Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a switching power unit that converts AC input voltages of an AC source into a DC voltages while improving a power-factor of the AC input voltages, the switching power unit comprising an AC/DC converter circuit that is composed of a power-factor correction unit and a current resonance converter unit wherein at least a part of switching elements of the current resonance converter unit is shared with switching elements of the power-factor correction unit, wherein around timing that polarities of the AC source are switched between a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle, ON-and-OFF control of the switching elements are performed as that high frequency voltages that are applied to a primary winding of a high frequency transformer which is a part of the current resonance converter unit are to be symmetrical in a positive and negative relation.

Abstract: DC-DC converter systems are disclosed. DC-DC converter systems may include an input, an output, a resonant switched-capacitor DC-DC converter, and a second DC-DC converter. The resonant switched-capacitor DC-DC converter may include a first input side and a first output side. The second DC-DC converter may include a second input side and a second output side. The first input side may be connected to the input, the second input side may be connected to an input voltage, and the first and second output sides may be connected in series to the output. In some examples, the second DC-DC converter may be a buck-boost DC-DC converter.

Abstract: A high voltage full wave rectifier circuit having complementary serially connected low voltage MOSFET stacks provides high voltage rectifier capability. The MOSFET stacks are coupled to a pair of cross coupled MOSFETs that provide a full wave rectified output voltage. The state of the MOSFETs in the MOSFET stacks is controlled by resistors coupled between the rectifier output and a time varying input signal. The resistance values of the resistors are selected to maintain operation of the stacked MOSFETs below their breakdown voltages. A pair of diodes is connected between ground and the MOSFET stacks. A plurality of diode connected MOSFETs are connected between the rectifier output and the resistors to establish bias voltages on the gates of the MOSFETs in the MOSFET stacks to control operation of the rectifier during input voltage cycles. A voltage doubler circuit is also described where low voltage MOSFETs are utilized in a novel configuration to provide high voltage doubling capability.

Abstract: We describe a photovoltaic (PV) panel system comprising a PV panel with multiple sub-strings of connected solar cells in combination with a power conditioning unit (microinverter). The power conditioning unit comprises a set of input power converters, one connected to each sub-string, and a common output power conversion stage, to provide power to an ac mains power supply output. Integration of the micro-inverter into the solar PV module in this way provides many advantages, including greater efficiency and reliability. Additionally, embodiments of the invention avoid the need for bypass diodes, a component with a high failure rate in PV panels, providing lower power loss and higher reliability.

Abstract: A received signal strength indicator is provided. The received signal strength indicator includes a plurality of differential amplifiers forming an amplifier chain for amplifying differential signals and a plurality of rectifiers for rectifying signals output from the plurality of differential amplifiers and the differential signals, and a low pass filter for combining the signals rectified by the plurality of rectifiers to output received signal strength. Each rectifier includes a class AB voltage-current converter for converting a differential voltage into a current, and two triode transistors.

Abstract: A high power factor rectifier circuit, provided with switching sections connected to an AC power supply for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage, is formed with a bypass circuit provided. The bypass circuit, when the voltage of the AC power supply becomes higher than the voltage across a smoothing capacitor provided on the DC output side, makes a charge current flowing from the AC power supply to the capacitor bypass the switching section by making the switching section out of conduction. Thus, a rectifier circuit is provided which can be safely operated without causing any damage, or with minimized damage, even though an inrush current flows at turning-on the power or at recovery from a power interruption.

Abstract: A power rectifying circuit for an electric current signal supplied by an alternating power source, which includes: two separate switching assemblies adapted to be connected to a power terminal of the source, wherein at least one switching assembly includes a plurality of boost cells in cascade, each boost cell including a diode, a switch mechanism and a capacitor, the capacitors of the two terminal boost cells of the switching assemblies having one terminal in common. The circuit may include two assemblies of boost cells, and can be used in electric systems onboard aircrafts.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering energy using an energy conversion module that includes one or more switching elements. An exemplary electrical system comprises a DC interface, an AC interface, an isolation module, a first conversion module between the DC interface and the isolation module, and a second conversion module between the AC interface and the isolation module. A control module is configured to operate the first conversion module to provide an injection current to the second conversion module to reduce a magnitude of a current through a switching element of the second conversion module before opening the switching element.

