Including D.c.-a.c.-d.c. Converter Patents (Class 363/15)
  • Patent number: 8787047
    Abstract: A system for dissipating energy in a power supply includes a bidirectional switching power output stage coupled to a primary power supply side and a secondary power supply side, the bi-directional switching power output stage configured to provide a positive voltage and a positive current, the bi-directional switching power output stage also configured to provide a positive voltage and to receive a current. The system for dissipating energy in a power supply also includes a current sinking circuit coupled to the primary power supply side, the current sinking circuit configured to dissipate energy when the secondary power supply side of the switching power supply is receiving current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Benes
  • Publication number: 20140177280
    Abstract: System and method for regulating a power conversion system. An example system controller for regulating a power conversion system includes a first controller terminal associated with a first controller voltage and coupled to a first transistor terminal of a first transistor, the first transistor further including a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal, the second transistor terminal being coupled to a primary winding of a power conversion system, a second controller terminal associated with a second controller voltage and coupled to the third transistor terminal, and a third controller terminal associated with a third controller voltage. The first controller voltage is equal to a sum of the third controller voltage and a first voltage difference. The second controller voltage is equal to a sum of the third controller voltage and a second voltage difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ON-BRIGHT ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiqing Yang, Jun Zhou, Liqiang Zhu, Qiang Luo, Lieyi Fang
  • Patent number: 8755198
    Abstract: A control and driving device of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) of an electronic apparatus, such as an image forming apparatus, including an input to receive a signal supplied to the HVPS, a control and driving circuit to control and drive the signal received at the input, and an output to output the controlled and driven signal to a transformer of the HVPS, wherein the input, control and driving circuit, and output are integrated into one physical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-jo Jo, Jong-hwa Cho
  • Publication number: 20140160798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a voltage converting circuit of active-clamping zero voltage switch, consisting of a transformed unit, a primary-side input unit, a second-side output unit, and a first switch, wherein the primary-side input unit has a clamping capacitor and a second switch, which are used for avoid from the production of spike voltage on the first switch when the first switch is turned off, so as to increase the voltage conversion efficiency of the voltage converting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CHUNG-SHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chih-Hsien Chung, Gwo-Huei You, Kun-Feng Chen, Kuo-Kuang Jen, Yu-Min Liao
  • Publication number: 20140153287
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes at least one switching unit. The switching unit includes a switching device including a channel and a body diode integrated with the channel. The switching device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The channel provides a positive direction current flow path to allow a positive direction current to flow through in response to a first turn-on switching control signal supplied to the first terminal. The body diode provides a first negative direction current flow path to allow a negative direction current to flow through in response to a first turn-off switching control signal. The channel provides a second negative direction current flow path to allow the negative direction current to flow through in response to a second turn-on switching control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Saijun Mao
  • Patent number: 8742778
    Abstract: A system for testing the existing protection schemes of a power converter. The system simulates the voltage regulator producing a voltage level below an under-voltage threshold. The system simulates the voltage regulator producing a voltage level above an over-voltage threshold. The system simulates a short in the power converter pulling down the input bus. The system simulates a short in the power converter pulling down the output bus. The system measures the system responses to these simulations against responses of a properly operating system and determines if the power converter's protection schemes are operating correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick K. Egan, Brian J. Hruby, Michael L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8742693
    Abstract: A switching power supply circuit includes a full-wave rectification circuit that performs full-wave rectification of an AC input voltage so as to generate a primary voltage, a transformer that transforms the primary voltage into a secondary voltage utilizing electromagnetic induction between first and second isolated windings, a rectifying and smoothing circuit that generates a DC output voltage from the secondary voltage so as to supply the DC output voltage to a load, a primary current control circuit that performs on/off control of primary current based on a result of comparison between a primary current detection voltage corresponding to the primary current flowing in the first winding and a first reference voltage, and a reference voltage correction circuit for monitoring an on-duty ratio of secondary current flowing in the second winding so as to correct the first reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakazu Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20140104887
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert MAYELL, Yury GAKNOKI, Mingming MAO
  • Publication number: 20140098569
