Having Output Current Feedback Patents (Class 363/21.17)
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Publication number: 20140233275Abstract: A control circuit of a flyback power converter according to the present invention comprises a low-side transistor, an active-damper, a high-side drive circuit, and a controller. The low-side transistor is coupled to switch a transformer. The active-damper is coupled in parallel with the transformer. The high-side drive circuit is coupled to drive the active-clamper. The controller generates a switching signal and an active-clamp signal. The switching signal is coupled to drive the low-side transistor. The switching signal is generated in accordance with a feedback signal for regulating an output of the flyback power converter. The active-clamp signal is coupled to control the high-side drive circuit and the active-damper. The active-clamp signal is generated in response to a demagnetizing time of the transformer. The pulse number of the active-clamp signal is less than the pulse number of the switching signal in a light load condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: System General Corp.Inventors: TA-YUNG YANG, CHIH-HSIEN HSIEH, KAI-FANG WEI, JUNG-SHENG CHEN
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Patent number: 8811043Abstract: The present invention discloses a switching regulator, including: a power stage including at least one power transistor which switches according to a switch control signal to convert an input voltage to an output voltage; a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator generating a PWM signal according to the output voltage; an over current detection circuit comparing a current sensing signal with a reference signal to generate an over current signal indicating whether an over current is occurring; and a signal adjustment circuit adjusting the PWM signal or a clock signal to generate the switch control signal for controlling an ON time of the power transistor of the power stage.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Richtek Technology CorporationInventors: Kuang-Fu Chang, Yu-Chang Chen
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Publication number: 20140211519Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a switching controller for a power converter is provided. The switching controller for a power converter comprises: a power device, an input circuit and a compensation capacitor. The power device is coupled to switch a transformer of the power converter for regulating an output voltage and an output current of the power converter. The input circuit is coupled to the transformer to sample an input signal which is correlated to the output voltage of the power converter to obtain a feedback signal. The feedback signal is utilized to generate a switching signal for controlling the power device. The switching signal is modulated to operate the power converter in boundary current mode (BCM) or discontinuous current mode (DCM).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORPORATIONInventors: Jhih-Da HSU, Li LIN
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Publication number: 20140204628Abstract: An example controller for a power converter includes a track and hold circuit, a sample and hold circuit, and drive logic. The track and hold circuit receives a signal that is representative of an output voltage of the power converter. The track and hold circuit includes a first capacitor that provides a first voltage that tracks the signal and then holds the first voltage. The sample and hold circuit then samples the first voltage that is held on the first capacitor. The sample and hold circuit includes a second capacitor that holds a second voltage representative of the first voltage after a fixed sample period. The second capacitor is larger than that of the first capacitor. The drive logic controlling the first switch to regulate the output of the power converter includes disabling the first switch during an on time of the first switch responsive to the second voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Yury Gaknoki, Mingming Mao, Michael Yue Zhang
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Publication number: 20140204627Abstract: System and method for driving a bipolar junction transistor for a power converter. The system includes a current generator configured to output a drive current signal to a bipolar junction transistor to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The current generator is further configured to output the drive current signal to turn on the bipolar junction transistor during a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period, the second time period separating the first time period from the third time period, drive the bipolar junction transistor to operate in a hard-saturation region during the first time period and the second time period, and drive the bipolar junction transistor to operate in a quasi-saturation region during the third time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: ON-BRIGHT ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiangkun Zhai, Yuan Lin, Xiaomin Huang, Lieyi Fang
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Publication number: 20140185337Abstract: Energy transfer elements having a shield to reduce EMI while maintaining a low profile are disclosed. In one example, the transformer may include a transverse shield wire that may be utilized to keep displacement current within the energy transfer element. While windings of the energy transfer element are generally wound axially around the axis of a bobbin in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the bobbin, the transverse shield wire may be placed on the bobbin extending over multiple power windings of the energy transfer element in a transverse direction. The transverse shield wire may be situated outside all other windings wound around the bobbin. In some examples, one end of the transverse shield wire may be coupled to a switching node of the energy transfer element while the other end of the transverse shield wire may be coupled to a winding of the energy transfer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Marvin Cruz ESPINO
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Patent number: 8760887Abstract: A current mirror circuit converts a positive-side supply voltage of a second power supply with respect to a reference potential into an electric current so as to supply the electric current to a current/voltage converting section. The current/voltage converting section converts the electric current from the current mirror circuit into a voltage with respect to the reference potential of a first power supply so as to supply the voltage to a feedback input terminal of a switching controller. Therefore, although the reference potential of the first power supply supplied to the switching controller is different from the reference potential of the second power supply, the electric current from the current mirror circuit is not influenced by the reference potential.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Onkyo CorporationInventor: Masaaki Inoue
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Publication number: 20140160810Abstract: A switching power converter provides a communication link between a secondary side and a primary side of the switching power converter. During a messaging mode, the communication link enables information to be transmitted from an electronic device coupled to the secondary side to a controller on the primary side. The communication link may be used to transmit operating parameters related to powering the electronic device. The switching power converter may then adapt its switching operation to achieve different regulated output voltage and/or current to accommodate the detected electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: iWatt Inc.Inventor: Junjie Zheng
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Publication number: 20140146578Abstract: System and method for regulating a power conversion system. A system controller for regulating a power conversion system includes a first controller terminal, a second controller terminal and a third controller terminal. The system controller is configured to receive an input signal at the first controller terminal and turn on or off a switch based on at least information associated with the input signal to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the power conversion system, receive a first signal at the second controller terminal from the switch, and charge a capacitor through the third controller terminal in response to the first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: ON-BRIGHT ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.Inventors: Lieyi Fang, Zhiqiang Sun
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Publication number: 20140146580Abstract: A cable compensation circuit compensates a voltage drop in a cable coupled between a power supply and a load. The cable compensation circuit includes: a node where a voltage that depends on an input voltage of the power supply during a turn-on period of a power switch of the power supply and depends on an output voltage of the power supply during a turn-off period of the power switch is generated; a sensing RC filter generating a sense voltage that depends on a diode current by filtering the voltage of the node; and an averaging RC filter generating an average voltage by averaging the sense voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: FAIRCHILD KOREA SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.Inventors: Gwanbon KOO, Taesung KIM
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Publication number: 20140140109Abstract: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein are associated with a primary side voltage and/or current regulator (PSR) in a flyback power converter. Apparatus and methods sense characteristics of a waveform generated in an auxiliary primary winding of a flyback transformer at a single terminal of the PSR. The waveform is analyzed, and error signals derived therefrom are used to maintain constant voltage and/or constant current regulation and to generate a peak current stabilization signal that is independent of line input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: RICHARD L. VALLEY
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Publication number: 20140132184Abstract: A method of operation for flyback power converter includes operating a controller of the flyback power converter in a regulation mode when a control signal is below a first threshold. The control signal is provided as an input to a terminal of the flyback power converter. When the control signal is below a second threshold and above the first threshold, the controller is operated in a limiting mode. The controller is operated in an external command mode when the control signal is below a third threshold and above the second threshold. Lastly, when the control signal is above the third threshold, the controller is operated in a protection mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: POWER INTEGRATIONS, INC.Inventors: Yury Gaknoki, Tiziano Pastore, Mingming Mao, David Michael Hugh Matthews
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Patent number: 8723558Abstract: System and method for driving a bipolar junction transistor for a power converter. The system includes a current generator configured to output a drive current signal to a bipolar junction transistor to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The current generator is further configured to output the drive current signal to turn on the bipolar junction transistor during a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period, the second time period separating the first time period from the third time period, drive the bipolar junction transistor to operate in a hard-saturation region during the first time period and the second time period, and drive the bipolar junction transistor to operate in a quasi-saturation region during the third time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiangkun Zhai, Yuan Lin, Xiaomin Huang, Lieyi Fang
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Publication number: 20140126249Abstract: A signal averaging circuit includes a plurality of switched weighted current sources to generate a total amount of charge. The total amount of charge is representative of a weighted sum of a plurality of input signal samples during an active period of a read enable signal. A timing control signal generator is coupled to receive an input signal and the read enable signal and sequentially switch the plurality of switched weighted current sources to adjust the total amount of charge in response to the input signal during the active period of the read enable signal. A storage circuit is coupled to the plurality of switched weighted current sources to convert the total amount of charge into a voltage representative of an output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventor: William M. Polivka
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Publication number: 20140126250Abstract: A control circuit of a power converter and a method for controlling the power converter are provided. The control circuit of the power converter comprises a switching circuit and a temperature-sensing device. The switching circuit generates a switching signal in response to a feedback signal, and the switching circuit generates a current-sensing signal for regulating an output of the power converter. The temperature-sensing device generates a temperature signal in response to temperature of the temperature-sensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.Inventors: Chien-Tung Lan, Ta-Yung Yang
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Patent number: 8711578Abstract: In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to adjust a peak value of a primary current through a power switch responsively to a difference between a demagnetization time and a discharge time of the parasitic leakage inductance of a transformer.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventor: Joel Turchi
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Patent number: 8710760Abstract: A power supply apparatus for LED is provided. The power supply apparatus for LED includes a transformer, a first output unit, and a second output unit. The transformer includes a primary winding, a secondary winding receiving a power induced from the primary winding, and a tertiary winding receiving the power induced from the primary winding. The first output unit is connected to the secondary winding of the transformer, and outputs a first power current to an LED in a first operating condition. The second output unit is connected to the tertiary winding of the transformer, and outputs a second power current to the LED in a second operating condition. When the LED is connected to the power supply apparatus for LED, the power supply apparatus allows a current equal to or less than a predetermined current to flow in the LED, thereby protecting the LED from an overcurrent.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung Rae Cho, Dong Young Huh
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Publication number: 20140104895Abstract: A power converter includes an energy transfer element and a power switch coupled the energy transfer element and an input of the power converter. A control circuit is coupled to generate a switching signal to control switching of the power switch in response to a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. A programming interface circuit is coupled to the control circuit and a coupling switcher coupled to the programming interface circuit. A programming terminal is selectively coupled to the programming interface circuit through the coupling switcher. A programming circuit coupled to the programming terminal is coupled to the programming interface circuit through the coupling switcher during a startup programming condition and during a fault condition of the power converter, and is decoupled from the programming interface circuit by the coupling switcher during a normal operating condition of the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Bäurle, Guangchao Darson Zhang, Mingming Mao
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Publication number: 20140098579Abstract: Consistent with example embodiments disclosed, there are switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) in which a signaling capacitor transmits information across a transformer of the power supply. Such embodiments can avoid drawing power from the output capacitor in order to provide communication signals and so do not cause a drop in the output voltage when signaling to the primary side. Further, the switched mode power supply can send signals from the secondary side of the transformer to the primary side via the transformer itself and so may not require the incorporation of an opto-coupler. Such embodiments may reduce production costs, the printed circuit board (PCB) footprint and reduce the no-load power consumption of the SMPS.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventor: Jeroen KLEINPENNING
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Publication number: 20140092647Abstract: A flyback converter includes a transformer and a controller operable for controlling a switch coupled in series with a primary winding of the transformer. The controller is configured to operate in multiple modes including a burst mode and a standby mode. In the burst mode, the controller generates a first plurality of discrete pulse groups to turn on the switch and a duration of each pulse in the first plurality of discrete pulse groups is determined by a first reference signal having a first predetermined voltage. In the standby mode, the controller generates a second plurality of discrete pulse groups to turn on the switch and a duration of each pulse in the second plurality of discrete pulse groups is determined by a second reference signal having a second predetermined voltage which is greater than the first predetermined voltage of the first reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: O2Micro Inc.Inventors: Zhimou REN, Yunning XIE, Jun REN, Tiesheng YAN
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Publication number: 20140092648Abstract: The present invention discloses a switch-mode power supply control apparatus comprising a PWM controller for outputting a driving signal and a short-circuit protection module coupled to a detection terminal. The detection terminal receives a zero-crossing detection voltage. If the time that the detection voltage input to the detection terminal is lower than a first reference voltage exceeds a predetermined time period, the short-circuit protection module determines that a short-circuit abnormal situation occurs, the short-circuit protection module outputs a short-circuit signal to the PWM controller, and the driving signal output by the PWM controller becomes a turn-off signal. If the short-circuit protection module does not detect the short-circuit abnormal situation, the PWM controller operates normally. The present invention further discloses a flyback switch-mode power supply comprising the switch-mode power supply control apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: HANGZHOU SILAN MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Xianming Tang, Yunlong Yao, Jianxing Wu
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Publication number: 20140085943Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller with quasi-resonant mode and continuous conduction mode and an operating method thereof. The controller comprises: a transformer, a switching unit, a load-detecting unit and a controlling unit, and the transformer has a first winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding connects to a load in parallel, and the switching unit electrically couples to the first winding. The load-detecting unit electrically couples to the switching unit for detecting status of the load. The controlling unit electrically couples between the switching unit and the load-detecting unit for switching operating modes between a quasi-resonant mode and a continuous conduction mode based on the status of the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: PHIHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Chung-Ming Lin, Po-Ching Yu, Wei-Chun Chang
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Publication number: 20140078789Abstract: A power converter includes a transformer with a primary and a secondary winding. Feedback and control is maintained on the primary-side while a separate load detection circuit detects dynamic load conditions on the secondary-side. The load detection circuit detects dynamic load conditions at the time when a load is connected to the output of the switching power converter and, in turn, generates an alert signal. A coupling circuit coupled to the load detection circuit at the secondary winding side of the transformer and to the controller at the primary winding side of the transformer transmits the alert signal to the controller. The controller regulates the output voltage based on the feedback signal generated at the primary side of the transformer while detecting and responding to the dynamic load condition based on the alert signal generated at the secondary side of the transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Yong Li, Jiang Chen, Junjie Zheng, Jianming Yao, Xiaolin Gao
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Publication number: 20140071717Abstract: A switching power supply apparatus includes: an input terminal; an output terminal; a switching element; an input and output converting unit which converts input voltage applied through the switching element into output voltage to supply output power to a load; an output voltage feedback unit which outputs a feedback signal, based on the output voltage; a switch current detecting unit which detects current flowing through the switching element; an oscillating frequency setting unit which sets the switching frequency of the switching element, based on the feedback signal; a peak current setting unit which controls turn-off of the switching element by setting a current threshold such that a switch current peak (i) is constant regardless of a change in the output power and (ii) increases as the input voltage increases; and a switching control unit which controls switching operation of the switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuhiro MURATA
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Publication number: 20140063867Abstract: A switched-mode power supply includes an energy transfer element coupled between a primary side and a secondary side. A first main terminal of a switch is coupled to the energy transfer element and a second main terminal of the switch is coupled to an input of the primary side. A driver circuit is coupled to drive the switch to be open at a first one of a plurality of levels and closed at a second one of the plurality of levels. The driver circuit is coupled to drive the switch to be substantially independent of a voltage between the first and second main terminals at a third one of the plurality of levels. A current conducted between the first and second main terminals at the third one of the plurality of levels is sufficient to only partially discharge a capacitance that is coupled to the first main terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Alex B. Djenguerian, Arthur B. Odell, Henson Wu
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Patent number: 8665614Abstract: A control device for controlling a switching power supply adapted to convert an input voltage into an output voltage according to a switching rate of a switching element. The control device includes first control means for switching the switching element in a first working mode at a constant frequency and second control means for switching the switching element in a second working mode at a variable frequency, under a maximum frequency, in response to the detection of a predefined operative condition of the switching power supply. The control device further includes means for selecting the first working mode or the second working mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Lombardo, Claudio Adragna, Salvatore Tumminaro
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Publication number: 20140056037Abstract: A control circuit that controls an interleaved power supply, and an interleaved power supply including that control circuit, which are unlikely to be affected by a variation among components and are suitable for mass production, are provided. The clock generator generates a clock pulse having a predetermined frequency. The signal doubler generates a master switch on-interval pulse signal indicating information concerning an on-interval of the master switch based on the clock pulse and a master drive pulse signal that switch-drives the master switch of the master converter, and generates a doubled duty pulse signal having a duty that is double that of the master switch on-interval pulse signal. The edge pulse generator generates a first edge pulse signal based on the master drive pulse signal, and generates a second edge pulse signal based on the doubled duty pulse signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Shinya Iljima, Hideyuki Ono, Kenichi Kubota
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Patent number: 8659916Abstract: A control circuit for a resonant power converter and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor switching a transformer through a resonant tank. A controller receives a feedback signal for generating a first switching signal and a second switching signal coupled to drive the first transistor and the second transistor respectively. The feedback signal is correlated to an output of the resonant power converter. A diode is coupled to the second transistor for detecting the state of the second transistor for the controller. The first switching signal and the second switching signal are modulated to achieve a zero voltage switching (ZVS) for the second transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: System General Corp.Inventors: Ta-Yung Yang, Tien-Chi Lin
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Patent number: 8654546Abstract: A control circuit of a resonant power converter is disclosed. The control circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor for switching a transformer and a resonant tank comprising a capacitor and an inductor. A controller is configured to receive a feedback signal correlated to the output of the power converter for generating a first switching signal and a second switching signal to drive the first transistor and the second transistor, respectively. A diode coupled to the first transistor and the resonant tank for detecting the state of the first transistor and generating a detection signal for the controller. The detection signal indicates if the transistors are in a zero voltage switching (ZVS) state. If the transistors are not in the ZVS state, the switching frequency of the transistors will be increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: System General Corp.Inventors: Tien-Chi Lin, Hang-Seok Choi, Ta-Yung Yang
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Publication number: 20140036552Abstract: A control circuit varies an intermittent oscillation frequency using a period signal. A period signal period signal frequency is set to a frequency lower than the intermittent oscillation frequency, or is set to be higher than the intermittent oscillation frequency and to a frequency other than integer multiples of the intermittent oscillation frequency. The phase difference of the period signal with respect to an intermittent oscillation control signal is set so that the distribution of the intermittent oscillation frequency is dispersed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi SAJI
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Publication number: 20140028187Abstract: In a power supply device according to the embodiment, a second capacitor is inserted between a terminal of a capacitor at the high voltage side and an input terminal. Therefore, when earth fault is occurred at an output terminal of the low voltage side, an input side connected to a DC power supply is galvanically separated from an output side connected to a load by the second capacitor. As a result, earth fault current does not flow continually. Accordingly, the power supply device can reduce current leakage flowing through circuit to zero or near zero in the case where electric leakage is occurred, and therefore can prevent problems (the circuit's malfunction or the like) associated with the electric leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Takashi KAMBARA
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Patent number: 8634213Abstract: A method of operation for flyback power converter includes operating a controller of the flyback power converter in a regulation mode when a control signal is below a first threshold. The control signal is provided as an input to a terminal of the flyback power converter. When the control signal is below a second threshold and above the first threshold, the controller is operated in a limiting mode. The controller is operated in an external command mode when the control signal is below a third threshold and above the second threshold. Lastly, when the control signal is above the third threshold, the controller is operated in a protection mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Yury Gaknoki, Tiziano Pastore, Mingming Mao, David Michael Hugh Matthews
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Publication number: 20140016377Abstract: A controller for use in a power converter includes a comparator coupled to receive a signal representative of an output of the power converter. A counter is coupled to an output of the comparator to sample the output of the comparator a plurality of times within a period. A state machine is coupled to an output of the counter to control switching of the power converter according to one of a plurality of operating condition states in response to the output of the counter. The state machine is coupled to be updated at an end of the period.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Yury Gaknoki, Mingming Mao, David Michael Hugh Matthews, Tiziano Pastore
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Publication number: 20140016376Abstract: Embodiments described herein describe a power supply configured to provide power to an output load via a power supply transformer. The power supply includes a controller configured to operate in a configuration state and an operating state. During the configuration state, the controller receives a configuration signal from a sense circuit coupled to the controller and selects one of a plurality of operating modes from the configuration signal. During the operating state, the controller controls a switch coupled to the transformer based on the selected operating mode and a sense signal received from the sense circuit representative of the power provided to the output load by the power supply. When the switch is closed, current flows from a power source through the transformer, and when the switch is open, current is prevented from flowing from the power source through the transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Xiaolin Gao, Qiu Sha, Fuqiang Shi, Yong Li
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Patent number: 8630102Abstract: A power converter includes a dc input having first and second terminals. A main converter is coupled to the first terminal of the dc input. A standby circuit coupled to the second terminal of the dc input and the main converter. The main converter is coupled to control a transfer of energy from the dc input through the standby circuit to a main output of the main converter during a normal operating condition of the power supply. The standby circuit is coupled to decouple the main converter from the second terminal of the dc input during a standby operating condition of the power converter. A standby converter is coupled to the first and second terminals of the dc input to control a transfer of energy from the dc input to a standby output of the standby converter during the standby operating condition of the power converter.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, David Michael Hugh Matthews
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Patent number: 8630103Abstract: A power converter controller is disclosed. An example controller includes a control circuit coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. The control circuit coupled to control a switching of a power switch of the power converter in response to the feedback signal to control a transfer of energy from an input of the power converter to the output of the power converter. An internal programming interface circuit is coupled to the control circuit. A coupling switcher is coupled to the internal programming interface circuit. An external programming terminal is selectively coupled to the internal programming interface circuit through the coupling switcher. An external programming circuit coupled to the external programming terminal is coupled to the internal programming interface circuit through the coupling switcher during a startup programming condition and during a fault condition of the power converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Bäurle, Guangchao Darson Zhang, Mingming Mao
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Patent number: 8619437Abstract: A system simplification can be achieved by reducing the number of sensors required to detect currents and voltages when an output current is estimated. A switching power supply device 6 includes a current transformer 12, a switching circuit 13, a rectifying circuit 15, a smoothing circuit 16, an input voltage detecting circuit 18, a control part 19, an output voltage detecting circuit 22 and a PWM signal generating part 30. The control part 19 calculates a duty rate and an average value of voltage of the secondary side voltage of the current transformer 12 detected by the input voltage detecting circuit 18 based on a waveform of the detected voltage. The control part 19 calculates an output current lo based on the calculated duty rate, the calculated average value of voltage and an output voltage Vo detected by the output voltage detecting circuit 22.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hachiya, Yusaku Ido, Yasumichi Omoto
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Publication number: 20130336020Abstract: An example power supply regulator includes an energy transfer element, a switch, and a controller. The controller includes a switch signal generator, a modulation circuit, and a multi-cycle modulator circuit. The modulation circuit modulates the period of a modulation switching signal when an equivalent switching frequency is greater than a reference frequency and fixes the switching period when the equivalent switching frequency is less than the reference frequency. The multi-cycle modulator circuit enables the switch signal generator to provide a switch signal uninterrupted if the equivalent switching frequency is greater than the reference frequency and disables the switch signal generator for a first time period and then enables the switch signal generator for a second time period when the equivalent frequency is less than the reference frequency. The multi-cycle modulator circuit varies the first time period to regulate the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Arthur B. Odell
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Publication number: 20130336022Abstract: This relates to sampling a feedback signal representative of an output of a power converter. The sampling is performed using a buffer sampling circuit having three sample and hold stages coupled in series to sense and store the feedback signal. The first stage is coupled to sample and hold the feedback signal on a capacitor. If the output diode is conducting, the sampled signal is transferred to the second stage. If the output diode is conducting, the first stage will sample the feedback signal and the sampled signal will be transferred to be sampled and held by the second stage. When the output diode stops conducting, the sampled voltage held by the second stage is transferred to the third stage. The third stage stores the sampled voltage on a capacitor. As such, the controller may sample the feedback signal near the end of the output diode conduction time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventor: Guangchao ZHANG
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Publication number: 20130329470Abstract: A control device controls a switching circuit of a DC-DC converter. The switching circuit includes a half-bridge with at least first and second switches connected between an input voltage and a reference voltage. The converter comprises a transformer with a primary coupled with the center point of the half-bridge and a secondary coupled with a load. The control device comprises an error detector configured to determine an error signal representing a difference between a first signal representative of the voltage across the load and a first reference signal and a frequency controller configured to increase the switching frequency of the half-bridge when the error signal is kept below a second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.Inventors: Alberto Stroppa, Claudio Spini, Claudio Adragna
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Patent number: 8605468Abstract: In a switching power supply, a current detection resistor is connected to a switching unit to detect a current flowing through the switching unit. A diode is connected in parallel to the current detection resistor to reduce heat generated in the switching unit by back electromotive force generated by an inductance component of the current detection resistor.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichiro Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8599589Abstract: Methods and systems for managing power are described. In one embodiment of a method, a DC input voltage from an AC mains to DC converter, inputted to a DC to DC converter, is adjusted lower while maintaining substantially constant DC output voltage from the DC to DC converter in order to improve power efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: David W. Lum
