Abstract: A power converter and a method of operation thereof is disclosed including an input, an output, a sensor unit, a switched power converter, and a processor module. The power converter may convert an input power into an output power. The power converter may sense real-time measurements of the input power and the output power to determine a real-time calculated efficiency. The power converter may chop the input power into sized and positioned portions of the input power based on a plurality of determined operating parameters. The power converter may determine the operating parameters based on the real-time calculated efficiency and on a plurality of other operating factors/conditions.

Abstract: A multi-level converter includes first and second DC buses, a plurality of transistors coupled in series between the first and second DC buses and a clamp circuit configured to clamp a node joining a first transistor and a second transistor of the plurality of transistors. The converter further includes a bias circuit coupled to the clamped node, which may reduce or prevent voltage stress on the transistors. Related methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that employ self-driven gate-drive circuitry to facilitate controlling power switches to emulate a diode bridge to synchronously rectify a power signal are presented. A single-phase or multi-phase synchronous rectifier can comprise at least a first pair of switches of a first conducting path and a second pair of switches of a second conducting path that can form or emulate a diode bridge. To facilitate emulating turn-on and turn-off conditions of a diode, a switch can be turned on when voltage across the switch is forward-biased and turned off when switch current is reversed; also, there can be at least one current-controlled switch in each conducting path. Self-driven gate-drive circuitry employs low power components that can facilitate controlling respective switching of the at least first pair and second pair of switches, wherein switching of the switches is also controlled at start-up to emulate a diode bridge.

Abstract: A motor driving device comprises: an AC/DC converter that converts alternating current power into direct current power; a motor driving unit that operates based on the direct current power supplied from the AC/DC converter and outputs a driving signal to a motor; and a start-up auxiliary circuit that is arranged on a path connecting the AC/DC converter and the motor driving unit, wherein the start-up auxiliary circuit: delays an output of the driving signal for a first predetermined time period after the supply of the alternating current power from the alternating current power supply to the AC/DC converter starts; and gradually increases a driving voltage so that current flowing in a driving coil of the motor is limited to a predetermined value or smaller for a second predetermined time period after the output of the driving signal from the motor driving unit starts.

Abstract: A system and method for emulating an ideal diode for use in a power control device is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a circuit for emulating an ideal diode, the circuit including at least one field effect transistor including a source, a drain, a gate, and a body diode, an input; an output coupled to the drain, a control circuit including a current sensor coupled between the input and the source, and a control circuit output coupled to the gate, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the at least one field effect transistor based on whether the current flowing into the source is greater than a predetermined threshold, and wherein the body diode comprises an anode coupled to the source and a cathode coupled to the drain.

Abstract: A power converter and a method of operation thereof is disclosed including an input, an output, a sensor unit, a switched power converter, and a processor module. The power converter may convert an input power into an output power. The power converter may sense real-time measurements of the input power and the output power to determine a real-time calculated efficiency. The power converter may chop the input power into sized and positioned portions of the input power based on a plurality of determined operating parameters. The power converter may determine the operating parameters based on the real-time calculated efficiency and on a plurality of other operating factors/conditions.

Abstract: A power converter and a method of operation thereof is disclosed including an input, an output, a sensor unit, a switched power converter, and a processor module. The power converter may convert an input power into an output power. The power converter may sense real-time measurements of the input power and the output power to determine a real-time calculated efficiency. The power converter may chop the input power into sized and positioned portions of the input power based on a plurality of determined operating parameters. The power converter may determine the operating parameters based on the real-time calculated efficiency and on a plurality of other operating factors/conditions.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a rectifier circuit having a first and a second load terminal, a first semiconductor device having a load path and a control terminal and a plurality of n, with n>1, second semiconductor devices, each having a load path between a first load terminal and a second load terminal and a control terminal. The second semiconductor devices have their load paths connected in series and connected in series to the load path of the first semiconductor device. The series circuit with the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor devices are connected between the load terminals of the rectifier circuit. Each of the second semiconductor devices has its control terminal connected to the load terminal of one of the other second semiconductor devices. One of the second semiconductor devices has its control terminal connected to one of the load terminals of the first semiconductor device.

Abstract: A rectification circuit includes a first input terminal, a first switch, an energy storage circuit, a first diode, a filtering circuit connected in series and in order to ground, a second diode, and a controller. Two opposite terminals of the second diode are connected to a first node between the first diode and the filtering circuit and a second node between the first switch and the energy storage circuit. The controller transmits control signals to the first switch and the second switch to control conductivities of the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A power rectifier includes a stage having a first Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor (“TFET”) having a source, a gate, and a drain, a second TFET having a source, a gate, and a drain, a third TFET having a source, a gate, and a drain, and a fourth TFET having a source, a gate, and a drain such that the source of the first TFET, the source of the second TFET, the gate of the third TFET, and the gate of the fourth TFET are connected, the gate of the first TFET, the gate of the second TFET, the source of the third TFET and the source of the fourth TFET are connected, the drain of the first TFET and the drain of the third TFET are connected, and the drain of the second TFET and the drain of the fourth TFET are connected. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus is provided. The power conversion apparatus includes an AC to DC adapter, an input port, a power conversion control unit, and a restart circuit. The AC to DC adapter converts an AC input voltage into a DC output voltage according to an external signal of an electronic apparatus and provides the DC output voltage to the electronic apparatus. The input port receives the AC input voltage through an AC input terminal. If the power conversion apparatus does not output the DC output voltage to the electronic apparatus, the power conversion control unit turns off the power conversion apparatus. If the restart circuit detects that an insertion action occurs on the input port, the restart circuit transmits a trigger signal to turn on the power conversion control unit in an off mode.

Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods for harvesting energy from an alternating magnetic field. An exemplary embodiment can include a flux concentrator having an open core coil wherein a first current with a first voltage is induced in the flux concentrator when placed proximate an alternating magnetic field. Additionally, the system can include a transformer, having a first and second winding, connected to the flux concentrator and inducing a second current in the second winding, wherein the second current has a second voltage higher than the first voltage and a threshold voltage of a first and second diode. Furthermore, the system can include a converter, connected to the secondary winding for charging the leakage inductance of the secondary winding by creating a short circuit between the secondary winding and the converter; and the diodes connected to the secondary winding and the converter for discharging the leakage inductance.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting an electrical power generation system from an over-voltage. The output voltage of a multi-phase rectifier, operatively connected between the output terminals of an electric machine and a load, is monitored. The input of the multi-phase rectifier is short-circuited upon detection that the output voltage has reached a threshold voltage. Removal of the short-circuiting of the input of the multi-phase rectifier is synchronized with a substantially zero-crossing of phase current flowing through switching devices in the rectifier once the output voltage is no longer above the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A full-bridge rectifier is configured to provide synchronous rectification with either a current-source or a voltage-source. The rectifier has an upper branch and a lower branch and two current loops, with each of the branches including voltage- or current-controlled active switches, diodes or combinations thereof that are selected such that each loop includes one active switch or diode from the upper branch and one active switch or diode from the lower branch, and each current loop comprises at least one diode or current-controlled active switch, and at least one voltage- or current-controlled active switch is included in one of the upper or lower branches.

Abstract: In a power supply device, the bridge circuit including a plurality of switching arms which is an inverse-parallel circuit of a semiconductor switch and a diode. The power supply device includes a control unit. The control unit switches the semiconductor switch such that a voltage v between AC terminals becomes a positive-negative voltage whose peak value is the voltage Vo between the DC terminals only during prescribed time periods before and after a point that has deviated from each zero crossing point ZCP of a current i by a prescribed compensation period ? and such that the voltage v between the AC terminals becomes a zero voltage during the other time periods, and sets the compensation period ? such that a time period during which the voltage v between the AC terminals becomes a zero voltage is the shortest.

Abstract: A power detector having a differential input unit and a differential output unit. In one aspect, the invention may be a power detector including a differential input unit including a differential input terminal to which an AC signal is input and a DC voltage generator which generates and outputs a DC voltage; and a differential output unit including a differential output terminal which full wave rectifies the AC signal input from the differential input unit and outputs a differential signal, wherein a negative output terminal of the differential output terminal is connected to the output terminal of the DC voltage generator.

Abstract: A rectifier circuit includes an inductor connected to AC inputs of a diode bridge circuit, a capacitor series circuit connected to a DC output, and bi-directional switches that are connected between the series connection point of the capacitors and the AC inputs of the diode bridge circuit. In order to reduce the loss that would occur if both bi-directional switches were driven at high frequency, one of the bi-directional switches is driven at the frequency of the AC input voltage and the other bi-directional switch is driven at a high frequency, and also general rectifying diodes are used as the diodes connected to the bi-directional switch that is driven at the frequency of the AC input voltage and fast recovery diodes are used as the diodes connected to the bi-directional switch that is driven at high frequency.

Abstract: A method of deriving synchronous switch currents for a three-phase Vienna-type active rectifier that includes the step of generating gate driver signals for each phase of the rectifier by pulse width modulation, wherein the gate driver signals include a top gate driver signal, a clamp gate driver signal and a bottom gate driver signal, and the step of deriving synchronous switch current signals from the gate driver signal, wherein the synchronous switch current signals include a top gate switch current signal, a clamp gate switch current signal and a bottom gate switch current signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that employ self-driven gate-drive circuitry to facilitate controlling power switches to emulate a diode bridge to synchronously rectify a power signal are presented. A single-phase or multi-phase synchronous rectifier can comprise at least a first pair of switches of a first conducting path and a second pair of switches of a second conducting path that can form or emulate a diode bridge. To facilitate emulating turn-on and turn-off conditions of a diode, a switch can be turned on when voltage across the switch is forward-biased and turned off when switch current is reversed; also, there can be at least one current-controlled switch in each conducting path. Self-driven gate-drive circuitry employs low power components that can facilitate controlling respective switching of the at least first pair and second pair of switches, wherein switching of the switches is also controlled at start-up to emulate a diode bridge.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system includes: an active bridge rectifier which is connected to a generator via multiple phase terminals, and having terminals on the direct voltage side; a unit for recognizing load shedding at the active bridge rectifier and short-circuiting the phase terminals in a clocked manner, as the result of which a pulsed current is fed to the vehicle electrical system; a vehicle electrical system capacitor configured for smoothing the pulsed current; and a voltage limiting unit configured for clipping a voltage between the terminals of the bridge rectifier on the direct voltage side to a predefined maximum voltage.

Abstract: A wireless energy transfer receiver includes an input configured to receive alternating current (AC) electric energy and an output configured to make available direct current (DC) electric energy. The receiver further includes a rectification component configured to convert the AC energy received at the input into DC energy available at the output, the DC energy made available as DC voltage; and a multiplication component configured to amplify a peak voltage of the AC energy received at the input, the DC voltage made available at the output correspondingly being higher than the peak voltage of the AC energy received at the input.

Abstract: A control circuit for an AC-DC power converter includes a junction field effect transistor (JFET), a first resistor, a second resistor, and a third resistor. The JFET includes a substrate, a drain, a source, a gate, a first oxide layer, and a second oxide layer. The first oxide layer is attached to a region located between the drain and the gate of the JFET, and the second oxide layer is not attached to a region located between the drain and the gate of the JFET. The first resistor is positioned on the first oxide layer, and the second resistor and the third resistor are positioned on the second oxide layer. When the JFET and the first resistor receive an input power signal, the first, the second, and the third resistors divide the input power signal, and prevent from the breakdown of the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes an inverter having output terminals; a first transformer that transforms AC output from the output terminals; a second transformer that is connected to the output terminals in parallel to the first transformer, arranged on an opposite side of the first transformer with respect to a straight line passing through a center of the output terminals and extending perpendicularly to a plane including the output terminals, and transforms AC power output from the output terminals; first conductive lines that connect the output terminals to both ends of the first transformer; and second conductive lines that connect the output terminals to both ends of the second transformer. An area of a first loop formed by the inverter, the first conductive lines, and the first transformer is equal to an area of a second loop formed by the inverter, the second conductive lines, and the second transformer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) control system generates a power output rate control signal based on a monitored rate of change of collective power output generated via a plurality of PV subsystems and a desired collective output power change rate for the plurality of PV subsystems and communicates the power output rate control signal to the plurality of PV subsystems to control a rate of change of one or more operating parameters of individual PV subsystems in order to control a rate of change of collective output power of the plurality of solar PV subsystems.

Abstract: A power module (10) includes at least one power supply unit (110) and a power distribution board (130) separately located on different circuit boards to prevent any cross-influencing in voltage conversion. The power supply unit (110) includes an AC to DC converter (113) configured to receive an external alternating current (AC), and convert the AC into a first direct current (DC) having a voltage value within a first voltage range. The power distribution board (130) includes at least one voltage converter configured to receive the first DC and convert the first DC into at least one second DC to power the components of a server (20).

Abstract: An energy scavenging interface has an input port receiving an electrical signal from a storage element of a transducer, and an output port supplying an output signal to an electrical load. The interface includes a first switch receiving the input signal; a second switch that supplying the output signal; and control logic configured to close the first switch and open the second switch for a first time interval having at least a first temporal duration and until current through the first switch reaches a threshold. A scaled copy of a peak value of current through the first switch is obtained during the first time interval. The control logic is further operable to open the first switch and close the second switch to supply current to the electrical load as long as the current of the output signal remains greater than the value of said scaled copy of the peak value.

Abstract: In a switching power supply apparatus, a resonant capacitor and an inductor are connected in series between a primary winding in a transformer and a second switching element. A first rectifier smoothing circuit including a diode and a capacitor rectifies and smoothes a voltage occurring at a first secondary winding in the transformer during an on period of a first switching element to extract a first output voltage. A second rectifier smoothing circuit including a diode and a capacitor rectifies and smoothes a voltage occurring at a second secondary winding in the transformer during an on period of the second switching element to extract a second output voltage. A control circuit controls an on time of the first switching element and an on time of the second switching element on the basis of the first output voltage and the second output voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include a controller for a current source rectifier that is configured to facilitate operation in both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes. The controller comprises a discontinuous mode detection unit configured to determine when input current of the current source rectifier becomes discontinuous and a duty cycle calculation unit adapted to calculate duty cycles for the current source rectifier differently for operation in continuous or discontinuous mode. The controller is adapted to transition to a mode of operation to provide an input current that approximates a sinusoidal current during both the continuous and discontinuous modes of operation. The controller outputs control signals to turn on one or more of the electrical switches in the current source rectifier based on the calculated duty cycles.

Abstract: A multilevel voltage source converter for high voltage DC power transmission and reactive power compensation. The voltage source converter includes at least one phase element including a plurality of semiconductor switches to interconnect a DC voltage and an AC voltage. The voltage source converter also includes at least one auxiliary converter to act as a waveform synthesizer to modify the DC voltage presented to the DC side of the phase element.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include a controller for a current source rectifier that is configured to facilitate operation in both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes. The controller comprises a discontinuous mode detection unit configured to determine when input current of the current source rectifier becomes discontinuous and a duty cycle calculation unit adapted to calculate duty cycles for the current source rectifier differently for operation in continuous or discontinuous mode. The controller is adapted to transition to a mode of operation to provide an input current that approximates a sinusoidal current during both the continuous and discontinuous modes of operation. The controller outputs control signals to turn on one or more of the electrical switches in the current source rectifier based on the calculated duty cycles.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a voltage controlled current source for bus regulation is disclosed. A bus current delivered to an electrical bus from a current source is controlled using a synchronous switch according to a PWM duty cycle. Further, the PWM duty cycle is controlled to be proportional to an error signal based on a comparison of a voltage of the electrical bus to a reference voltage.

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: The invention relates to a power source (10) for providing a direct current, comprising a heavy-current transformer (12) with at least one primary winding (13) and at least one secondary winding (14) with center tapping, a synchronous rectifier (16) connected with the at least one secondary winding (14) of the heavy-current transformer (12) and comprising circuit elements (24), and a circuit (17) for actuating the circuit elements (24) of the synchronous rectifier (16), and a supply circuit (48) for supplying the synchronous rectifier (16) and the actuation circuit (17), and to a method for cooling such a power source (10). For reduction of losses and improvement of efficiency, the synchronous rectifier (16) and the actuation circuit (17) and the supply circuit (48) thereof are integrated in the heavy-current transformer (12).

Abstract: A freewheeling MOSFET is connected in parallel with the inductor in a switched DC/DC converter. When the freewheeling MOSFET is turned on during the switching operation of the converter, while the low-side and energy transfer MOSFETs are turned off, the inductor current circulates or “freewheels” through the freewheeling MOSFET. The frequency of the converter is thereby made independent of the lengths of the magnetizing and energy transfer stages, allowing far greater flexibility in operating and converter and overcoming numerous problems associated with conventional DC/DC converters. In one embodiment the freewheeling MOSFET is an N-channel MOSFET with its body connected to circuit ground and not shorted to either its source or its drain.

Abstract: Examples of multi-stage programmable rectifiers are provided herein. Each rectifier stage can include a first transistor and a switch connected to the first transistor. A threshold voltage of the first transistor can be programmed through selection of one of a plurality of voltages available at the switch. Each rectifier stage can also include a second transistor that can be connected in series with the first transistor. An output capacitor can be connected to the second transistor at an output of the rectifier stage. The plurality of voltages provided at the switch allows the threshold voltage of the first transistor to be adjusted in either a positive or negative position to increase efficiency of the rectifier. A calibration process can be used to identify the position of each switch in the rectifier stages that results in the highest efficiency or rectifier output voltage.

Abstract: Methods and configurations controlling a converter having controllable power semiconductors, compare actual and target state values to obtain control difference values for a control unit producing setting voltage values. Control electronics provide control signals according to setting voltage values and transmit them to power semiconductors. The control unit generates voltage values so control difference values become small. Current and converter energy controls and energy balancing are performed jointly, actual state values are calculated by an observing unit based on setting voltage values considering measured current values and actual state intermediate-circuit energy values are calculated by an estimating unit considering measured intermediate-circuit energy values of positive and negative voltage sources.

