Abstract: A multi-output power supply includes a standby power system and a main power system. The main power system has a transformer and a rectification output circuit connecting to the transformer to generate first output power. The power supply further has an output time series judgment circuit and a plurality of voltage regulation units connecting respectively to the standby power system and the rectification output circuit. The output time series judgment circuit has a preset reference potential compared with the potential of the first output power to determine whether to output a feedback signal. Each voltage regulation unit is connected to the output time series judgment circuit to receive the feedback signal and be activated normally and determine a regulation time spot to synchronously regulate the first output power to second output power. Thus the time difference for delivering the first output power and the second output power can be regulated.

Abstract: A current transforming harvester (“CTH”) is capable of producing power from a conductor on a preexisting power grid without alteration of the conductor or the preexisting power grid. The CTH includes a current transformer (“CT”) that captures energy via magnetic flux from the conductor. The CT is substantially circular and includes two halves called a “split core,” which allow the CT to easily attach to the conductor without opening the circuit in which the conductor operates. A clamping mechanism of the CTH may secure the CTH to the conductor via a pair of spring-biased clamp pads. The CTH includes circuitry that converts the magnetic flux energy captured by the CT into electrical energy suitable for consumption by an electrical device.

Abstract: A power electronics device with an improved IGBT protection mechanism is provided. More specifically, systems and methods are provided for reducing the switching frequency of an inverter module based on the junction temperature variation of the IGBT.

Abstract: An AC-DC adapter is provided with an auto-sensing capability to sense when no DC load is present at the output (secondary side) of the adapter by monitoring for absence of load-indicative signals, such as power supply identifier (PSID) signals communicated to the adapter from a coupled DC-powered device. Upon detection of a no load condition, the adapter enters a no load mode during which the adapter output is turned off in order to reduce energy consumption by the adapter, and only produces short recurring voltage pulses (hiccups) at the adapter output. Upon detection of load-indicative signals communicated to the adapter from a coupled DC-powered device, the adapter output enters normal mode and provides its normal regulated power value to the adapter output for powering the coupled DC-powered device.

Abstract: A power-conversion regulator comprising an inductive reactor, an output filter reactor, and a switch for admitting energy to the inductive reactor, additionally comprises computation circuitry responsive to the flux in the inductive reactor, to a reference signal, to an output voltage, and sometimes to an output load current, for computing the quantity of energy that must be supplied to a load and to the output filter reactor to regulate the output voltage or current to a desired relationship with the reference signal during each chopping waveform cycle driving the switch. As the inductive reactor is charged from an input energy source, the computation circuitry predicts whether the energy in the inductive reactor has become adequate for the regulation.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a switching section for switching on/off an input voltage so as to output a primary voltage in accordance with a control signal; and a voltage boosting section for boosting the primary voltage received at a primary side thereof to a secondary voltage at a secondary side thereof. The primary and secondary sides of the voltage boosting section are electrically isolated from each other. In a feedback link for supplying the control signal from the secondary side to the primary side, a signal isolation section is provided for both transmitting the control signal between and electrically isolating primary side and secondary side portions of the feedback link. Additionally or alternatively, a balancing circuit section is connected between the secondary side of the voltage boosting section and a plurality of lamps so as to uniformly supply an alternating current, generated by the secondary voltage, to the lamps, in order to uniformize the luminances of the lamps.

Abstract: A usage pattern identifies time periods when an electrical apparatus is likely to be powered-up or not in use. Power provided to an electrical apparatus is increased during time periods that the electrical apparatus is likely to be powered-up. Similarly, the power provided to the electrical apparatus is reduced or removed during time periods that the electrical apparatus is likely to be out of use or idle. The usage pattern is continually updated and refined by collecting usage data during user interaction with the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for forcing outputs of a digital controller of a switching power converter to a safe state during shutdown of the switching power converter is described. The apparatus includes a multiplexer providing an output signal of the digital controller and having a first input of the multiplexer connected to receive a switching control signal control signal from the digital controller. The multiplexer also has a plurality of inputs from control registers providing programmed safe state values. The multiplexer connects one of the first input or the inputs from the plurality of control registers to the output of the multiplexer responsive to a multiplexer control signal. Control logic generates the multiplexer control signal responsive to at least one of an end of frame interrupt, an over current interrupt, an enable interrupt or a software bypass signal.

Abstract: A two-stage power supply system includes a standby power circuit, a main power circuit, a driver and, a rectifier. Moreover, the standby power circuit is used to convert a utility AC (Alternating Current; AC) into a standby AC. The main power circuit is used to convert the utility AC into a main AC. Furthermore, the driver is coupled to the main power circuit so as to control whether or not the main power circuit outputs the main AC to the rectifier. Finally, the rectifier is coupled to the standby power circuit, the main power circuit, and a load, wherein the rectifier rectifies the standby AC alone for outputting a standby DC (Direct Current; DC) to the load, or rectifies an integrated AC of the standby AC and the main AC for outputting a supply DC to the load.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a power control apparatus and a method for controlling power, more specifically to a power control apparatus that controls the risk of overcurrent in a power generator when the voltage in the power grid is low. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power control apparatus that controls power in a power generation system including a generator generating power can include a current comparator, which calculates an error current by using a difference between a current measured at the generator and a rated current of the generator, a controlling unit, which calculates a real power value by receiving the error current and outputs a switch driving signal corresponding to the calculated real power value, a switch, which is operated by the switch driving signal, and a resistance device, which is coupled to the switch to consume the error current.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for powering a load are provided. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a power converter comprising electrical circuitry comprising at least a first leg and a second leg, supplying an input power signal to the power converter, supplying at least a first gating control signal to the first leg, supplying at least a second gating control signal to the second leg, and outputting at least one output power signal to the load responsive at least in part to the first and the second gating control signals supplied. According to this example embodiment, the first gating signal and the second gating signal may each comprise a waveform comprising a notch, and the second gating control signal may be phase shifted relative to the first gating control signal.

Abstract: An electric power protection circuit connected in series to a secondary side circuit of a transformer in a switch mode power supply includes a voltage/current limiting device to get an electric power signal output from the secondary side circuit of the transformer that goes through current and voltage limitation before being output and a constant current/voltage controller to get the electric power signal which has the current and voltage limited by the voltage/current limiting device. The electric power signal further is undergone constant voltage/current control to achieve voltage overshoot protection.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a power converter is presented. An embodiment comprises an analog differential circuit connected to an analog-to-digital converter, and comparing the digital error signal to at least a first threshold value. If the digital error signal is less than the first threshold value, a pulse is generated to control the power converter. Another embodiment includes multiple thresholds that may be compared against the digital error signal.

Abstract: Energy loss due to driving a plurality of power supply units simultaneously in a low-current region is prevented, and a more stable load current is obtained. The generation of a load current in a small-current region from a pilot arc current is handled solely by the power supply unit U1, the remaining (N?1) power supply units U2 through U4 are driven when the small-current region is exceeded, and a current that is the composite of all the currents is fed to the load, whereby a stable plasma arc power supply is obtained in which power consumption in the low-current region is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching controller capable of reducing acoustic noise of a transformer for a power converter. The switching controller includes a switching circuit, a comparison circuit, an activation circuit, and an acoustic-noise eliminating circuit. The acoustic-noise eliminating circuit comprises a first-check circuit, a second-check circuit, a pulse-shrinking circuit, and a limit circuit. The first-check circuit receives a switching-current signal which is correlated to a switching current of the power converter and a PWM signal to generate a trigger signal. The second-check circuit receives the trigger signal to generate a control signal. When the frequency of the trigger signal falls into audio band, the control signal will be enabled to limit the switching current. Therefore, the acoustic noise of the transformer can be eliminated.

Abstract: Existing measurements of an input component (such as voltage or current) in a three phase power supply system are decomposed into a negative sequence component. The negative sequence component, which is significantly higher when a rectifier fuse is blown, is compared to a threshold and a determination made that a rectifier fuse is blown when the negative component exceeds the threshold. In an aspect, an adaptive algorithm is used to make the detection work better in the range of the nominal frequency of the input voltage. In an aspect, the negative sequence is determined indirectly from the existing measurements.

Abstract: A controller is adapted for controlling a switch of a resonant direct current/direct current converter, and includes: a pulse width modulation controlling unit for detecting an output voltage of the resonant direct current/direct current converter, and for generating a pulse width modulation signal according to the output voltage detected thereby; a fixed frequency signal generating unit for generating a fixed frequency signal; and a logic synthesizing unit for synthesizing the pulse width modulation signal and the fixed frequency signal so as to generate a driving signal that is adapted to drive the switch of the resonant direct current/direct current converter.

Abstract: A power converter control system for electric powertrains is disclosed. The power converter control system may include at least one power producing device and at least one power consuming device. The power converter control system may further include at least one power electronics module configured to convert and condition a flow of electrical current between the at least one power producing device and the at least one power consuming device. The at least one power electronics module may further be configured to serialize a flow of a first set of signals between the at least one power electronics module and at least one controller. The first set of signals may correspond to at least one characteristic of the at least one power electronics module.

Abstract: A two-step charger includes an AC/DC power supply, a transformer, a compensator, a controller, a comparator and an isolating controller. The comparator detects whether a battery is connected to the transformer. If so, a command voltage of the charger is set at a high level. Since the battery voltage is lower than the command voltage, the controller orders the compensator to send out a compensating current. The current entering the primary side of the transformer is increased to promote the output current from the secondary side of the transformer. Once the comparator detects that the battery reaches as high as the charger, the command voltage is adjusted to a low level. The controller orders the compensator to stop outputting the compensating current. Therefore, a larger current can speed up battery charging. Once the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage is lowered to avoid high temperature.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a voltage output of a programmable power converter based on programming voltage data received from one of a variety of alternate sources. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is adapted to monitor a digital data serial interface, a digital data parallel interface, and an analog data interface to determine whether programming voltage data has been received. If programming voltage data has been received, the data is used to determine an output voltage for the programmable power converter. If more than one set of programming voltage data has been received, a determination is made as to which set of data takes priority. The selected set of data is then used to determine an output voltage for the programmable power converter.

Abstract: Each of power supply units in a power supply system according to the present invention includes a power supply module, a voltage increase/decrease circuit for increasing the voltage across the power supply module and outputting the increased voltage to a load, and a control circuit. The control circuit calculates the power of the power supply module on the basis of the voltage across the power supply module and current flowing in the power supply module, outputs the power calculation result to a control circuit of another power supply unit, and generates and outputs a control signal to the voltage increase/decrease circuit on the basis of a target output voltage of the voltage increase/decrease circuit, the power calculation result, and a power calculation result obtained from a control circuit of a third power supply unit.

Abstract: A power converter control system and method is provided to maximize the power output of the converter where an overload condition is present. A controller calculates a command voltage and command power factor. The command voltage and command power factor are used to generate a switching vector. Where the voltage associated with a switching vector exceeds an output voltage limit of the converter, a power factor adjustment is generated.

Abstract: A converter circuit is provided herein. In the converter, a voltage converting unit receives an input voltage and outputs an output voltage according to the magnitude of the input voltage by switching operation based on a control clock signal. A comparing circuit generates a power good pulse signal by comparing the output voltage with a reference voltage. A pulse width frequency modulation circuit receives the power good pulse signal and a source clock signal to provide the control clock signal. The pulse width of the source clock signal is varied gradually and the frequency of the source clock signal is also changed during a period that the power good pulse signal remains in the first logic state, and the pulse width frequency modulated source clock signal is output as the control clock signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises a conversion module comprising an input capacitor, and a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP. The apparatus additionally comprises a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP.

