Abstract:
A method for theft detection in a system for generation of electrical power, the system including a DC power line. An alternating current (AC) is applied to the DC power line from an alternating current (AC) source and an impedance component of the system is sensed. The impedance is responsive to the applied alternating current (AC). An impedance datum proportional to the impedance is stored with the impedance datum transmitted to a receiver. Electrical charge may be stored to power the sensing when the system is not generating electrical power. The sensing includes measuring voltage and current of the alternating current (AC) source. A potential theft of a component of the system is alerted which is responsive to a change in the impedance greater than a previously determined threshold or upon not receiving an expected transmission of the impedance datum.
Abstract:
A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to periodically switch the switches. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.
Abstract:
A method and system for fast wakeup of a high-Q oscillator that includes a resonating element, preferably a crystal resonator, and an amplifier. The method comprises connecting the resonating element to a fast wakeup, low-Q oscillator, inputting a plurality of pulses generator by the low-Q oscillator into the resonating element, and simutaneously disconnecting the resonating element from the low-Q oscillator while connecting the resonating element to the amplifier, thereby obtaining substantially uniform steady state oscillations in the high-Q oscillator. The system includes in addition to high-Q and low-Q oscillator elements a mechanism for counting the pulses and for performing the simultaneous disconnection and connection mentioned above.
Abstract:
A device having a switch with a voltage applied across the switch. A current sensing circuit is connected to one terminal of the switch. The current sensing circuit receives power independently of the voltage applied across the switch. The power supply shares the other terminal of the switch with the current sensing circuit. The switch is adapted for opening and closing. When the switch closes, the current sensing circuit senses current through the switch and upon opening the switch the high voltage of the switch is blocked from the current sensing circuit. The sense current is caused to flow from the current sensing circuit to the other terminal when the switch is closed. The flow of the sense current produces a voltage which is compared differentially to another voltage referenced by the other terminal
Abstract:
An interwoven spreading code is formed by a stretched spreading code series at a first frequency and a mirror of the stretched spreading code series at a second frequency. The interwoven spreading code can be used to spread a baseband signal. Data can be recovered through correlation of a received signal with the interwoven spreading code. The spreading code used in forming the interwoven spreading code can be a Barker code.
Abstract:
A method for making a conductive pattern (104) with distributed printed circuit (DPC) properties on a substrate (102) and dielectrically loading it by applying a high dielectric constant low loss layer (106) that substantially encapsulates the conductive pattern (104), the conductive pattern is a small antenna (100) formed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and covered by a high dielectric constant (104), low loss plate pressed against the antenna and glued to the PCB.
Abstract:
A method for providing a low cost, high performance distributed printed circuit comprises the steps of forming a conductive pattern with distributed circuit properties on a substrate and dielectrically loading it by applying a high dielectric constant, low loss layer that substantially encapsulates the conductive pattern, thereby providing a smaller effective wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the pattern is a small antenna formed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and covered by a high dielectric constant, low loss plate pressed against the antenna and glued to the PCB.
Abstract:
A method for testing a photovoltaic panel ( 10 ) connected to an electronic module ( 12 ). The electronic module ( 12 ) includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass, by switch 50, to the electronic module ( 12 ). The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module ( 12 ). A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.
Abstract:
A junction box used for making electrical connections to a photovoltaic panel. The junction box has two chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber and a wall common to and separating both chambers. The wall may be adapted to have an electrical connection therethrough. The two lids are adapted to seal respectively the two chambers. The two lids are on opposite sides of the junction box relative to the photovoltaic panel. The two lids may be attachable using different sealing processes to a different level of hermeticity. The first chamber may be adapted to receive a circuit board. The junction box may include supports for mounting a printed circuit board in the first chamber. The second chamber is configured for electrical connection to the photovoltaic panel. A metal heat sink may be bonded inside the first chamber. The first chamber is adapted to receive a circuit board for electrical power conversion, and the metal heat sink is adapted to dissipate heat generated by the circuit board.
Abstract:
A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.