode (5), a second circuit formed by a second diode (4) and a connecting element (8) controlled by a control unit (12) that controls the opening and closing thereof. Another object of the present invention is a switching cell for an electronic converter comprising said control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY, S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Gonzalez Senosiain, Julian Balda Belzunegui, Luis Perez Nicuesa
  • Patent number: 9590415
    Abstract: An output short circuit protecting device electrically connected to a power supplying device includes a first output short circuit protecting unit. The first output short circuit protecting unit includes a sensing unit, a comparing unit, a judging element, and a latching unit. The sensing unit is electrically connected to a switching unit, a first outputting resistor, and a second outputting resistor of the power supplying device. The comparing unit is electrically connected to the sensing unit. The judging element is electrically connected to the comparing unit, and a controller and a signal-controlling terminal of the power supplying device. The latching unit is electrically connected to the judging element and the signal-controlling terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: CHICONY POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hung Wang, Yung-Hung Hsiao, Chen-Hsiung Lee, Cheng-Chang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9541933
    Abstract: The present document relates to voltage regulators. In particular, the present document relates to a method and a corresponding voltage regulator with improved performance subject to load transients. A regulator configured to provide a load current at an output voltage in dependence of an input voltage is described. The regulator comprises a core regulator configured to provide a core current at a core output voltage in dependence of the input voltage. Furthermore, the regulator comprises current sensing means configured to provide an indication of the core current. The output voltage is dependent on the core output voltage and on a voltage drop at the current sensing means. In addition, the regulator comprises a current source configured to provide an auxiliary current based on the indication of the core current. The load current is dependent on the core current and on the auxiliary current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Horst Knoedgen, Frank Kronmueller
  • Patent number: 9520797
    Abstract: A switching power converter is provided that detects an activity signal generated in response to load activity using an adaptively-declining threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: DIALOG SEMICODUCTOR INC.
    Inventors: Pengju Kong, Hien Bui, Duc Doan, Fuqiang Shi, Judy Sha
  • Patent number: 9520714
    Abstract: A system for operating an electric machine and a method for protecting an operation control unit in such a system. The system includes an operation control unit, an alternating current cable connecting the machine with the operation control unit and an electric short-circuiting arrangement. This arrangement is connected to terminals of the operation control unit facing the cable and short circuits these terminals based on a detected overvoltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ABB AS
    Inventors: Knut Rongve, Tor-Odd Ronhovd
  • Patent number: 9490624
    Abstract: A circuit for voltage detection and protection comprises a first block, a first voltage detector, a second block and a second voltage detector. The first block receives a first voltage supply. The first voltage detector detects the first voltage supply and generates a first detecting signal when detecting the first voltage supply level is out of the first operating voltage range. The second block receives a second voltage supply. The second voltage detector detects the second voltage supply and generates a second detecting signal when detecting the second voltage supply level is out of the second operating voltage range. The first block performs a protection operation on the circuit when monitoring at least one of the first and second detecting signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Meng Chaung, Chun-Hsiung Hung, Kuen-Long Chang, Ken-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 9479053
    Abstract: A circuit and a method for improving the performance of voltage regulators subject to load transients is presented. An auxiliary circuit generates an auxiliary current at an output of a voltage regulator. The auxiliary circuit comprises transient detection means to detect a load transient at the output of the voltage regulator. The auxiliary circuit comprises an auxiliary impedance to be coupled at one end to the output of the voltage regulator, and an auxiliary switch to modify a voltage level at the other end of the auxiliary impedance by closing or opening the auxiliary switch. The auxiliary circuit comprises a control unit to control the auxiliary switch, subject to the detection of a load transient at the output of the voltage regulator, to modify the voltage level at the other end of the auxiliary impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Eric Marschalkowski, Pietro Gambetta
  • Patent number: 9444348
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a power controlling method thereof are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a system unit supplied with power to conduct an operation, and a power supply unit including a power control unit controlling output of standby power, and supplying the standby power to the system unit. The power control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) generation unit generating a PWM signal and a first switching unit switched on/off based on an external input signal to selectively supply power to the PWM generation unit. Thus, power consumption of the electronic apparatus in the standby mode is minimized to facilitate conformance with power regulations in accordance with an energy saving policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Won-myung Woo, Jin-hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 9431776
    Abstract: A connector for being attached to a power-supply unit including a switching element includes a connecting terminal including an end portion connected to an output terminal in a casing of the power-supply unit, a housing fixed to the casing and enclosing at least a portion of the connecting terminal, a current sensor to detect a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing through the connecting terminal, and a signal line for transmitting an output signal of the current sensor. The signal line includes an extension region with a predetermined length from one end on a side of the current sensor. The extension region extends in a direction orthogonal to a direction of electric current flowing through the connecting terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Futakuchi, Katsuya Akimoto, Sachio Suzuki, Jun Umetsu, Shinya Hayashi, Takahiro Futatsumori
