US010263526B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 10,263,526 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sandusky et al.
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
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`(72)
`
`ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR ISOLATED
`VOLTAGE CONVERSION
`
`Applicant: Smart Prong Technologies, Inc.,
`Irvine, CA (US)
`
`Inventors: Randall L. Sandusky, Divide, CO
`(US); Neal E. Farooqi, Colorado
`Springs, CO (US); Kenson Tamotsu
`Harada, Laguna Niguel, CA (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Smart Prong Technologies, Inc.,
`Irvine, CA (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 15/667,316
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 2, 2017
`
`(65)
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`(60)
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`(51)
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`(52)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2018/0041128 A1
`
`Feb. 8, 2018
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 62/370,168, filed on Aug.
`2, 2016.
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`H02M 3/335
`H02M 3/24
`H02M 1/00
`H02] 3/38
`H02M 3/07
`H02M 7/44
`H02M 7/48
`H02M 3/28
`US. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2007.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`CPC ............... H02M 3/24 (2013.01); H02] 3/385
`(2013.01); H02M 1/00 (2013.01); H02M 3/07
`(2013.01); H02M 7/44 (2013.01); H02M 7/48
`
`300
`
`(2013.01); H02M 3/285 (2013.01); H02M
`2001/007 (2013.01); H02M 2001/0009
`(2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ............. H02M 3/33523; H02M 3/285; H02M
`2001/007; H02M 3/33561; H02M
`3/33553
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8,854,019 B1
`8,860,396 B2
`2006/0017388 A1*
`
`2008/0157733 A1
`
`10/2014 Levesque et 31.
`10/2014 Giuliano
`l/2006 Stevenson ............. H01] 37/321
`315/lll.51
`
`7/2008 Williams
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Harry R Behm
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Maschofi Brennan
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system includes a boost circuit, a capacitive circuit, and a
`converter circuit. The boost circuit receives a DC signal at
`a first DC voltage and generates an intermediate AC signal
`at a first AC voltage based on the DC signal. The capacitive
`circuit receives the intermediate AC signal at the first AC
`voltage and generates an isolated AC signal at the first AC
`voltage based on the intermediate AC signal at the first AC
`voltage. The converter circuit receives the isolated AC signal
`at the first AC voltage; generates a first isolated DC signal
`at a second DC voltage based on the isolated AC signal at the
`first AC voltage; and generates a second isolated DC signal
`at a third DC voltage based on the first isolated DC signal at
`the second DC voltage. The third DC voltage may be less
`than the second DC voltage.
`
`17 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`Page 1 of 14
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`VOLTSERVER EXHIBIT 1026
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`Page 1 of 14
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`VOLTSERVER EXHIBIT 1026
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`US 10,263,526 B2
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`(56)
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`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2011/0157929 A1 *
`
`6/2011 Sun ......................... H02M 5/00
`363/37
`
`2012/0087159 A1
`2012/0113702 A1 *
`
`2015/0070949 A1 *
`
`4/2012 Chapman et al.
`5/2012 Rigbers ................. H02M 3/335
`363/132
`3/2015 Mukhopadhyay ...... H02] 50/05
`363/48
`2015/0280455 A1* 10/2015 Bosshard ................ H02] 5/005
`307/104
`2/2017 Tseng ................ H02M 3/33507
`
`2017/0033694 A1 *
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 2 of 14
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 2019
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`US 10,263,526 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 2019
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 2019
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`Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 10,263,526 B2
`
`1
`ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR ISOLATED
`VOLTAGE CONVERSION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This patent application claims benefit of and priority to
`US. Provisional App. No. 62/370,168 filed Aug. 2, 2016,
`which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
`
`FIELD
`
`The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure are
`related to isolated voltage conversion within an electronic
`device.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`The use of electronic devices is a useful tool for work,
`personal, and entertainment uses. Despite the proliferation
`of electronic devices, there still remains various limitations
`for delivering power to electronic devices.
`The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not
`limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that
`operate only in environments such as those described above.
`Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one
`example
`technology area where
`some
`embodiments
`described in the present disclosure may be practiced.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
`include a system for isolated voltage conversion. The system
`may include a boost circuit, a capacitive circuit, and a
`converter circuit. The boost circuit may receive a direct
`current (DC) signal at a first DC voltage. The boost circuit
`may also generate an intermediate alternating current (AC)
`signal at a first AC voltage based on the DC signal at the first
`DC voltage. The capacitive circuit may be electrically
`coupled to the boost circuit and may receive the intermediate
`AC signal at the first AC voltage. The capacitive circuit may
`also generate an isolated AC signal at the first AC voltage
`based on the intermediate AC signal at the first AC voltage.
`The converter circuit may be electrically coupled to the
`capacitive circuit and may receive the isolated AC signal at
`the first AC voltage. The converter circuit may also generate
`a first isolated DC signal at a second DC voltage based on
`the isolated AC signal at the first AC voltage. The converter
`circuit may additionally generate a second isolated DC
`signal at a third DC voltage based on the first isolated DC
`signal at the second DC voltage. The third DC voltage may
`be less than the second DC voltage.
`One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
`include a method of isolated voltage conversion. The
`method may include receiving a DC signal at a first DC
`voltage. The method may also include generating an inter-
`mediate AC signal at a first AC voltage based on the DC
`signal at the first DC voltage. The method may additionally
`include generating an isolated AC signal at the first AC
`voltage. The method may include generating a first isolated
`DC signal at a second DC voltage based on the isolated AC
`signal at the first AC voltage. The method may also include
`generating a second isolated DC signal at a third DC voltage
`based on the first isolated DC signal at the second DC
`voltage. The third DC voltage may be less than the second
`DC voltage.
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`One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
`include a system for isolated voltage conversion. The system
`may include a boost circuit, a capacitive circuit, a converter
`circuit, and a current determination circuit. The boost circuit
`may receive a DC signal at a first DC voltage. The boost
`circuit may also generate an intermediate AC signal at a first
`AC voltage based on the DC signal at the first DC voltage.
`The capacitive circuit may be electrically coupled to the
`boost circuit and may receive the intermediate AC signal at
`the first AC voltage. The capacitive circuit may also generate
`an isolated AC signal at the first AC voltage based on the
`intermediate AC signal at the first AC voltage. The converter
`circuit may be electrically coupled to the capacitive circuit
`and may include an AC/DC converter and a voltage con-
`version circuit. The AC/DC converter may be electrically
`coupled to the capacitive circuit and may receive the isolated
`AC signal at the first AC voltage. The AC/DC converter may
`also generate a first isolated DC signal at a second DC
`voltage based on the isolated AC signal at the first AC
`voltage. The voltage conversion circuit may be electrically
`coupled to the AC/DC converter and may receive the first
`isolated DC signal at the second DC voltage. The AC/DC
`converter may also generate a second isolated DC signal at
`a third DC voltage based on the first isolated DC signal at the
`second DC voltage. The third DC voltage may be less than
`the second DC voltage. The current determination circuit
`may be electrically coupled to the converter circuit and may
`receive the second isolated DC signal at
`the third DC
`voltage. The current determination circuit may also generate
`a third isolated DC signal at a fourth DC voltage based on
`the second isolated DC signal. The current determination
`circuit may additionally determine a current of the third
`isolated DC signal. The current determination circuit may
`generate an isolated control signal based on the determined
`current of the second isolated DC signal.
`The object and advantages of the embodiments will be
`realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and
`combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the inven-
`tion, as claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Example embodiments will be described and explained
`with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates an example system of electrical com-
`ponents implementing isolated voltage conversion;
`FIG. 2 illustrates another example system of electrical
`components implementing isolated voltage conversion; and
`FIG. 3 illustrates an additional example system of elec-
`trical components implementing isolated voltage conver-
`sron.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
`improvements to isolating voltage conversion within an
`electronic device. For example, a voltage conversion circuit
`may receive an alternating current (AC) electrical signal at
`an AC voltage from an AC source and may convert the AC
`electrical signal so as to output a direct current
`(DC)
`electrical signal at a DC voltage. The voltage conversion
`circuit may include multiple stages that perform inversion
`and/or conversion of the electrical signal so as to convert the
`
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`US 10,263,526 B2
`
`3
`AC electrical signal to the DC electrical signal in a more
`efficient manner. For example, a stage of the voltage con-
`version circuit may include a rectifier which may convert the
`AC electrical signal to an intermediate DC electrical signal.
`As another example, another stage of the voltage conversion
`circuit may include a DC/AC converter which may invert
`the intermediate DC electrical signal to an intermediate AC
`electrical signal. In some embodiments, a voltage of the
`intermediate AC electrical signal may be between the volt-
`age of the AC electrical signal and substantially two thou-
`sand volts.
`
`In some embodiments, the voltage conversion circuit may
`include an isolation circuit that may receive the intermediate
`AC electrical signal and may generate an isolated AC
`electrical signal that is isolated from the AC source and the
`DC/AC converter. In these and other embodiments,
`the
`isolation circuit may isolate downstream components from
`the AC source and the DC/AC converter through implemen-
`tation of capacitors and/or inductors electrically coupled
`inline between the upstream and downstream components.
`In some embodiments, an AC/DC converter may be
`isolated from the AC source and the DC/AC converter and
`
`may receive the isolated AC electrical signal. Additionally
`or alternatively,
`the AC/DC converter may generate an
`isolated DC signal based on the isolated AC electrical signal.
`In some embodiments, a voltage converter circuit may be
`isolated from the AC source and the DC/AC converter and
`
`may receive the isolated DC electrical signal. In these and
`other embodiments, the voltage converter circuit may con-
`vert the isolated DC electrical signal to an intermediate
`isolated DC electrical signal.
`In some embodiments, a current sensor/regulator circuit
`may be isolated from the AC source and the DC/AC con-
`verter and may receive the intermediate isolated DC elec-
`trical signal. In these and other embodiments, the current
`sensor/regulator circuit may convert the intermediate iso-
`lated DC electrical signal to an output isolated DC electrical
`signal. Additionally or alternatively,
`the current sensor/
`regulator circuit may determine a current of the output
`isolated DC electrical signal and may transmit the current of
`the output isolated DC electrical signal to control circuits.
`In some embodiments, the control circuits may include an
`isolated control circuit and a non-isolated control circuit.
`
`The control circuits may generate a non-isolated control
`signal and may provide the non-isolated control signal to the
`DC/AC converter. In these and other embodiments, a duty
`cycle of components within the DC/AC converter may be
`adjusted based on the non-isolated control signal. Addition-
`ally or alternatively, the DC/AC converter may modify the
`voltage of the intermediate AC electrical signal based on the
`adjusted duty cycle of the internal components of the
`DC/AC converter.
`
`In some embodiments, modifying the voltage of the
`intermediate AC electrical signal may cause the voltage of
`the output isolated DC electrical signal to change. Addition-
`ally, the DC/AC converter may perform frequency modula-
`tion of the intermediate AC electrical signal based on the
`non-isolated control signal. For example, the frequency of
`the intermediate AC electrical signal may be modified to be
`equal to or greater than 500 HZ. In these and other embodi-
`ments, adjusting the voltage of the intermediate AC electri-
`cal signal may cause VOUT to be adjusted accordingly.
`Likewise, adjusting the frequency of the intermediate AC
`electrical signal may modify a current of intermediate AC
`electrical signal. For example,
`if the frequency of the
`intermediate AC electrical signal increases the current of the
`intermediate AC electrical signal may also increase.
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`In some embodiment, implementing isolation of voltage
`conversion through the use of capacitors and/or inductors
`may eliminate the need for large components. Additionally,
`a step down/isolation transformer may no longer be neces-
`sary, which may also reduce the circuit footprint of the
`system.
`Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with
`reference to the accompanying drawings.
`FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 of electrical
`components isolating voltage conversion,
`in accordance
`with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
`The system 100 may include an alternating current (AC)
`source 102, a voltage inverter 104, and a connector 110.
`In some embodiments, the system 100 may implement a
`voltage conversion circuit configured to receive an AC
`electrical signal at voltage VACIN from the AC source 102
`and may invert and output a direct current (DC) electrical
`signal at voltage VOUT to an electronic device electrically
`coupled to the connector 110.
`In some embodiments, the AC electrical signal from the
`AC source 102 may include an AC electrical signal from AC
`mains such as a power grid. In these and other embodiments,
`VACIN may include a voltage between ninety volts AC
`(VAC) and two hundred sixty four VAC. Additionally or
`alternatively, VACIN may include a voltage greater than two
`hundred sixty four VAC or less than ninety VAC. In some
`embodiments, the AC source 102 may be grounded to an
`earth ground.
`the voltage inverter 104 may
`In some embodiments,
`include an AC/DC converter 106, a DC/DC converter 108,
`and an isolation barrier 114. In these and other embodi-
`
`the AC/DC converter 106 may be electrically
`ments,
`coupled to the AC source 102 may receive the AC electrical
`signal at VACIN. In these and other embodiments, the AC/DC
`converter 106 may convert the AC electrical signal to an
`intermediate DC signal at szvn based on VACIN of the AC
`electrical signal. Additionally or alternatively, the AC/DC
`converter 106 may provide a voltage boost at a particular
`rate (for example, a voltage boost of 1x, 1.4x, 2>< etc.). For
`example, ifthe voltage boost is 1.4>< and VACINis eighty five
`VAC then VINTl may be one hundred nineteen volts DC
`(VDC).
`In some embodiments, the DC/DC converter 108 may be
`electrically coupled to the AC/DC converter 106 in series
`and may receive the intermediate DC signal at VIN“. In
`these and other embodiments, the DC/DC converter 108
`may generate an output DC signal at VOUT based on VIN“.
`Additionally or alternatively, the DC/DC converter 108 may
`include internal components that convert the intermediate
`DC electrical signal to an AC electrical signal and/or a
`different DC electrical signal within the DC/DC converter
`108, which are discussed in more detail below. In some
`embodiments, VOUT may be configurable for implementa-
`tion with a variety of electronic devices.
`In some embodiments,
`the isolation barrier 114 may
`represent an isolation plane within the DC/DC converter
`108. In these and other embodiments, the isolation barrier
`114 may correspond with a power isolation circuit and/or a
`communication isolation circuit, which are discussed in
`more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation
`barrier 114 may indicated where electrical isolation begins
`and/or ends within the voltage inverter 104.
`In some embodiments, as a result of the isolation barrier
`114 being created, the electronic device electrically coupled
`to the connector 110 and various components within the
`voltage inverter 104 may be electrically isolated from the
`AC source 102. In these and other embodiments, the elec-
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`US 10,263,526 B2
`
`5
`tronic device and the various components within the voltage
`inverter 104 may be electrically isolated through implemen-
`tation of capacitive circuits, inductor circuits, and/or mul-
`tiple ground planes, which are discussed in more detail
`below. For example, the electronic device and the various
`components within the voltage inverter 104 may be electri-
`cally coupled to an isolated ground plane. Likewise, the AC
`source and other components within the voltage inverter 104
`may be electrically coupled to an earth ground plane.
`In some embodiments,
`the connector 110 may be
`employed to electrically couple the DC/DC converter 108 to
`the electronic device. In these and other embodiments, the
`electronic device may be a device that uses a low power DC
`electrical signal. For example, the electronic device may be
`a smart phone, a computer, a laptop, a television, or any
`other suitable electronic device.
`
`In some embodiments, the DC/DC converter 108 may
`include internal control components which perform internal
`control of the DC/DC converter 108, which are discussed in
`more detail below. In these and other embodiments,
`the
`internal control components may be used to maintain effi-
`cient regulation of the inversion of the AC electrical signal
`at VA cm to the DC electrical signal at VOUT. Additionally or
`alternatively, internal control of the DC/DC converter 108
`may be implemented using a variable pulse driver. In some
`embodiments, internal control of the DC/DC converter 108
`may be implemented using an embedded microcontroller
`and/or a state machine. In these and other embodiments, the
`internal control of the DC/DC converter 108 may be imple-
`mented using analog and/or digital control signals.
`In some embodiments, the DC/DC converter 108 may
`include a memory device to store data related to a history of
`voltage conversion performed by the voltage inverter 104.
`For example,
`the memory device may be used to store
`information indicating a most recent voltage level of the
`intermediate DC electrical signal. Likewise, the memory
`device may store and allow access to country codes that
`indicate what VAC typically is at a local power grid. In these
`and other embodiments, the country code may be selected
`through an inter integrated circuit (12C) protocol interface.
`Additionally or alternatively, the voltage of VOUT may be
`variably selected through the IZC protocol interface. For
`example, the voltage of VOUT may be selected so as to
`provide appropriate power to the electronic device. In some
`embodiments, the voltage ofVOUTmay be between 0.1 VDC
`and fifty VDC.
`In some embodiments, the DC/DC converter 108 may
`include control features such that the system 100 complies
`with safety and hazard standards. For example, the DC/DC
`converter 108 may include control features such that safety
`and hazard standards UL/IEC 60950 and 62368 are com-
`
`plied with.
`Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to
`FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of the present
`disclosure. For example, while illustrated as including a
`single AC source 102, the system 100 may include any
`number of AC sources 102, such as two AC sources 102 or
`five AC sources 102. As another example, while illustrated
`as including a single voltage inverter 104, the system 100
`may include any number of voltage inverters 104, such as
`three voltage inverters 104, four voltage inverters 104, or
`seven voltage inverters 104. As an additional example, while
`the voltage inverter 104 is illustrated as including a single
`AC/DC converter 106 and a single DC/DC converter 108,
`the voltage inverter 104 may include any number of AC/DC
`converters 106 and DC/DC converters 108, such as two
`AC/DC converters 106 and DC/DC converters 108. Addi-
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`tionally, while illustrated as including a single connector
`110, the system 100 may include any number of connectors
`110, such as two connectors 110, three connectors, or ten
`connectors 110.
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates another example system 200 of electri-
`cal components isolating voltage conversion, in accordance
`with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
`The system 200 may include an AC source 102, a passive
`rectifier 216, and a voltage converter 204. The AC source
`102 may be the same or similar to the AC source 102 in the
`system 100 discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1. The AC
`source 102 may provide anAC electrical signal at VACIN and
`may be electrically coupled to earth ground 1126.
`In some embodiments, the passive rectifier 216 may be
`the same or similar to the AC/DC converter 106 discussed in
`
`conjunction with FIG. 1. In these and other embodiments,
`the passive rectifier 216 may be electrically coupled to the
`AC source 102 and may receive the AC electrical signal at
`VACIN from the AC source 102. Additionally or alternatively,
`the passive rectifier 216 may convert the AC electrical signal
`to an intermediate DC electrical signal at VIN based on
`VACIN. Likewise, the passive rectifier 216 may be electri-
`cally coupled to earth ground 11211.
`In some embodiments, the voltage converter 204 may
`provide high power factor correction from a high percentage
`of continuous energy transfer. Additionally or alternatively,
`the voltage converter 204 may include a DC/AC converter
`218, a power isolation circuit 219, an AC/DC converter 220,
`a MuxCapacitor converter 222, a current sensor/regulator
`circuit 224, a modulator controller 228, a communication
`isolation circuit 221, a demodulator controller 226, and a
`bleed controller 223.
`
`In some embodiments, the DC/AC converter 218 may be
`electrically coupled to the passive rectifier 216 and may
`receive the intermediate DC electrical signal at VIN. In these
`and other embodiments, the DC/AC converter 218 may also
`receive a non-isolated DC control signal. Additionally or
`alternatively, the DC/AC converter 218 may generate an
`intermediate AC electrical signal at VACINTl based on VINT1
`of the intermediate DC electrical signal and the non-isolated
`DC control signal. In some embodiments, the voltage of
`VA GIN“ may be equal to or greater than VIN“. For example,
`if the voltage of VINT1 is equal to 120 VAC the voltage of
`VACME may be equal to 120 VAC or more (e.g., 200 VAC,
`400 VAC, or 2000 VAC).
`In some embodiments, the non-isolated DC control signal
`may modify a duty cycle of components within the DC/AC
`converter 218. In these and other embodiments, modifying
`the duty cycle of components within the DC/AC converter
`218 may adjust the voltage of VACINTI’ For example, the
`non-isolated DC control signal may increase the duty cycle
`of components within the DC/AC converter 218 which may
`increase the voltage of VACINTI. Additionally or altema-
`tively, the DC/AC converter 218 may perform frequency
`modulation of the intermediate AC electrical signal
`to
`modify a frequency of the intermediate AC electrical signal.
`In some embodiments,
`the DC/AC converter 218 may
`include a pulse driver and may operate in a regulated state
`through the use of the non-isolated DC control signal.
`Additionally, the DC/AC converter 218 may be electrically
`coupled to the earth ground 11219.
`In some embodiments, the power isolation circuit 219
`may be electrically coupled in series with the DC/AC
`converter 218 and may receive the intermediate AC electri-
`cal signal at VACINTI’ In these and other embodiments, the
`power isolation circuit 219 may generate an isolated AC
`electrical signal at VACINTl based on the intermediate AC
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`US 10,263,526 B2
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`7
`electrical signal at VACINTI’ Additionally or alternatively, the
`power isolation circuit 219 may provide isolation along a
`power transfer route within the system 200. Likewise, the
`power isolation circuit 219 may act as an isolation barrier
`114 to isolate downstream components from upstream com-
`ponents. In some embodiments, the power isolation circuit
`219 may include one or more capacitors electrically coupled
`inline to one or more leads out of the DC/AC converter 218.
`
`In these and other embodiments, the power isolation circuit
`219 may include one or more inductors electrically coupled
`in series with the one or more capacitors.
`In some embodiments, the AC/DC converter 220 may be
`electrically coupled to the power isolation circuit 219 and
`may receive the isolated AC electrical signal at VACINTl’ In
`these and other embodiments, the AC/DC converter 220
`may generate an isolated DC electrical signal at szvn based
`on VACINTI’ Additionally or alternatively, the AC/DC con-
`verter 220 may be electrically coupled to isolated ground
`290a.
`
`In some embodiments, the MuxCapacitor converter 222
`may be electrically coupled in series with the AC/DC
`converter 220 and may receive the isolated DC electrical
`signal at szvn- In these and other embodiments, the Mux-
`Capacitor converter 222 may generate an intermediate DC
`electrical signal at V1NI3- Additionally or alternatively, the
`voltage of VINE may be less than the voltage of szvn~ In
`some embodiments, the voltage of VIN;3 may be equal to or
`greater than the voltage of szvn~ In these and other embodi-
`ments, the MuxCapacitor converter 222 may provide volt-
`age conversion at rate equal to or greater than ninety percent.
`In some embodiments, the current sensor/regulator circuit
`224 may be electrically coupled to the MuxCapacitor con-
`verter 222 and may receive the intermediate DC signal at
`V1NI3- In these and other embodiments, the current sensor/
`regulator circuit 224 may generate an output DC electrical
`signal at VOUTbased on V1NI3- Additionally or alternatively,
`the voltage of VOUT may be less than the voltage of VINE.
`In some embodiments, the voltage of VOUT may be equal to
`or greater than the voltage of V1NT3- In these and other
`embodiments, the output DC electrical signal at VOUT may
`be provided to an electronic device. Additionally or alter-
`natively,
`the current
`sensor/regulator circuit 224 may
`include a rectifier, an inductor, and/or a capacitor. Likewise,
`the current sensor/regulator circuit 224 may be electrically
`coupled to isolated ground 29019.
`In some embodiments, the current sensor/regulator circuit
`224 may determine a current of the output DC electrical
`signal when the voltage converter 204 is electrically coupled
`to an electronic device. In these and other embodiments, the
`current sensor/regulator circuit 224 may generate an isolated
`DC control signal at VCTRL. Additionally or alternatively, the
`voltage of VCTRL may be based on the determined current of
`the output DC electrical signal.
`In some embodiments, the modulator controller 228 may
`be electrically coupled to the current sensor/regulator circuit
`224 and may receive the isolated DC control signal at
`VCTRL. In these and other embodiments,
`the modulator
`controller 228 may generate an isolated AC control signal at
`VACCTRL based on VCTRL. Additionally or alternatively, the
`modulator controller 228 may be electrically coupled to
`isolated ground 290d.
`In some embodiments, the communication isolation cir-
`cuit 221 may be electrically coupled to the modulator
`controller 228 and may receive the isolated AC control
`signal at VACCTRL. In these and other embodiments,
`the
`communication isolation circuit 221 may generate a non-
`isolated AC control signal at VACCTRL. Additionally or
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`alternatively, the communication isolation circuit 221 may
`include a capacitor, an inductor, or both.
`In some embodiments, the demodulator controller 226
`may be electrically coupled to the communication isolation
`circuit 221 and may receive the non-isolated AC control
`signal at VACCTRL. In these and other embodiments, the
`demodulator controller 226 may generate the non-isolated
`DC control signal at VCTRL. Additionally or alternatively, the
`non-isolated DC control signal at VCTRL may be the same or
`similar to the isolated DC control signal at VCTRL. In some
`embodiments,
`the demodulator controller 226 may be a
`passive device that does not modify or adjust an electrical
`signal beyond converting an AC electrical signal to a DC
`electrical signal.
`In these and other embodiments,
`the
`demodulator controller 226 may provide the non-isolated
`DC control signal to the DC/AC converter 218. Additionally
`or alternatively, the demodulator controller 226 may include
`a low pass filter which may include a resistor and/or a
`capacitor.
`In some embodiments, the DC/AC converter 218 may
`adjust
`the voltage of VACINTl or the frequency of the
`intermediate AC electrical signal based on the non-isolated
`DC electrical signal as discussed above. In these and other
`embodiments, adjusting the voltage of VACINTl or the fre-
`quency of the intermediate AC electrical signal may cause
`the voltage of VOUT to also be modified. For example,
`increasing the voltage of VACINTl may cause the AC/DC
`converter 220 to generate the isolated DC electrical signal at
`a higher voltage of szvn~ A higher voltage value of VINTZ
`may cause the MuxCapacitor converter 222 to generate the
`intermediate DC electrical signal at a higher voltage of
`V1NI3- Likewise, a high voltage of VINE may cause the
`current sensor/regulator circuit 224 to generate the output
`DC electrical signal at a higher voltage of VOUT.
`In some embodiments,
`the bleed controller 223 may
`include a capacitor electrically coupled to earth ground 112c
`and isolated ground 2900. In these and other embodiments,
`the bleed controller 223 may be used to deplete charge
`stored on various capacitors within the voltage converter
`204. Additionally or alternatively, the bleed controller 223
`may be enabled when the AC electrical signal from the AC
`source 102 is not present. Likewise, the bleed controller 223
`may be disabled when the voltage of VIN is equal to or
`exceeds a threshold value. For example, the threshold value
`may be equal to or greater than twenty five VDC.
`In some embodiments, the earth grounds 112a-e may be
`electrically isolated from the isolated grounds 290a-f. In
`these and other embodiments, isolating the earth grounds
`112a-e from the isolated grounds 290a-f may improve
`isolation of the voltage conversion performed by the system
`200.
`
`Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to
`FIG. 2 without departing from the scope of the present
`disclosure. For example, while illustrated as including a
`single AC source 102, the system 200 may include any
`number of AC sources 102, such as two AC sources 102 or
`five AC sources 102. As another example, while illustrated
`as including a single passive rectifier 216, the system 200
`may include any number of passive rectifiers 216, such as
`two passive rectifiers 216 or four passive rectifiers 216. As
`an additional example, while illustrated as include a si