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond Howard KOHLER, Stephen Mark JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20140098570
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a power converter to output constant power includes a current sensing module, a voltage generation module, and a voltage regulation module. The current sensing module generates a sensing current according to an output current flowing through a secondary side of the power converter. The voltage generation module generates a set voltage corresponding to a reciprocal of the sensing current according to the sensing current. The voltage regulation module generates a regulation voltage to a feedback circuit of the secondary side of the power converter according to the set voltage and a sensing voltage corresponding to an output voltage of the secondary side of the power converter. The feedback circuit and a primary side of the power converter regulate the output voltage according to the regulation voltage, where a product of the output voltage and the output current is a constant value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Leadtrend Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Meng-Jen Tsai, Ming-Chang Tsou
  • Patent number: 8690549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly with an electric drive motor and with a control device having a frequency converter, for the control of the rotational speed of the drive motor, wherein the control device is designed in a manner such that in at least one control region, a field weakening is produced in the drive motor, by way of which the rotational speed of the drive motor is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Jan Caroe Aarestrup, Keld Folsach Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20140092633
    Abstract: Devices and systems for power electronic circuits are provided. Embodiments of the present invention enable high density inductive energy storage by using electromechanical coupling between an electrically conducting inductive element and a mechanical resonator to passively store energy via both electromagnetic and mechanical mechanisms. A microelectromechanical inductor (MEMI) is provided utilizing a magnet and a conductor. In a specific embodiment, the MEMI includes a permanent magnet on a compliant layer centrally disposed within a spiral coil. In a further embodiment, a second coil is provided near the magnet to provide a resonating transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: DAVID PATRICK ARNOLD, SHUO CHENG, CHRISTOPHER DAVID MEYER
  • Publication number: 20140078781
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes: a depression mode transistor that includes a field plate; an enhancement mode transistor to which a source electrode and a drain electrode of the depression mode transistor are coupled; and a constant current source that is coupled to a connection node between the depression mode transistor and the enhancement mode transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Tadahiro Imada
  • Publication number: 20140062400
    Abstract: This electrical energy conversion system, for powering a load using a voltage source, comprises a first capacitor, a second capacitor, two load connection terminals and an electrical transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first capacitor is electrically connected to the primary winding, and the connection terminals are electrically connected to the secondary winding. This system comprises a third capacitor and switching means suitable for switching, reversibly, between a first configuration, wherein the second capacitor is connected in series between the secondary winding and one of the two connection terminals, and a second configuration wherein the third capacitor is connected in parallel with the secondary winding and between the connection terminals of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Dimitrios LADAS, Yves Perriard, Christophe Auvigne, Paolo Germano
  • Publication number: 20140049990
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a charge transfer includes a transformer including a plurality of primary windings and a plurality of galvanically isolated secondary windings, a first plurality of resonant converters having input terminals connected in series to an input power terminal and having output terminals connected to different primary windings of the plurality of primary windings, a second plurality of resonant converters having input terminals connected to different secondary windings of the plurality of secondary windings and having output terminals connected to a galvanically isolated power terminal, and a control system for controlling a transfer of electric charge between the input power terminal and the galvanically isolated output power terminal including controlling a first plurality of switches of the first plurality of resonant converters and a second plurality of switches of the second plurality of resonant converters in a zero current soft switching mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Rudolf Limpaecher
  • Publication number: 20140029309
    Abstract: A power supply includes two or more input waveforms being shaped or selected so that after being separately level-shifted and rectified, their additive combination results in a DC output waveform with substantially no ripple. The power supply may comprise a waveform generator, a level conversion stage for step up or down conversion, a rectification stage, and a combiner. The waveform generator may generate complementary waveforms, preferably identical but phase offset from each other, such that after the complementary waveforms are level-converted, rectified and additively combined their sum will be constant, thus requiring no or minimal smoothing for generation of a DC output waveform. The level conversion may be carried out using transformers or switched capacitor circuits. Feedback from the DC output waveform may be used to adjust the characteristics of the input waveforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: THX LTD.
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20140016358
    Abstract: Disclosed are a voltage waveform detector, a power controller and a control method used therein, adaptive for a switched-mode power supply having a power switch and an inductive device. A disclosed power controller has a voltage waveform detector and a constant-current control unit. The voltage waveform detector estimates a discharge time of the inductive device when the power switch is turned off. In the voltage waveform detector, a differential capacitor is coupled between an input node of a comparator and a feedback node, at which the feedback voltage corresponds to a reflection voltage of the inductive device. The constant-current control unit integrates a current-detection signal over the discharge time to control a maximum output current of the switched-mode power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SHAMROCK MICRO DEVICES CORP.
    Inventors: Jian-He Li, Chun-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20130343095
    Abstract: A switching mode power supply (SMPS) includes a rectifying device configured for converting a periodically varying input AC (alternating current) voltage into a DC (direct current) voltage, and a transformer including a primary winding, a secondary winding, and an auxiliary winding. The primary winding is coupled to the rectifying device. An input capacitor is coupled to the rectifying device and the primary winding of the transformer. A first power switch is coupled to the input capacitor. A control circuit is coupled to the first power switch and is configured to control the first power switch based on a phase or amplitude of the input AC voltage. By controlling the charging and discharging of the input capacitor, power is provided to the primary winding during a longer portion of the AC input voltage cycle, allowing the rectifier device to have a larger conduction angle to increase a power factor (PF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YAJIANG ZHU, Na Liu, Siyuan Xu
  • Publication number: 20130329462
    Abstract: A clock generation circuit for use in a power converter controller includes a modulation signal generator that is coupled to generate a modulation signal in response to an input sense signal representative of an input voltage of a power converter. The modulation signal is responsive to the input sense signal when the input sense signal is greater than a first input threshold. A clock modulator circuit is coupled to receive the modulation signal and a first clock signal from an oscillator. The clock modulator circuit is coupled to generate a second clock signal in response to the first clock signal and the modulation signal. An average frequency of the second clock signal is responsive to the modulation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: POWER INTEGRATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Rajko Duvnjak
  • Publication number: 20130322124
    Abstract: A switched-mode power supply comprises a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. A switch is coupled in series with the primary winding and configured to repeatedly interrupt a current through the primary winding. An inductor is located differently with reference to magnetic fields that the primary and secondary windings are configured to induce. A connection exists between the inductor and a circuit that contains one of the primary and secondary windings. The connection is configured to connect from the inductor to the circuit a first voltage that has a waveform representative of and a polarity opposite to a second voltage induced in the switched-mode power supply by leakage flux of the transformer at a switching moment of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SALCOMP OYJ
    Inventors: Ilkka Suorsa, Jarmo Minkkinen
  • Patent number: 8598445
    Abstract: A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Philip Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20130307339
    Abstract: A power converter and a method of operating the same is described, for use in a power conversion system that is capable of receiving power from various sources, including renewable sources, for delivering power to a load. Power type detection circuitry is provided for identifying the type of power source at the input of each power detector, based on attributes of the time-varying power received. The power converter is constructed of a boost stage followed by a galvanically isolated DC-DC converter stage. If a renewable input power source is detected, the boost stage is controlled to operate at a maximum power point, and the DC-DC converter stage is operated in an open loop manner when load exceeds available power at input. The load falls below available input power, the boost stage is controlled to regulate its output voltage and DC-DC converter stage is also placed under closed loop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Palanivel Subramanium, Raghothama Reddy, Darwin Smith
  • Patent number: 8587269
    Abstract: A DC-DC voltage converter having a switching stage including high- and low-side switches connected in series at a switched node across a DC voltage bus; a control circuit; and a feedback loop connected between an output of the switching stage and an input of the control circuit, the control circuit having a clock signal input and including an error processing circuit coupled to the input for detecting an output of the feedback loop, the control circuit turning OFF the low-side switch and turning ON the high-side switch when the clock signal is detected. The control circuit operates in a cycle-by-cycle operation generating PWM modulation synchronous to the external clock source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Maurizio Salato