  • Patent number: 9362830
    Abstract: A switch mode power supply having an output terminal configured to provide an output voltage, the switch mode power supply has a first switch and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive a current sense signal via a reuse input pin when the first switch is turned ON, and the control circuit is configured to receive a voltage sense signal via a reuse input pin when the first switch is turned OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: En Li
  • Patent number: 9348398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing momentary loss of battery contact from a battery undervoltage condition in a portable device sense the current into the portable device from the battery, and when the current drops to a level indicating that contact with the battery has been lost, the portable device is allowed to operate at a lower voltage than a nominal undervoltage limit of the battery until contact is resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mohd Faisal Abdullah, Kean Giap Ng, Beng Kwang Tan
  • Patent number: 9252462
    Abstract: A battery management system (BMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the BMS includes i) a first switching circuit electrically connected to a battery cell or a battery pack and configured to provide a voltage of the battery cell or the battery pack, ii) a capacitor electrically connected to the first switching circuit and configured to store the voltage provided from the first switching circuit and iii) a second switching circuit electrically connected to the capacitor and configured to provide the voltage stored in the capacitor, wherein the second switching circuit has first and second output terminals. The BMS may further include a pull-down circuit electrically connected to the second switching circuit, and configured to reduce impedance at the first output terminal of the second switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Meensuk Kim
  • Patent number: 9088256
    Abstract: An amplifier includes a fault protection control circuit biased from the signal pin and a fault protection circuit including a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor. The sources and bodies of the first and second PMOS transistors can be connected to one another, the drain of the first PMOS transistor can be connected to the amplifier's output, and the drain of the second PMOS transistor can be connected to a signal pin. During normal operating conditions, the fault protection control circuit can turn on the first and second PMOS transistors. However, the fault protection control circuit can turn off the first PMOS transistor and turn on the second PMOS transistor when an overvoltage condition is detected, and can turn on the first PMOS transistor and turn off the second PMOS transistor when an undervoltage condition is detected, even when the integrated circuit is unpowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin P. Cosgrave, Javier Alejandro Salcedo, Yuhong Huang, David J. Clarke, Minsheng Li
  • Patent number: 9048737
    Abstract: A switching-mode power supply (SMPS) for an image forming apparatus which may prevent an overvoltage supplied to the SMPS, and damage to circuits in the SMPS in the image forming apparatus. The SMPS includes a rectifying circuit to rectify an alternating-current (AC) voltage input from an external power supply source into a direct-current (DC) voltage, a transformer to transform the rectified DC voltage input to a primary coil and output the transformed DC voltage to a secondary coil, a main switch that is connected to the primary coil and switches an output of the transformer, a first overvoltage detecting unit to determine whether the rectified DC voltage is an overvoltage by comparing the rectified DC voltage with a first reference voltage, and a switching control unit to control a switching operation of the main switch based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: An-sik Jeong, Yong-geun Kim
  • Patent number: 9025350
    Abstract: The present application relates to a cascaded H-Bridge medium voltage drive, a power cell, and a bypass module thereof, wherein the bypass module is configured for bypassing a major circuit module of the power cell, while the major circuit module comprises a fuse, a rectifier, a bus capacitor and an H-Bridge inverter, two points led from the H-Bridge inverter being configured as a first output end and a second output end; a bypass circuit comprises a first bridge arm and a second bridge arm; a point led from the first bridge arm is configured as a first input end of the bypass circuit, a point led from the second bridge arm is configured as a second input end of the bypass circuit, and the first input end is electrically connected with the first output end, the second input end is electrically connected with the second output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongjian Gan, Qinglong Zhong
  • Patent number: 8937797
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to sense the occurrence of a break in a ground connection and/or supply connection and to indicate same to an exterior environment. In at least one implementation, the break may be indicated by providing a signal on an output terminal of the device that is not associated with a normal output of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Franco Noel Martin Pirchio, Cory Voisine, Hernan D. Romero, Gerardo Monreal
  • Patent number: 8922958
    Abstract: An electrical fault mitigation system includes a mitigation device including a containment chamber defining a cavity, a first electrode positioned within the cavity and coupled to a first conductor, and a second electrode positioned within the cavity and coupled to a second conductor. The mitigation device also includes a first voltage source, and a plasma gun positioned within the cavity and configured to emit ablative plasma using the first voltage source to discharge energy from an electrical fault. The system also includes a first voltage limiter device configured to limit a voltage of the first conductor from increasing above a predetermined threshold to prevent a second voltage source from generating a second electrical arc between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second voltage source applies a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Govardhan Ganireddy, Thomas Frederich Papallo, Jr., Thangavelu Asokan, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori, Deepak Rajaram Raorane, Srinivas Naga Palvadi
  • Patent number: 8922964
    Abstract: A motor controller with a reverse-bias preventing mechanism includes a pre-charging unit, a protection unit, a conversion unit and a control unit. The pre-charging unit receives a power signal through a first electric-conduction path, and converts the power signal into a pre-charging signal according to a control signal. The protection unit receives the power signal through a second electric-conduction path, and determines whether to output the power signal, according to the polarity of the power signal. The conversion unit, coupled to the protection unit, receives the power signal outputted by the protection unit, and converts the power signal into a work voltage. The control unit, coupled to the conversion unit and the pre-charging unit, receives the work voltage to generate the control signal. The current of the power signal flowing through second electric-conduction path is smaller than the current flowing through first electric-conduction path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kun-Lun Chuang, Shin-Hung Chang, Tshaw-Chuang Chen
  • Patent number: 8896157
    Abstract: The power supply includes a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit and a detection circuit. The first power connector includes a plurality of power terminals and a first detecting terminal. The power conversion circuit is coupled to the power terminals of the first power connector for converting an input voltage into an output voltage. The control unit is coupled to the power conversion circuit for controlling an operation of the power conversion circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the control unit and the first detecting terminal of the first power connector for detecting if the first detecting terminal is connected or disconnected with a predetermined voltage terminal and correspondingly generating a power transmission status signal to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 8885308
    Abstract: Control circuitry handles inrush current, and may provide under voltage and/or over voltage monitoring and handling, as well as remote enable handling. The circuitry may advantageously employ a sense capacitor in parallel with an input capacitor (e.g., bulk input filter capacitor), and a current mirror to produce a signal proportional to input current. A clamp circuit may control a series pass device to regulate current in response to the proportional signal, or to interrupt current flow in response to an under voltage or over voltage condition or receipt of a signal indicative of a disable state. An enable signal may be summed into a comparator that handles under voltage condition determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Crane Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry F. Waltman, Rodney Alan Hughes, Reid Adriance, Bertrand Nkei, Jay Allen Kuehny
  • Patent number: 8885311
    Abstract: A module hot swap circuit includes a low voltage-drop rectifier adapted to receive either positive or negative voltages of different absolute values. The rectifier is coupled to a power manager that provides dual startup/shutdown voltage thresholds and inrush current limiting. A detector prevents reverse current flow allowing the module to hold up during input voltage drop-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Norman
  • Patent number: 8867186
    Abstract: Analog switch circuits, methods for use with analog switch circuits, and devices and systems including analog switch circuits are disclosed herein. Such analog switch circuits include an analog switch input terminal (In), an analog switch output terminal (Out), and an analog switch control terminal (Ctl). During a normal-voltage condition, the input terminal (In) of the analog switch circuit is selectively connected and disconnected to/from the output terminal (Out) in dependence on a control signal received at the control terminal (Ctl). During an over-voltage condition, the input terminal (In) is disconnected from the output terminal (Out) regardless of the control signal received at the control terminal (Ctl). Additionally, during an under-voltage condition, the input terminal (In) is disconnected from the output terminal (Out) regardless of the control signal received at the analog switch control terminal (Ctl).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Intersil Americas LLC
    Inventor: Gregg D. Croft
  • Patent number: 8848329
    Abstract: A high-side output transistor and a low-side output transistor of an output circuit control voltages of conductors, which connect a power supply terminal and ground, and outputs a voltage signal to an output terminal through an output conductor. A voltage output circuit detects a voltage applied to the high-side output transistor based on a potential difference of a first resistor provided closer to the output terminal side. A comparator circuit outputs a signal to turn off a first switch and a second switch provided in the conductors, when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit exceeds a reference voltage Vr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Kubota, Yoshiyuki Kono, Toru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8837101
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for qualifying a new meter with specific power supply requirements. In one embodiment, aspects of the invention include a system, including: an electric meter having a housing; and a voltage-modifying device connected to the electric meter for modifying a received voltage, such that the electric meter operates in accordance with a predetermined power supply requirement, wherein the voltage-modifying device is located within the electric meter housing or external to the electric meter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Didier Gilbert Rouaud
  • Patent number: 8824115
    Abstract: An active overvoltage protection process and device is disclosed to protect vehicle communication components. The overvoltage protection process and device includes determining an allowed low and high voltage threshold range for a communication interface, monitoring the communication interface, and disconnecting the communication interface when a voltage of the communication outside a threshold range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Marco Le Brun, Manokar Chinnadurai
  • Patent number: 8792221
    Abstract: An electrical protection circuitry for a docking station base of a hand held meter and method thereof are disclosed. In the event of a short circuit at a meter interface connector, the protection circuitry removes power at the meter interface connector. Similarly, in the event of an applied voltage outside a specified operating range of the base, the protection circuitry removes power to the meter interface connector. These conditions of the electrical system of the base are monitored regardless whether the meter or the meter's battery is electrically connected to the base. The protection circuitry also provides a visual indication in the event of either the over current and under/over voltage conditions. Additionally, the base is designed to prevent liquid from pooling inside a pocket used to cradle and hold the meter in the base through the use of a drain located at the lowest point in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Operations, Ltd.