Abstract: A device for inverting an electric current has at least one phase module which has an alternating current connection and at least one direct current connection. Semiconductor valves having semiconductor modules are connected in series and are provided for switching the electric current between the alternating current connection and each direct current connection. At least one power storage device is provided for storing electrical power. In order to provide such a device, with which the adverse effects of a bridging short circuit are reliably and effectively reduced, it is proposed that each semiconductor module has semiconductor groups connected in parallel to each other, wherein each semiconductor group of the semiconductor module is connected via its own separate semiconductor current path to at least one of the power storage devices.

Abstract: A signal level detector and detecting method are provided. In one implementation a method includes receiving a differential input signal; incorporating two configurable rectifiers of the same circuit topology; configuring a first one of the two configurable rectifiers as a inverting rectifier to generate an inverting end of an output signal in response to an absolute value of the differential input signal; and configuring a second one of the two configurable rectifiers as a non-inverting rectifier to generate a non-inverting end of the output signal.

Abstract: A solid-state lighting system comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices (e.g., light-emitting diodes) and an alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) converter that converts AC power to DC power for powering the plurality of light-emitting devices. The AC-DC converter is configured to perform AC-DC conversion directly, without the need for or use of a bridge rectifier or step-down transformer. According to one aspect of the invention, the light-emitting devices of the solid-state lighting system are autonomous and individually powered by a plurality of DC power supplies generated from the DC power produced by the AC-DC converter. According to another aspect, a plurality of phase-offset dimmer control signals are generated based on waveform distortions in a dimming signal produced by a conventional dimmer switch. The phase-offset dimmer control signals are used to individually control the dimming of the light-emitting devices.

Abstract: Switches perform switching at a timing when a first phase voltage and a second phase voltage outputted from a three-phase voltage source have a phase difference of 90°. Then, a three-phase/two-phase conversion inductor outputs a pair of AC currents, and a rectification and a single-phase pulse-width modulation are performed on each of AC currents. Modulated currents obtained as a result of the rectification and the single-phase pulse-width modulation are synthesized, to generate an output current, which is supplied to a circuit in which a capacitor and a load are connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: The oscillating circuit (100) includes a variable frequency oscillating circuit (10) for generating a clock signal (CK) whose frequency increases in response to an up-signal (UP) and decreases in response to a down-signal (DOWN), the frequency going up and down continuously between an upper-limit frequency and a lower-limit frequency. An up/down control circuit (20) outputs the down-signal when a duration of a low level of the clock signal drops below a first delay time and outputs the up-signal when the duration exceeds a second delay time longer than the first delay time.

Abstract: An active rectification system includes an active rectifier that converts an alternating current (AC) input to a direct current (DC) output. The active rectifier includes a plurality of switching devices and at least a first output capacitor and a second output capacitor connected at the DC output of the active rectifier. A controller includes a DC output regulation portion and an output capacitor balancing portion, wherein the DC output regulation portion monitors the DC output and in response generates control signals for regulating the DC output to a desired value. The output capacitor balancing portion monitors first and second output capacitor voltages associated with the first and second output capacitors, respectively, and generates an accumulated adjustment value that modifies the control signals provided by the DC output regulation portion to balance the first and second output capacitor voltages.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) array emulators and methods are described. In one example, a method for use in testing a PV inverter includes coupling a first PV inverter to an alternating current (AC) power source. A second PV inverter is coupled to receive an output of the first PV inverter. The first PV inverter is operated to emulate a PV array and provide a DC power output to the second PV inverter.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus has a rectification circuit provided for converting AC power supplied from an AC power supply into DC power. The rectification circuit has a configuration in which series circuit whose number corresponds to the number of phases of an input AC are connected in parallel between a positive-side line and a negative-side line. The AC power supply is connected to AC input points, each corresponding to a connection point between a rectifying device and a semiconductor switching device in each of the series circuits, and connected to a point having ground potential through noise suppressing series circuits respectively. In each of the noise suppressing series circuits, a switch unit and a capacitor are connected in series. In this manner, it is possible to provide a power conversion apparatus which can reduce a noise terminal voltage while solving problems in volume and cost simultaneously.

Abstract: Rectifier circuits which are usable, instead of diodes, for rectifying alternating voltages, and which, like diodes, form two-terminal networks having a cathode terminal and an anode terminal. The power loss of these rectifier circuits is clearly less that the power loss of silicon p-n diodes. These rectifier circuits also include voltage clamping functions.

