Including D.c.-a.c.-d.c. Converter Patents (Class 363/15)
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Patent number: 9825527Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal generates a sawtooth ramp signal at a first frequency under standard operating conditions using a ramp generator, and generates a sawtooth ramp at a second frequency under alternative operating conditions. The sawtooth ramp is combined with an error threshold by a PWM controller to generate a square wave PWM control signal. The error threshold is adjusted simultaneous with adjusting the frequency of the sawtooth ramp, thereby preventing either a voltage overshoot and a voltage undershoot.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mikhail Zarkhin, Alfons Fisch
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Patent number: 9780677Abstract: An electrical circuit for providing electrical power for use in powering electronic devices is described herein. The electrical circuit includes a primary power circuit and a secondary power circuit. The primary power circuit receives an alternating current (AC) input power signal from an electrical power source and generates an intermediate direct current (DC) power signal. The intermediate DC power signal is generated at a first voltage level that is less than a voltage level of the AC input power signal. The secondary power circuit receives the intermediate DC power signal from the primary power circuit and delivers an output DC power signal to an electronic device. The output DC power signal is delivered at an output voltage level that is less than the first voltage level of the intermediate DC power signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Advanced Charging Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael H. Freeman, W.J. “Jim” Weaver, Jr., Mitchael C. Freeman, Robert Dieter, Glenn Noufer, Randall L. Sandusky, Jim Sesters, Neaz E. Farooqi, Jim Devoy, Jay Cormier, Silvia Jaeckel, Andrea Baschirotto, Piero Malcovati
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Patent number: 9742296Abstract: The present invention provides a power conversion circuit system in which a circulating current can be reduced by accurately detecting the circulating current, to thereby improve efficiency in power conversion. The power conversion circuit system includes a power conversion circuit composed of a primary conversion circuit having left and right arms and a secondary conversion circuit having left and right arms, and a control circuit for controlling switching of switching transistors in the primary and secondary conversion circuits. The control circuit detects the circulating current at at least one of timings lagged by ?/2+?/2 from at least either a peak timing or a valley timing in a carrier counter where ? represents a difference in phase between the primary and secondary conversion circuits, and performs feedback control for reducing the detected circulating current to zero.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuntaro Inoue, Kenichi Takagi, Takahide Sugiyama, Kenichiro Nagashita, Masaki Okamura, Yoshitaka Niimi
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Patent number: 9613743Abstract: Electromagnetic transformer components include a magnetic core and at least two conductors assembled with the core and defining respective windings completing different numbers of turns. The conductors are fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The transformer is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in a transformer fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANYInventor: Frank Anthony Doljack
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Patent number: 9537406Abstract: A flyback controller featuring bidirectional power control and parallelly-connected power modules is based on flyback DC-DC converters for allowing bidirectional energy flow and transformation. The flyback controller includes two bidirectional DC-DC converters that are connected in parallel. The bidirectional DC-DC converters are electrically connected with a digital-signal processor. The digital-signal processor controls the bidirectional DC-DC converters and current thereof, so that the current flows evenly across the bidirectional DC-DC converters. Thereby, the flyback controller has advantages about simplified components and increased power output, and is suitable for testing secondary batteries.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: CHYNG HONG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Mu-Chun Lin
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Patent number: 9484831Abstract: The number of constituent components is reduced so as to provide a small-size and inexpensive electric-power conversion system.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Mao Kawamura
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Patent number: 9484737Abstract: A protector that protects a rectifier, and a wireless power receiver including the protector are provided. In one embodiment, a protector for an electronic device may include: a switch configured to control current flow to a rectifier of the electronic device; and a switch controller configured to: compare, with a predetermined threshold value, a voltage difference between an output voltage of the rectifier and a voltage of the electronic device; and transmit a control signal to the switch (i) to discontinue current flow to the rectifier when the voltage difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value, and (ii) to enable current flow to rectifier when the voltage difference is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Zo Kim, Sang Wook Kwon, Yun Kwon Park, Eun Seok Park, Young Tack Hong, Ki Young Kim, Young Ho Ryu, Nam Yun Kim, Jin Sung Choi
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Patent number: 9479061Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter assembly includes an inverter having first and second terminals connectable to a power transmission network. The inverter has a modular multilevel converter including a first inverter limb extending between the first and second terminals with first and second inverter limb portions separated by a third terminal. Each inverter limb portion includes at least one rationalized module having first and second sets of series-connected current flow control elements connected in parallel with an energy storage device. The current flow control elements include an active switching element directing current through the energy storage device and a passive current check element limiting current flow to one direction. The current flow control elements and energy storage device provide a voltage source to synthesize an AC voltage at the third terminal. A rectifier is electrically connected to the third terminal and connectable to a second power transmission network.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: David Reginald Trainer, Nnamdi Okaeme
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Patent number: 9461555Abstract: A multilevel current source converter (CSC) for controlling electrical power transmission in a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system includes an alternating current (AC) side for input/output of AC to/from the CSC; a direct current (DC) side for input/output of DC to/from the CSC; and a plurality of modular CSC cells connected in parallel with each other between the AC side and the DC side of the CSC, each modular cell comprising a plurality of switches. The CSC is configured for being connected in series with an HVDC transmission line and for injecting a voltage in series with the HVDC transmission line at the DC side of the CSC.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Amit Kumar, Subhasish Mukherjee
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Patent number: 9373439Abstract: A transformer is configured to receive an input electrical signal at input nodes and supply an output electrical signal at output nodes. The transformer includes windings wound on the core between the input and output nodes. The windings define a signal path to transform the input electrical signal into the output electrical signal along the signal path. The transformer includes a first insulated conductive layer arranged between first and second windings configured to receive a first bias voltage. The transformer includes a second insulated conductive layer arranged spatially proximate to the first and second windings configured to receive a second bias voltage. The first and second insulated conductive layers form an electrostatic field that is based on a potential difference between the first and second bias voltages independent of the signal path. The windings are arranged to be within the formed electrostatic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: The Quest GroupInventor: Garth Judson Powell
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Patent number: 9343906Abstract: A method for initializing a power inverter of a photovoltaic system includes: opening an AC mains switch and a DC switch to disconnect the power inverter from an electrical grid and to disconnect a capacitor bank associated with the inverter from a solar cell array; closing the AC mains switch to allow power to flow from an electrical grid to the DC capacitor bank to charge the DC capacitor bank; monitoring the DC capacitor bank until a desired voltage is reached; initiating the operation of the power inverter; stabilizing the DC voltage received from the DC capacitor bank at a predetermined power up voltage for the power inverter; waiting for an inverter initialization period to elapse; and adjusting DC voltage received by the power inverter to a voltage associated with a maximum power output level of the solar cell array.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Schneider Electric Solar Inverters USA, Inc.Inventor: Karl Kaiser
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Patent number: 9270187Abstract: An electric power conversion system includes: a primary electric power conversion circuit including a primary coil connected to a connection point between a plurality of transistors; a secondary electric power conversion circuit configured similarly to the primary electric power conversion circuit and including a secondary coil corresponding to the primary coil; and a control circuit controlling transfer of electric power between the primary and secondary electric power conversion circuits. The control circuit executes feedforward control for setting one of an on/off ratio of a terminal voltage signal of the primary coil and an on/off ratio of a terminal voltage signal of the secondary coil, in response to at least one of fluctuations in voltage ratio between both waveforms and fluctuations in phase symmetry between both waveforms, when the terminal voltage waveform of the primary coil and the terminal voltage waveform of the secondary coil are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Takagi, Masanori Ishigaki, Takaji Umeno, Takahiro Hirano, Jun Muto, Yasuharu Terada, Kenichiro Nagashita
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Patent number: 9215100Abstract: A data acquisition circuit may isolate control and data decode logic elements from data acquisition elements such as sensors through the use of a single transformer. A control signal may be supplied to a primary winding of a transformer by alternately opening and closing a push switch and a pull switch. First and second analog to digital converter circuits may receive analog signals and convert them to data signals, which may appear on the secondary winding of the transformer. Data signals may be substantially received by a data demodulator circuit on the primary side of the data acquisition circuit. The data demodulator circuit may compare a voltage associated with the received signal to a threshold voltage and output a result of the comparison to the control and data decode logic element.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Brian Hogan
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Patent number: 9144143Abstract: Systems and methods include a voltage transformer connected to a power source. The voltage transformer transforms a high voltage of the power source to a first low voltage signal. Regulators are connected to the voltage transformer, and the regulators receive the first low voltage signal from the voltage transformer and convert the first low voltage signal to a second low voltage signal. A remote device is connected to each of the regulators. The remote device is powered by the second low voltage signal from the regulator to which it is connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.Inventors: Reza Raji, Paul J. Dawes
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Patent number: 9077258Abstract: A regulation circuit of a power converter for cable compensation according to the present invention comprises a signal generator generating a compensation signal in accordance with a synchronous rectifying signal. An error amplifier has a reference signal for generating a feedback signal in accordance with an output voltage of the power converter. The compensation signal is coupled to program the reference signal. The feedback signal is coupled to generate a switching signal for regulating an output of the power converter. The regulation circuit of the present invention compensates the output voltage without a shunt resistor to sense the output current of the power converter for reducing power loss.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: System General Corp.Inventors: Ta-Yung Yang, Chou-Sheng Wang
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Publication number: 20150138837Abstract: A converter with at least one primary side having a first set of coils magnetically coupled to at least one secondary side having at least a second set of coils, wherein the primary side is electrically isolated from the secondary side by an isolation barrier, wherein one of the secondary sides is configured to be connected to an external output unit, wherein the primary side is magnetically coupled to another secondary side having a third set of coils which coils are configured to be coupled to an external input unit, wherein the two secondary sides are electrically isolated from each other by a second isolation barrier, wherein the three sets of coils are magnetically coupled to each other via a common magnetic path. The converter provides an isolated current-to-current transfer between the input side and the output side which replicates the input current with high accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: PR ELECTRONICS A/SInventor: Stig Alnøe Lindemann
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Patent number: 9036370Abstract: A power converter including: a first controlled current source configured to control current flowing on a DC supply bus of the converter, a switch connected to a second current source and to a third current source and to each of input phases of the converter, a first controller configured to control the first current source to impose a current on the DC supply bus, and a second controller synchronized with the first controller and configured to control the second current source and the third current source to impose a current on one of the input phases selected with aid of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SASInventors: Arnaud Videt, Hocine Boulharts, Heu Vang
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Patent number: 9036369Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for programming a parameter value in an IC (e.g., any power electronic device, such as a controller of a power converter) are disclosed. The parameter can be selected/programmed by selecting a clamp using an external optional (selectively inserted) diode coupled to a multi-function programming terminal. In particular, a controller IC for a power converter can be externally programmed via one or more multiple function terminals during startup of the converter to select between two or more options using the external programming terminal(s). Once programming is complete, internal programming circuitry may be decoupled from the programming terminal and during normal operation the programming terminal may then be used for another function, such as a bypass (BP) terminal to provide a supply voltage to the IC or other required functionalities.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Robert Mayell, Yury Gaknoki, Mingming Mao
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Patent number: 9024477Abstract: A high voltage power source device includes piezoelectric transformers, each of the piezoelectric transformers being formed with a primary electrode and a secondary electrode on piezoelectric ceramics, receiving a primary voltage at the primary electrode, and generating a second voltage from the secondary electrode, switching elements, each of the switching elements driving a respective one of the piezoelectric transformers, and primary voltage supply devices, each of the primary voltage supply devices supplying the primary voltage to the primary electrode of the respective one of the piezoelectric transformers by driving the respective one of the switching elements when the secondary voltage is generated from the respective one of the second electrodes, wherein the respective one of the primary voltage supply devices supplies the primary voltage to the respective one of the primary electrodes by driving the respective one of the switching elements at the same frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Ryo Takatsuka
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Patent number: 9001529Abstract: The present invention employs system and method in for distinguishing between power capabilities of various external power sources and a system that can communicate the identified power capabilities to the secondary side of the wireless power transfer system. Once the secondary side of the wireless power transfer system receives the power capability information, it adjusts the current available for a payload in accordance with the information received on power source capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Vladimir Alexander Muratov
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Publication number: 20150062970Abstract: Power supplies together with related over voltage protection methods and apparatuses. A power supply has a transformer including a primary winding and an auxiliary winding. A power switch is coupled to the primary winding and a sensing resistor coupled between the power switch and a grounding line. A multi-function terminal of a controller is coupled to the sensing resistor. A diode and a first resistor is coupled between the auxiliary winding and the multi-function terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Kuo-Chien Huang, Ren-Yi Chen
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Patent number: 8971057Abstract: The invention provides a bidirectional converter that operates under an AC generation mode or a charge mode. The bidirectional converter may be a single component or circuit, which may include a DC-DC conversion stage using a unique “Smith 2 Stage conversion” technique and a DC-AC conversion stage or AC-DC conversion stage using a switchable filter depending on the mode. During the charge mode, the converter may be able to control the voltage and current of the DC output using a software algorithm, to match the battery being charged, or the DC receiver. This may enable the converter to control the nature of the DC output so it can be adapted to any energy storage technology. The controllable output voltage and synchronizable frequency may allow the converter to be used in series combinations to achieve a variety of high voltage outputs from simpler building blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Stem, IncInventor: Lynn B. Smith
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Patent number: 8958216Abstract: A digital isolation circuit includes an encode circuit, a planar magnetic circuit, and a decode circuit. The encode circuit receives an input signal and divides the input signal into a first signal pulse and a second signal pulse. The planar magnetic circuit is coupled to an output of the encode circuit. The planar magnetic circuit includes a primary winding, a secondary winding and a magnetic core. The primary winding is magnetically coupled to the secondary winding through the magnetic core to generate an isolated output signal in response to the pair of signal pulses. The decode circuit receives the isolated output signal from the secondary winding to generate an output signal substantially identical to input signal. A method of digitally isolating a square wave input signal from an output signal using the digital isolation circuit is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Raymond Howard Kohler, Stephen Mark Jackson
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Publication number: 20150042242Abstract: A driver port that provides selectable output currents based on connections thereto, and a driver including the same, is provided. A plurality of shunt resistors are connected in series between a negative output of a driver and a ground. A driver port having a plurality of connection points is provided, each respective connection point connected to a different connection between two of the plurality of shunt resistors. A load including one or more solid state light sources is capable of being connected between one of the connection points of the driver port and a positive output of the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Nitin Kumar, Markus Ziegler, Naveen Tumula, Thomas Schalton
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Publication number: 20150036388Abstract: A power-supply apparatus is provided which includes a transformer, a primary semiconductor unit, a secondary semiconductor unit, and a secondary electronic device. Each of the primary semiconductor unit and the secondary semiconductor units has a plurality of semiconductor devices installed therein. The transformer, the primary semiconductor unit, the secondary semiconductor unit, and the secondary electronic device are electrically joined through connecting conductors. The transformer is laid on the primary semiconductor unit to make a first stack. Similarly, the secondary electronic device is laid on the secondary semiconductor unit. This permits the power-supply apparatus to be reduced in overall size thereof and minimizes adverse effects of electromagnetic noise to ensure the high efficiency in power supply operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Yuuichi HANDA, Katsutoyo MISAWA, Yuuki TAKEMOTO, Shotaro YAMASAKI, Shuji KURAUCHI
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Publication number: 20150016150Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-phase converter comprising a plurality of electric phases, each of which can be triggered by a switching means. At least one coupling means (100 to 106) is provided for coupling a phase to another phase, each phase having two windings.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Mirko Schinzel, Nils Draese, Richard Schoettle
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Patent number: 8928181Abstract: In a method and in an apparatus for transmission of energy and data, with a primary side, on which an amplifier is arranged, with a secondary side, on which a data source, e.g. a measuring sensor, is arranged, and with a plug-together assembly inductively coupling, galvanically completely isolated, the primary side and the secondary side, to minimize power losses and disturbing influences of fluctuating parameters, power from the plug-together assembly and from the amplifier, preferably a Class-E-amplifier, is controlled to a predeterminable, desired value. For this, a microcontroller taps the primary voltage on the primary winding and produces for the amplifier a controlled operating voltage as well as a controlled operating frequency, in order to keep the working point of the amplifier always in the optimal region.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Stephan Buschnakowski, Torsten Pechstein, Sven-Matthias Scheibe
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Publication number: 20150003114Abstract: The present invention is to utilize the partial electric energy of a direct current power source for being converted through an electric control unit (ECU101) into alternating polarity electric energy or ripple electric energy, and through a full wave rectifier for generating a direct current auxiliary power source, so as to form a voltage accumulation with the direct current power source, and a direct current output terminal is served to output the boosted direct current electric energy, thus a full power transformer is not required.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Publication number: 20140355308Abstract: Techniques and devices related to power adapters for mobile devices and, in particular, small form factor power adapters that allow a voltage droop during a power pulse exceeding a maximum output of the power adapter are discussed. For example, a small form factor and low voltage power adapter may include an adapter output power protection control that limits an output of the power adapter in response to a power pulse exceeding a maximum output of the power adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: ALEXANDER UAN-ZO-LI, CHRISTINE KIM, THYAGARAJAN SRINIVASAN, GEORGE DASKALAKIS
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Publication number: 20140340938Abstract: Disclosed is a flyback converter using a coaxial cable transformer which includes: a flyback driving unit that supplies a primary current; a transformer that is formed by winding a cable, which has a plurality of inner conductors as a primary cable and an outer conductor enclosing the inner conductors as a secondary cable, around a magnetic core and by connecting both ends of the primary cable and that receives the primary current and outputs a secondary current in accordance with the turn ratio of the primary cable and the secondary cable; a rectifying diode that rectifies the secondary current; and an output capacitor that smoothes a voltage through the rectifying diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Joung Hu Park, Do Hyun Kim
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Patent number: 8891262Abstract: A series-switch bridgeless power supply provides common-mode EMI filtering. The power supply includes a center-tapped inductive device bifurcated into first and second windings. The AC input, provided at first and second input terminals, is applied to the center-tap of the inductive device. First and second switches are connected to distal ends of the first and second windings, respectively, and are connected in series with one another to form a circuit path from the first input terminal, through the inductive device and each of the series-connected switches, back through the inductive device and to the second input terminal. A controller turns the switches On and Off to modulate the current through the inductive device. Common-mode voltage generated by the modulation of the first and second switches is filtered by connection of each switch to a junction defined between a pair of capacitors connected in series between the first and second input terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Polar Semiconductor, LLCInventor: Crispin Metzler
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Publication number: 20140334185Abstract: A switching power supply apparatus includes an isolated converter that has efficiency characteristics in which power conversion efficiency at a rated load is higher than power conversion efficiency at a light load and that converts power-supply voltage into direct-current voltage to output the direct-current voltage; an FET that switches supply and shutoff of the power-supply voltage to the isolated converter; a secondary battery that stores the direct-current voltage output from the isolated converter; a voltage detector that detects an amount of charge in the secondary battery; and a controller that switches the FET on the basis of the amount of charge in the secondary battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Tatsuya HOSOTANI
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Publication number: 20140334186Abstract: An energy-saving power converter includes a first switch unit, a transformer primary side, a transformer secondary side, a diode subunit, a switch subunit, a comparison unit, a current sensor, and a resistor. The transformer primary side starts storing energy when the first switch unit is turned on. The transformer secondary side sends a secondary side current to the current sensor through the diode subunit when the first switch unit is turned off. The current sensor informs the comparison unit and the resistor when the current sensor senses the secondary side current. The resistor is used to transform the secondary side current into voltage form for entering the comparison unit. The comparison unit is configured to turn on the switch subunit, so that the secondary side current is passing through the switch subunit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Min LIN
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Publication number: 20140313782Abstract: A power adaptor is provided. The power adaptor includes a voltage converter, a connecting port, a first transformer and a controller. The voltage converter receives an input voltage and determines whether to convert the input voltage to an output voltage according to an indicating signal. The first transformer includes a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side and the secondary side are coupled to each other, and a first end and a second end of the secondary side are coupled to the connecting port, respectively. The controller generates the indicating signal according to a voltage at the primary side of the first transformer. The connecting port is used to connect to an electrical device, and when the connecting port is electrically connected to the electrical device, a first end and a second end of the secondary side are short to a reference ground end of the secondary side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Yu-Cheng Shen, Yu Hung
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Publication number: 20140307479Abstract: A controller for use in a power converter includes a switching control and a sensor. The switching control generates a first signal to control switching of a power switch between a first state and a second state. The sensor receives a second signal from a single terminal of the controller during at least a portion of the time that the power switch is in the first state and during at least a portion of the time that the power switch is in the second state. The second signal is representative of a line input voltage during at least the portion of time that the power switch is in the first state and is representative of an output voltage during at least the portion of time that the power switch is in the second state. The sensor is coupled to be responsive to the first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Alex B. Djenguerian, Balu Balakrishnan
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Publication number: 20140307478Abstract: An LLC converter having a primary side burst control circuit, and a secondary side regulator circuit. The primary side burst control circuit has an inner feedback loop circuit for adjusting the LLC operating frequency to control the power drawn by the LLC converter proportional to an optical feedback signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventor: Joseph M. Leisten
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Patent number: 8861228Abstract: A high voltage controller configured to drive a high voltage generator. The high voltage controller includes a voltage select input and a current select input, an actual voltage input and an actual current input. First circuitry is configured to generate an alternating current (AC) drive signal. Second circuitry configured to generate a direct current (DC) drive signal. Closed loop control circuitry is configured to adjust the DC drive signal based on at least one of the voltage select and current select inputs and at least one of the actual voltage and actual current inputs. The first circuitry may include a push-pull circuit. The second circuitry may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. A high voltage generator may be coupled to the AC and DC drive signals. The high voltage generator may include a high voltage transformer having a pair of primary windings and center tap. The AC drive signal may be coupled to the primary windings and the DC drive signal may be coupled to the center tap.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Durr Systems GmbHInventors: Farhad Berton, Josef Braun
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Publication number: 20140293656Abstract: A DC to DC converter assembly, for connecting first and second high voltage DC power transmission networks, comprising first and second modular multilevel converters, each converter including a first converter limb having first and second limb portions, each limb portion including a least one module switchable to selectively provide a voltage source and thereby vary the magnitude ratio of a DC voltage (V1, V2) across the first and second terminals of a respective converter and an AC voltage (VAC) at the third terminal of the corresponding converter, the DC to DC converter assembly further including a first link electrically connecting the third terminal of one converter, with the third terminal of the other converter, and at least one converter further including a controller configured to switch the first and second limb portions in the first converter limb of the said converter into simultaneous conduction to divert a portion (IDiV1) of current flowing within the said converter away from the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: David Reginald Trainer, Nnamdi Okaeme
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Publication number: 20140293655Abstract: A reactor 1A of the present invention includes a sleeve-like coil 2, a magnetic core 3A having an inner core portion 31 disposed inside the coil 2 and an outer core portion 32A disposed outside the coil 2 to form a closed magnetic path with the inner core portion 31, and a case 4 storing the coil 2 and the magnetic core 3A. The case 4 is made of non-magnetic metal such as aluminum, and structured by a pair of bottomed sleeve-like bottomed case pieces 41 and 42. The outer core portion 32A is a mold product (a hardened mold product) of a mixture of magnetic powder and resin, and integrally molded with the bottomed case pieces 41 and 42. Since the case 4 and the outer core portion 32A are integrally molded, they exhibit excellent adhesion, and consequently, the heat dissipating characteristic of the reactor 1A can be enhanced. Further, since the case 4 and the outer core portion 32A are integrally molded, excellent assemblability is exhibited, and consequently, excellent productivity is also achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicants: autoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiro Inaba
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Publication number: 20140285263Abstract: A power supply injects a series of “tickle” pulses into a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller to induce the controller to generate PWM pulses at a minimum switching frequency, preferably one that is super-sonic (especially for audio applications). The switching frequency may also be selected or controlled such that it avoids resonances in the power supply. The “tickle” pulses may be clocked by the same clock that times the PWM controller, and they may be shaped to help ensure that the power supply maintains some regulation during low-load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth B. DelPapa, Michael Nussbaum, Andrew Ferencz
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Publication number: 20140268889Abstract: Example devices and methods for compensating for a voltage imbalance within a power supply are provided. In one example, a device comprises a plurality of transformers coupled in series and having respective outputs coupled together, and the plurality of transformers are configured to receive an input voltage. Transformers of the plurality of transformers are configured to receive a capacitor voltage as the input voltage. The device also comprises a control module configured to receive the input voltage as input to each of the plurality of transformers and a feedback signal that includes an output of the series of transformers, and the control module is configured to control switching devices for each of the plurality of transformers so as to control operation of the plurality of transformers to compensate for a voltage imbalance of the voltage across the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ASCO POWER TECHNOLOGIES, L.P.Inventors: Matthew Arthur Scott, Glenn Edward Wilson
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Publication number: 20140254201Abstract: A power supply for prolonging a hold-up time includes a main power supply system, and a hold-up power supply system connected in parallel to a power factor correction unit in the main power supply system. The hold-up power supply system includes an isolation transformer element connected to the power factor correction unit for receiving and transforming a first power to a third power, a power storage element for receiving the third power and storing as a hold-up power, and a power comparison unit connected between the power factor correction unit and the power storage element. The power comparison unit compares a second power generated from phase modulation performed by the power factor correction unit and the hold-up power, and outputs the hold-up power when the second power is smaller than the hold-up power, so as to sustain the power modulation unit to continue operating for a hold-up time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: ZIPPY TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: Tsun-Te SHIH, Yu-Yuan CHANG, Tien -Wei CHANG
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Publication number: 20140247624Abstract: The invention provides a passive converter comprising an input for electrical coupling to an intermittent or variable power source, an output for electrical coupling to load, and a conversion circuit for converting from a first voltage level of the input to a second voltage level suitable for the output, wherein the conversion circuit includes a passive switching circuit adapted to passively couple the input to the output when the input exceeds a first threshold and decouple the input from the output when the input falls below a second threshold. In particular, the passive switching circuit preferably comprises a spark gap, thyristor and avalanche diode, breakover diode, discharge tube, or a thyristor operated as breakover diodes. Circuits and dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) systems including the passive converter are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Todd Alan Gisby, Ho Cheong Lo, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien
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Patent number: 8817492Abstract: A DC/DC converter includes two input terminals for a DC input voltage, two output terminals for a DC output voltage, an inverter converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage, and a rectifier converting an AC voltage from the inverter into a DC voltage between a first one of the input terminals and a first one of the output terminals. At least one galvanically isolating element is arranged between the output of the inverter and the input of the rectifier, and a capacitance is coupled between the output terminals. The inverter converts a partial DC voltage, being smaller than the full DC input voltage, across a capacitance between the second one of the input terminals and the second one of the output terminals.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Klaus Rigbers, Carsten Althof, Frank Papenfuss
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Publication number: 20140226366Abstract: A signal transmission circuit includes an isolation circuit, first and second grounded gate circuits, first and second MOS transistors, and a comparator. The isolation circuit such as a thin-film transformer outputs complementary first and second output signals, based on an input signal. The first and second grounded gate circuits receive and amplify the first and second output signals, respectively. The first and second MOS transistors are connected between a power supply node and the first and second grounded gate circuits, respectively, for adjusting the first and second output signals. The comparator compares output from the first grounded gate circuit with output from the second grounded gate circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kenichi Morokuma, Jun Tomisawa
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Patent number: 8796956Abstract: A driving device comprises a first transistor (B13), a second transistor (B14), and a resistance element. The first transistor (B13) has one terminal receiving a pulsed current and a control terminal connected to the one terminal. The second transistor (B14) has one terminal connected to at least one load, the other terminal connected to a reference potential together with the other terminal of the first transistor (B13), and a control terminal connected to the control terminal of the first transistor (B13). The resistance element is connected between the control terminal of the first transistor (B13) and the other terminal of the first transistor (B13).Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Kawata, Yoichi Kajiwara
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Publication number: 20140211511Abstract: A device for detecting an average output current of a power converter includes a current generation unit, a first voltage generation unit, a first current mirror unit, and a second current mirror unit. The current generation unit generates a first charge current according to an intermediate voltage. The first voltage generation unit generates a first node voltage according to the first charge current, a first discharge current, a turning-on time, and an inverse turning-on time. The first current mirror unit generates a first current according to the first node voltage, and generates a second voltage corresponding to the average output current of a secondary side of the power converter according to the first current. The second current mirror unit generates the first discharge current according to the first current.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Leadtrend Technology Corp.Inventors: Meng-Jen Tsai, Chih-Chi Chang, Ming-Chang Tsou
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Publication number: 20140211510Abstract: A method for sensing an output voltage in a voltage converter includes at least one switching element and a transformer. A voltage is sampled across an auxiliary winding or a signal obtained from the voltage across an auxiliary winding in order to obtain a plurality of samples after the at least one switching element has assumed a first operation state and until the auxiliary voltage reaches a predefined threshold. The auxiliary winding is inductively coupled with the transformer. At least one sample obtained is evaluated before the auxiliary voltage reaches the predefined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventor: Martin Feldtkeller
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Publication number: 20140211512Abstract: A modular power supply is provided. The modular power supply includes multiple inverters and a controller. Each inverter is configured to receive an input voltage and provide an output to a load. The controller is configured to provide a synchronization signal to each inverter of the plurality of inverters.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Thermal Dynamics CorporationInventors: Steven W. Norris, Roger M. Chamberlin, Michael Sawchik
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Patent number: 8790838Abstract: A fuel cell system capable of improving the voltage controllability of a converter provided in the system is provided. A controller judges whether or not a passing power of a DC/DC converter falls within a reduced response performance area for the number of active phases as of the present moment. When the controller determines that the passing power of the DC/DC converter falls within the reduced response performance area, the controller determines the number of phases which avoids the driving within the reduced response performance area, and outputs a command for switching to the determined number of phases (phase switching command) to the DC/DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiko Hasegawa, Kota Manabe