    Inventors: Blaine Edward Ramey, Clint Alan Ecoff, Scott Allen Edwards, Matthew Carlyle Sauers, James R. Kurtock, James Joseph Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8785971
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppressor without leakage current is disclosed, which comprises a P-substrate. There is an N-type epitaxial layer formed on the P-substrate, and a first N-heavily doped area, a first P-heavily doped area, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device and at least one deep isolation trench are formed in the N-epitaxial layer. A first N-buried area is formed in the bottom of the N-epitaxial layer to neighbor the P-substrate and located below the first N-heavily doped area and the first P-heavily doped area. The ESD device is coupled to the first N-heavily doped area. The deep isolation trench is not only adjacent to the first N-heavily doped area, but has a depth greater than a depth of the first N-buried area, thereby separating the first N-buried area and the ESD device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Amazing Microelectronic Corp.
    Inventors: Che-Hao Chuang, Kun-Hsien Lin, Ryan Hsin-Chin Jiang
  • Patent number: 8781571
    Abstract: A switch operated therapeutic agent delivery device is described. Embodiments of the operated therapeutic agent delivery device include a switch that can be operated by a user, a device controller connected to the switch through a switch input where the device can actuate the device when certain predetermined conditions are met, and a switch integrity subcircuit which is used to detect a fault or a precursor to a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Incline Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lemke, Scot Satre, Corinna X. Chen, Brian W. Read
  • Patent number: 8780515
    Abstract: A control circuit with protection circuit for power supply according to the present invention comprises a peak-detection circuit and a protection circuit. The peak-detection circuit detects an AC input voltage and generates a peak-detection signal. The protection circuit comprises an over-voltage protection circuit. The over-voltage protection circuit generates an over-voltage protection signal in response to the peak-detection signal. The protection circuit generates a reset signal to reduce the output of the power supply in response to the over-voltage protection signal. The present invention can protect the power supply in response to the AC input voltage effectively through the peak-detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: System General Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Liang Chien, Rui-Hong Lu
  • Patent number: 8773829
    Abstract: A generator protection device is provided. The generator protection device includes a safety factor estimation module configured to estimate a safety factor as a function of a terminal voltage (VS) of a source-end generator, and a swing center voltage (SCV) between the source-end generator and a receiving-end generator. The system further includes a comparison module configured to compare the estimated safety factor with a defined safety threshold limit, and a decision module configured to trigger an alarm or a generator circuit breaker trip action or both, based on the comparison between the estimated safety factor and the defined safety threshold limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shantanu Som, Sumit Bose
  • Patent number: 8766675
    Abstract: A circuit includes: a pull down circuit including a first PFET and a second PFET connected in series between a pad of a USB circuit and ground; and a pull up circuit including a first NFET and a second NFET connected in series between the pad and a supply voltage. The circuit includes: a third PFET connected to a gate of the first PFET and a gate of the second PFET; a third NFET connected to a gate of the first NFET and a gate of the second NFET; a fourth PFET connected to the first NFET and the second NFET; and a fourth NFET connected to the first PFET and the second PFET. A pad voltage has a nominal minimum and maximum. Each of the first PFET, the second PFET, the first NFET, and the second NFET has a nominal voltage less than the pad voltage nominal maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, VeriSilicon Holdings, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Dreps, Jian Guan, Yi Xiao, WuQuan Zhang