Abstract: Some embodiments include a high voltage, high frequency switching circuit. The switching circuit may include a high voltage switching power supply that produces pulses having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz and an output. The switching circuit may also include a resistive output stage electrically coupled in parallel with the output and between the output stage and the high voltage switching power supply, the resistive output stage comprising at least one resistor that discharges a load coupled with the output. In some embodiments, the resistive output stage may be configured to discharge over about 1 kilowatt of average power during each pulse cycle. In some embodiments, the output can produce a high voltage pulse having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz with a pulse fall time less than about 400 ns.

Abstract: A multiphase switching converter includes a first switching converter circuit including a power stage coupled to a DC voltage supply and a controller. The controller includes an over-current (OC) circuit that can detect an OC event and, upon detecting the OC event, set a command signal to a preset low value and provide a first hiccup signal. A synchronization circuit can generate a second hiccup signal based on the command signal of the OC circuit satisfying a first reference threshold value, and a sampled portion of an output voltage of the power stage satisfying a second reference threshold value. A hiccup timer can be triggered by one of the first hiccup signal or the second hiccup signal to start a hiccup pulse in response to being triggered.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for improving inductor current ramp down times in a DC-to-DC converter having an inductor conductively coupled to a low side transistor on a first side and an or-ing transistor coupled to a second side, where the DC-to-DC converter is in a phase redundant power supply. The method comprises turning off the low side transistor and turning off the or-ing transistor in response to an unloading transient.

Abstract: A DC to DC voltage converter includes a first voltage converter module configurable to generate a first output at a first output voltage selected from two or more different voltages and a second voltage converter module configurable to generate a second output at a second output voltage selected from two or more different voltages. The first voltage converter module and the second voltage converter module have a common input. A common output combines the first output voltage from the first voltage converter module and the second output voltage from the second voltage converter module.

Abstract: A power supply system, including: a plurality of power supply apparatuses; and an acquisition unit to acquire a load parameter representing load state of the plurality of power supply apparatuses as a whole, wherein each power supply apparatus has a control unit to control, depending on the load parameter, output by said power supply apparatus according to a reference condition different from at least the other one of the plurality of power supply apparatuses, will be provided.

Abstract: A modular UPS system includes at least two power devices, a controlling device, and a serial bus. The power device is configured to receive control status information transmitted by the controlling device. The power device is configured to transmit a status signal data frame to the serial bus according to the control status information when determining that a current period is a first preset period, where the status signal data frame includes an identifier field, the identifier field includes a status signal data area, and the status signal data area is used to store a data value of a status signal. The serial bus is configured to receive status signal data frames transmitted by the at least two power devices, and transmit status signal data frames with a same value in status signal data areas to the controlling device in parallel.

Abstract: A power factor corrector (PFC), such as for an on-board charger (OBC) for charging a vehicle traction battery, uses an input voltage and an input current from a power source to output a desired voltage. The PFC has an inductor and first and second power switches. A micro-controller generates, for each half-cycle of the input voltage, first and second reference signals respectively indicative of (i) a sinusoidal envelope of the inductor current for which the PFC will absorb sufficient power from the power source for the PFC to output the desired voltage and (ii) a reverse value of the inductor current for which zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the switches is ensured. A comparator assembly turns the first switch off (on) and the second switch on (off) upon the inductor current equaling the outer sinusoidal amplitude envelope (the reverse value) whereby the PFC outputs the desired voltage with ZVS.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a power transmission and reception control device configured to check whether another consumer is controlling a direct-current bus line when interchanging direct-current power. [Solution] Provided is a power transmission and reception control device including: a power transmission and reception control unit configured to control transmission and reception of direct-current power over a direct-current power line through a DC-to-DC converter connected to the direct-current power line; a power transmission and reception management unit configured to request the power transmission and reception control unit to control the DC-to-DC converter; and a power transmission and reception arbitration unit configured to request the power transmission and reception management unit to perform transmission and reception of power through the DC-to-DC converter.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating power between a first power source, a second power source, and a load is disclosed. The circuit includes a first switch electrically coupled to a second switch, where the first switch and the second switch are arranged relative to one another to block current in opposing directions when opened. The first switch is electrically coupled to the first power source and the second switch is electrically coupled to the load. The circuit also includes third switch electrically coupled to a fourth switch, where the third switch and the fourth switch are arranged relative to one another to block current in opposing directions when opened. The third switch is electrically coupled to the second power source and the fourth switch is electrically coupled to the load and the second switch. The circuit also includes a first voltage sensor, a second voltage sensor, a first current flow sensor, and a second current flow sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fault blocking voltage source converter apparatus which is, in use, connected to an AC system and a DC system for power transmission, in the event of a DC side interruption operating the voltage source converter apparatus after identification of a need for a DC side interruption based on a voltage order, so as to extract at least some electrical energy stored in the connected DC system to the voltage source converter apparatus.

Abstract: A gradient amplifier driver stage circuit includes: a gradient coil and a plurality of gradient driver modules electrically cascaded with each other and forming an output end, the output end being electrically connected to the gradient coil, wherein each gradient driver module includes a pre-stage power supply and a bridge amplifier connected in parallel, output voltage of the pre-stage power supplies of the plurality of gradient driver modules are the same, and each gradient driver module is configured to provide an inductive voltage drop and a resistive voltage drop on the gradient coil.

Abstract: One or more converters are selected from a plurality of converters to enable where there is a plurality of energy storage modules electrically connected together in series. Each converter is electrically connected to a corresponding energy storage module. The selected converters are enabled where in response to being enabled, an enabled converter converts an input, from its corresponding energy storage module, at a first voltage level into an output at a second voltage level and the outputs of the enabled converters are electrically combined to produce a combined output. The combined output is compared against a desirable operating region defined by an upper threshold and a lower threshold. In response to the combined output being outside of the desirable operating region, the number of enabled converters is adjusted.

Abstract: A boost chopper circuit is described that an alternating current (AC) power source; at least one inductor connected to said AC power source; a rectifier connected to said inductor and AC power source; at least one switch shorting our said rectifier; a series circuit connected in parallel with said switch of at least one diode and a capacitor; and a load connected in parallel with said capacitor. A control technique is employed that includes turning on and off the switch in order to keep the average current per pulse cycle proportional to the AC input voltage during the same pulse cycle.

Abstract: An electronic converter has first and second input terminals, first and second output terminals, a current regulator circuit arranged between the first input terminal and an intermediate node, and input capacitor arranged between the intermediate node and the second input terminal, and an output capacitor. A control circuit block is configured to sense an input voltage, compare the regulated voltage to a reference value and generate a first signal, compare the input voltage to a lower threshold and an upper threshold and generate a second signal, switch the electronic converter between an active mode and an idle mode as a function of the first signal, and switch the electronic converter between a recharge phase and a switching phase as a function of the second signal when the electronic converter is in the active mode.

Abstract: A power system is presented. The power system includes a first converter including a first output terminal a first control unit coupled to the first converter, a second converter including a second output terminal, where the second converter is coupled in parallel to the first converter, and a second control unit coupled to the second converter. The second control unit is configured to measure a plurality of phase currents at the second output terminal, determine a harmonic current transmitted by the second converter based on single phase current of the plurality of measured phase currents, and change a time-period of at least one switching cycle of a carrier wave of the second converter based on the determined harmonic current to synchronize with a carrier wave of the first converter.

Abstract: In a device with a built-in active filter, the device incorporating an active filter therein and being connected to an AC power source, the active filter operates based on a value detected by a load information detection unit detecting load information on an AC power source outside the device with a built-in active filter.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided, comprising an electrical installation; one of a permanent magnet motor and a permanent magnet generator; a circuit operative to provide current to operate one of the motor and the generator; one or more sensors coupled to the electrical installation, wherein the one or more sensors are operative to detect an overcurrent in the circuit and to generate an overcurrent signal; one or more inductors; and an inductance module control operative to: receive the overcurrent signal from the one or more sensors; determine how to insert one or more inductors to reduce an amplitude of the overcurrent; activate the one or more inductors based on the determination; and deactivate the one or more inductors when the overcurrent is not detected. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: a power source unit having a PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit; a semiconductor integrated circuit including at least one module for performing image processing; and a first power source control unit configured to control whether to turn on or to turn off a power of the PFC circuit, and to control a power control signal input into the semiconductor integrated circuit so that the power of the PFC circuit is on while the power of the module in the semiconductor integrated circuit is on.

Abstract: An isolated switched-mode power converter converts power from an input source into power for an output load. Power switches within a primary-side power stage control the amount of power input to the power converter and, ultimately, provided to the output load. A digital controller on the secondary side of the power converter generates signals to control the power switches. This generation is based upon closed-loop (feedback) control as well as feedforward control. The feedforward control compensates for variations in the voltage of the input source. The input voltage is estimated by sensing a rectified voltage at a node between a secondary winding of the isolation transformer and an output filter. The feedforward compensation modifies the generated switch control signals based upon the sensed rectified voltage.

Abstract: Converter with oscillator characterized in that it comprises an input for connecting the phase through a first node to cathode of a first diode as well as to anode of a second diode, where the first diode has anode connected through a third node to anode of a third diode as well as to a first output, wherein cathode of a third diode is connected through a fourth node to the anode of a fourth diode as well as to neutral conductor or to a second phase as well as to a second output, wherein the fourth diode has an anode connected to a third output and through a second node to the cathode of the second diode, wherein parallelly to the second node and to the third node at least one oscillator circuit comprising a bifilar coil with a first winding and a second winding and at least one capacitor is connected. Another object of the invention is a system comprising a converter with oscillator and a load as well as a three-phase system.

Abstract: An inverter includes a transformer that includes a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding, a DC-AC inverter electrically coupled to the first winding of the transformer, a cycloconverter electrically coupled to the second winding of the transformer, an active filter electrically coupled to the third winding of the transformer. The DC-AC inverter is adapted to convert the input DC waveform to an AC waveform delivered to the transformer at the first winding. The cycloconverter is adapted to convert an AC waveform received at the second winding of the transformer to the output AC waveform having a grid frequency of the AC grid. The active filter is adapted to sink and source power with one or more energy storage devices based on a mismatch in power between the DC source and the AC grid.

Abstract: A bidirectional chopper circuit 1 is provided with: a main power converter 11 having a first switch 21-1 and a second switch 21-2 set up so that one switch is turned off when the other switch is turned on and connected in series with each other so as to line up in a conduction direction when turned on, the terminals on both sides of the main power converter 11 on the opposite sides to the connection sides for the first switch 21-1 and the second switch 21-2 being a pair of first external connection terminals; a plurality of single-phase full-bridge power converters 22-j and a pair of second external connection terminals provided on wiring that branches from wiring connecting the first switch 21-1 and the second switch 21-2 so that one or both are connected in cascade; and an inductor 13 connected in series with the single-phase full-bridge power converters 22-j on wiring that branches from wiring connecting the first switch 21-1 and the second switch 21-2.

Abstract: An LLC resonant converter includes a first phase with a first primary circuit and a second phase with a second primary circuit. The first primary circuit includes a first shared inductor, and the second primary circuit includes a second shared inductor. The first and second shared inductors are connected in parallel with each other. The first and second primary circuits do not include a capacitor that is connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a high voltage, high frequency switching circuit. The switching circuit may include a high voltage switching power supply that produces pulses having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz and an output. The switching circuit may also include a resistive output stage electrically coupled in parallel with the output and between the output stage and the high voltage switching power supply, the resistive output stage comprising at least one resistor that discharges a load coupled with the output. In some embodiments, the resistive output stage may be configured to discharge over about 1 kilowatt of average power during each pulse cycle. In some embodiments, the output can produce a high voltage pulse having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz with a pulse fall time less than about 400 ns.

Abstract: A device controls a load flow in an alternating-voltage network. The device is distinguished by a module series circuit of two-pole switching modules that can be inserted in series into a phase line of the alternating-voltage network. Each switching module has an energy store and controllable power semiconductors that can be switched on an off and each switching module can be controlled in such a way that a switching-module voltage can be produced at the poles thereof, which switching-module voltage corresponds to a positive or negative energy-store voltage or a voltage having the value of zero. A control apparatus for controlling the switching modules is provided, which control apparatus is configured to control the switching modules in such a way that a periodic longitudinal voltage can be produced at the module series circuit. A method for controlling a load flow in an alternating-voltage network is performed by the device.

Abstract: A voltage conversion device includes first and second converters. The first converter boosts an input voltage equal to or higher than a reference voltage (high regenerative voltage) to a first voltage more efficiently than the second converter boosting the input voltage equal to or higher than the reference voltage (high regenerative voltage) to the first voltage. The second converter boosts an input voltage lower than the reference voltage (low regenerative voltage) to a second voltage more efficiently than the first converter boosting the input voltage lower than the reference voltage (low regenerative voltage) to the second voltage. The voltage conversion device causes the first converter to boost the input voltage when the input voltage is equal to or higher than the reference voltage, and causes the second converter to boost the input voltage when the input voltage is lower than the reference voltage.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a high voltage, high frequency switching circuit. The switching circuit may include a high voltage switching power supply that produces pulses having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz and an output. The switching circuit may also include a resistive output stage electrically coupled in parallel with the output and between the output stage and the high voltage switching power supply, the resistive output stage comprising at least one resistor that discharges a load coupled with the output. In some embodiments, the resistive output stage may be configured to discharge over about 1 kilowatt of average power during each pulse cycle. In some embodiments, the output can produce a high voltage pulse having a voltage greater than 1 kV and with frequencies greater than 10 kHz with a pulse fall time less than about 400 ns.

Abstract: An auxiliary generator connection, a method of operating and a system are disclosed. The auxiliary generator connection includes at least one first conductor coupled to a first portion of the electrical utility distribution network. At least one second conductor is coupled to a second portion of the electrical utility distribution network. A t-type connector is coupled between the at least one first conductor and the at least one second conductor. A switch is coupled between the at least one second conductor and the t-type connector. A generator conductor is electrically coupled at a first end to the t-type connector. A generator plug is coupled to a second end of the generator conductor opposite the t-type connector.

Abstract: A power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains power supply output includes a dc power input to receive dc power from a dc power source, an ac power output for delivering ac power to the ac mains power supply, a dc link coupled between the dc power input and the ac power output, first and second dc-to-dc converters coupled between the dc power input and the dc link, wherein one or both of the first and second dc-to-dc converters comprises a pair of resonant capacitors, a sensing element connected in parallel to one of the pair of the resonant capacitors for sensing a ripple voltage, and a controller operative to control the first and second dc-to-dc converters in response to the sensed ripple voltage.

Abstract: Photovoltaic apparatus comprising an auxiliary power supply arrangement which is adapted to feed an electric load of the photovoltaic apparatus itself and comprises: first electronic means connected with a DC power source and comprising a first electronic unit adapted to receive a first feeding voltage and provide a first output voltage of DC type; second electronic means connected with an AC power source and comprising a second electronic unit adapted to receive a second feeding voltage and provide a second output voltage of DC type; and third electronic means connected with the first and second electronic means and adapted to reversibly switch among different operation states based on the status of the electric power sources.

Abstract: A voltage booster allowing for increased utilization of low voltage, high current, unregulated DC power (“LVDC source”), such as, but not limited to, fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, wind turbines, and hydro-turbines. LVDC generation systems employing a variable low voltage DC-DC converter of the present disclosure may be used without a power inverter in applications requiring high voltage DC inputs and can also allow for the employment of common, low cost, reliable, low voltage energy storage chemistries (operating in the 12-48 VDC range) while continuing to employ the use of traditional inverters designed for high voltage power supplies. An embodiment of the DC boost converter includes a plurality of interleaved, isolated, full-bridge DC-DC converters arranged in a Delta-Wye configuration and a multi-leg bridge.

Abstract: A three phase medium voltage power conversion system for closed-loop applications comprising a 3L-NPC converter. The switching system of the 3L-NPC converter is based on SHE-PWM patrons. The regulation system of the 3L-NPC converter comprises a controller and an interface module between the controller and the switching system which is configured for supplying to the switching system voltage reference samples at a rate L times faster than the rate of voltage reference samples managed by the controller.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of using such apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes voltage regulators in an integrated circuit device, and a frequency control block and a module included in the integrated circuit device. Each of the voltage regulators includes a current sensor. The frequency control block operates to provide a clock signal to each of the voltage regulators. The clock signal has a frequency based on digital information. The module operates to receive a current from the current sensor of each of the voltage regulators and provides the digital information to the frequency control block to control the frequency of the clock signal. The digital information has a value based on the current from each of the current sensors.

Abstract: A transition assembly for interconnecting a hybrid trunk cable and electronic equipment includes: an enclosure having first and second ends, first and second side walls, and a cavity; a hybrid trunk cable comprising first and second sets of pluralities of power conductors and a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the first and second sets of power conductors enter the enclosure at the first end; first and second sets of pluralities of connectors mounted to at least one of the first and second side walls; and an overvoltage protection module (OVP module).

Abstract: A wave loss detection circuit includes: an anode of the diode receives a first drive signal, and a cathode of the diode is connected to a first end of the first resistor; a second end of the first resistor is connected to a first end of the first energy storage unit, a first end of the second resistor, and a first input end of the comparison unit; a second end of the first energy storage unit and a second end of the second resistor are connected to a ground level, and a resistance of the first resistor is less than a resistance of the second resistor; a second input end of the comparison unit is configured to receive a threshold voltage, and if a voltage signal received by the first input end is less than the threshold voltage, which indicates that a wave loss occurs in the first drive signal.

Abstract: A power system is presented. The power system includes a first converter including a first output terminal a first control unit coupled to the first converter, a second converter including a second output terminal, where the second converter is coupled in parallel to the first converter, and a second control unit coupled to the second converter. The second control unit is configured to measure a plurality of phase currents at the second output terminal, determine a harmonic current transmitted by the second converter based on single phase current of the plurality of measured phase currents, and change a time-period of at least one switching cycle of a carrier wave of the second converter based on the determined harmonic current to synchronize with a carrier wave of the first converter.

Abstract: Circuits, devices, and method for selecting voltage sources. A voltage selection module may include an analog voltage input. The voltage selection module may also include a digital based voltage input. The voltage selection module further include a control component coupled to the analog voltage input and the digital based voltage input, the control component configured to determine whether to use a first voltage received from the analog voltage input or a second voltage received from the digital based voltage input to generate an output voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a bond wire arrangement comprising a signal bond wire (1) for operably connecting a first electronic device (6) to a second electronic device (8), and a control bond wire (2) being arranged alongside the signal bond wire at a distance so as to have a magnetic coupling with the signal bond wire (1), and having a first end (11) coupled to ground, and a second end (12) coupled to ground via a resistive element (14). The proposed solution allows the control of the Q factor (losses) of wire bond inductors during assembly phase, which will save time and reduce overall design cycle as compared to known methods.

Abstract: A converter arrangement with at least two single LLC converters, a pulse generator per single LLC converter wherein each pulse generator is configured to supply switching pulses to one single LLC converter and an output controller configured to use switching frequency control and/or phase-shift control to control the pulse generators comprises a load balancing control for overcoming unbalanced loading of the converter arrangement.

Abstract: An electronic system, voltage regulator, controller and fault reporting method and circuit for a voltage regulator or other type of DC-DC converter are disclosed. For example, a fault reporting circuit is disclosed. The fault reporting circuit includes a first transistor device configured to generate a first signal indicating an occurrence of a fault in an associated circuit, a second transistor device coupled to the first transistor device, the second transistor device configured to generate at least one data signal indicating an identity of the fault in the associated circuit, and an output coupled to the first transistor device and the second transistor device, wherein the output is configured to receive the first signal and the at least one data signal. In some implementations, the fault reporting circuit is in a controller for a voltage regulator circuit formed on one or more semiconductor ICs, wafers, chips or dies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus mounted in a vehicle. The charging apparatus includes at least two power modules parallel to each other to convert input power applied from an outside into a charging power for charging a high-voltage battery, at least two slave controllers that outputs information about whether each of the power modules enters a constant-voltage charging mode, based on the charging power output from the power modules, and a master controller that determines whether the at least two power modules enter the constant-voltage charging mode by utilizing the information, which is received from the slave controllers, about whether each of the power modules enters the constant-voltage charging mode, wherein the master controller controls such that one of the power modules is operated when the power modules enter the constant-voltage charging mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a power supply including first and second power converters connected to a load and a power factor correction circuit connected to the power converters includes operating the power supply in a normal power mode such that: the first and second power converters and the power factor correction circuit are active, the first and second power converters each drive their respective load, and the power factor correction circuit performs power factor correction for each circuit formed by the first and second power converters and their respective load, and operating the power supply in an auxiliary power mode such that: both the first power converter and the power factor correction circuit are deactivated and the second power converter is active, the second power converter drives its load, and the second power converter performs power factor correction for a circuit formed between the second power converter and its load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selective harmonic current mitigation pulse width modulation (SHCM-PWM) are provided. Low switching frequencies can be utilized for grid connected cascaded H-bridge multilevel rectifiers to meet harmonic requirements within an extended harmonic spectrum. Instead of using voltage references to calculate switching angles for rectifiers as in conventional selective harmonic elimination-PWM (SHE-PWM) and selective harmonic mitigation-PWM (SHM-PWM), current references can be used to compensate for current harmonics and meet current harmonic requirements and total demand distortion (TDD) within the entire harmonic spectrum.

Abstract: A power electronic voltage transforming apparatus is used in a two-phase to single-phase conversion. The power electronic voltage transforming apparatus is cooperatively used with a three-phase to two-phase transformer to convert the two-phase power output from the three-phase to two-phase transformer into single-phase power. The two-phase to single-phase power electronic voltage transforming apparatus or three-phase to single-phase power electronic voltage transforming apparatus has an input cascade connection structure formed by cascading n converter modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling an uninterrupted power supply system comprising multiple converters and a control device, the multiple converters are connected in parallel between a power supply side and a load side of the uninterrupted power supply system, each converter is provided to be individually activated by the control device to provide power from the power supply side to the load side, comprising the steps of determining a system load level at the load side of the uninterruptable power supply system, determining a number of required active converters based on the system load level and a system efficiency depending on the number of active converters, and activating the number of required converters based on the above determination.

Abstract: An electrical multi-phase converter and method for controlling an electrical multi-phase converter is disclosed. In one form a method provides for controlling the electrical multi-phase converter comprises: determining at least two supply voltages for the at least two converter cells of the at least two phase branches; determining a potential zone for each phase branch based on the at least one supply voltage of the at least one converter cell of the phase branch, the potential zone bounding a possible actual phase voltage producible by the phase branch; receiving a reference voltage for each phase branch; and, if the reference voltage for a phase branch is not within the potential zone of the phase branch, setting the reference voltage to a bound of the potential zone and shifting reference voltages of other phase branches, wherein the reference voltages are set and shifted such that a minimal common mode voltage between the output voltages of the multi-phase converter is generated.

Abstract: A PWM controlled multi-phase resonant voltage converter may include a plurality of primary windings powered through respective half-bridges, and as many secondary windings connected to an output terminal of the converter and magnetically coupled to the respective primary windings. The primary or secondary windings may be connected such that a real or virtual neutral point is floating.

Abstract: A multi-level power converter for one or more phases includes one or more converter arms including a plurality of serial connected switching cells. Each switching cell includes a plurality of switching devices, a primary energy storage, a secondary energy storage and a first inductor. The switching devices are arranged to selectively provide a connection to the primary energy storage, wherein each switching cell includes a bridge circuit including the switching devices and the primary energy storage, a battery circuit connected to the bridge circuit and including the secondary energy storage, and an arm circuit providing a connection between two adjacent switching cells. The first inductor of each switching cell is arranged in the arm circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device (1) for lighting means (8), having a circuit (101) for dividing a rectified alternating voltage to direct voltages of lower levels, wherein the circuit (101) comprises a PFC block comprising a plurality of half bridge converters (102, 103, 104) that are arranged such that the sum of the input voltage drops across the half bridge converters (102, 103, 104) corresponds to the value of the rectified alternating voltage, wherein the circuit (101) is the first active stage in a power supply for the lighting means (8).

Abstract: A redundant power includes a main power circuit for generating main power, a main power isolation unit, an auxiliary power circuit for generating auxiliary power, an auxiliary power isolation unit and a micro control unit. The main power isolation unit and auxiliary power isolation unit receive and output the main power and auxiliary power respectively. The micro control unit transmits a cold redundant signal to the main power circuit and auxiliary power circuit when receiving the cold redundant signal and outputs first and second disable signals to the main power isolation unit and auxiliary power isolation unit respectively. In response to the cold redundant signal, the main power circuit and auxiliary power circuit reduce levels of the main power and auxiliary power respectively. The main power isolation unit and auxiliary power isolation unit are disabled according to the first and second disable signals respectively.