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.

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 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.

Abstract: A rectifier circuit includes a bridge circuit configured to receive an alternating input signal. A parallel resonant circuit is coupled between the bridge circuit and an output. The circuit could also include a capacitive storage element coupled to the output and configured to provide an output signal.

Abstract: A method for operating an inverter and an inverter operating according to the method is disclosed, wherein the inverter is controlled in accordance with line-angle-specific control sets provided in a database, wherein a switchover from one control set to the next control set can be performed only in a direction of rotation of a space vector resulting from a respective line angle.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus determines a peak value of circuit current in each pulse cycle and a lower limit value lower than the peak value, from a corrected output voltage value obtained by subtracting a predetermined reference voltage from an output voltage detected, and an input voltage detected. The pulse signal output unit outputs a pulse signal to the first switch when the polarity of input voltage is positive, and outputs a pulse signal to the second switch when the polarity of input voltage is negative. A pulse signal is turned on in response to start of a pulse cycle, and is kept on until a circuit current detected reaches a peak value. A pulse signal turns off when a circuit current reaches a peak value, and turns on again when a circuit current decreases to a lower limit value.

Abstract: An ultralow no-load conduction loss DC converter includes a DC power source, a transformer having a first winding, a first MOSET and a PWM controller at the primary side and a second winding, a third winding, a drive control unit, a rectifier unit and a second MOSFET at the secondary side. The second MOSFET, the drive control unit and the rectifier unit constitutes a combination circuit electrically coupled between one end of the second winding and one end of the third winding. The second MOSFET has set therein a body diode. The second winding and the second MOSFET forms a combination circuit electrically connected to a load. Thus, the decision to turn off the drive control unit is made at the secondary side so that non-load conduction loss can be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power conversion device, wherein among the optical fiber cables used in control/communication, at least the majority of high-voltage optical fiber cables with a dielectric strength against the output voltages of a plurality of cells can be eliminated and thus a low-voltage optical fiber cable with a dielectric strength against the output voltage of one cell can be used. Furthermore, here, the length required for the optical fiber cable can be reduced. A controller of the power conversion device comprising a plurality of cascade-connected cells comprises a central controller, and a cell controller with the same potential as each cell, the cell controller being installed in the vicinity of each cell, wherein the central controller and each cell controller are daisy-chained using an optical fiber cable.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device, for a power supply that is connected to an AC power source via an input circuit having a capacitor, is able to reliably discharge the capacitor when the AC power source is interrupted. The integrated circuit device includes a first discharge circuit that operates in response to an internal supply voltage and discharges the capacitor via a first switch element that is turned on when the input voltage provided via the input circuit falls below a set voltage, and a second discharge circuit having a second switch element that is turned off when receiving the internal supply voltage but is turned on in response to the input voltage when the supply of internal supply voltage is interrupted.

Abstract: A switching regulator that practices the current invention includes a high-side switch M1 connected between an input voltage and a node LX. A low-side switch is connected between the node LX and ground. An inductor L is connected between LX and an output node (VOUT). A filtering capacitor connects VOUT to ground. The switching regulator has two distinct operational phases. During the first operational phase, the high-side switch is OFF and the low-side switch is ON. During the second operational phase, the high-side switch is ON and the low-side switch acts as a current source. During transitions between the second and first operational phases, the low-side switch is controlled to momentarily decrease the regulated drain-to-source current.

Abstract: Technique for controlling a circuit that converts an AC input voltage into a DC output voltage using transistors arranged in first and second transistor pairs. Each transistor of the first pair is controlled in accordance with polarity of the AC input voltage. Each transistor of the second pair is controlled based on a difference between the AC input voltage and the DC output voltage.

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.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first control output adapted to couple to a control terminal of a first transistor and a second control output adapted to couple to a control terminal of a second transistor. The circuit further includes a feedback input for receiving a signal and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to independently control first and second on-times of control signals applied to the first and second control outputs, respectively, in response to receiving the signal to limit a current at an output node.

Abstract: An object is to provide a rectifier circuit of which the drop in the output voltage by the threshold voltage of a transistor used as a rectifier element is suppressed. Another object is to provide a rectifier circuit whose variations in the output voltage are suppressed even in the case where the amplitude of input AC voltage varies greatly. A transistor may be used as a rectifier element in such a way that a gate electrode of the transistor is connected to a second electrode of the transistor through a capacitor, and the potential of the gate electrode is held to be higher than the potential of the second electrode by a difference greater than or equal to the threshold voltage.