Abstract: A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.

Abstract: A variable voltage converter (VVC) is configured to provide bidirectional voltage boost and buck from an input side to an output side. A VVC can include a voltage control portion and a battery charging portion. When incorporated into an inverter system controller (ISC) for a hybrid electric vehicle, the VVC can be configured to charge a battery during both high and low ISC dc bus voltage conditions. A VVC can be configured to receive power from an ac power source through a plug coupled to the VVC via a soft start rectifier. Accordingly, the VVC with integrated battery charger can be used to charge a battery for a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) from a standard ac electrical outlet.

Abstract: A switching power supply unit is provided which provides improved response for frequency switching with a smooth rise in voltage. The switching power supply unit includes: a rectifier circuit for rectifying an alternating current from an AC power source into a direct current; a switching circuit for switching the current rectified by this rectifier circuit using a switching device; a pulse oscillator circuit for outputting a switching signal to the switching device; and a transformer circuit for stepping a voltage up or down depending on the current switched by this switching circuit. A frequency switching unit is also used to detect a pulse output from the switching circuit. Based on the state of this pulse output, the frequency switching unit changes a resistance using resistors, thereby switching the frequency of the switching signal in the pulse oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A start up circuit constituted of: a first alternating current lead; a second alternating current lead, said second alternating current lead exhibiting an opposing phase of said first alternating current lead; a first capacitor, a first end of said first capacitor coupled to said first alternating current lead; a second capacitor, a first end of said second capacitor coupled to said second alternating current lead; a breakdown diode coupled between a second end of said first capacitor and a second end of said second capacitor; and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with said breakdown diode. A direct current power is developed across the breakdown diode without requiring dissipative elements.

Abstract: A system includes a switching power supply, an electric load connected to the switching power supply, a voltage regulation circuit, and a detect device. The voltage regulation circuit is connected to the electric load and configured to output a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to regulate a voltage supplied to the electric load. The detect device is connected to the switching power supply for detecting whether the switching power supply is powered off when a current flowing to the electric load exceeds a preset tolerance value.

Abstract: A startup circuit with reduced power dissipation, method of operating the same and a power converter employing the startup circuit. In one embodiment, the startup circuit for a controller includes a charge accumulation circuit having a resistor series-coupled to a capacitor and a first Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to the capacitor. The startup circuit also includes a second Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to an output of the first Schmitt trigger and configured to provide a bias voltage for the controller via the capacitor when an input voltage thereto exceeds a trip voltage.

Abstract: A converter device comprising a power supply input, rectifier means, switching means, control means, and a switching aid circuit, said switching aid circuit comprising inductive means, branch-off means of an input current, and power storage means. The device of the invention is characterized in that the inductive means are essentially formed by a transformer directly connected to the power supply input and comprising reverse-coiled windings, and that the branch-off means comprise auxiliary switching means directly connected between said inductive means and a voltage reference or an output line to establish branch-off of the input current onto said inductive means before main turn-on. An uninterruptible power supply comprising the converter device described above.

Abstract: A start up circuit (4-1) for a boost circuit (10) includes an adjustable-duty-cycle oscillator (1-2) that turns on a switch transistor (MSW) connected to an inductor (L) receiving an input voltage (VIN). If a voltage (V9) of a junction between the transistor and the inductor exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a maximum inductor current (IL), an amplifier (A1) immediately terminates a first phase of an oscillator cycle, which turns off the transistor. Built-up inductor current is steered into a load. Duty-cycle-adjustment circuitry (R1,R2,C1) causes the oscillator to complete a normal second phase of the cycle before a new cycle begins.

Abstract: A DC-DC conversion circuit is configured by including a plurality of control signal generation circuits, a plurality of soft-start control circuits, and a start control circuit. The plurality of control signal generation circuits correspond to the plurality of control signals, and generate a corresponding control signal of the plurality of control signals based on a corresponding output value of a plurality of output values. The plurality of soft-start control circuits correspond to the plurality of control signals, and control a variation of the corresponding control signal at a start time of the DC-DC conversion circuit. The start control circuit instructs the corresponding soft-start control circuit to start operation in accordance with a change of the control signal taking part in an output control at the start time of the DC-DC conversion circuit.

