Having Transistorized Inverter Patents (Class 363/16)
  • Patent number: 8629664
    Abstract: A multi-path constant current drive circuit includes a DC/AC converter, a main transformer and at least two rectifying and filtering units. The main transformer includes at least one assistant side winding with a tap; together with the assistant side winding of the main transformer, each of the at least two rectifying and filtering units respectively forms a power supply loop; each power supply loop includes a first rectifying loop and a second rectifying loop, which are relatively used for the rectification of the positive and the negative half-cycle alternating voltage; a current-equalizing transformer is arranged between the adjacent first power supply loop and second power supply loop, the windings of the current-equalizing transformer are respectively in the rectifying loops contained in the first power supply loop and the second power supply loop, thus realizing the current equalization between the different rectifying loops in which the adjacent rectifying and filtering units are contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Inventronics (Hangzhou), Inc.
    Inventors: Liang'an Ge, Xiaoli Yao, Guichao Hua, Xinke Wu, Lijun Ren
  • Patent number: 8625314
    Abstract: A switching power supply apparatus includes a low-side switching control unit and a high-side switching control unit. The low-side switching control unit includes a low-side turn-off circuit that turns off a low-side switching element behind a delay time when reversal of the polarity of a winding voltage of a transformer is detected during a period in which a drive voltage signal is supplied to the low-side switching element. The high-side switching control unit includes a high-side turn-on delay circuit that delays a time from the time when the polarity of the winding voltage of the transformer is reversed to a time when a high-side switching element is turned on. The delay time of the low-side turn-off delay circuit is set so as to be shorter than the delay time of the high-side turn-on delay circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hosotani, Naoki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140001979
    Abstract: A bleeder arrangement for a phase-cut circuit for a high-impedance load and having a leading-edge phase-cut device is disclosed, the bleeder arrangement comprising: a controllable current sink adapted to sink a latching current through the leading-edge phase-cut device, and a controller for controlling the controllable current sink, wherein the controller is configured to disable the current sink after the leading-edge phase phase-cut device has latched in at least two stages. A controller for use in such an arrangement is also disclosed, as is a method of controller such a bleeder arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B. V.
    Inventors: Frederic Mercier, David Derrien, Thibault Perquis
  • Patent number: 8620484
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling inductive power transfer in an inductive power transfer system and a method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting. The method of controlling inductive power transfer including measuring a characteristic of input power, a characteristic of power in the tank circuit, and receiving information from a secondary device. Estimating power consumption based on the measured characteristic of tank circuit power and received information and comparing the measured characteristic of input power, the information from the secondary device, and the estimated power consumption to determine there is an unacceptable power loss. The method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting including changing the distance between a primary side and a secondary side and changing a load of the secondary side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, A. Esai Umenei, Dale R. Liff, Andrew C. Zeik, Mark A. Blaha, Jason L. Amistadi, Robert D. Gruich
  • Publication number: 20130343089
    Abstract: An electronics power system includes a plurality of substantially identical power electronic modules. Each power electronic module includes a single-phase DC/AC inverter having an output side. Each power electronic module further includes a medium/high-frequency-isolated DC/DC current-to-voltage converter having an input side. The medium/high-frequency-isolated DC/DC current-to-voltage converter drives the single-phase DC/AC inverter. Each DC/DC converter and its corresponding DC/AC inverter are connected back-to-back sharing a common DC-link. The plurality of power electronics modules is stacked together in series at the input side and in parallel or series/parallel at the output side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ranjan Kumar Gupta, Ravisekhar Nadimpalli Raju, Rajib Datta, Mohammed Agamy
  • Publication number: 20130343091
    Abstract: In an integrated magnetic component for a switched mode power converter, comprising two magnetic cores forming an 8-shaped core structure and at least two first electric winding wires, wherein at least one magnetic core is an E-core, at least one of the first electric winding wires is wound on a flange of the E-core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Hugues Douglas NJIENDE T., Frank SCHAFMEISTER, Rongyuan LI, Peter IDE
  • Publication number: 20130343090
    Abstract: An active bleeder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a bleed switch coupled to the input voltage and an active bleeding controller generating a bleed reference voltage according to a result of counting a period during which the input voltage is generated and switching the bleed switch according to a result of comparison between the bleed reference voltage and a bleed sense voltage corresponding to a current flowing to the bleed switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Hyun-Chul EOM, In-Ki PARK
  • Publication number: 20130336012
    Abstract: The switched-mode power supply includes a first switch connected to an input terminal for receiving an input voltage, a second switch, a first node between the first switch and the second switch. The switched-mode power supply further includes a third switch connected to the input terminal, a fourth switch, and a second node between the third switch and the fourth switch. A first inductor is connected between the first node and an output terminal, a second inductor is connected between the second node and the output terminal, at least one third inductor is connected between the first node and the second node, and a capacitor is connected to the output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Svetozar Broussev, Nikolay Tchamov
  • Publication number: 20130336011
    Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a first switch connected to an input terminal for inputting an input voltage, a second switch, an inductor and an output capacitor, a transformer connected to the first switch, and a pulse generator connected to the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Svetozar Broussev, Jani Jaervenhaara, Nikolay Tchamov
  • Publication number: 20130330094
    Abstract: A bias power supply device includes: a temperature detecting unit; a control signal generation unit generating and outputting an output frequency setting signal for setting a frequency of an alternating current power in accordance with a repetition frequency and a resonance frequency signal being set at a lower or higher repetition frequency according to the measured temperature; a waveform signal generation circuit generating a waveform signal for pulse-width modulation having a time constant for rising set by capacity and resistance based on the resonance frequency signal; a modulation circuit generating a pulse-width-modulated modulation signal based on the waveform signal and the output frequency setting signal; a switching circuit driven by the modulation signal; and a transformer having a first winding and a second winding, and supplying an alternating current power with a repetition frequency of the output frequency setting signal to an external load connected to the second winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koya TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8605470
    Abstract: A power converter converts DC power supplied from a first DC power supply and a second DC power supply into AC power and supplies the AC power to a load. The power converter includes a protection circuit for allowing a charging current, which is possibly to flow from the first DC power supply and the second DC power supply to a first snubber capacitor or a second snubber capacitor, to flow to another current path, when a voltage applied to the first snubber capacitor becomes a predetermined value or more or when a voltage applied to the second snubber capacitor becomes a predetermined value or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hosokawa, Toshifumi Ise, Hirotake Nakaji
  • Publication number: 20130322125
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a driving circuit for a transistor is provided, wherein the transistor may include a transistor having a control terminal, a diode, a capacitance with a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal may be coupled to the control terminal and the second terminal may be coupled to a reference potential via the diode, and a resistor, which is coupled in parallel to the capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kimmer
  • Publication number: 20130320771
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module is presented, which may include a photovoltaic panel and a converter circuit having a primary input connected to the photovoltaic panel and a secondary output galvanically isolated from the primary input. The primary input may be connectible to multiple input terminals within a junction box and at least one of the input terminals may be electrically connected to a ground. The photovoltaic module may include multiple interconnected photovoltaic cells connected electrically to multiple connectors (for example bus-bars). The photovoltaic module may include input terminals operable for connecting to the connectors and an isolated converter circuit. The isolated converter circuit may include a primary input connected to the input terminals and a secondary output galvanically isolated from the primary input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SOLAREDGE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: Meir Adest
  • Patent number: 8582318
    Abstract: A circuit for potential-isolated power transfer from a primary side to a secondary side with two secondary-side output DC voltages, wherein the absolute value of the first output DC voltage is higher than the absolute value of the second output DC voltage. The circuit comprises a transformer, which has first and second windings with a common center tap on the primary side and a third winding on the secondary side. The ratio of the number of turns of the first and second windings is a function of the ratio of the two secondary-side output DC voltages. The center tap is connected to a DC voltage source, the first winding is connected to a first transistor and the second winding is connected to a second transistor. The transistors are connected to the primary-side reference potential. The output voltages are present at two diodes connected to the secondary-side third winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Muehlhoefer, Gunther Koenigsmann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8582319
    Abstract: A resonant mode converter includes a PFC power converter having an input coupled to receive an input voltage. An LLC power converter is cascaded with the PFC power converter. The LLC power converter includes a transformer coupled to generate an output of the resonant mode converter. A feedback circuit is coupled to generate a first current representative of the output of the resonant mode converter. A control unit includes a current limiting circuit coupled to receive the first current and a second current generated in response to a reference voltage. The current limiting circuit is coupled to limit the first current in response to the second current. The control unit further includes an oscillator coupled to generate a control signal having a control frequency in response to the first current. The resonant mode converter output is controlled in response to the control frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Reinberger, Paul Demone
  • Publication number: 20130294111
    Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a switching device, the switched mode power supply being operable to convert an input voltage (Vin) to an output voltage (Vout) by switching the switching device, and a voltage regulator operable to generate a feedback signal based on at least one of the output voltage and an output current of the switched mode power supply. The power supply further comprises an overload detector, which is arranged to receive the feedback signal and operable to determine whether the feedback signal is outside a predetermined range. If the feedback signal is outside the predetermined range, the overload detector is operable to determine that the switched mode power supply is in an overload state, and when an overload state is determined, perform control to place the switched mode power supply in a non-operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Oscar Persson, Mikael Appelberg
  • Patent number: 8575864
    Abstract: A controller for controlling power to a light source includes a first sensing pin, a second sensing pin, a third sensing pin, and a driving pin. The first sensing pin receives a first signal indicating an instant current flowing through an energy storage element. The second sensing pin receives a second signal indicating an average current flowing through the energy storage element. The third sensing pin receives a third signal indicating whether the instant current decreases to a predetermined current level. The driving pin provides a driving signal to a switch to control an average current flowing through the light source to a target current level. The driving signal is generated based on one or more signals selected from the first signal, the second signal and the third signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiesheng Yan, Youling Li, Feng Lin, Xinhe Su, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8576591
    Abstract: A power system includes a plurality of DC/DC converters and a DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters having outputs electrically connected in parallel for supplying a DC voltage bus to an input of the DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters each include a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Various DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters suitable for use in this system and others are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventor: Vijay G. Phadke
  • Patent number: 8570006
    Abstract: A circuit, device, and method for controlling a buck-boost circuit includes a bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit and a comparator circuit. The bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit is electrically coupled to a buck-mode bootstrap capacitor of the buck-boost converter and to a boost-mode bootstrap capacitor of the buck-boost converter. The comparator circuit is configured to control the bootstrap capacitor voltage regulator circuit to maintain a voltage of the bootstrap capacitors above a reference threshold voltage by transferring an amount energy from one of the bootstrap capacitors to the other bootstrap capacitors based on the particular mode of operation of the buck-boost converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Zaki Moussaoui, Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8571242
    Abstract: In a digital hearing aid device (1) frequency modification is employed above a lower spectral bound and in accordance with a compression factor. The frequency modification is dynamically adjusted in dependence on a sound environment analysis (10) or an end-user input (30), by modifying the frequency modification parameters such as a lower spectral bound and a compression factor. The adjustment can be based on an interpolation between predefined parameters. In certain sound environments, such as loud noise, own-voice and telephone conversations, frequency modification is reduced or switched off. The proposed solutions have the advantage that the occurrence of disturbing noise and of distortions of harmonic relationships at the end-user's ear is reduced and signal processing resources as well as battery resources are saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Herbert Bächler, Raoul Glatt
  • Publication number: 20130272031
    Abstract: A transformer that realizes ZVS operation includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. A control circuit turns switching elements on and off in a complimentary manner in order to repeatedly invert the voltage applied to the primary winding. A conduction path supplies a voltage excited in the secondary winding to a load connected between a high-potential side and a ground side of the secondary winding. A first rectifier diode has a rectification direction extending from the high-potential side toward the ground side of the load and is provided along the conduction path. A second rectifier diode and a capacitor, which are connected in series with each other, are connected in parallel with the secondary winding. An inductor is connected in parallel with the second rectifier diode. A rectification direction of the second rectifier diode matches the direction extending from the high-potential side to the ground side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya HOSOTANI
  • Patent number: 8560136
    Abstract: A system stabilizing device disposed in a micro grid incorporates a self-supporting control unit (200). The self-supporting control unit (200) allows a dq transforming unit (201) to determine an effective system voltage Vsd and an ineffective system voltage Vsq from a system voltage Vs. A fluctuation detecting unit (202) has differential characteristics and first-order lag characteristics, and determines the fluctuation component of the effective system voltage Vsd. This fluctuation component is multiplied by a gain in a proportional computing unit (203) to determine an ineffective current command Irefq. A fluctuation detecting unit (204) does not have differential characteristics, but has first-order lag characteristics, and determines the fluctuation component of the ineffective system voltage Vsq. This fluctuation component is multiplied by a gain in a proportional computing unit (205) to determine an effective current command Irefd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Meidensha Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunobu Oi, Masakazu Muneshima, Issei Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20130258721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (1) intended to be employed in a switched electrical power supply system, said system being able in particular to be employed in a variable speed drive to power its electronics. The control device (1) comprises a first transistor (T1) intended to receive control signals originating from a control unit (U) and a second transistor (T2) connected in series with the first transistor (T1) and provided with a floating-control gate (G).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventors: Hocine BOULHARTS, Allan Pierre Barauna
  • Publication number: 20130249296
    Abstract: The configurations of photovoltaic system and methods thereof are provided. The proposed photovoltaic system includes a PI-INC MPPT controller using a constant-frequency variable-duty (CFVD) control and guided by an Ipv-Vpv curve and a Ppv-Vpv curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: Chung Yuan Christian University, Lien Chang Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guan-Chyun Hsieh, Hung-I Hsieh, Chun-Kong Chan
  • Publication number: 20130249295
    Abstract: The configurations of photovoltaic system and methods thereof are provided. The proposed photovoltaic system includes a PI-INC MPPT controller using a variable-frequency constant-duty (VFCD) control and guided by an Ipv-Vpv curve and a Ppv-Vpv curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: Chung Yuan Christian University, Lien Chang Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guan-Chyun Hsieh, Hung-I Hsieh, Chun-Kong Chan
  • Publication number: 20130250622
    Abstract: A switching power-supply circuit includes a second rectifying/smoothing circuit arranged to generate a second output voltage by rectifying and smoothing the output of a second secondary winding, and the second rectifying/smoothing circuit includes a second rectifier circuit and a capacitor, connected to the second secondary winding. A second switching control circuit operates in response to an alternating-current winding voltage occurring in the second secondary winding, and includes a time constant circuit causing a switch mechanism connected to the control terminal of a rectifier switch element to operate, and a second feedback circuit arranged to detect and feed back the second output voltage to the time constant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya HOSOTANI, Satoshi YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20130250621
    Abstract: A power supply for converting AC to a regulated DC output current, utilizing two serial switched mode power supplies, the first providing an intermediate DC output voltage with only moderate ripple properties, this output being input to the second, which operates as a DC/DC converter to provide the desired output with low ripple and good regulation. The diode rectifier assembly has no reservoir/smoothing capacitor, or one of much smaller capacitance than in prior art power supplies. The large resulting rectifier output ripple is overcome by use of the two power supply units, at least the first having a smoothing capacitor at its output. A majority of the energy stored in this capacitor is utilized during each AC half cycle. Such power supplies also provide improved hold-up times. The power supply is also constructed to have low standby power consumption, by use of a double burst configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Techtium Ltd.
    Inventors: Dror MANOR, Pascal LEBENS, Ronny VAN ROOIJ
  • Patent number: 8541905
    Abstract: A method of balancing current in a vehicle electric system having a system bus, a first battery, a first bi-directional battery voltage converter selectively transferring a first current between the first battery and the system bus, a second battery, a second bi-directional battery voltage converter selectively transferring a second current between the second battery and the system bus, and a controller controlling the first bi-directional battery voltage converter and the second bi-directional battery voltage converter. The method includes sensing the first current and sensing the second current. The first bi-directional battery voltage converter and the second bi-directional battery voltage converter are controlled so that the first current and the second current are equal portions of a load current supplied to an electrical load connected to the system bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Ladislaus Joseph Brabec
  • Publication number: 20130242616
    Abstract: A power inverter includes two input terminals, two output terminals and a resonant converter that includes a high frequency transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, at least one high frequency switched semiconductor power switch that connects one end of the primary winding of the high frequency transformer to one of the input terminals to provide a current path through the primary winding to the other one of the input terminals. The power inverter further includes a resonant series circuit having an inductance and a capacitance, and a high frequency rectifier that rectifies a current through the secondary winding, two output lines, and an output converter connected between the output lines of the high frequency rectifier and the two output terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Hendrik Oldenkamp
  • Publication number: 20130235618
    Abstract: In a frequency converter operated for safety of personnel and/or fire protection via a ground fault interrupter is frequently not able to distinguish between an actual fault current and an operationally generated leakage current. The proposed method addresses this problem by determining a course of a magnitude of a current flowing through the frequency converter, predefining a signal portion which is independent of switching processes within the frequency converter while the frequency converter operates fault-free, checking whether the determined course satisfies a criterion that is predetermined depending on the signal portion, and interrupting the current the determined course fails to satisfy the predetermined criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhold Dillig, Bernd Herrmann, Hubert Schierling, Benno Weis
  • Publication number: 20130229829
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of controlling a switched-mode power includes generating a feedback signal proportional to an output of the switched-mode power supply, and operating the switched-mode power supply in a normal mode. If the feedback signal crosses a first threshold, the switched-mode power operates in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode the pulse modulated signal is adjusted to regulate a feedback signal to a first signal level, and in the second operating mode, a dead-time of the pulse modulated signal is adjusted to signal to regulate a feedback signal to a second signal level different from the first signal level. The method further includes driving a switch of the switched-mode power supply with the pulse modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Guoxing Zhang, Mingping Mao
  • Patent number: 8525428
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a transformer having a primary winding on its primary side for coupling to a power source and one or more secondary windings on its secondary side. A first control circuit is disposed on the primary side of the transformer for controlling a current flow in the primary winding. A second control circuit disposed on the secondary side of the transformer, and the second control circuit is configured to provide a regulated output voltage. In the power supply system, the first control circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the current flow in the primary winding without using a feedback control signal from the secondary side of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Fan Chen, Xin Wu, Chaoqun Sun, Qanqing Wu
  • Publication number: 20130209133
    Abstract: A high-voltage power supply comprises the following components. A piezoelectric transformer outputs a voltage in accordance with a supplied drive frequency. A rectification part is connected to an output side of the piezoelectric transformer. A drive frequency generating part generates the drive frequency supplied to the piezoelectric transformer. A voltage detection part detects an output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer or the rectification part. A control part controls the drive frequency generating part such that a drive frequency corresponding to the output voltage detected by the voltage detecting part is generated. A first time constant, which is a time constant of the control part, is smaller than a second time constant, which is a time constant of a control target including the piezoelectric transformer and the rectification part. A third time constant, which is a time constant of the voltage detecting part, is smaller than the second time constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Patent number: 8508957
    Abstract: A power conversion device includes an inverter for converting DC power to AC power to supply the AC power to a load, a converter for converting AC power from an AC power supply to DC power to supply the DC power to the inverter, a DC voltage converter for converting a voltage value of power stored in a storage battery to supply DC power from the storage battery to the inverter when power supply by the AC power supply is abnormal, and a filter which includes a reactor and a capacitor and removes harmonics generated by the inverter. The inverter includes a three-level circuit constituted of an arm and an AC switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Eduardo Sato, Masahiro Kinoshita, Yushin Yamamoto, Tatsuaki Amboh
  • Patent number: 8508962
    Abstract: A control circuit, during a positive period in which current flows from a power conversion apparatus to a load, causes a second snubber capacitor to discharge by controlling a second auxiliary switch to be turned on while a second main diode is turned on, and during a negative period in which current flows from the load to the power conversion apparatus, causes a first snubber capacitor to discharge by controlling a first auxiliary switch to be turned on while a first main diode is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hosokawa, Toshifumi Ise, Hirotake Nakaji
  • Publication number: 20130194826
    Abstract: A controller for a switch and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to measure a voltage of a control terminal of the switch and select a first mode of operation if the voltage of the control terminal is greater than a threshold voltage, and a second mode of operation if the voltage of the control terminal is less than the threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Power Systems Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ralf Schroeder Genannt Berghegger, Michael Frey
  • Publication number: 20130194827
    Abstract: A switching power supply of certain aspects of the invention includes a minimum dead time generating circuit that generates a minimum dead time from an OFF timing of an ON pulse detected from the voltage across an auxiliary winding of the transformer by a differentiating circuit. An ON width-determining means of a voltage control oscillator is started, after this minimum dead time, into operation to determine the ON width of the semiconductor switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8498134
    Abstract: The present invention provides a voltage converter circuit for the clocked supply of energy to an energy storage based on an input voltage applied at an input applied at an input of the voltage converter circuit. The voltage converter circuit includes an energy storage and a switch arrangement, wherein the switch arrangement has a first switch and a second switch which are connected in parallel to each other and coupled to the energy storage. The first switch of the switch arrangement has a smaller turn-on voltage according to amount than the second switch, wherein a control terminal of the first switch is wired up such that the first switch is active in a startup phase of the voltage converter circuit to supply energy to the energy storage, and wherein a control terminal of the second switch is wired up such that the second switch is active after the startup phase to supply energy to the energy storage in a clocked way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Markus Pollak, Loreto Mateu, Peter Spies
  • Publication number: 20130176751
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a frequency converter is provided. First, subsynchronous components in the electrical grid are identified using voltage measurements of the electrical grid. The subsynchronous components of the electrical grid are then used to determine set points for damping currents. These damping currents are then added to current set points calculated by power regulation loops to generate total current set points. Thereafter, the frequency converter is controlled based on the total current set points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY, S.A.
    Inventor: INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY, S.A.
  • Patent number: 8482940
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a power converter with an input and an output. The output connects to a load circuit that includes a lamp. An output of the power converter is regulated based on results of first and second current detectors. One end of the output and one end of the input are connected to one end of the load circuit via the first and second current detectors, respectively. Detection outputs of the current detectors are synthesized. A ground-fault current flows through a current pathway from one end of the input of the power converter to the one end of the output of the power converter via the current detectors. The current pathway is formed when a ground fault occurs at a load terminal of the load circuit. Detection signals of the current detectors result from the ground-fault current and are of additive polarities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130170850
    Abstract: In a power supply device, the controller outputs a control signal specifying a voltage value. The voltage conversion unit converts a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a control signal specifying a voltage value output from the controller. The voltage conversion unit converts the first voltage to a start voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a first control signal specifying a start voltage value output from the controller and further converts the first voltage to a target voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a second control signal specifying a target voltage value output from the controller. A transition period of time is intervened between generation of the start voltage and generation of the target voltage during which the controller outputs a third control signal specifying the intermediate voltage value between the start voltage value and the target voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi MARUYAMA, Katsumi INUKAI
  • Publication number: 20130163287
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a power converter that converts an input voltage into a DC output voltage. Additionally, the power conversion system also includes a controller that provides a self-adjusting set-point control scheme for the power converter. A method of power conversion system operation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: General Electric Co.
  • Patent number: 8471511
    Abstract: A voltage application unit causes switching elements to apply voltage to flow an electric current into corresponding windings to generate a revolving magnetic field. A period derivation unit derives an energization period of the windings. A signal generation unit generates a PWM signal for causing the voltage application unit to activate and deactivate the switching elements, such that a duty ratio decreases gradually in a predetermined time period subsequent to the derived energization period. A period specifying unit specifies a detection period of an electric current, which is supplied from the switching elements presently switched and deactivated, by a predetermined time period between an edge, which is caused when the PWM signal changes in level to deactivate the switching elements, and a time point in advance of the edge in the energization period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20130148382
    Abstract: A passive resonant bidirectional converter system that transports energy across a galvanic barrier includes a converter using at least first and second converter sections, each section including a pair of transfer terminals, a center tapped winding; a chopper circuit interconnected between the center tapped winding and one of the transfer terminals; an inductance feed winding interconnected between the other of the transfer terminals and the center tap and a resonant tank circuit including at least the inductance of the center tap winding and the parasitic capacitance of the chopper circuit for operating the converter section at resonance; the center tapped windings of the first and second converter sections being disposed on a first common winding core and the inductance feed windings of the first and second converter sections being disposed on a second common winding core for automatically synchronizing the resonant oscillation of the first and second converter sections and transferring energy between the c
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BUSEK COMPANY
    Inventor: Busek Company
  • Patent number: 8461809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac output, particularly ac voltages greater than 50 volts, either for connecting directly to a grid utility supply, or for powering mains devices independent from the mains utility supply. We describe a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains output, the power conditioning unit comprising an input for receiving power from said dc power source, an output for delivering ac power, an energy storage capacitor, a dc-to-dc converter having an input connection coupled to said input and an output connection coupled to the energy storage capacitor, and a dc-to-ac converter having an input connection coupled to said energy storage capacitor and an output connection coupled to said output, wherein said energy storage capacitor has a capacitance of less than twenty microfarads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Enecsys Limited
    Inventor: Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8462003
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and analog signals across a single isolator, solid state lighting systems, and DC/DC converter feedback regulation control systems are disclosed. At least some of the circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, a single integrated circuit or ASIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gek Yong Ng, Richard Kok Keong Lum
  • Publication number: 20130141944
    Abstract: A switching mode power supply apparatus is provided. The switching mode power supply apparatus may include a switch unit configured to switch an input voltage to a transformer and a controller configured to select an operation mode having a switching frequency according to a size of a load applied to a secondary side of the transformer and control a switching operation of the switch unit. The switching mode power supply apparatus may include a transformer. A refrigerator having the switching mode power supply apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
  • Patent number: 8456879
    Abstract: Provided is a switching power supply apparatus capable of suppressing heat generation from a power supply to improve the efficiency of conversion during a power supply operation and accurately detecting only a current flowing through a load to achieve more stabile control. Since a first closed loop made up of a fourth diode (27d), a third inductor (25c) and a fourth electronic switch (24d) and a second closed loop made up of a second diode (27b), a first inductor (25a) and a second electronic switch (24b) do not include a fourth inductor (25d) and a second inductor (25b) through which an AC output current supplied to a load (28) flows, an unnecessary current does not flow through the first or second closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Miyake, Akeyuki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8450946
    Abstract: A zone addressing circuit is provided for an electronic ballast having a boost inductor with an auxiliary winding. The zone addressing circuit includes a first circuit branch coupled to a first addressing input terminal, a second circuit branch coupled to a second addressing input terminal, and a third (common) branch coupled on a first end to a third addressing input terminal and on a second end to the auxiliary winding of the boost inductor for providing a high frequency input pulse signal to excite the first and second branches. The first branch generates a first digital output for the zone addressing circuit when coupled to the common branch, and the second branch generates a second digital output for the zone addressing circuit when coupled to the common branch. A controller adjusts a dimming level of the ballast based on the first and second digital outputs from the zone addressing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lunn, Candice Damian