Diode Patents (Class 363/126)
  • Publication number: 20140334208
    Abstract: A power module for a three-level power inverter/converter that employs synchronous rectification for use in a uni-directional active rectifier mode to reduce static losses and enhance efficiency across the circuit. Each synchronous rectifier can be a silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFET connected in parallel with a SiC power diode, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vietson M. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140328101
    Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit has a plurality of primary capacitors charged by a power supply, a secondary capacitor connected in parallel to the respective plurality of primary capacitors that is charged at a voltage supplied to a load circuit, a plurality of switching circuits provided in association with the respective plurality of primary capacitors that change over a connection state between the primary capacitors and the secondary capacitor, and a connection control circuit that successively connects the respective primary capacitors to the secondary capacitor through the corresponding switching circuits, the respective primary capacitors across which the charging voltages reach a predetermined connection voltage higher than a charging voltage across the secondary capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sameshima, Misato Nabeto, Tatsuakira Masaki, Hiroshi Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20140328100
    Abstract: A method of active rectification control of an active rectifier includes detecting a phase angle and a frequency of a voltage input of the active rectifier; regulating a DC output voltage of the active rectifier with d-q components of a pole voltage; and aligning a reference current input of the active rectifier to the d-q components of the pole voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Souren G. Fattal
  • Patent number: 8878396
    Abstract: A continuous grounding system for use in an alternating current system including a transformer is disclosed. The system includes a switch assembly connected between a transformer neutral of a transformer and a ground, the switch assembly having an open position and a closed position, the open position disrupting the path through the switch assembly between the electrical connection and the transformer neutral, and the closed position establishing a path connecting the electrical connection to the transformer neutral through the switch assembly, wherein in normal operation of the alternating current electrical device the switch assembly remains in a closed position. The system also includes a DC blocking component positioned in parallel with the switch assembly and connected between the transformer neutral and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Emprimus, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick R. Faxvog, Wallace Jensen, Gale Nordling, Greg Fuchs, David Blake Jackson, Terry Lee Volkmann, James Nicholas Ruehl, Brian Groh
  • Publication number: 20140320056
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of delta-connected filter capacitors in an active front end (AFE) power converter, in which delta circuit capacitor leg currents are calculated based on measured branch circuit currents, and filter capacitor impedance values are computed based on the calculated leg currents as well as measured line-to-line voltages and corresponding phase angles for comparison with one or more thresholds to selectively detect degradation of the filter capacitors. Further apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of Y-connected filter capacitors by computation of fundamental frequency RMS impedance values as ratios of RMS capacitor voltages and RMS circuit branch currents, and comparison of the calculated RMS impedance values with one or more thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Semyon Royak, Robert J. Breitzmann
  • Publication number: 20140321177
    Abstract: A secondary-side rectifier of an inductive n-phase energy transmission system with N greater than or equal to 3, the energy transmission system including in each phase a resonant oscillating circuit, each resonant oscillating circuit including at least one inductor and at least one capacitor wherein secondary-side resonant oscillating circuits are magnetically coupleable to primary-side resonant oscillating circuits, wherein the secondary-side resonant oscillating circuits are star-connected or mesh-connected and are connected to a rectifier via external conductors, wherein the rectifier includes a series connection of a plurality of diodes with identical conducting directions, wherein a smoothing capacitor is connected in parallel with the series connection and an output voltage of the rectifier is applied to connecting points of the smoothing capacitor wherein each external conductor is connected to an anode of the diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Faical Turki
  • Publication number: 20140313801
    Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary side rectifier of an inductive energy transmission system, wherein the energy transmission system has a single-phase resonant tuned circuit, which has at least one inductor (L) and at least one capacitor and can be magnetically coupled to a primary side resonant tuned circuit, and wherein the secondary side rectifier has a B2 bridge circuit, which Consists of four diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) and is connected on the input side to the secondary side resonant tuned circuit, and the output voltage of which is smoothed by at least one smoothing capacitor (Cgr), characterised in that a switching means (S) is connected in parallel with a diode (D1, D2, D3, D4), by means of which the diode (D1, D2, D3, D4) can be short-circuited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Faical Turki