Abstract: A static synchronous compensator for use in reactive power compensation, the static synchronous compensator comprising at least one primary compensator limb including first and second DC terminals, and an AC terminal for connection in use to an AC network, the or each primary compensator limb defining first and second limb portions, each limb portion-including at least one switching element connected in series with a chain-link converter-between a respective one of the first and second DC terminate and the AC terminal, the switching elements of the first and second limb portions being operable to switch the respective chain-link converters in and out of circuit between the respective DC terminal and the AC terminal and the chain-link converters being operable to generate a voltage waveform at the AC terminal; and a secondary compensator limb including at least one DC link capacitor connected between the first and second DC terminals, the secondary compensator limb being connected in parallel with the or each

Abstract: A secondary side synchronous rectification control circuit is disclosed. The control circuit includes an inverted amplifier, a first comparator, and a driving unit. The inverted amplifier has an input end for receiving a drain source voltage signal from a synchronous rectification transistor and outputting an inverted amplification signal. The first comparator receives the inverted amplification signal and a first reference voltage for outputting a first comparison signal. The driving unit receives the first comparison signal and generates a driving signal according to the first comparison signal, for controlling the conduction status of the synchronous rectification transistor. The drain source voltage of the synchronous rectification transistor in the present invention is inverted amplified by an inverted amplifier, and it is connected to a comparator for generating the driving signal. The errors and defects of the turn-off timing of the driving signal may be solved and eliminated.

Abstract: A power supply device includes an input connector, an alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) converter, a plurality of voltage converters, and a plurality of output connectors corresponding to the voltage converters. The input connector is electrically connected to a power supply. The AC/DC converter converts an AC electric potential provided by the power supply to a DC electric potential, and the voltage converters convert the DC electric potential generated by the AC/DC converter to DC electric potentials having predetermined effective values and output the DC electric potentials from the output connectors, respectively.

Abstract: A rectifier building block has four electrodes: source, drain, gate and probe. The main current flows between the source and drain electrodes. The gate voltage controls the conductivity of a narrow channel under a MOS gate and can switch the RBB between OFF and ON states. Used in pairs, the RBB can be configured as a three terminal half-bridge rectifier which exhibits better than ideal diode performance, similar to synchronous rectifiers but without the need for control circuits. N-type and P-type pairs can be configured as a full bridge rectifier. Other combinations are possible to create a variety of devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle power module and a power converter including a power semiconductor element (328), a plurality of connecting conductors (371U, 372U, 373U) for transmitting current to the power semiconductor element (328), and a metallic base (304) upon which the power semiconductor element (328) and the plurality of connecting conductors (371U, 372U, and 373U) are mounted; and the power semiconductor element (328) and the plurality of connecting conductors (371U, 372U, and 373U) are mounted upon the metallic base (304) so as to form a looped current path. Desirably, the power semiconductor element (328) and the plurality of connecting conductors (371U, 372U, 373U) are arranged so as to form two or more looped current paths.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes: a first transistor; a second transistor having a higher withstand voltage than the first transistor, a source of the second transistor coupled to a drain of the first transistor, a gate of the second transistor coupled to a source of the first transistor; a third transistor having a higher withstand voltage than the first transistor and a drain of the third transistor coupled to a drain of the second transistor; and a comparator that compares a source voltage of the first transistor with a source voltage of the third transistor, and controls a gate voltage of the first transistor.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for synchronous rectifier control are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a synchronous rectifier control circuit can include: (i) a first sense circuit to sense a voltage between first and second power terminals of a synchronous rectifier device prior to a turn-on of the device, where a timing of the turn-on of the synchronous rectifier device is adjustable using a first control signal generated from the first sense circuit; (ii) a second sense circuit configured to sense a voltage between the first and second power terminals after a turn-off of the device, where a timing of the turn-off of the device is adjustable using a second control signal generated from the second sense circuit; and (iii) a driver control circuit configured to receive the first and second control signals, and to generate therefrom a gate control signal configured to drive a control terminal of the synchronous rectifier device.

Abstract: A control device for a rectifier of a switching converter, the converter powered by an input voltage and suitable for providing an output current. The rectifier is suitable for rectifying an output current of the converter and includes at least one transistor. The control device is suitable for driving the at least one transistor. The control device has a first circuit suitable for identifying the start and the end of every converter switching half-cycle and measuring the duration thereof, a second circuit suitable for generating a signal for turning on the transistor after a given number of measured converter switching half-cycles and when the output current of the converter becomes greater than a reference current.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a plurality of switching elements connected in series and connected between two ends of a DC power supply; a first control circuit to alternately turn on and off the switching elements in response to a constant oscillation frequency signal; a series circuit including a primary winding of a transformer and a capacitor connected together in series, and being connected to a connecting point between the switching elements, and to an end of the DC power supply; a rectifying/smoothing circuit to rectify and smooth a voltage in a secondary winding of the transformer thereby to output a DC voltage; a control switching element connected to two ends of the primary or secondary winding of the transformer; and a second control circuit to control the DC voltage at a predetermined voltage by turning on and off the control switching element.

Abstract: A switching power source device which has main switch elements which switch a current path of the series resonant circuit, and a transformer which induces a current to a secondary side, controls the main switch elements on a primary side. Synchronous rectification switch elements are turned ON and OFF in response to one of the main switch elements. A synchronous control circuit which turns the synchronous rectification switch element ON in synchronization with an ON timing of the main switch element, or a conduction timing of internal diodes in the synchronous rectification switch elements detected by an inter-terminal voltage signal of the synchronous rectification switch element, whichever timing is later, determines a maximum ON width of the synchronous rectification switch element in accordance with a delay time of the conduction timing of the internal diodes with respect to the ON timing of the main switch element.

Abstract: The commutator for a bridgeless PFC circuit is characterized in that a synchronous half-wave rectifier is connected between a bridgeless PFC boost circuit and an AC power source and is coupled to the two terminals of the AC power source. The synchronous half-wave rectifier contains a first synchronous transistor, a second synchronous transistor, and a control circuit.

Abstract: An isolated switching power converter includes a power isolation transformer having at least one primary winding, at least one secondary winding and a plurality of sides, a first power board mechanically coupled to a first side of the transformer, and a second power board mechanically coupled to a second side of the transformer. The first power board includes a primary side circuit electrically coupled to the at least one primary winding, and the second power board includes a secondary side circuit electrically coupled to the at least one secondary winding.

Abstract: A power factor correction (PFC) system includes an adjustment module, a compensation module, and a duty cycle control module. The adjustment module generates N time advances based on N predetermined time advances and (N?1) time advance adjustments, wherein N is an integer greater than zero. The compensation module generates N compensated versions of an input alternating current (AC) line signal by predicting ahead of the input AC line signal using a gradient of a sinusoidal reference signal and the N time advances, respectively, wherein the sinusoidal reference signal is synchronized with the input AC line signal in phase and frequency. The duty cycle control module generates PFC duty cycles based on the N compensated versions of the input AC line signal.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit includes reactors L1 and L2 to accumulate energy of an AC power source and discharge the accumulated energy, a hybrid bridge switch having two diodes D1 and D2 and two switching elements Q1 and Q2 to switch the energy accumulation and energy discharge of the reactors from one to another, a controller 3 to conduct ON-control of the two switching elements according to currents passing through the reactors and OFF-control of the two switching elements according to currents passing through the two switching elements, and a mode changer 11 to change an operation mode of the power factor correction circuit between a discontinuous mode and a critical mode according to a voltage of the AC power source.

Abstract: AC powered logic circuits and systems including same are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system including a logic circuit powered using an alternating current (AC) power source includes at least one supply transistor connected to receive voltages of opposite phases from an AC power source such that the at least one supply transistor is strongly on during a first phase of the voltage of the AC power source and is strongly off during a second phase opposite the first phase of the voltage of the AC power source and at least one logic circuit connected to be powered by the AC power source through the at least one supply transistor and producing an output at an output terminal responsive to an input received at an input terminal.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes an inverter for converting DC power to AC power for supply to a load, a converter for converting AC power from an AC power supply to DC power for supply to the inverter, and a DC voltage converter for converting a voltage value of power stored in a storage battery and supplying DC power from the storage battery to the inverter when power supply by the AC power supply is abnormal. The converter includes a first three-level circuit which is a multi-level circuit. Similarly, the DC voltage converter includes a second three-level circuit. A control device controls the first and second multi-level circuits to suppress potential fluctuation at a neutral point between first and second capacitors.

Abstract: In an electric power converter for a vehicle which is connected to an alternating-current generator for a vehicle and performs synchronous rectification, switching mistakes are reduced and efficiency is improved by setting an optimal control allowance time in generating a switching timing signal from a diode ON signal. A control allowance according to the operating state of a generator can be determined by obtaining a control allowance time as a sum of a control delay time which is constant irrespective of the operating state of the generator, and an allowance time which varies depending on the operating state of the generator. Thereby, optimal switching timing is obtained and the reduction of switching mistakes and an improvement in efficiency are performed.

Abstract: The configurations of a resonant converter system and a controlling method thereof are provided. The proposed resonant converter system includes a resonant converter receiving an input voltage for outputting an output voltage, a rectifying device having a first rectifying switch and a synchronous rectification control circuit coupled to the resonant converter and including a signal generation apparatus generating a weighted turn-off signal to turn off the first rectifying switch at a zero crossing point of a first current flowing through the first rectifying switch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light load control circuit and the method accordingly where the synchronous rectification is latched off selectively according to the gate voltage of the synchronous rectifier.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes: an input terminal to which alternating current power is input; a positive terminal and a negative terminal at which direct-current power is output; a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the alternating current power input to the input terminal; an inductor coupled to the rectifier circuit; a capacitor coupled between the positive terminal and the negative terminal; a first rectifying element coupled between an output terminal of the inductor and the positive terminal; a first switching element coupled between an input terminal of the first rectifying element and the negative terminal; a second switching element and a transformer coupled in parallel to the first switching element; a second rectifying element coupled between the positive terminal and a coupling portion of the second switching element and the transformer; and a third rectifying element coupled between the transformer and the positive terminal.

Abstract: A power transfer device is provided. The power transfer device includes a circuit arrangement including a primary side having a primary coil; a secondary side having a secondary coil inductively coupled to the primary coil and a load transformation unit; wherein the load transformation unit includes an inductor and a capacitor; wherein the secondary coil, the inductor and the capacitor respectively includes a first terminal and a second terminal; wherein the first terminal of the secondary coil is coupled to the first terminal of the capacitor, the second terminal of the capacitor is coupled to the first terminal of the inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor is coupled to the second terminal of the secondary coil.

Abstract: An active voice-band filter includes a regulator to regulate an input current to the regulator and to convert DC voltage from an input bus to a higher DC voltage at an output of the regulator; an output voltage feedback loop, connected to the output of a regulator, for generating an output voltage value; and a current control loop for generating a control signal to regulate an input current of the regulator, where the control signal is based on an input bus current measurement and a reference voltage value. The reference voltage value is calculated using both of the output voltage value and an input bus voltage signal. The regulator regulates the input current to the regulator, based on the control signal, to reject voice band range current harmonics from the higher DC voltage.

Abstract: Controlled by switching is which reactor in a reactor group present between a power source and a three-level converter is to be connected to an intermediate point that outputs a midpoint potential. In the switching, the closer to the command value of the midpoint potential the command values of input potentials of the converter are, the greater the duty at which corresponding reactors are connected to the intermediate point is for pulse width modulation. Additionally, a predetermined range to be compared with the command values has a predetermined potential width with respect to an AC waveform centered around the command value of the midpoint potential.

Abstract: A power supply device comprising a switch assemble, a voltage transformation circuit and a processor is disclosed. The switch assemble may include a first switch and a second switch connected with each other in parallel. After the first switch turns on, the voltage transformation circuit is electronically coupled to AC power and provides a DC voltage output for powering the processor to turn on initially. The first switch will turn off after the processor is powered up, and the powered processor operates to control the second switch to turn on so that the voltage transformation circuit is coupled to AC power through the second switch and provides DC voltage output for enabling the processor to continue to operate. The processor is further configured to control the second switch to turn off according to performances of a load coupled to the transformation circuit.

Abstract: An alternating current-to-direct current (AC-DC) converter is provided. The converter may include a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side. A first bi-directional switch and a first inductor may be connected in series between a positive terminal of an AC source and a first terminal of the primary side of the transformer. A second bi-directional switch and a second inductor may be connected between the positive terminal of the AC source and a second terminal of the primary side of the transformer and connected in parallel with the first bi-directional switch.