Abstract: The configurations of a buck type and a buck/boost type converter systems and a controlling method thereof are provided in the present invention. The proposed buck/boost type converter system includes a rectifier bridge, a first auxiliary circuit including a first unidirectional switch coupled to the rectifier bridge and a second unidirectional switch coupled to the first unidirectional switch, a first capacitor coupled to the first unidirectional switch and the rectifier bridge, a buck/boost converter having a first input terminal coupled to the first unidirectional switch, a second input terminal coupled to the first capacitor, a first output terminal coupled to the second unidirectional switch and a second output terminal, a second capacitor electrically connected to the first and the second output terminals in parallel, and a DC source coupled to the second unidirectional switch.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for switching power supply control limits the startup current supplied from a high-voltage input terminal, and prevents heat generation and combustion in case of an anomaly. A high-voltage input terminal is connected to the main winding of a transformer, and is supplied with a startup voltage upon input of a power supply to the switching power supply device. A power supply terminal is connected to a capacitor, and outputs a startup current to charge the capacitor after input of the power supply input. A startup circuit is connected between the high-voltage input terminal and the power supply terminal, and charges the capacitor while increasing the startup current with magnitude proportional to the voltage value of the power supply terminal, and after startup, turns off the startup current and supplies the power supply voltage only from the auxiliary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes first and second switches in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The apparatus further includes a third switch connected to the second switch and configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation of the third switch by a user, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode.

Abstract: A startup circuit for a switching-mode power supply (SMPS) includes a first voltage detector configured to trigger the switching-mode power supply from a first operation mode to a second operation mode when an input supply voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, a current consumption in the first voltage detector in the first operation mode being determined by a reverse leakage current of a diode. A feedback circuit is coupled to the first voltage detector and being capable of maintaining a positive feedback loop. A second voltage detector is coupled to the first voltage detector and the feedback circuit, and is configured to trigger the switching-mode power supply to switch from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when the input supply voltage is below a second threshold voltage.

Abstract: In a unit inverter system where multiple unit inverters are connected in parallel, the quantity of operating unit inverters is determined in accordance with an amount of power to be converted. A gate signal of a semiconductor switching element of a unit inverter is turned off after an output current of the inverter is reduced when reducing the quantity of inverter units, thereby improving the partial load efficiency of the system without an adverse effect on the system. A regulator connected to the inverter determines dead time of the inverter according to the output current value and an average output current value of the unit inverters, waits for the determined dead time so as to reduce the output current of the unit inverter, and then turns off the gate signal.

Abstract: A high voltage start-up circuit with constant current control applied to a switching mode power converter is provided. The high voltage start-up circuit includes a high voltage junction transistor, a control transistor, a current detecting resistor and a bias resistor. The drain of the junction transistor is connected to a high power supply, the gate of the junction transistor is connected to the drain of the control transistor, and the source of the junction transistor is connected to the current detecting resistor. The voltage drop crossing the current detecting resistor is kept constant to have the junction transistor output a constant current. The bias resistor which is connected between the gate of the junction transistor and the output end of the high voltage start-up circuit has the gate to source bias voltage of the junction transistor kept constant to output constant current.

Abstract: A soft-start voltage circuit includes an operational amplifier, a first and a second capacitors, a first and a second switches, and a voltage level shifter. The operational amplifier includes a positive end, a negative end, and an output end coupled to the negative end of the operational amplifier for outputting the soft-start voltage. The voltage level shifter is coupled between the first capacitor and the positive end of the operational amplifier for shifting a level of the voltage on the first capacitor. The first switch is coupled between the first and the second capacitors for coupling the first and the second capacitors according to the clock. The second switch is coupled between the second capacitor and the negative end of the operational amplifier for coupling the second capacitor and the negative end of the operational amplifier according to the inverted clock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a current mode switched power supply. The current mode switched power supply includes a switching element and a power stage coupled to the switching element and configured to provide, in response to the switching of the switching element, an output voltage and a feedback voltage related to the output voltage. The current mode switched power supply also includes a digital control circuit connected to the switching element to digitally control the switching of the switching element.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a Buck converter system, for generating an output voltage while at the same time monitoring whether an overload or over current condition occurs at the output, and protecting the system if the overload or over current condition occurs. The apparatus includes a first circuit adapted to monotonically change a control voltage from a first voltage (e.g., approximately ground potential) towards a second voltage (e.g., a reference voltage VREF); a second circuit adapted to generate the output voltage based on the control voltage; a third circuit adapted to detect whether a magnitude of an output current exceeds a current threshold; and a fourth circuit adapted to change the control voltage from the second voltage towards the first voltage in response to the third circuit detecting that the magnitude of the output current exceeds the current threshold.

Abstract: A startup circuit for a switching-mode power supply (SMPS) includes a first voltage detector configured to trigger the switching-mode power supply from a startup mode to a normal operation mode when an input supply voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, a current consumption in the first voltage detector in the startup mode being determined by a reverse leakage current of a diode. A feedback circuit is coupled to the first voltage detector and being capable of maintaining a positive feedback loop with a current consumption of no more than a microampere. A second voltage detector is coupled to the first voltage detector and the feedback circuit, and is configured to trigger the switching-mode power supply to switch from the normal operation mode to the startup mode when the input supply voltage is below a second threshold voltage.

Abstract: A switching power conversion circuit receives an input voltage and generates an output voltage to a system circuit. The switching power conversion circuit includes a power circuit, a feedback circuit, a control circuit, and an initiation circuit. The power circuit includes a first switch circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal according to a power-status signal and the output voltage. The first switching circuit is conducted or shut off according to the feedback signal under control of the control circuit, so that the input voltage is converted into the output voltage and the first auxiliary voltage by the power circuit. If the power-status signal is in an off status, a ratio of the feedback signal to the output voltage is equal to a first feedback ratio and the magnitude of the first auxiliary voltage is lower than a normal operating voltage value, so that the control circuit is disabled.

Abstract: A switching circuit including a plurality of heating elements (12), each connected as part of a tuned circuit (36), the tuned circuits being respectively tuned to different frequencies and connected in parallel between two common conductors (34), the circuit further including a device (20, 38, 40) for applying an oscillating signal voltage between the two common conductors, at one or more frequencies each corresponding to a tuned frequency of one of the tuned circuits.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a clamp circuit that increases the upper limit value of an error voltage stepwise after the device is started up. This makes it possible to shorten the rise time of an output voltage and to reduce the maximum current at start-up.

Abstract: A three-phase AC/DC active power converter provides an H-bridge that is controlled by a DSP (digital signal processing) controller that places the H-bridge in a voltage-boost mode of operation when voltage of a DC-link capacitor maintained by the H-bridge is near than the voltage input from a three-phase power source. The voltage difference between the boosted DC-link voltage and the three-phase power source voltage provides a voltage potential thereby giving the control loops a possible gain value. The gain value provides loop stability to thereby prevent an inrush of electrical current into the power converter upon startup. The converter also allows harmonic distortion to be modified through wave shaping of the normally pure sinus conduction signal.

Abstract: A power supply device with a system switch circuit includes a primary power system, a stationary power system and a power management unit. The power management unit is triggered by a remote ON/OFF signal to generate a bias voltage power for turning on the primary power system after obtaining a stationary power. The system switch circuit is triggered by the remote ON/OFF signal to interrupt the stationary power system from obtaining an electric power path of an input power or a reference frequency signal to interrupt the stationary power, and triggered by the remote ON/OFF signal again to conduct the stationary power system to obtain the electric power path of the input power or the reference frequency signal to generate the stationary power, so as to achieve the effects of reducing a power loss as well as maintaining a normal operation of the power supply device.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided to generate a mode signal at light load of the power converter. The mode signal is coupled to disable the switching signal for saving power. The impedance of an input circuit is increased in response to the mode signal. Furthermore, a soft start circuit is initiated by the mode signal when switching signal is enabled. An external capacitor associates with the impedance of the input circuit determine the off period of the switching signal.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a first power supply configured to output a first voltage; a second power supply provided separately from the first power supply to output a second voltage; and a boosting circuit configured to use the first voltage as an input voltage to boost the input voltage toward a target voltage. The target voltage has a voltage width, and when an output voltage of the boosting circuit exceeds an upper limit of the target voltage, the input voltage is switched the first voltage of the first power supply to the second voltage of the second power supply.

Abstract: A full digital soft-start circuit adapted for a power supply system is provided. The full digital soft-start circuit includes a ring oscillator, a pulse generator, a counter, and a multiplexer. The ring oscillator generates a plurality of clock signals which are different in phase, while equivalent in duty cycle and frequency. The pulse generator generates a plurality of pulse signals with different duty cycles. The counter generates a multi-bit counting signal. The multiplexer determines whether to transmit the pulse signals generated by the pulse generator so as to generate an output pulse which becomes stable as time going on.

Abstract: A start-up circuit to discharge EMI filter is developed for power saving. It includes a detection circuit detecting a power source for generating a sample signal. A sample circuit is coupled to the detection circuit for generating a reset signal in response to the sample signal. The reset signal is utilized for discharging a stored voltage of the EMI filter.

Abstract: A start-up circuit includes a switching-device control circuit arranged to receive an input voltage and to provide a switching-device control signal, a switching device arranged to be controlled by the switching-device control signal and to provide a start-up signal, a power-converter control circuit arranged to receive the start-up signal and to provide a power-converter control signal, and a power converter arranged to receive the power-converter control signal and to provide an auxiliary output signal. The switching control circuit is arranged to receive the auxiliary output signal such that, when the auxiliary output signal reaches a predetermined level, the switching-device control circuit stops providing the switching-device control signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for a system including an integrated circuit coupled to a node to receive a supply voltage and having bypass capacitors coupled in parallel with the integrated circuit to the node. The apparatus comprises a first capacitor, a switch coupled to the first capacitor, and a voltage source configured to charge the first capacitor. The switch is coupled to receive a control signal that is asserted, during use, if the supply voltage to an integrated circuit is to be increased. The switch is configured to electrically couple the first capacitor to the node in response to an assertion of the control signal. When electrically coupled to the node, the first capacitor supplies charge to the bypass capacitors. A system comprising the apparatus, the node, the integrated circuit, and the bypass capacitors is also contemplated in some embodiments.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for reducing output noise when a pulse width modulation mode is started. A pulse width modulation circuit generates a first pulse signal having a duty cycle that is in accordance with an output voltage of a regulator circuit. A drive circuit generates the output voltage from an input voltage in response to the first pulse signal provided from the pulse width modulation circuit. A feed forward circuit controls the pulse width modulation circuit in a manner to generate the first pulse signal having a duty cycle that maintains the output voltage at a desired level before the pulse width modulation circuit provides the first pulse signal to the drive circuit.

Abstract: A current control type converter has a converter section and a control section that includes three controllers. A first controller calculates and outputs an active current instruction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the value of a DC voltage outputted from the converter section and a DC voltage instruction value. A second controller calculates and outputs an active voltage correction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the active current instruction value from the first controller and the value of an active current inputted to the converter section. A third controller calculates and outputs a reactive voltage correction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the value of a reactive current inputted to the converter section and a reactive current instruction value.

Abstract: A power control system (25) uses two separate currents to control a startup operation of the power control system (25). The two currents are shunted to ground to inhibit operation of the power control system (25) and one of the two currents is disabled to minimize power dissipation. The two independently controlled currents are generated by a multiple output current high voltage device (12) responsively to two separate control signals (23,24).

Abstract: A charging device for a vehicle includes a connector configured such that a coupler for transmitting electric power from an external power supply to the vehicle is connectable to the connector, a charging circuit for transmitting electric power from the connector to a power storage device, a charging control unit for charging the power storage device by controlling the charging circuit while in an operating state, and for halting control of the charging circuit while in a halting state, and an activation control unit for keeping the charging control unit in the halting state until detecting that the connector receives electric power, in a case where connection of the coupler and the connector is detected, and for switching the charging control unit from the halting state to the operating state when it is detected that the connector receives electric power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soft switching power converter that turns the switching operations of the semiconductor elements used for all the switching into soft switching operations with the use of a magnetic energy recovering switch that has a small-capacity magnetic energy storing capacitor connected between DC terminals of a bridge circuit formed with at least two reverse-conduction semiconductor switches. A high-frequency boost pulse voltage generated by the magnetic energy recovering switch is regarded as the voltage of a DC link portion. The soft switching power converter converts the voltage into DC or AC of arbitrary low frequency through a filter or a switching control unit. With this structure, the switching operations of the semiconductor elements used for all the switching are turned into soft switching operations.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inverter to provide an alternating inverter voltage to a load for a transition in which a change in active power (P) and/or reactive power (Q) within a transition time (Ttr) is carried out. The method includes converting a direct current voltage (Udc) into an alternating inverter voltage (Vinv) with a basic frequency (?); and selecting a transition time Ttr for a change in active power (P) and/or reactive power (Q) within a load to be supplied the alternating inventor voltage. To address DC offsets, the transition time Ttr is chosen such that in an equation which is a function of the fundamental period of the basic frequency and the target phase angle after the transition between the inverter voltage Vinv and the load voltage Vn, a variable k is a small integer number between 1-8.

Abstract: A control circuit for a switching power supply (SPS) includes power input and output interfaces, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a microprocessor, and an alternating current/directing current (AC/DC) converter. The power input interface receives an external alternating current (AC) power signal, and transmits the AC power signal to the SPS via the power output interface. The AC/DC converter transforms the AC power signal into a direct current (DC) power signal to supply for the relay, the relay driving circuit, and the microprocessor. When a computer is turned on, the microprocessor sends a first control signal to control the relay driving circuit to drive the relay to connect the power input and output interfaces. When the computer is turned off, the microprocessor sends a second control signal to control the relay driving circuit to drive the relay to cut off connection between the power input and output interfaces.

Abstract: An electronic power device for controlling a load includes: a high-voltage integrated switch having an output terminal to be connected to the load; an integrated, and low-voltage driving circuit for driving the switch, and a start-up integrated circuit comprising a high-voltage resistor and such that it can be enabled, during a step of turning on the power device, in order to activate the driving circuit. The switch and the start-up circuit are integrated in a first semiconductor chip and the driving circuit is integrated in a different, second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a soft start circuit includes a slew rate controller to limit inrush current to a voltage regulator during start up. The output voltage of the regulator may be compared to a previous sampled value to determine the slew rate of the output voltage. The slew rate of the output voltage may be controlled by adjusting the current limit of the regulator. The current limit of the regulator may be adjusted using digital circuits, such as a counter and a digital to analog converter, or analog circuits using a pulsed current source, for example. The slew rate may be controlled to exceed a target slew rate or to stay within a range of slew rate limits.

Abstract: An inverter circuit according to an embodiment includes an input unit to which a first voltage is applied. In the inverter circuit, a transformer transforms the first voltage output from the input unit, and a first switching unit switches an on/off state of the transformer. An inverter controller controls an operation of the first switching unit, and an output unit of the inverter circuit outputs a second voltage output from the transformer. A feedback unit detects an electrical signal from the transformer and supplies the detected electrical signal to the inverter controller, and an initial operation controller controls an intensity of the electrical signal supplied to the inverter controller from the feedback unit.

Abstract: A controller generates a drive signal for a converter circuit that includes an active component (i.e., transistor) that is selectively controlled to convert a rectified input to direct current (DC) output. The controller employs an outer feedback loop (based on monitored output voltage of the converter circuit), an inner feedback loop (based on monitored AC input current drawn by the converter circuit), and a pulse width modulator (PWM) to generate the drive signals necessary to generate the desired DC output voltage and to provide power factor correction to the converter circuit. In particular, the inner feedback loop includes an amplifier and a fault protection and clamp circuit. The amplifier has a first input connected to receive a feedback signal representing the monitored AC input current, a second input, and an output that provides a current feedback signal to the PWM.

Abstract: An electronic device and an external power supply device control method applicable to the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device is electrically connected to an external power supply device that is able to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. The electronic device includes a switch module and an internal power module. The switch module, when being triggered, generates a switch signal. The internal power module receives the switch signal and accordingly generates a trigger signal to the external power supply device, so that the external power supply device is triggered to switch from the OFF state to the ON state and accordingly supplies electric power to the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a circuit for controlling a start-up cycle of an integrated circuit in a circuit system. The method and circuit determine whether or not an input power of the circuit system and a bias voltage power of the integrated circuit have reached a normal operating voltage range to control the bias voltage power to produce a start-up cycle of the integrated circuit. The method and circuit also provides a protection mechanism for an overload of the circuit system overload, so that the integrated circuit can moderate surges and prevent damages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inverter with a simple configuration capable of preventing occurrence of excessive rush current. A current detection circuit detects an AC output current flowing out from an output filter circuit. When the absolute value of the AC output current becomes equal to or larger than a threshold, a reset control unit and a drive pulse generation circuit control a DC/AC inverter so as to re-start operation after the AC output voltage becomes 0V. For example, even in the case where a capacitive load is connected during operation of the inverter or in the case where the load includes a standby circuit, excessive rush current is prevented.

Abstract: A start up circuit of power converters is presented. It includes a first transistor, a resistive device, a second transistor, a third transistor and a diode. The first transistor is coupled to a voltage source. The third transistor is connected in serial with the first transistor to output a supply voltage to a control circuit of the power converter in response to the voltage source. The diode is connected from a transformer winding of the power converter to supply a further supply voltage to the control circuit of the power converter. The second transistor is coupled to control the first transistor and the third transistor in response to a control signal. The resistive device provides a bias voltage to turn on the first transistor and the third transistor when the second transistor is turned off. Once the second transistor is turned on, the third transistor is turned off and the first transistor is negative biased.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power converter with extremely low standby power consumption for converting an input AC power to an output DC power, comprising: a DC supply voltage generating unit, used for generating a DC supply voltage; a pulse width modulation controller, used for generating a pulse width modulation signal according to a feedback voltage of the output DC power; and an isolated actuating switch, placed between the DC supply voltage generating unit and the pulse width modulation controller, for controlling the supply of the DC supply voltage to the pulse width modulation controller, according to a switch signal from a loading device.

Abstract: A current controlled switching mode power supply is provided. A turn on/off time of a switching device is adjusted by controlling a leading edge blanking (LEB) time and an external drive current of the switching device by means of a switching controller, thus capable of preventing a switching current from being excessive due to a delay of a turn-off time of the switching device, which is caused by a circuit delay during a soft start of the switching mode power supply. Also, it is possible to prevent a switching current from being excessive due to a failure of accurately controlling a turn-off time of the switching device because of a delay caused when an output voltage (a voltage at a secondary winding of a transformer) of the switching mode power supply is designed to have a high voltage.

Abstract: An electric energy exchange system between at least one motor-generator system and at least one storage member determining a continuous storage voltage between two branches of a bus circuit on which are connected in parallel a DC/DC converter, a filtering capacity, and a DC/AC converter connected on at least one motor-generator system. The system includes at least one thyristor connected as a bypass on the positive bus between the storage member and the output of the converter-voltage raiser to short-cut the converter, and a thyristor priming device to, based on the required voltage at the filtering capacity, determine at least in discharge the shorting of the converter-voltage raiser with direct passage of the current through the thyristor as long as the voltage of the filtering capacity, which is substantially equal to the storage member voltage, is sufficient for the electric machines to provide requested torque.

Abstract: A circuit includes a voltage regulator (208) for outputting a voltage at a regulated level, a protection circuit (260), and a load circuit (210) coupled to the voltage regulator. The protection circuit includes means for preventing the voltage regulator from outputting a voltage at a level higher than the regulated level during a start-up period of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: An electrical power system may be provided with temporary power from a bank of supercapacitors connected to a bus of the power system. The supercapacitors may be charged from an output from a primary power source of the system during start-up of the power source. Output voltage of the primary power source may progressively increase and capacitor charging may occur at this progressively increasing voltage. Dedicated current-limiting devices are not required during charging. When temporary power is required the supercapacitors may be discharged sequentially in a series combination so that a high internal voltage of each capacitor is maintained and so that virtually all of the stored energy of the capacitor may be discharged to the bus at a usable voltage.