Abstract: A control circuit and associated method for dynamically controlling power to one or more heating elements are provided. A power source supplies power to a load through one or more current pass elements, which is controlled by a control signal. A processor determines a time period (T) having a time cycle beginning at Ton and a Time cycle end at Toff, where the Time cycle end is less than the time period (T), variable, and generates the control signal or signals each time period (T), thereby electrically connecting the power source to the load and the current sensing element each time period (T) to dispense precisely predetermined quantities of energy per pulse.

Abstract: A method for detecting a performance degradation of a fan in a power converter is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a speed of the fan and detecting the performance degradation of the fan based, at least in part, on the monitored speed. The method further includes generating a warning signal after detecting the performance degradation of the fan. According to another aspect, a power converter includes a fan and a processor operably coupled to the fan for monitoring a speed of the fan. The processor is configured for detecting a performance degradation of the fan based, at least in part, on the monitored fan speed. The processor generates a warning signal after detecting the performance degradation of the fan.

Abstract: A DC/DC power converter includes an electrically configurable transformer/inductor. The electrically configurable transformer/inductor receives a power plug. The power plug, depending on its configuration, configures the operation of the transformer/inductor and therefore the DC/DC power converter. The power plug may permit access to power received from the power converter. The power plug may also pass power to the power converter from a remote electrical source.

Abstract: A chopper type DC-DC converter includes a voltage converting circuit, a comparative wave generating circuit, a comparator group, and a switch control circuit. The voltage converting circuit converts a first voltage into a second voltage. The comparative wave generating circuit generates first and second comparative waves such that the voltage range of the first comparative wave is different from the voltage range of the second comparative wave. The comparator group generates a first comparison result signal indicating a result of comparison between the first comparative wave and an error signal indicating an error between the second voltage and target voltage and a second comparison result signal indicating a result of comparison between the second comparative wave and the error signal. The switch control circuit controls the voltage converting circuit based on the first and second comparison signals. The comparative wave generating circuit includes first and second comparative wave generating circuits.

Abstract: A controller for a power processing circuit and a related method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes a multiplier configured to produce a product of an input current and an input voltage of the power processing circuit. The controller also includes a low-pass filter configured to produce an input power estimate of an input power to the power processing circuit as a function of the product of the input current and the input voltage. In another embodiment, the controller is a power-factor controller and includes a voltage loop compensator configured to produce a voltage compensation signal as a function of an output voltage of the power processing circuit. The controller also includes an input power estimator configured to produce an input power estimate of an input power to the power processing circuit as a function of the voltage compensation signal.

Abstract: A boost converter for high power and high output voltage applications includes a low voltage controller integrated circuit and a high voltage, vertical, discrete field effect transistor, both of which are packed in a single package.

Abstract: The present invention reduces switching noise generated in a switching control device having a switching element such as a switching power supply in linear linkage with the state of a load of the output and without increasing the control circuit scale which is a factor of cost increase. The present invention adopts a configuration of a control circuit having an ON/OFF circuit that controls the switching element such that one or both of two specified values (upper limit and lower limit) that specify triangular waves of a triangular wave generation circuit that specifies a drive oscillating frequency of the switching element is/are changed in linear linkage with the output load state.

Abstract: A voltage conversion device capable of enhancing conversion efficiency includes a charge pump for generating output voltage linear to input voltage according to the input voltage, a feedback unit for generating a feedback signal according to the output voltage generated by the charge pump, and a regulating unit for outputting and adjusting the input voltage according to the feedback signal provided by the feedback unit, so as to keep the output voltage unchanged.

Abstract: The switching frequency of an LLC converter is controlled by a control unit to which a feedback circuit provides a first current dependent upon the output voltage of the converter. An oscillator circuit produces a sawtooth waveform at a frequency dependent upon the first current, up to a limit equal to a second current set by a resistor. Two complementary switch control signals are produced for controlling two switches of the converter for conduction in alternate cycles of the sawtooth waveform. A timer produces dead times between the two complementary switch control signals in dependence upon the second current. Another resistor provides a current constituting a minimum value of the first current, and a charging current of a capacitor in series with a resistor modifies the first current for soft starting of the converter.

Abstract: An arrangement having a first converting element configured to convert an input current linearly into an auxiliary current, a second converting element configured to convert the auxiliary current into an output voltage, and a separating element configured to separate slow changes of the auxiliary current from fast changes of the auxiliary current, wherein the first, second, and separating elements are arranged as a dynamic control loop regulating the input current with the slow changes.

Abstract: The SOC of a battery is calculated based on the voltage Vb and current Ib of a battery, and a battery electromotive voltage Vbo is calculated based on the SOC of the battery. Based on the battery electromotive voltage Vbo and the voltage Vc of a capacitor connected on the output side of the DC/DC converter, a duty ratio D(=Vbo/2Vc) achieving the maximum battery power is set as the lower limit value DL of the optimum duty range DR, so that the lower limit value DL is varied according to the SOC of the battery. The duty ratio D is limited so as to fall within the optimum duty range DR, and the DC/DC converter is controlled to be driven using the limited duty ratio D.

Abstract: A LED-based lamp apparatus includes a LED unit having multiple LEDs connected in series, a step-up circuit for stepping up a power supply voltage by a switching action of a switching element to supply an electric current to the LED unit, a sensing element for measuring a value of the current, and a controlling element connected in series with the LED unit to control the current based on the measured current value. When some of the LEDs of the LED unit are broken and short-circuited due to, for example, long-term use, the current increases instantaneously and an overcurrent condition occurs. In this case, the controlling element limits the current immediately to correct the overcurrent condition. Thus, the controlling element prevents the overcurrent condition from causing a secondary failure to normal LEDs of the LED unit.

Abstract: A control method of a power converter for modulating a power signal outputted from a power converter to a load according to a feedback signal of the load includes the steps of: receiving a reference signal to determine outputting a modulation signal; receiving the modulation signal to determine outputting an electric conduction signal based on the working condition of a transformer unit in the power converter; receiving the electric conduction signal to determine outputting an oscillation signal of the transformer unit; modulating the duty cycle and frequency of the modulation signal simultaneously according to a feedback signal, if said feedback signal is inputted; receiving the modulation signal to change a power operating time interval for outputting the electric conduction signal; and receiving the electric conduction signal after the power operating time interval is changed to determine outputting the oscillation signal of the transformer unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power converter system includes a power device coupled between a first node and second node. The power device is operable to be turned on and off by a control signal. Current flows through the power device when the power device is turned on for delivering power to a load. A sensing circuit is coupled in parallel to the power device between the first node and the second node. The sensing circuit is operable to develop a signal indicative of the current flowing through the power device and is further operable to be turned on and off by the same control signal as for the power device. The sensing circuit turns on when the power device turns on and turns off when the power device turns off.

Abstract: A DC/AC adapter assembly has a DC/AC adapter and a cable. The cable transmits a power-overloading signal to the DC/AC adapter indicating whether power-overloading is occurring in the cable. The DC/AC adapter includes a controller circuit for controlling and adjusting an output alternating current of the DC/AC adapter based on the power-overloading signal to reduce power-overloading occurring in the cable.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for controlling a converter are disclosed. A first switch within the converter can be turned off, and a second switch within the converter alternately can be turned on and off in response to a switch control signal while the first switch is turned off. By turning the second switch alternately on and off, energy stored in the converter can be recovered to a power source of the converter.

Abstract: A power converter and power conversion method wherein operation of a switching element is controlled by the frequency of a carrier wave where the frequency is varied such that the same frequency of the carrier wave is not repeated during a single modulation period.

Abstract: A power supply includes a feedback loop allowing user control of bandwidth and output impedance. The feedback may combine both voltage feedback and current feedback. Control of power supply bandwidth and impedance allows legacy power supply emulation in automated test systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonlinear adaptive voltage positioning DC-DC converter method and apparatus that enable improved voltage transient response under changing current conditions for a load with known current draw characteristics. The invention in some embodiments provides that the nonlinear adaptive voltage positioning be adaptable or configurable to a specific, known current load range that comprises less than the full current range that may be provided by the DC-DC converter, to optimize voltage transient response for a particular known load.

Abstract: This invention relates to switch mode power supply (SMPS) controllers employing primary side sensing. We describe an (SMPS) controller which uses an area correlator to compare an area under a feedback signal waveform between a start point defined by said first timing signal and an end point defined by said second timing signal with a reference area. An output of the area correlator provides an error signal for regulating the SMPS output.

Abstract: A loop powered process instrument comprises a control circuit measuring a process variable and developing a control signal representing the process variable. An output circuit for connection to a two-wire process loop controls current on the loop in accordance with the control signal. A power supply circuit is connected to the output circuit and the control circuit for receiving power from the two-wire process loop and supplying power to the control circuit. The power supply comprises cascaded charge pump circuits.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved control method and apparatus allowing units arranged at different spaced apart locations to be controlled without the need for a high bandwidth link between the units and the controller. This allows a single controller to control a number of remotely located units.

Abstract: By using a target voltage Vc* of a capacitor connected to the output side of a DC/DC converter and a voltage Vb of a battery connected to the input side of the DC/DC converter, a duty ratio D as a drive instruction of the DC/DC converter is calculated. By using the voltage Vb, the electromotive force Vbo of the battery, and the charge/discharge current Ib of the battery, an internal resistance Rb is calculated. According to the internal resistance Rb and the electromotive force Vbo, the current value when the battery output becomes maximum is set as the upper limit value of the optimal current range IR, the DC/DC converter is driven/controlled by limiting the duty ratio D so that the current Ib is within the range of the optimal current range IR. Thus, it is possible to appropriately convert the battery input voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are implemented in software to control motor speed as a function of available power in a DC source-inverter-AC motor system, i.e. to perform maximum power tracking of motor speed. An inverter or motor drive converts DC power from a DC source, such as a solar panel, to AC power, to power the motor. The inverter or motor drive is controlled by software, implemented either by programmable features built directly into the inverter or drive or by a separate programmable device connected to the inverter or drive, to track motor power as a function of source power. The software-controlled inverter or drive sets motor speed as a function of source power by sensing only a single parameter, the DC source voltage. The software-controlled inverter or drive samples the source voltage at preset intervals, and changes the frequency of the AC output of the inverter or drive to match or track the available power so that the motor operates at or near its optimum for any source voltage.

Abstract: A contactless power transmitting device is provided including a power transmitting device functioning as a charger, a power transmitting-receiving sharing device functioning as a charger and including a secondary battery, and a power receiving device including a secondary battery. The power transmitting-receiving sharing device is used as a power supply for portable computers. The power receiving device is used as a power supply for cellular phones. The power transmitting device forms a contactless power transmitting device respectively by electromagnetically coupling to either the power transmitting-receiving sharing device or the power receiving device to charge the secondary battery or the secondary battery. The power transmitting-receiving sharing device forms the contactless power transmitting device by electromagnetically coupling to the power receiving device. In this case, the power transmitting-receiving sharing device charges the secondary battery included in the power receiving device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a voltage output of a programmable power converter based on programming voltage data received from one of a variety of alternate sources. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is adapted to monitor a digital data serial interface, a digital data parallel interface, and an analog data interface to determine whether programming voltage data has been received. If programming voltage data has been received, the data is used to determine an output voltage for the programmable power converter. If more than one set of programming voltage data has been received, a determination is made as to which set of data takes priority. The selected set of data is then used to determine an output voltage for the programmable power converter.