Abstract: In order to offer a power supply circuit that can minimize the drop in efficiency by reducing losses during voltage conversion, in an improved-power factor circuit, a control circuit performs a step-up operation in which a control signal for turning on a first switching element (Tr1) and switching a second switching element (Tr2) is output, and a step-down operation in which a control signal for turning off the second switching element (Tr2) and switching the first switching element (Tr1) is output.

Abstract: In compensating for unbalanced voltages of three-phase AC, instantaneous values of wye-phase voltages 120° out of phase with each other are obtained from line voltages using a centroid vector operation, symmetrical component voltages of three-phase balanced system are obtained from the instantaneous values of wye-phase voltages, a compensation signal to compensate unbalanced voltages of three-phase AC is generated from zero-phase-sequence voltage of symmetrical component voltages is generated, wye-phase voltages 120° out of phase, the unbalanced voltages of which are compensated, are obtained from the compensation signal and the symmetrical component voltages, a control signal of a PWM conversion is generated based on the compensated wye-phase voltage compensated, and the unbalanced voltages of three-phase AC are compensated. The amount of time to compensate the three-phase unbalanced voltages required for detecting an unbalance of voltages and generating a control signal can be shortened.

Abstract: A current-driven synchronous rectifying drive circuit designed for a T-type voltage doubler rectifier with an energy feedback circuit including a clamp and energy feedback circuit, a high frequency transformer, a current transducer, an energy storage capacitor, an output capacitor, a first and a second synchronous rectifier, and a first drive circuit connected to the first synchronous rectifier and a second drive circuit connected to the second synchronous rectifier.

Abstract: A resonant, bi-directional, DC to DC voltage converter with loss-less (soft) switching having regulated output and capable of converting power between two, high-potential and low-potential DC voltage sources. The converter's semiconductor and magnetic components provide both, output regulation and soft switching in both (step-down and step-up) directions of power conversion which reduces total component count, cost and volume and enhances power conversion efficiency.

Abstract: In an interleaved bridgeless power factor corrector and a controlling method thereof, the interleaved bridgeless power factor corrector includes an AC input power supply, two input inductors, four active components, two passive components, an output capacitor, and an output resistor, wherein the four active components are cascaded in a full bridge form to act as control switches and rectifying switches having different phases; besides, the interleaved bridgeless power factor corrector is connected to a control signal processor and a control circuit, which can output complementary switch signals to control the interleaved bridgeless power factor corrector, thereby achieving output/input ripple cancellation and frequency multiplication.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing synchronous rectifier gate drive timing is described. The apparatus includes circuitry to receive a first signal. The apparatus also includes circuitry to generate a second signal by modifying the first signal to delay a transition from high to low for a non-zero overlap duration. An output to apply an inverse of the first signal as a gate drive timing of at least a first transistor and to apply the second signal as a gate drive timing of at least a second transistor, where the first transistor is a part of a primary side of a full-bridge synchronous rectifier and the second transistor is a part of a secondary side of the full-bridge synchronous rectifier is also included. The second signal and the inverse of the first signal are high during the overlap duration. Methods and program storage devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical system architecture, for example for an aircraft, including a generator driven by an engine of the aircraft to generate electrical energy, which is arranged for extracting the said electrical energy as an AC signal for supply to a system bus. The electrical system architecture also includes an active rectifier coupled to the system bus, that is adapted to rectify the AC signal to a DC signal for supply to a load in the system, and for controlling extraction of the said electrical energy by the generator. An electrical power generation system, including a generator, including a stator and a rotor, for converting mechanical power into alternating current electrical power by electromagnetic induction, and an active rectifier for converting the alternating current output of the generator into direct current electrical power is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an input-powered comparator. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to an active diode that includes an input-powered comparator and a switch. In a specific embodiment, the input-powered comparator only consumes power when an input source provides sufficiently high voltage. Embodiments of the active diode can be used in an energy harvesting system. The comparator can be powered by the input and the system can be configured such that the comparator only consumes power when the input is ready to provide power to the load or energy storage element. In a specific embodiment, when there is no input, or the input is too low for harvesting, the comparator does not draw any power from the energy storage element (e.g., battery or capacitor) of the system.