Low level, high efficiency DC/DC converter
First Claim
1. A low-level, high-efficiency, DC-to-DC converter circuit comprising:
- (a) a source of DC voltage including a solar cell adapted to receive light energy from a laser source by way of an optical fiber;
(b) an inductance device and a semiconductor switch connected in series with said source;
(c) a gated or pulse width controlled oscillator connected to the semiconductor switch for turning the semiconductor switch on and off at a predetermined frequency when the gated oscillator is gated on, inducing an AC voltage across the inductance device;
(d) rectifier means connected to the inductance device for converting the AC voltage back to a DC voltage greater than the DC voltage of said source;
(e) a pair of output terminals to which a load is to be connected;
(f) electronic switching means connected in series between the rectifier means and the pair of output terminals; and
(g) energy storage means coupled in circuit with the electronic switching means for initially storing a voltage therein when the electronic switching means is in a non-conducting state and for providing said stored voltage to the load when the electronic switching means is conducting.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A DC-to-DC converter suitable for use in light-powered electronic systems. The DC electrical output from a solar cell is stepped-up in a chopper-type inverter that is driven by a gated oscillator. The output from the inverter is then rectified and is adapted to be applied to a load through a series connected switch whose on/off state is determined by the output from a voltage regulator. Connected between the rectifier and the series switch are energy storage capacitors which become charged when the series switch is open and which provide energy to the load when the series switch is closed. Feedback from the regulator circuitry controls the on/off state of the gated oscillator and, therefore, the energy delivered by the inverter. Further circuitry is provided for signaling a light transmitting device that the fiber-optic link delivering energy to the photo cell is intact.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A low-level, high-efficiency, DC-to-DC converter circuit comprising:
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(a) a source of DC voltage including a solar cell adapted to receive light energy from a laser source by way of an optical fiber; (b) an inductance device and a semiconductor switch connected in series with said source; (c) a gated or pulse width controlled oscillator connected to the semiconductor switch for turning the semiconductor switch on and off at a predetermined frequency when the gated oscillator is gated on, inducing an AC voltage across the inductance device; (d) rectifier means connected to the inductance device for converting the AC voltage back to a DC voltage greater than the DC voltage of said source; (e) a pair of output terminals to which a load is to be connected; (f) electronic switching means connected in series between the rectifier means and the pair of output terminals; and (g) energy storage means coupled in circuit with the electronic switching means for initially storing a voltage therein when the electronic switching means is in a non-conducting state and for providing said stored voltage to the load when the electronic switching means is conducting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification