Abstract:
A sealed proton-exchange membrane fuel cell unit of this invention comprises an MEA component, a sealing unit, and current collectors for the positive and negative electrodes. The current collectors press the MEA components from each side. The MEA components comprise a proton-exchange membrane, a sealing unit, and the positive and negative electrodes attached to each side of the membrane. A sealing unit cover the edges of the proton-exchange membrane. First positioning units are located on each side of said sealing unit facing the respective current collectors of the negative and positive electrodes. At the corresponding locations on the current collectors of the negative and positive electrodes there are second positioning units. The first and second positioning units correspondingly match each other. First positioning units can be convex in shape on the surface of the sealing units. The second positioning units can be sealing grooves formed by cutting on the surface of the current collectors facing the MEA component. By matching the locations of the first and second positioning units, the negative and positive current collectors are not likely to slide against each other. Thus the cell is more tightly sealed, achieving better air-tightness.
Abstract:
An asymmetrical half-bridge power converter and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the asymmetrical half-bridge power converter includes: (1) first and second power switches configured to be controlled by complementary drive signals having nominal first and second duty cycles of D and 1-D, respectively and (2) first and second capacitors, having intrinsic capacitance values proportional to 1-D and D, respectively, and intrinsic equivalent series resistance (ESR) values proportional to D and 1-D, respectively, configured to reduce input ripple current associated with the asymmetrical half-bridge power converter.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a protection circuit for, and method of, sensing a transient condition and limiting a current, and a power supply having a filter incorporating the protection circuit or method. In one embodiment, the protection circuit includes: (1) a current-limiting component coupled between the filter and a return node, (2) a bypass switch coupled across the current-limiting component, (3) a load-current return switch series-coupled between an output of the power supply and the return node and (4) a control circuit that senses a transient condition in the power supply and controls at least one of the bypass switch and the load-current return switch.
Abstract:
For use with a DC power supply having first and second output rectifying circuits couplable in alternative configurations to provide dual voltages at an output of the DC power supply, an adaptive voltage controller and a method of adaptively controlling the output voltage. In one embodiment, the adaptive voltage controller includes: (1) a configuration determination circuit, coupled to the output, that generates a configuration signal that is a function of a configuration of the first and second output rectifying circuits, (2) a voltage feedback circuit, coupled to the configuration determination circuit, that develops a voltage feedback signal based on the configuration signal and (3) a voltage control circuit, coupled to the voltage feedback circuit, that receives the voltage feedback signal and controls an output voltage of the DC power supply as a function thereof.
Abstract:
An asymmetrical half-bridge converter, a method of operating the same and a power supply that incorporates either the converter or the method. In one embodiment, the converter includes: (1) a power transformer that receives asymmetrical AC input power into a primary winding thereof via an input capacitor, the asymmetrical AC input power inducing a DC bias current in a secondary winding of the power transformer and (2) first and second serially-coupled output inductors coupled across the secondary winding and having parasitic resistances associated therewith that are independently selectable to attenuate the DC bias circuit in the secondary winding.
Abstract:
A DC-DC ZVS PWM converter circuit which utilizes the leakage inductance of an output transformer and a three-step operation cycle so as to reduce the voltage stress on the converter power switching transistors and to reduce the EMI noise emissions of the circuit.
Abstract:
A controller for supplying a switching signal to a switched mode power supply, includes a sinusoidal-like wave generator, and circuitry for selectively shifting a dc level in the sinusoidal-like wave whereby a duty cycle of the sinusoidal-like wave at a predetermined threshold level, corresponding to a turn-on level of a power switch in the switched mode power supply, is effectively controlled.
Abstract:
A converter for supplying various output voltages for a television receiver includes a multi-resonant circuit, including a resonant inductor, the leakage inductance of a flyback transformer, and a charging capacitor (including the parasitic capacitance of a switching transistor). This arrangement relaxes the slope of the voltages in the converter resulting in reduced radiated EMI. In addition, the values of the inductor and the capacitor are adjusted so that the switching transistor turns on at zero voltage and zero current so that the switching transistor is less stressed and the converter is capable of high frequency operation. Finally, the switching signals applied to the switching transistor are subjected to a filter-delay to lessen the slope of the signals thereby also resulting in a reduction in the EMI radiated from the driving circuit.
Abstract:
A forward converter for supplying various output voltages for a television receiver includes a multi-resonant circuit, including a resonant inductor, a charging capacitor, and the output capacitors across each secondary winding of an output transformer. This arrangement relaxes the slopes of the voltages in the converter resulting in reduced radiated EMI. In addition, the values of the inductor and the capacitors are adjusted so that a switching transistor in the forward converter turns on at zero voltage and zero current so that the switching transistor is less stressed and the converter is capable of high frequency operation. The secondary providing high voltage includes the series arrangement of two oppositely conducting diode branches, each branch including the series arrangement of a high voltage diode and a Schottky diode. Finally, the switching signals applied to the switching transistor are subjected to a filter-delay to lessen the slope of the signals thereby also resulting in a reduction in the EMI radiated from the driving circuit.
Abstract:
A braking mechanism of a wheeled device is provided, including: a main body, configured to be connected to the wheeled device including at least one wheel; an adjusting member, disposed on the main body and including a rod and a first abutting member adjustably positioned on the rod; a braking member, movably disposed on the main body; and an elastic member, abutted between the first abutting member and the braking member so that the braking member is biased by the force of the elastic member toward the at least one wheel to frictionally contact the at least one wheel.