  • Patent number: 8587238
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for driving a DC motor (15) under conditions of a controlled average current. An inductive element may be arranged for connection in series with the DC motor. A switch (14) is preferably coupled to the inductive element for connecting and disconnecting a terminal of the inductive element from the voltage source. A diode may be arranged for connection in parallel with a combination of the inductive element and the DC motor arranged in series, with appropriate polarity so that current circulating through the inductive element circulates through the diode when the switch disconnects the terminal from the voltage source. A capacitor is arranged for connection in parallel with the motor, for limiting a resulting voltage over the motor or for storing charge depending on the embodiment of the invention. A device for measuring a current through the motor is provided, and a device (13) for controlling operation of the switch dependent upon the measured current in the motor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Sergio A. Maiocchi
  • Publication number: 20130301302
    Abstract: Power supplies and power controllers are disclosed. A disclosed power supply has a power controller, a power switch, an auxiliary winding, a first circuit and a second circuit. The power controller is a monolithic integrated circuit with a multi-function pin and a gate pin. A control node of the power switch is coupled to the gate pin. The first circuit is coupled between the multi-function pin and the auxiliary winding and has a diode. The second circuit is coupled between the multi-function pin and a ground line, and has a thermistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: LEADTREND TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Chin-Ho Wu, Ren-Yi Chen, Yi-Shan Chu
  • Publication number: 20130301301
    Abstract: A power adapter comprising a POE connector for receiving electrical power from the power lines of a POE cable, a transformer circuit and a USB connector for delivering electrical power to a USB powered device, wherein a POE cable provides power to the USB powered device. The power adapter can have a POE receptacle for receiving an Ethernet plug, to receive the POE power, and a USB receptacle to receive a USB plug from a USB powered device, or dedicated wires from one or more of the POE power supply and/or the USB powered device. Also, a method for providing USB power comprising the steps of running a POE cable from a power source to an adapter, adapting the POE power from the POE cable to USB power and making the USB power available to one or more USB powered devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: FSR INC.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130301303
    Abstract: Disclosed include power controllers and related control methods. A disclosed power controller has a pulse generator, a sample/hold device, a comparator, and a switch controller. The pulse generator provides an enable signal, defining an enable time. The comparator has two inputs capable of being coupled to a reference signal and a feedback signal, respectively, and an output coupled to a compensation capacitor. When enabled by the enable signal, the comparator charges/discharges the compensation capacitor. The switch controller controls a power switch according to a compensation voltage of the compensation capacitor. A feedback voltage of the feedback signal is able to correspond to an output voltage of the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Leadtrend Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Yi-Lun Shen, Yu-Yun Huang
  • Patent number: 8581515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode driver that integrates a light emitting diode control function and a power switching control function at a secondary side insulated from a primary side in a power supply circuit, without using a photo coupler to control power switching at the primary side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Hoon Han, Jeong In Cheon, Jae Shin Lee
  • Publication number: 20130294110
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing power to a load are provided. One system includes a first reactor including a first plurality of coils. A first coil of the first plurality of coils is configured to generate a first magnetic field, and a plurality of second coils of the first plurality of coils are configured to generate a plurality of second magnetic fields that vary an intensity of the first magnetic field. The system further comprises a second reactor comprising a second plurality of coils, wherein the second plurality of coils are configured to tune the first reactor to the load. The first reactor is configured to provide the power to the load, and the second reactor is configured to increase the power provided to the load by increasing an intensity of the second magnetic fields generated by the second coils and tuning the first reactor to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Bonifacio J. Eyales
  • Publication number: 20130286689
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventors: Arnaud Videt, Hocine Boulharts, Heu Vang
  • Patent number: 8570769
    Abstract: An embodiment of a controller for a multidirectional signal converter is operable to cause the converter to regulate a first signal at a first converter node, and to have a switch timing that is independent of a direction of power transfer between the first converter node and a second converter node. For example, in an embodiment, such a controller may be part of a bidirectional voltage converter that handles power transfer between two loads. Such a voltage converter may have improved conversion efficiency and a smaller size and lower component count as compared to a conventional multidirectional voltage converter. Furthermore, such a voltage converter may be operable with a common switching scheme regardless of the direction of power transfer, and without the need for an indicator of the instantaneous direction of power flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Intersil Americas LLC
    Inventors: Zaki Moussaoui, Jifeng Qin
  • Publication number: 20130258718
    Abstract: Low voltage ride through systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary method includes applying real power from a photovoltaic array to an AC grid with an inverter, detecting a sag in the voltage in the AC grid, and responsive to the sag in the voltage in the AC grid, power from the photovoltaic array is utilized to provide power to at least one inverter-related component. When the sag in the voltage has abated, real power from the photovoltaic array is applied once again to the AC grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Joshua Brian Pankratz
  • Publication number: 20130250620
    Abstract: A control circuit for reducing touch current of a power converter includes an auxiliary pin, a zero-crossing signal generator, a feedback pin, a frequency limiting signal generator, and a gate signal generator. The auxiliary pin receives a voltage corresponding to an auxiliary winding of the power converter. The zero-crossing signal generator generates a zero-crossing signal according to the voltage and a first reference voltage. The feedback pin receives a feedback voltage corresponding to an output voltage of the power converter. The frequency limiting signal generator generates a frequency limiting signal according to the feedback voltage and a second reference voltage. The frequency limiting signal limits the gate control signal to a predetermined frequency. The gate signal generator generates a gate control signal to a power switch of the power converter according to the frequency limiting signal and the zero-crossing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Leadtrend Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chien Huang, Chen-Lun Yang, Hsin-Hung Lu
  • Publication number: 20130236203
    Abstract: The power supply device includes a transformer, a switching unit for driving a primary side of the transformer, a control unit for outputting a pulse signal to the switching unit to control a switching operation including a period during which the switching unit is active and a period during which the switching unit is inactive, in order to output predetermined electric power from a secondary side of the transformer, and an output control unit for continuously outputting a pulse signal to the control unit in the period during which the switching unit is active, at a predetermined cycle shorter than the period during which the switching unit is inactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Nakajima, Minoru Hayasaki
  • Publication number: 20130208511
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for controlling the switching operation in a switch mode power supply module. The switch mode power supply module is intended to supply power to an item of equipment. The method comprises the steps of measuring, in the switch mode power supply module, the load current and comparing the measured load current with a predefined load current threshold value, and, cyclically interrupting the switching operation if the measured load current inside the device is less than the predefined load current threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Thomson Licensing
  • Patent number: 8508182
    Abstract: An alternating current-to-direct current (AC-to-DC) power supply has a first stage providing a first DC voltage and a second stage providing a second DC voltage. The AC-to-DC power supply has a first efficiency at the first stage and a second efficiency at the second stage that is less than the first efficiency. The second DC voltage is also less than the first DC voltage. A blower is electrically connected to the first stage of the AC-to-DC power supply to receive the first DC voltage from the AC-to-DC power supply to power the blower. Electrical connection of the blower to the first stage of the AC-to-DC power supply instead of to the second stage of the AC-to-DC power supply wastes less power and is more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randhir S. Malik, Jen-Ching Lin, Chu Te Chung, Cecil C. Dishman, Michael J. Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20130201725
    Abstract: The present disclsure relates to a resonant circuit (20). The resonant circuit is comprises three resonant circuit input nodes (11, 12, 13) and three resonant circuit output nodes (21, 22, 23), a transformer device and resonant tank devices. The transformer device (TR) comprises three primary windings (LP1, LP2, LP3) and three secondary windings (LS1, LS2, LS3) magnetically connected to each other, where the three secondary windings (LS1, LS2, LS3) are connected to the three resonant circuit output nodes (21, 22, 23). The first, second and third resonant tank devices (RT1, RT2, RT3) are each connected between the respective three resonant circuit input nodes (11, 12, 13) and the respective primary windings (LP1, LP2, LP3). The disclosure also relates to a resonant DC-DC converter comprising such a resonant circuit (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ELTEK AS
    Inventors: Kjetil Boysen, Roar Myhre
  • Publication number: 20130200719
    Abstract: There is provided a control device that estimates power transmission efficiency between a power transmitting unit and a power receiving unit. The power transmitting unit includes a first coil and a first capacitor connected to the first coil in parallel or in series. The power receiving unit includes a second coil and a second capacitor connected to the second coil in parallel or in series and receives electric power from the power transmitting unit through a coupling between the first coil and the second coil. The control device includes an estimator. The estimator compares a detected value of a first voltage or a first current at a first location in the power transmitting unit with a detected value of second voltage or second current at a second location in the power receiving unit and estimates the power transmission efficiency from the power transmitting unit to the power receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hiroaki ISHIHARA, Kohei ONIZUKA, Fumi MORITSUKA, Shoji OTAKA
  • Publication number: 20130187567
    Abstract: A load driving apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The provided load driving apparatus includes a first rectification unit, a first conversion unit and a second conversion unit. The first rectification unit is configured to receive and rectify an AC voltage, so as to output a first DC voltage. The first conversion unit is coupled to the first rectification unit, and is configured to receive and convert the first DC voltage, so as to output a second DC voltage. The first conversion unit is further configured to adjust the second DC voltage according to a feedback signal relating to the second DC voltage. The second conversion unit is coupled to the first conversion unit, and is configured to receive and convert the second DC voltage, so as to output a third DC voltage with a constant current to drive a first capacitive load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FSP TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Chih-Ping Li
  • Patent number: 8493750
    Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric power supply converter, wherein, a piezoelectric element is utilized to replace a conventional capacitor, due to characteristic of mechanical resonance of said piezoelectric element, said piezoelectric element may contain higher capacitance than said conventional capacitor, and a parasitic resistance of said piezoelectric element is smaller that that of an ordinary capacitor. Through a resonance between an externally added inductive element and a piezoelectric-capacitor and said resonance of said piezoelectric element itself, said piezoelectric element is capable of transmitting electrical energy efficiently, thus achieving large output power. Therefore, said piezoelectric-capacitor is capable of improving shortcomings of said conventional capacitors of low voltage endurance, large leakage current, and small output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Midas Wei Trading Co., Ltd., Champion Elite Company Limited
    Inventor: Tao-Chin Wei
  • Publication number: 20130182461
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Vladimir Alexander Muratov
  • Publication number: 20130155725
    Abstract: A method for the control of a first current in a first direct voltage network which is connected to a direct voltage converter, wherein energy is transmitted between the first and a second direct voltage network via a transformation unit of the direct voltage converter, wherein a current control is provided for the control of a second current in the second direct voltage network. A second current setpoint is determined from a first current setpoint of the first direct voltage network based on a transfer function of the transformation unit, which second current setpoint is fed to the current control and therefore, due to the transformation ratio of the transformation unit, a first actual current of the current-control-free direct voltage network is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130155724
    Abstract: An example controller for a power converter to provide power to a load through a distribution network includes a control circuit and a cable drop compensator. The control circuit outputs a drive signal to control switching of a switch to regulate an output of the power converter in response to a feedback signal. The cable drop compensator is coupled to adjust the feedback signal in response to a conduction time of an output diode of the power converter to compensate for a distribution voltage dropped across the distribution network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: POWER INTEGRATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: STEFAN BĂ„URLE
  • Publication number: 20130135902
    Abstract: A highly power-efficient switching power supply is realized. A switching power supply circuit of the present invention comprises: a pulse generation unit configured to generate a pulse for alternately opening and closing a first and a second switching elements; and a switching unit configured to input a voltage to the pulse generation unit in accordance with the detected power consumption level in the external load, wherein the pulse generation unit is configured so as to reduce the pulse width of the pulse that is generated if the voltage input from the switching unit is higher than a reference voltage, and to increase the pulse width of the pulse that is generated if the voltage input from the switching unit is lower than the reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130121030
    Abstract: A switching and control arrangement are provided along with a transformer arrangement such that semiconductor-based switches can be used in a medium DC voltage to AC inverter in a medium voltage to low voltage DC to DC converter. The switching arrangement on the secondary side of the transformer arrangement controls a current ramp up or down of switches on the primary side of the transformer that are used to convert DC to AC, thereby permitting for soft switching of those switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GRIDCO, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Downer, Naimish Patel
  • Publication number: 20130121031
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the use of a portable electronic device. During operation, the system detects a coupling of a power supply to the portable electronic device through a set of wires. Next, the system uses the set of wires to identify a type of the power supply. The system then periodically determines a switching frequency of the power supply based on the type of the power supply and a current drawn from the power supply. Finally, the system uses the switching frequency to facilitate the operation of a touch control in the portable electronic device. For example, if the switching frequency corresponds to a sensing frequency of the touch control, the system may change the sensing frequency to an alternative sensing frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Sims
  • Publication number: 20130108303
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus determines that an input AC voltage has reached a voltage at which a power supply control IC can start operating, based on the voltage at an auxiliary winding of a transformer included in a first converter. Note that since the first converter operates so as to maintain a constant voltage at the auxiliary winding, whether the input AC voltage has fallen to an operation lower limit voltage or lower cannot be detected by only monitoring the voltage at the auxiliary winding. The power supply apparatus monitors a second voltage that is proportional to the input AC voltage is generated from the voltage being applied to the primary side of a second converter. Accordingly, the power supply control IC starts and stops operating in accordance with the input AC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130106342
    Abstract: This DC/DC converter includes a first DC/DC converter, and a second DC/DC converter for carrying out a DC/DC conversion of voltage supplied from the first DC/DC converter. One of either the first DC/DC converter or the second DC/DC converter is a fixed-factor DC/DC converter, and the other of either the first DC/DC converter or the second DC/DC converter is a variable-factor DC/DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroshi IWATA, Yoshifumi YAOI, Kenji KOMIYA, Masaru NOMURA, Yoshiji OHTA
  • Publication number: 20130100496
    Abstract: A power supplier includes a power supply to provide a supplied power to the power supplier, a first capacitor charged by a predetermined voltage corresponding to supplied power supply, a power state detector to detect an on-state or an off-state of the power supply, a first controller to generate a first discharge control signal that has a signal level varying according to the state of the power supply and controls discharging of the predetermined voltage charged in the first capacitor, and a discharger connected to the first capacitor in parallel and to discharge the predetermined voltage charged in the first capacitor in response to the first discharge control signal, thereby reducing discharge risks to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin-ha Kim
  • Publication number: 20130093345
    Abstract: Solid state light sources are compatible with AC phase-cut dimmers. The light sources may have switching mode power supplies having primary and secondary sides that are in first and second circuit parts that are electrically isolated from one another. Information regarding a waveform of input electrical power is extracted in the first circuit part and passed to a controller in the second circuit part by way of a galvanic isolator. Additional isolated paths may be provided to provide bi-directional exchange of information between the first and second circuit parts and/or to provide for the exchange of additional information relevant to control. The signal path from the first side to the second side may have a low latency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LIGHT-BASED TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: LIGHT-BASED TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATE