Reversed-operation power converter startup circuit and method
US10958159B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M1/0006
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Circuits and methods for providing at least a startup voltage for reversed-operation unidirectional power converters or bi-modal power converters sufficient to power at least an auxiliary circuit of such power converters while the normal supply voltage to at least the auxiliary circuit is insufficient to enable operation of the auxiliary circuit. Embodiments of the invention utilize an initial startup charge pump circuit to create a suitable startup voltage while the normal supply voltage to the auxiliary circuit is less than a specified voltage VMIN. Embodiments of the present invention also provide additional benefits, including small size since the initial startup charge pump circuit omits the use of an inductor, and high efficiency since the initial startup charge pump circuit may be disabled when the normal supply voltage to the auxiliary circuit is equal to or greater than VMIN.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.