  • Publication number: 20140313800
    Abstract: An AC/DC converter system comprises an input circuit for connection to a three-phase AC source. An isolation transformer comprises a symmetrical core with a set of primary windings and first and second sets of secondary windings wound on the symmetrical core providing balanced flux in all three phases and magnetically coupling to the set of primary windings. The first and second sets of secondary windings are phase shifted by select amounts from the set of primary windings. The set of primary windings is connected to the input circuit. An AC/DC converter comprises first, second and third three-phase rectifiers, the first three-phase rectifier is powered by the first set of secondary windings, the second three-phase rectifier is powered by the second set of secondary windings, and the third three-phase rectifier is powered by the input circuit. An output circuit is connected between the AC/DC converter and a DC load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Yaskawa America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mahesh M. Swamy
  • Publication number: 20140286054
    Abstract: An inductive component (1a . . . 1e) with at least two coils (2 . . . 4b) in a closed main magnetic circuit (5a . . . 5j) for guiding a magnetic main flux (?H) penetrating all coils (2 . . . 4b) is specified. The inductive component furthermore comprises a leakage field guide component (6a . . . 8c) or a plurality of leakage field guide components (6a . . . 8c), wherein a leakage field guide component (6a . . . 8c) is arranged between two coils (2 . . . 4b) in each case, separated by two air gaps (E . . . J) from the main magnetic circuit and intended for guiding a magnetic leakage flux ?S different from the main flux ?H. The main magnetic circuit (5a . . . 5j) and/or the leakage field guide components (6a . . . 8c) consist of a magnetically isotropic material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of a choke (1a . . . 1e) with leakage field guide component (6a . . . 8c) for guiding a leakage flux (?S) arising in the choke (1a . . . 1e) as a PFC (Power Factor Correction) choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BRUSA Elektronik AG
    Inventor: Axel Krause
  • Publication number: 20140285106
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a detection circuit including first and second comparators and a determining unit is provided. The first comparator includes a first input terminal for inputting a first detection voltage, a second input terminal for inputting a first threshold voltage, and a first output terminal configured to output a first output signal. The second comparator includes a third input terminal for inputting a second detection voltage, a fourth input terminal for inputting a second threshold voltage higher than the first threshold voltage, and a second output terminal configured to output a second output signal. The determining unit is configured to determine the presence or absence of conduction angle control of an AC voltage and whether the conduction angle control is a phase control system or an opposite phase control system on the basis of a time difference between the first output signal and the second output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriyuki Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20140265897
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may include a rectifier circuit configured to receive a phase-control voltage and produce a rectified voltage. A power converter may be configured to receive the rectified voltage at an input and generate a bus voltage. An input capacitor may be coupled across the input of the power converter. The input capacitor may be adapted to charge when the magnitude of the phase control voltage is approximately zero volts. The power converter may be configured to operate in a boost mode, such that the magnitude of the bus voltage is greater than a peak magnitude of the input voltage. The power converter may be configured to operate in a buck mode to charge the input capacitor from the bus voltage when the magnitude of the phase-control voltage is approximately zero volts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Taipale, Matthew Robert Blakeley, Johnathan Paul Ross, Russell L. MacAdam
  • Publication number: 20140268927
    Abstract: A voltage converter system includes a first DC-AC voltage converter that converts a first DC voltage signal to a first AC voltage signal. A DC link converts the first AC voltage signal to a second DC voltage signal. A second DC-AC voltage converter converts the second DC voltage signal to a second AC voltage signal. In another configuration a DC-AC voltage converter converts a DC voltage signal to a first AC voltage signal. An AC-AC voltage converter converts the first AC voltage signal to a second, lower-frequency AC voltage signal. In yet another configuration a first voltage converter portion converts a DC voltage signal to pulses of DC voltage. A second voltage converter portion converts the pulses of DC voltage to a relatively low-frequency AC voltage signal. The voltage converter system is selectably configurable as a DC-AC voltage converter or an AC-DC voltage converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VANNER, INC.
    Inventors: ALEXANDER ISURIN, ALEXANDER COOK
  • Publication number: 20140271272
    Abstract: A power converter and an air conditioner having the same, in which the power converter includes a rectifying unit configured to rectify an input AC current and an interleave converter that has a plurality of converters and that is configured to convert rectified output from the rectifying unit to DC power and output the converted DC power. The power converter also includes a capacitor connected to an output terminal of the interleave converter, and a converter controller configured to control the interleave converter. The converter controller controls the interleave converter by calculating a load level of both terminals of the capacitor and changing a number of operating converters in the plurality of converters of the interleave converter based on the determined load level of both terminals of the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jonghyun JEON, Taeyoung PARK, Jungsong MOON, Sangyoung KIM, Joonsik AN
  • Patent number: 8836291
    Abstract: A rectification processor includes rectifier elements that control charge to batteries independently for each of the batteries. A charge-state detector detects charge states of the batteries from their voltages, and determines whether to select the batteries for charging in a half-cycle determined beforehand in accordance with the detected result. A synchronous signal detector detects a signal synchronized with the phase of the 3-phase alternate current (AC) generator from the 3-phase AC generator, and outputs a synchronous signal. A charge controller controls the charge in the rectification processor in synchronization with the 3-phase AC generator according to the synchronous signal from the synchronous signal detector, and, in accordance with the charge states of the batteries output from the charge-state detector, controls charge amounts to the battery/batteries that was determined for selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Arai, Tokihiko Iwakura
  • Patent number: 8836166
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an internal supply rail with over voltage protection using a host power source, an external power source, and a switch configured to receive indications of host and external power source validity. In an example, the switch can be configured to provide the internal supply rail using the host power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates a valid host power source and the external power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates an invalid host power source and the indication of external power source validity indicates a valid external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Maher, Myron J. Miske
  • Publication number: 20140254223
    Abstract: A high power and high frequency resonant converter topology and control system operates in a configuration and mode that significantly reduces the voltage on the solid-state switches while retaining the soft switching features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Rudolf Limpaecher
  • Publication number: 20140241019
    Abstract: Multi-level rectifiers are provided. A multi-level rectifier may convert a medium AC voltage to a medium DC voltage. A multi-level rectifier may comprise an input inductor, a set of diodes, a set of switches, and a DC link comprising a set of capacitors. One end of the input inductor is coupled to the input AC voltage and the other end of the input inductor is coupled to a pair of diodes that are series connected. The set of switches may be regulated such that the inductor may be coupled to a DC voltage point of the DC link. A multi-level rectifier may operate under a set of operation modes. Each operation mode may be determined from the input voltage and the inductor current. Accordingly, a sinusoidal voltage at the fundamental frequency of the input voltage may be synthesized by selectively switching between adjacent operation modes of the set of operation modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: VARENTEC, INC.
    Inventors: DEEPAKRAJ M. DIVAN, ROHIT MOGHE, ANISH PRASAI
  • Publication number: 20140241020
    Abstract: A rectifier assembly and method are provided. The rectifier assembly includes an annular bus bar including an electrically conductive material, and an insulator ring receiving the annular bus bar. The insulator ring defines radially-extending resistor pockets and diode pockets therein. The rectifier assembly also includes resistors disposed in the resistor pockets and electrically connected with the annular bus bar, and diodes disposed in the diode pockets and electrically connected with the annular bus bar. The rectifier assembly also includes an outer housing receiving the annular bus bar and the insulator ring, such that the insulator ring is positioned radially between the annular bus bar and the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Krause, Dhaval Patel, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Mark J. Franklin
  • Patent number: 8816752
    Abstract: A low voltage AC power controller uses a line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit to obtain energy from AC line power supplied to an AC load and may be used with an external high voltage AC switching device to control power supplied to the AC load. The line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit provides a low power device that senses characteristics of the power supplied to the load and can communicate sensed information and/or receive control information related to the power supplied to load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Eric B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140232281
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a rectifier circuit includes a first diode, a switching element, and a second diode. The first diode is connected between a first terminal and a second terminal so that a direction toward the first terminal from the second terminal is in a forward direction. The switching element has a first main electrode connected to the first terminal, a second main electrode connected to a cathode of the first diode, and a gate electrode connected to an anode of the first diode. The second diode is connected in parallel with respect to the switching element so that a direction toward the first terminal from the cathode of the first diode is in a forward direction, between the first main electrode and the second main electrode of the switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140232280
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rectifying circuit includes a diode, a switching element, a capacitor and an auxiliary winding. The diode is connected between a first terminal and a second terminal while a direction directed from the second terminal to the first terminal is a forward direction. The switching element includes a first main electrode connected to the first terminal, a second main electrode connected to a cathode of the diode, and a gate electrode connected to an anode of the diode. The auxiliary winding is magnetically coupled to an inductor. The auxiliary winding is connected to the gate electrode through the capacitor, and is connected to the second main electrode of the switching element and the cathode of the diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140226383
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a rotating rectifier assembly for a generator having a diode pack and a connection block configured to provide electrical connections to the diode pack. The diode pack includes an inner DC ring, an outer DC ring, a plurality radially stacked diode pairs disposed between the inner DC ring and the outer DC ring. The diode pack also includes one or more diode connection plates disposed between each of the one or more radially stacked pair of diodes. The diode pack also includes one or more DC posts affixed to the inner DC ring and one or more AC posts affixed to the one or more diode connection plates. The connection block is configured to receive the one or more a AC posts and one or more DC posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric A. Brust, Ted A. Martin, Dhaval Patal
  • Publication number: 20140225552
    Abstract: A direct-current power supply device includes a reactor, one end of which is connected to one output end of an alternating-current power supply, a switching unit for short-circuiting the other end of the reactor and the other output end of the alternating-current power supply, a rectifying unit configured to rectify an alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply and generate a voltage equal to or higher than a double voltage, a smoothing capacitor connected to the rectifying unit via backflow preventing diodes and configured to smooth a direct-current voltage output from the rectifying unit, and a control unit configured to control the switching unit and stop the supply of the alternating-current voltage to the rectifying unit in a predetermined period after a predetermined time has elapsed from a zero cross point of the alternating-current voltage output from the alternating-current power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Shinomoto, Koichi Arisawa, Kazunori Hatakeyama, Takashi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8804388
    Abstract: An active rectification system includes an active rectifier, a pulse width modulation (PWM) control, and a closed loop vector control. The PWM control portion is configured to control switching of the active rectifier and the closed loop vector control is configured to generate the required duty cycles for the PWM signals that regulate the DC voltage output and force a three-phase current input of the active rectifier to align with a three-phase pole voltage input of the active rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Souren G. Fattal
  • Publication number: 20140218988
    Abstract: A current limiting comparator generates a current limiting signal SLIM which is asserted when a detection voltage Vs at a detection terminal CS is higher than a predetermined threshold voltage VTH. A mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal SMSK which is asserted after a predetermined delay time TMSK elapses after a switching transistor is turned on. A pulse signal generating unit has: a function (a) in which, when the set signal SSET is asserted in a period in which the current limiting signal SLIM is negated, a pulse signal SPWM is switched to a first level; and a function (b) in which, when the reset signal SRST is asserted, or when the current limiting signal SLIM is asserted in a period in which the mask signal SMSK is negated, the pulse signal SPWM is switched to a second level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi HAYASHI, Yoshinori SATO, Satoru NATE
  • Publication number: 20140218987
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes an input configured to receive an input voltage, an output configured to supply an output voltage, at least one inductor, at least one diode, and at least one switch. The inductor may have a parasitic capacitance less than about 100 pF. Related inductors are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuequan Hu, Qingcong Hu
  • Publication number: 20140218990
    Abstract: A power factor correction device comprises a power stage circuit converting input alternating current voltage into input current according to a pulse width modulation signal and outputs the input current to a load generating output voltage on the load, and sampling the input current outputting a correcting current; a current compensating circuit receiving and comparing the correcting current with a reference current signal generating a compensating current signal; a voltage compensating circuit receiving and comparing the output voltage with a reference voltage generating a compensating voltage signal; a multiplication amplifier receiving the compensating current signal and the compensating voltage signal generating an updated reference current signal by multiplying the compensating current signal with the compensating voltage signal; and a pulse width modulation converter receiving the compensating current signal and the compensating voltage signal generating the pulse width modulation signal to synchronize
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Incorporated
    Inventors: Chung-Ping Ku, Wei-Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20140218989
    Abstract: Rectifier circuit including a pair of input terminals, a pair of output terminals, and a first circuit interconnecting the pair of input terminals. The first circuit includes an energy storing element and a rectifier bridge, wherein the rectifier bridge includes at least one controllable switching element per bridge branch. An output of the rectifier bridge supplies the pair of output terminals and wherein the at least one controllable switching element per bridge branch is configured to provide a temporary conducting path via the rectifier bridge which bypasses the pair of output terminals and which short-circuits a series connection of the energy storing element and an energy source connectable to the pair of input terminals. A converter for synchronized switch harvesting on inductor including such a rectifier circuit and a method for rectifying an electrical current generated by an energy source are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: María Loreto MATEU SÁEZ, Henrik ZESSIN, Lars LUEHMANN, Peter SPIES
  • Patent number: 8797775
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present circuit and method disclose a bridge rectifier and a driving circuit. The bridge rectifier having a first input, a second input, a first output, and a second output may comprise two high side diodes and two low side switches. The driving circuit may be coupled to the first input of the bridge rectifier and the second input of the bridge rectifier, and the driving circuit may be configured to provide a first driving signal and a second driving signal. The first driving signal may be coupled to a first low side switch and the second driving signal may be coupled to a second low side switch. The first driving signal may be limited to less than a first predetermined driving voltage and the second driving signal may be limited to less than a second predetermined driving voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yike Li, Changjiang Chen, Rui Wang
  • Publication number: 20140204641
    Abstract: A system for regulating the output of a high-voltage, high-power DC supply, the system includes a high-voltage DC power supply, a storage capacitor, and at least one non-dissipative regulator having an output voltage range less than an output voltage range of the high-voltage DC power supply. The regulator includes an internal storage capacitance and a control circuit configured to maintain a desired high-voltage output on a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Marcel Pierre Joseph Gaudreau, Ian Saul Roth, Michael Alan Kempkes, Neal R. Butler
  • Publication number: 20140197764
    Abstract: Device for operative connection between a subsea step out cabie far end and subsea toads such as pumps, compressors and control systems, distinctive in that the device is a subsea DC provider (SDCP), and it comprises: a SDCP unit for altering alternating current power received from the step out cable to direct current power for delivery to said loads, a gas and/or liquid filled vessel into which said unit is arranged, and the device is a SDCP for subsea location at a far end of a subsea step out cable connected to at least one AC power source at the step out cable near end, and the step out length is long, which means long enough to cause, stability problems at frequency and power levels feasible for subsea pump and compressor motors, and where the device via the step out cable receives input electrical power at a low enough frequency to have stable transmission and the device, operativeSy connected to the subsea motors, delivers a DC output electrical amperage and voltage feasible for operation of connected
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventor: Kjell Olav Stinessen
  • Publication number: 20140198542
    Abstract: A voltage source inverter comprises a rectifier having an input for receiving single-phase AC power from an AC source and converting the AC power to DC power on a DC bus. The DC bus has first and second rails to provide a relatively fixed DC voltage. A DC bus capacitor is across the first and second rails to smooth voltage ripple. An inverter receives DC power from the DC bus and converts the DC power to AC power. An active front end circuit comprises a pair of filter capacitors in series across the first and second rails to create a midpoint. A bidirectional switch is connected between the rectifier input and the midpoint. The bidirectional switch is controlled to inject current into the midpoint of the DC bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: YASKAWA AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mahesh M. Swamy
  • Patent number: 8779626
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an internal supply rail with over voltage protection using a host power source, an external power source, and a switch configured to receive indications of host and external power source validity. In an example, the switch can be configured to provide the internal supply rail using the host power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates a valid host power source and the external power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates an invalid host power source and the indication of external power source validity indicates a valid external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Maher, Myron J. Miske
  • Publication number: 20140190155
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system including a generator/motor subsystem configured to interchangeably impart and receive mechanical force; a stiff DC bus; and power conditioning circuitry electrically connected between the generator/motor subsystem and the stiff DC bus, the power conditioning circuitry conditioning electrical power received from the stiff DC bus to control the angular speed of a rotor of the generator/motor subsystem when imparting mechanical force, and also conditioning electrical power generated for provision to the stiff DC bus by the generator/motor subsystem when receiving mechanical force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Shipstone Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel John Kenway, Oleksandr (Alex) Syschenko, Will Bauer
  • Patent number: 8773879
    Abstract: The configurations of a bridgeless PFC circuit system and a controlling method thereof are provided. The proposed system includes a bridgeless PFC circuit including a first bridge arm having a first and a second terminals and a first middle point, a second bridge arm having a first and a second terminals and a second middle point, and a bidirectional switch coupled between the first middle point and the second middle point, and an inductor coupled between the first middle point and an AC power source coupled to the second middle point, and a current sensing circuit including a first current transformer sensing a first current flowing through the bidirectional switch, which having a primary side winding coupled to the bidirectional switch and a first and a second secondary side windings, and a switching device coupled to the two secondary side windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongjian Gan, Hongyuan Jin, Jianhong Zeng
  • Publication number: 20140184095
    Abstract: A DC power-supply apparatus of converting an AC input voltage rectified to a DC voltage and supplying it to a load, by performing on-and-off control of a switching element connected in series to a reactor, includes a control circuit, which operates in floating state with respect to a after-rectified ground line and controls an on-width of the switching element based on a value of current flowing through the reactor and the load connected in series with the reactor; and an oscillation circuit, which controls a switching frequency of the on-and-off control by the control circuit, asynchronously with energy release timing of the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SANKEN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsutomo Yoshinaga, Kengo Kimura, Toshihiro Nakano
  • Publication number: 20140177304
    Abstract: A constant current source includes an alternating current input, a pair of capacitors connected in parallel with a load output, a pair of diodes connected in parallel with the pair of capacitors, wherein a first lead of the alternating current input is connected between the pair of diodes and a second lead of the alternating current input is connected between the pair of capacitors, and wherein capacitances of the pair of capacitors are selected to produce a substantially constant current to the load output at a voltage lower than that of the alternating current input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Laurence P. Sadwick
  • Patent number: 8760128
    Abstract: A three-phase boost-buck PFC converter including three independent single-phase boost-buck PFC circuits respectively is provided, which are capable of performing PFC on each phase of the three-phase power. The single-phase boost-buck PFC circuit is composed of two single-phase boost-buck converters independently working in a positive and a negative half cycle of an input voltage, and the two single-phase boost-buck converters are connected in parallel at an input side, and are connected in series at an output side, and each of the single-phase boost-buck converters is composed of a front-end boost circuit and a back-end buck circuit connected in cascade. Compared to the existing technique, regardless of a boost mode or a buck mode, the conduction loss is effectively reduced, and the whole system efficiency is effectively improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: FSP Technology Inc., FSP-Powerland Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Xu, Chuanyun Wang, Peng Mao
  • Publication number: 20140169051
    Abstract: A power supply device includes: a first serial circuit coupled between a first output terminal and a second output terminal, and including a first switching element and a first rectification element; a second serial circuit coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and including a second switching element and a second rectification element; a third switching element inserted between a connection point between a first inductor and a first input terminal, and a second output terminal; a fourth switching element inserted between a connection point between a second inductor and a second input terminal, and the second output terminal; a control circuit configured to control the first and second switching elements; and a synchronous rectification control circuit configured to control the third and fourth switching elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroshi NAKAO, Yu Yonezawa, Yoshiyasu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8754590
    Abstract: A power supply topology is used in which a transistor is provided on the side of an output node of a rectifying circuit. An inductor is provided on the side of a reference node, a resistor is inserted between the transistor and the inductor, and one end of the resistor is coupled to a ground power supply voltage of a PFC circuit. The PFC circuit includes a square circuit which squares a result of multiplication of an input voltage detection signal and feedback information (output voltage of an error amplifier circuit). The PFC circuit drives on the transistor when a detection voltage developed at the resistor reaches zero, and drives off the transistor when the detection signal reaches an output signal of the square circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ryosei Makino, Kenichi Yokota, Tomohiro Tazawa
  • Publication number: 20140159601
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply circuit including a power converting unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit for control. The power converting unit converts a conduction angle controlled alternating-current voltage supplied via a power supply path so as to be supplied to a load. The control unit detects a conduction angle of the alternating-current voltage and controls conversion of a voltage by the power converting unit according to the detected conduction angle. The power supply unit for control is electrically connected to the power supply path and converts the alternating-current voltage so as to be supplied to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Go Kato, Hirokazu Otake, Noriyuki Kitamura, Hiroto Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140160820
    Abstract: An electrical current transformer for installation upon a power distribution line including a generally annular, split core and a secondary winding. The secondary winding includes a first winding portion, wound with a first winding polarity about the split core, and a second winding portion, wound with a second, opposite winding polarity about the split core, and a tap. The transformer further includes first and second rectifiers, electrically connecting a tap output to terminals of the first and second winding portion opposite the tap, respectively, and a tap control for controlling the tap output, where the tap is both electrically connectable to the output to provide an additive connection and electrically isolatable from the output to cause a subtractive connection. The tap control controls the tap output in response to a condition sensed in the powered circuit. Self-cancellation may be achieved by using windings having an equal number of turns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Grid Sentry LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wayne McKinley
  • Publication number: 20140159604
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a power converting unit, a current adjusting unit, and a control unit. The power converting unit is configured to convert an alternating-current voltage into a direct-current voltage and supply the direct-current voltage to a load. The alternating-current voltage is subjected to conduction angle control and is supplied via a power supply path. The current adjusting unit includes a branch path electrically connected to the power supply path and can switch a first path state and a second path state. The first path state feeds a part of an electric current flowing through the power supply path to the branch path. The control unit detects a conduction angle of the alternating-current voltage, controls the conversion of the direct-current voltage by the power converting unit according to the detected conduction angle, and controls the current adjusting unit according to the detected conduction angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Go Kato, Hirokazu Otake, Noriyuki Kitamura, Hiroto Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140153305
    Abstract: An AC/DC converter includes a rectifier circuit and a power factor correction circuit. An input port of the rectifier circuit receives an alternate current. The power factor correction circuit includes a first inductor, a second inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first diode and a second diode. An end of the first inductor electrically connects to a positive pole of an output port of the rectifier circuit, and the other end electrically connects to a ground terminal of the output port through two parallel series routes which are bridged by the first diode. Wherein a series route contains the first capacitor and the second diode, and the other series route contains the second inductor and the second capacitor. The second capacitor is provided for parallel connecting with a loading. In this way, the input current could be controlled to increase the power factor effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HEP TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ching-Tsai PAN, Po-Yen CHEN, Ta-Sheng HUNG
  • Publication number: 20140153304
    Abstract: An electrical circuit includes an input for an AC input voltage coupled to a first inductive element with first and second outputs coupled to respective first and second nodes, and a four-quadrant (4-Q) switch coupled between the first and second nodes. A capacitor is coupled between the first node and a third node, a second inductive element is coupled between the third node and the second node, and a first bidirectional device and a first diode are coupled in series between a positive output node and a negative output node. A first output of the second inductive element is coupled between the first bidirectional device and the first diode. A second bidirectional device and a second diode are coupled in series between the positive output node and the negative output node. A second output of the second inductive element is coupled between the second bidirectional device and the second diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AVOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sitthipong Angkititrakul, Hemal N. Shah
  • Publication number: 20140153306
    Abstract: An AC/DC converter includes a rectifier circuit and an active power factor correction circuit. The rectifier circuit is electrically connected to a power supply, and is used to convert an alternate current into a direct current, wherein the rectifier circuit has a positive output and a negative output for sending out the direct current. The active power factor correction circuit electrically connects the rectifier circuit and a loading, wherein the active power factor correction circuit is used to suppress voltage ripples provided to the loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HEP TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ching-Tsai PAN, Po-Yen CHEN, Ta-Sheng HUNG
  • Publication number: 20140153303
    Abstract: A solar module device with a back plane integrated inverter device includes a substrate member having a front side and a back side. The device has a plurality of solar cells, which includes a first group of solar cells connected in a first serial configuration and a second group of solar cells connected in a second serial configuration, and a tab wire configuration formed overlying the front side of the substrate member. The tab wire includes a first interconnection coupled to the first set of solar cells in the first serial configuration and a second interconnection coupled to the second set of solar cells in the second serial configuration. The device has an inverter device coupled to a back side of the substrate member. The inverter device includes a first set of connections coupled to the first interconnection and a second set of connections coupled to the second interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SunEdison Microinverter Products LLC
    Inventor: Suryanarayana POTHARAJU
  • Patent number: 8730689
    Abstract: A capacitive power supply including an input section having input terminals for connection to an AC-mains supply, and a capacitive coupling, a rectification section coupled via the capacitive coupling to the input terminals, and an output section coupled to the rectification section, the output section including output terminals, for providing an output voltage to a load, a first chain including a charge storage facility, and a second chain arranged in parallel to the first chain, and including an output voltage limiting facility, the capacitive power supply further including an inrush current limiting facility, wherein the output terminals are connected to respective terminals of the output voltage limiting facility, and the DC-conducting series impedance has a resistive component with a resistive value of at least 0.2 times a resistive value of the first chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V
    Inventor: Thijs De Haan
  • Publication number: 20140119084
    Abstract: An AC input voltage detection circuit of detecting abnormality of an AC input voltage inputted to an AC/DC converter, includes: a first comparator circuit configured to compare the AC input voltage with a first reference voltage; a second comparator circuit configured to compare the AC detection voltage with a second reference voltage higher than the first reference voltage; and a timer circuit configured to start counting of a timer if the first comparator circuit detects that the AC input voltage is equal to or lower than the first reference voltage and to clear the counting of the timer if the second comparator detects that the AC input voltage is larger than the second reference voltage, wherein the timer circuit outputs an AC abnormality detection signal when a preset abnormality detection time is passed without clearing the counting since the counting of the timer has been started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SANKEN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Ashikaga
  • Patent number: 8711593
    Abstract: Various circuit configurations and topologies are provided for single and multi-phase, single-level or multi-level, full and half-bridge rectifiers in which diodes are replaced by combinations of voltage-controlled self-driven active switches, current-controlled self-driven active switches and inductors in order to reduce the effects of conduction loss in the diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: ConvenientPower HK Ltd.
    Inventors: Wing Choi Ho, Ron Shu Yuen Hui, Xun Liu, Wai Pong Choi