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Patent number: 8599581Abstract: A switching mode power supply, and a primary-side controlled PFM converter using the primary-side regulated PFM controller are discussed. In present embodiment, the primary side cycle by cycle switch peak current is no longer a constant. The time detector is added to monitor the waveform of primary-side sample voltage and then generate the duty cycle. The transfer function should be selected to satisfy a specific relationship of switching frequency and switch peak current against with output loading current. The new design shows higher switching frequency but lower value of switch peak current at light load condition. This resolves the audible noise and poor transient response issue from the prior art PFM controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Fremont Micro Devices (SZ) LimitedInventors: Yuquan Huang, Matthew Man Ho Ku
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Patent number: 8593841Abstract: A compensation circuit and method for constant current regulation of switching mode power supply are disclosed. The ringing waveform of a feedback signal, indicative of the output current of the power supply, causes error. To eliminate the error, a current source charges a capacitor in response to a demagnetizing oscillation signal indicative of the error caused by the ringing waveform of the feedback signal. The voltage across the capacitor is compared to a reference signal to generate a more accurate signal indicative of the conductive time of a secondary diode in a secondary winding of the switching mode power supply. This more accurate signal is inputted to a logic circuit to generate a constant current control signal to control a power switch of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Siran Wang, Yuancheng Ren, Junming Zhang, En Li
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Patent number: 8587967Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a power apparatus. The power apparatus includes a power converter configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage for providing power at an output thereof to which a load is connectable. The converter can include an isolation barrier configured to electrically isolate the output and the load from an input source that provides the input voltage. The system also includes a control loop that includes indirect sense circuitry configured to indirectly derive an indication of at least one of output current and output power of the converter. The control loop is configured to control output current or output power based on the indirectly derived indication of output current or output power, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Isaac Cohen
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Patent number: 8582324Abstract: A pulse width modulation controller and method for output ripple reduction of a jittering frequency switching power supply detect the current of a power switch of the switching power supply to generate a current sense signal, and adjust the gain or the level of the current sense signal according to the switching frequency of the power switch to adjust the on time of the power switch, to reduce the output ripple of the switching power supply caused by the jittering frequency of the switching power supply.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Richpower Microelectronics CorporationInventors: Kun-Yu Lin, Tzu-Chen Lin, Pei-Lun Huang
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Patent number: 8576587Abstract: A predictive synchronous rectification controller for controlling at least one synchronous rectification switch is provided. The synchronous rectification controller has a ramp generator, a peak sampling unit, and an output control unit. The ramp generator receives a synchronous signal and generates a ramp signal accordingly. The peak sampling unit generates a predicted reference voltage signal by retrieving a peak voltage of the ramp signal. The output control unit compares the ramp signal with the predicted reference voltage signal to generate a synchronous rectification control signal to control a conducting state of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Niko Semiconductor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ta-Ching Hsu
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Patent number: 8576586Abstract: A switching power converter comprises a transformer (110), a switch (108) coupled to the transformer (110), and a switch controller (200) coupled to the switch (108) for generating a switch drive signal (207) to turn on or off the switch (108). The drive current of the switch drive signal (207) is adjusted dynamically according to line or load conditions within a switching cycle and/or over a plurality of switching cycles. The magnitude of the drive current can be dynamically adjusted within a switching cycle and/or over a plurality of switching cycles, in addition to the pulse widths or pulse frequencies of the drive current.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: iWatt Inc.Inventors: Junjie Zheng, Jun Zheng, Andrew Kwok-Cheung Lee, John William Kesterson, Allan Ming-Lun Lin, Hien Huu Bui, Carrie Seim, Yong Li
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Patent number: 8576588Abstract: The present technology are directed to switching mode power supplies with primary side control. In one embodiment, the switching mode power supply provides an equivalent current signal which represents a load current. The equivalent current signal is then used to control a switching circuit in the switching mode power supply.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Naixing Kuang, Lei Du, Junming Zhang, Yuancheng Ren
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Patent number: 8570772Abstract: A flyback converter uses primary side sensing to sense the output voltage for regulation feedback. Such sensing requires a predetermined minimum duty cycle even with very light load currents. Therefore, such a minimum duty cycle may create an over-voltage condition. In the flyback phase, after a minimum duty cycle of the power switch at light load currents, a synchronous rectifier turns off approximately when the current through the secondary winding falls to zero to create a discontinuous mode. If it is detected that there is an over-voltage, the synchronous rectifier is turned on for a brief interval to draw a reverse current through the secondary winding. When the synchronous rectifier shuts off, a current flows through the primary winding via a drain-body diode while the power switch is off. Therefore, excess power is transferred from the secondary side to the power source to reduce the over-voltage so is not wasted.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: John D. Morris, Michael G. Negrete, Min Chen