Supply architecture for inductive loads
First Claim
1. A method of controlling energy transfer energy from an energy supply to a load, the method comprising:
- connecting an input node to an output node to transfer energy from a source connected to the input node to a magnetic field that is associated with an output current flowing from the output node to a load, the connection being made during a portion of an operating cycle;
disconnecting the input node from the output node during a remainder of the operating cycle;
controlling a reverse electromotive force (REMF) voltage associated with the magnetic field by providing a path for the output current to flow when the output node is disconnected from the input node, wherein controlling a REMF voltage comprises providing a path for the output current to flow through a voltage limiting circuit;
collecting a portion of the energy stored in the magnetic field during the operating cycle in an energy storage element; and
supplying the collected energy to the load in a subsequent operating cycle.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a process for supplying unidirectional current to a load, controlling a reverse electromotive force (REMF), capturing inductive energy from the load, and supplying the captured inductive energy to the load. In an illustrative example, an operating cycle may include a sequence of operations. First, inductive energy captured from the load on a previous cycle may be supplied to the load. Second, energy may be supplied to the load from an external power source. Third, a REMF voltage may be substantially controlled upon disconnecting the power source from the load. Fourth, the load current may be brought to zero by capturing the inductive energy for use on a subsequent cycle. In some embodiments, a single power stage may supply a DC inductive load, or a pair of power stages may be operated to supply bidirectional current to an AC load.
55 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of controlling energy transfer energy from an energy supply to a load, the method comprising:
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connecting an input node to an output node to transfer energy from a source connected to the input node to a magnetic field that is associated with an output current flowing from the output node to a load, the connection being made during a portion of an operating cycle; disconnecting the input node from the output node during a remainder of the operating cycle; controlling a reverse electromotive force (REMF) voltage associated with the magnetic field by providing a path for the output current to flow when the output node is disconnected from the input node, wherein controlling a REMF voltage comprises providing a path for the output current to flow through a voltage limiting circuit; collecting a portion of the energy stored in the magnetic field during the operating cycle in an energy storage element; and supplying the collected energy to the load in a subsequent operating cycle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification