Housekeeping circuit having trickle charge capabilities
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A housekeeping circuit for use within a vehicle comprising:
- a multi-tapped transformer configured to step-down a high voltage input to at least a first low voltage output and a second low voltage output, the first low voltage output being used to power a first load within the vehicle and the second low voltage output being used to power a second load within the vehicle; and
a trickle circuit configured to provide a trickle current to a battery of the vehicle when the multi-tapped transformer is active, wherein the trickle circuit is further configured to provide a first current from the battery to the first load when the multi-tapped transformer is inactive, and wherein the trickle current is a fixed current establishing a minimum load on the first voltage output.
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Abstract
A housekeeping circuit configured to facilitate powering multiple loads is contemplated. The housekeeping circuit may include a transformer to regulate voltage output for using in powering the loads. A trickle circuit may be included to facilitate setting a minimum loading on the transformer. The minimum loading may be beneficial in insuring proper regulation of the transformer.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A housekeeping circuit for use within a vehicle comprising:
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a multi-tapped transformer configured to step-down a high voltage input to at least a first low voltage output and a second low voltage output, the first low voltage output being used to power a first load within the vehicle and the second low voltage output being used to power a second load within the vehicle; and a trickle circuit configured to provide a trickle current to a battery of the vehicle when the multi-tapped transformer is active, wherein the trickle circuit is further configured to provide a first current from the battery to the first load when the multi-tapped transformer is inactive, and wherein the trickle current is a fixed current establishing a minimum load on the first voltage output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A housekeeping circuit for use within a vehicle to provide a regulated voltage to a plurality of controllers, the housekeeping circuit comprising:
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a transformer configured to regulate a single voltage input into a plurality of voltage outputs, each one of the plurality of voltage outputs providing regulated voltage to a corresponding one or more of the plurality of controllers; and a trickle circuit powered by a first one of the plurality of voltage outputs, the trickle circuit configured to provide a trickle current to a battery within the vehicle when the transformer is active, the trickle circuit thereby establishing a first load on the one of the plurality of voltage outputs, the first load being in addition to loading associated with the corresponding one or more one of the plurality of controllers, the first load being a minimum load on the one of the plurality of voltage outputs; wherein an amount of the trickle current is fixed regardless of additional loading on the one of the plurality of voltage outputs. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for use within a vehicle to provide a regulated voltage to a plurality of loads, the method comprising:
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cross-regulating a transformer configured to regulate a single voltage input into a plurality of voltage outputs, each one of the plurality of voltage outputs providing regulated voltage to a corresponding one or more of the plurality of loads, the cross-regulated transformer being regulated based on loading of the plurality of voltage outputs; and wherein a trickle circuit provides a trickle current to a battery within the vehicle when the transformer is active, the trickle circuit thereby establishing a first load on a first one of the plurality of voltage outputs, the first load being a minimum load on the first one of the plurality of voltage outputs, and wherein an amount of the trickle current is fixed regardless of additional loading on the first one of the plurality of voltage outputs. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification