Patent US6608770B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6608770B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Passive control of harmonic current drawn from an AC input by rectification circuitry
Assignee: Vicor Corp
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Filing: 2001-08-31
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Granted: 2003-08-19
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Expires: 2021-08-31
Abstract
Abstract Passive circuitry for controlling the current drawn from an AC line and delivering a rectified voltage to a load includes a bridge rectifier, a filter capacitor, a range selector switch for configuring the rectifier and filter capacitor in either a full wave rectification or a voltage doubling configuration, and inductances between the rectifier and the capacitor. Inductances may be alternatively connected between the AC line and the rectifier. A high packing density coupled inductor includes a thermally conductive encapsulant and base plate for removing heat from the inductor allowing smaller inductors to be used to achieve greater power densities. A universal passive current control module includes two input terminals for connection to the AC input, a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal for connection to a load, a third output terminal for connection to a filter capacitance, and a thermally conductive encapsulant for filling the free space within the module. Passive internal circuitry includes rectifiers for receiving an AC input and delivering a rectified output, range selector circuitry connected to the third output terminal to effect voltage doubling, and range control circuitry for sensing the AC input level and controlling the range selector circuitry to activate the voltage doubling function when the AC input is below a threshold. The module requires a filter capacitance to be connected to the third output terminal for voltage doubling. A three-plate capacitor provides reduced ESR losses further reducing the size and increasing the power density of the circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrizio Vinciarelli
- 👤 Alan R. Rockenbach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 09:10
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M1/00; H02M1/42; H02M1/4208; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a bridge rectifier having a first and a second input for receiving power from the AC input, a positive output, and a negative output; two capacitances each having one plate connected to a center tap and one plate connected to a respective end tap; a first filter inductance connected in series between the positive output of the bridge rectifier and a first end tap; a second filter inductance connected in series between the negative output of the bridge rectifier and a second end tap; a range switch connected in series between the second input of the bridge rectifier and the center tap for doubling the output voltage when the switch is closed; the first and second end taps connected to feed the load; and wherein the first inductance is connected so that when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the currents in the load and in the capacitance connected to the first end tap; and wherein the second inductance is connected so that when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the currents flowing in the load and in the capacitance connected to the second end tap.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a bridge rectifier having a first and a second input for receiving power from the AC input, a positive output, and a negative output; two capacitances each having one plate connected to a center tap and one plate connected to a respective end tap; a first filter inductance connected in series between the positive output of the bridge rectifier and a first end tap; a second filter inductance connected in series between the negative output of the bridge rectifier and a second end tap; a range switch connected in series between the second input of the bridge rectifier and the center tap for doubling the output voltage when the switch is closed; the first and second end taps connected to feed the load; and wherein the first inductance is connected so that when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the currents in the load and in the capacitance connected to the first end tap; and wherein the second inductance is connected so that when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the currents flowing in the load and in the capacitance connected to the second end tap.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inductances are magnetically coupled to provide a mutual inductance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the inductances are poled such that the flux generated by a current flowing from the positive output of the bridge rectifier to the first end tap aid the flux generated by a current flowing from the second end tap to the negative output of the bridge rectifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inductances are the same.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first inductance carries current during the positive half cycles of the AC input and the second inductance carries current during the negative half cycles of the AC input.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second inductances carry current during every half cycle of the AC input.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the switch is a single-pole switch.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
163 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; a first filter inductance and a second filter inductance connected to carry current from the rectifier output to the capacitance; a switch connected to allow current to flow in the first and second inductances during both half cycles of the AC input with the switch in a first position and to prevent current from flowing in the first inductor during negative half cycles and in the second inductor during positive half cycles with the switch in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
163 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; a first filter inductance and a second filter inductance connected to carry current from the rectifier output to the capacitance; a switch connected to allow current to flow in the first and second inductances during both half cycles of the AC input with the switch in a first position and to prevent current from flowing in the first inductor during negative half cycles and in the second inductor during positive half cycles with the switch in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the apparatus performs voltage doubling when the switch is in the second position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the inductances are magnetically coupled to provide a mutual inductance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the inductances are poled such that the flux generated by a current flowing in the first inductance aids the flux generated by the current flowing in the second inductance when the switch is in the first position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the inductances are the same.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the switch is a single-pole switch.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; a filter inductance connected between the rectifier and the filter capacitance; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling in a second position; and wherein the inductance is connected so tint when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; a filter inductance connected between the rectifier and the filter capacitance; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling in a second position; and wherein the inductance is connected so tint when it carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
130 words
Au apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having first and second inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a first filter inductance connected between the first input and the AC input; a second filter inductance connected between the second input and the AC input; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling and bypass the second inductor in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
130 words
Au apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having first and second inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a first filter inductance connected between the first input and the AC input; a second filter inductance connected between the second input and the AC input; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling and bypass the second inductor in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rectifier comprises a bridge rectifier.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rectifier is connected as a full wave rectifier when the switch is a first position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the current flows in the first and second inductances when switch is in the first position and current flows only in the first inductor when the switch is in the second position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the filter capacitance comprises a first capacitance and a second capacitance connected in series at a center tap.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the switch, when in the second position, provides a closed circuit between the center tap and one side of the AC input.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the filter capacitance comprises a three-plate integrated capacitor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first and second inductances each comprise an inductor having an inductance and a resistance; the inductance of the first inductor equals the inductance of the second inductor; and the resistance of the first inductor is less than the resistance of the second inductor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the resistance of the first inductor is half of the resistance of the second inductor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the inductors are magnetically coupled to provide a mutual inductance.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the inductors are poled such that the flux generated by a current flowing in the first inductor from the AC input to the rectifier aids the flux generated by a current flowing in the second inductor from the rectifier to the AC input.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having first and second inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a series circuit including a first filter inductance and a second filter inductance connected at a center tap; the series circuit being connected between the AC input and the second input; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; and a switch connected to the center tap to effect voltage doubling in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a rectifier having first and second inputs for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a series circuit including a first filter inductance and a second filter inductance connected at a center tap; the series circuit being connected between the AC input and the second input; an output filter capacitance connected across the load; and a switch connected to the center tap to effect voltage doubling in a second position; and wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 3 , 9 , 14 , 15 , 19 , or 26 wherein the capacitor comprises a three-plate integrated capacitor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , 10 , 14 , 18 , or 26 wherein the inductances are contained within a thermally conductive encapsulant filled enclosure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the enclosure further comprises a base plate.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the rectifier is encapsulated with the inductances in the enclosure.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein control circuitry is encapsulated with the inductances in the enclosure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the capacitances are physically external to the inductance enclosure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , or 26 further comprising switch control circuitry for sensing the AC input voltage level and operating the switch to effect voltage doubling when the level is below a predetermined threshold.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the rectifier, switch, and switch control circuitry are packaged in a first module.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the inductances are packaged in a second module.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the first and second modules each further comprises a base plate and is filled with a thermally conductive encapsulant for removing heat.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the capacitances are physically external to the first and second modules.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a thermal management enclosure housing internal circuitry, the enclosure including a thermally conductive base plate, an electrically insulative cover, input terminals for connection to the AC input, output terminals for connection to a load, and a thermally conductive encapsulant for filling the free space within the enclosure; the internal circuitry comprising, a rectifier having inputs connected to the input terminals for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a filter inductance connected between the outputs of the rectifier and the output terminals; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling when set in a second position with a filter capacitor connected to the output terminals.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a DC voltage to a load, comprising: a thermal management enclosure housing internal circuitry, the enclosure including a thermally conductive base plate, an electrically insulative cover, input terminals for connection to the AC input, output terminals for connection to a load, and a thermally conductive encapsulant for filling the free space within the enclosure; the internal circuitry comprising, a rectifier having inputs connected to the input terminals for receiving power from the AC input and outputs for delivering a rectified output; a filter inductance connected between the outputs of the rectifier and the output terminals; and a switch connected to effect voltage doubling when set in a second position with a filter capacitor connected to the output terminals.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the internal circuitry further comprises a switch controller connected to control the switch.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 38 or 39 wherein the filter capacitor is external to the enclosure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 26 , or 38 , wherein the apparatus passively performs power factor correction.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 26 , or 38 , wherein the apparatus passively performs harmonic current control.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 26 , or 38 , wherein the inductances have an inductance value tat causes attenuation of odd current harmonics by at least 8 percent compared to an equivalent apparatus with zero inductance.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 26 , or 38 , wherein the inductances have an inductance value that causes attenuation of current harmonics in an amount sufficient satisfy the requirements of EN61000-3-2 compared to an equivalent apparatus with zero inductance.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a rectified voltage to a load, comprising: at least two inputs for receiving power from an AC source; at least two outputs for delivering the rectified voltage to the load; unidirectional conduction paths between the input and output for rectifying the AC input; at least one filter capacitance connected across the output; first and second filter inductances connected to carry current between the input and the load and having an inductance value, L, which causes attenuation of odd harmonic currents drawn from the input by at least eight percent compared to an equivalent apparatus having zero inductance; and a switch connected to in a second position effect voltage doubling and prevent current from flowing in one of the inductances; wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
169 words
An apparatus for controlling the current drawn from an AC input and delivering a rectified voltage to a load, comprising: at least two inputs for receiving power from an AC source; at least two outputs for delivering the rectified voltage to the load; unidirectional conduction paths between the input and output for rectifying the AC input; at least one filter capacitance connected across the output; first and second filter inductances connected to carry current between the input and the load and having an inductance value, L, which causes attenuation of odd harmonic currents drawn from the input by at least eight percent compared to an equivalent apparatus having zero inductance; and a switch connected to in a second position effect voltage doubling and prevent current from flowing in one of the inductances; wherein the first and second inductances are connected so that when either inductance carries a current, the instantaneous value of the current equals the sum of the current in the load and the current in the capacitance.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the switch prevents current from flowing in the second inductance during positive and negative half cycles of the AC input.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the switch prevents current from flowing in the first inductance during positive half cycles and in the second inductance during negative half cycles of the AC input.
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