Capacitor start-up apparatus and method with fail-safe short circuit protection
US7880449B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/345
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Electronic circuits couple energy storage devices, such as double layer capacitors or rechargeable battery cells, to a power supply output, thereby improving noise suppression and extending ride-through capability of the power supply. In a typical circuit, an energy storage device is coupled in series with a switch that controls the charging current into the energy storage device. The switch is controlled by a comparator that receives a signal related to the voltage level of the power supply. In some embodiments, the comparator also receives a feedback signal related to a charging current flowing into the energy storage device. The circuit is configured so that the switch limits the charging current to a predetermined current level, or does not allow the charging current to flow until the output voltage of the power supply reaches a predetermined voltage level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.