Showing papers on "Rectifier published in 2006"

A 950-MHz rectifier circuit for sensor network tags with 10-m distance

Abstract: This paper presents a 950-MHz wireless power transmission system and a high-sensitivity rectifier circuit for ubiquitous sensor network tags. The wireless power transmission offers a battery-life-free sensor tag by recharging the output power of a base station into a secondary battery implemented with the tag. For realizing the system, a high-sensitivity rectifier with dynamic gate-drain biasing has been developed in a 0.3-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The measurement results show that the proposed rectifier can recharge a 1.2-V secondary battery over -14-dBm input RF power at a power conversion efficiency of 1.2%. In the proposed wireless system, this sensitivity corresponds to 10-m distance communication at 4-W output power from a base station.

Piezoelectric micro-power generation interface circuits

Abstract: New power conversion circuits to interface to a piezoelectric micro-power generator have been fabricated and tested. Circuit designs and measurement results are presented for a half-wave synchronous rectifier with voltage doubler, a full-wave synchronous rectifier and a passive full-wave rectifier circuit connected to the piezoelectric micro-power generator. The measured power efficiency of the synchronous rectifier and voltage doubler circuit fabricated in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS process is 88% and the output power exceeds 2.5 /spl mu/W with a 100-k/spl Omega/, 100-nF load. The two full-wave rectifiers (passive and synchronous) were fabricated in a 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The measured peak power efficiency for the passive full-wave rectifier circuit is 66% with a 220-k/spl Omega/ load and supplies a peak output power of 16 /spl mu/W with a 68-k/spl Omega/ load. Although the active full-wave synchronous rectifier requires quiescent current for operation, it has a higher peak efficiency of 86% with an 82-k/spl Omega/ load, and also exhibits a higher peak power of 22 /spl mu/W with a 68-k/spl Omega/ load which is 37% higher than the passive full-wave rectifier.

Integrated Low-Loss CMOS Active Rectifier for Wirelessly Powered Devices

Abstract: A low-loss CMOS full-wave active rectifier is presented. It consists of two dynamically biased and symmetrically matched active diodes each realized by an nMOS switch driven by a 2-ns voltage comparator with reverse-current control. With a load of 1.8-kOmega, the rectified dc voltage is 3.22 V and 1.2 V for a 13.56 MHz ac sinusoidal input voltage of 3.5 V and 1.5 V respectively. It is fabricated in a 0.35-mum CMOS process with an active area of 0.0055 mm 2, with no low-threshold devices and on-chip passive components

Apparatus and method for using ambient RF power in a portable terminal

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using ambient RF power in a portable terminal are provided. In the charging apparatus, an antenna array receives RF signals left derelict in the air, a rectifier rectifies the RF signals to DC voltages, and a power storage stores the DC voltages as power.

Radio frequency rectifiers based on organic thin-film transistors

Abstract: One important technical hurdle that has to be overcome for using organic transistors in radio-frequency identification tags is for these devices to operate at rf frequencies (typically 13.56MHz) in the front end. It was long thought that organic transistors are too slow for this. In this letter we show that organic transistor based full-wave rectifier circuits utilizing pentacene, a p-channel organic semiconductor, can operate at this frequency with a useful efficiency. In order to achieve such high-frequency operation, we make use of the nonquasistatic state of the transistors.

Hybrid rectenna and monolithic integrated zero-bias microwave rectifier

Abstract: In this study, we have developed a hybrid sensitive rectenna (rectifier + antenna) system at 2.45 GHz. To achieve this system, we have first optimized and validated a zero-bias microwave sensitive rectifier using commercial Schottky diodes. We have then optimized and achieved a 2times2 patch antenna array, which is associated to the microwave rectifier in order to validate the rectenna system, where an RF-dc conversion efficiency of 56% has been observed experimentally. In order to minimize the rectenna dimensions, we have conducted a study using the OMMIC ED02AH 0.20-mum GaAs pseudomorphic high electron-mobility transistor process to develop and achieve a monolithic rectifier at 2.45 GHz with RF-dc conversion efficiency of 65%

Analysis and design of electronic load controller for self-excited induction Generators

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis and design of an electronic load controller (ELC) for three-phase self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) suitable for stand-alone pico-hydro power generation with constant input power. Here, the SEIG can be used to generate constant voltage and frequency if the electrical load is maintained constant at its terminals. Moreover, under such operation, SEIG requires constant capacitance for excitation resulting in a fixed-point operation. For this purpose, a suitable control scheme has to be developed such that the load on the SEIG remains constant despite change in the consumer load. In such applications, water is freely available and, hence, a simple and cheap controller has to be developed, which can operate almost unattended in remote and hilly regions. The proposed ELC consists of an uncontrolled rectifier and chopper with a series "dump" load. Proper design of rectifier, chopper, and dump load is very important for troublefree operation of ELC. In this paper, an analysis along with a design procedure for computing the rating of various components of ELC is presented for a range of SEIGs.

Data center uninterruptible power distribution architecture

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an integrated uninterruptible power system in which only one AC-to-DC rectification occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage.

Differential Mode Input Filter Design for a Three-Phase Buck-Type PWM Rectifier Based on Modeling of the EMC Test Receiver

Abstract: For a three-phase buck-type pulsewidth modulation rectifier input stage of a high-power telecommunications power supply module, a differential-mode (DM) electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) filter is designed for compliance to CISPR 22 Class B in the frequency range of 150 kHz-30 MHz. The design is based on a harmonic analysis of the rectifier input current and a mathematical model of the measurement procedure including the line impedance stabilization network (LISN) and the test receiver. Guidelines for a successful filter design are given, and components for a 5-kW rectifier prototype are selected. Furthermore, formulas for the estimation of the quasi-peak detector output based on the LISN output voltage spectrum are provided. The damping of filter resonances is optimized for a given attenuation in order to facilitate a higher stability margin for system control. Furthermore, the dependence of the filter input and output impedances and the attenuation characteristic on the inner mains impedance are discussed. As experimentally verified by using a three-phase common-/Differential-Mode separator, this procedure allows accurate prediction of the converter DM conducted emission levels and therefore could be employed in the design process of the rectifier system to ensure compliance to relevant EMC standards

The design of a thermal rectifier

Abstract: The idea that one can build a solid-state device that lets heat flow more easily in one way than in the other, forming a heat valve, is counter-intuitive. However, the design of a thermal rectifier can be easily understood from the basic laws of heat conduction. Here we show how it can be done. This analysis exhibits several ideas that could in principle be implemented to design a thermal rectifier, by selecting materials with the proper properties. In order to show the feasibility of the concept, we complete this study by introducing a simple model system that meets the requirements of the design.

DC-Link Stabilization and Voltage Sag Ride-Through of Inverter Drives

Abstract: Previous results concerning instability of the dc link in inverter drives fed from a dc grid or via a rectifier are extended. It is shown that rectifier-inverter drives equipped with small (film) dc-link capacitors may need active stabilization. The impact of limited bandwidth and switching frequency in the inverter-motor current control loop is considered, and recommendations for selection of the dc-link capacitor, the switching frequency, and the dc-link stabilization control law in relation to each other are given. This control law is incorporated in a field-weakening (to enhance voltage sag ride-through) current controller for which design recommendations are presented

Digital Multimode Buck Converter Control With Loss-Minimizing Synchronous Rectifier Adaptation

Abstract: This paper develops a multimode control strategy which allows for efficient operation of the buck converter over a wide load range. A method for control of synchronous rectifiers as a direct function of the load current is introduced . The function relating the synchronous-rectifier timing to the load current is optimized on-line with a gradient power-loss-minimizing algorithm. Only low-bandwidth measurements of the load current and a power-loss-related quantity are required, making the technique suitable for digital controller implementations. Compared to alternative loss-minimizing approaches, this method has superior adjustment speed and robustness to disturbances, and can simultaneously optimize multiple parameters. The proposed synchronous-rectifier control also accomplishes an automatic, optimal transition to discontinuous-conduction mode at light load. Further, by imposing a minimum duty-ratio, the converter automatically enters pulse-skipping mode at very light load. Thus, the same controller structure can be used in both fixed-frequency pulsewidth modulation and variable-frequency pulse-skipping modes. These techniques are demonstrated on a digitally-controlled 100-W buck converter

Current programmed control of a single-phase two-switch buck-boost power factor correction circuit

Abstract: This paper presents a new current programmed control (CPC) technique for a cascaded two-switch buck-boost converter suitable as a low-cost power factor correction (PFC) rectifier in a variable speed motor drive. This new CPC technique, which is an extension of the conventional CPC method, enables the variable output dc voltage, and is therefore suitable in a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) motor drive or as a universal input-power supply. The CPC method is very simple and requires only a constant-current reference without any changes in the transition between boost and buck operating mode, and the line current is practically unaffected by the topology-mode shift. Simulations and experimental results verify the presented control technique. Compliance with IEC-61000-3-2 class A is achieved. The experimental setup is based on a commercial CPC integrated circuit (IC) for dc-dc converters. This new control technique enables a simple low-cost control circuit for the two-switch buck-boost converter, which complies with IEC-61000-3-2, and the PFC circuit has inherent in-rush and overcurrent protection.

Comparison of organic diode structures regarding high-frequency rectification behavior in radio-frequency identification tags

Abstract: In this article, we compare the direct current (dc) and high-frequency performance of two different organic diode structures, a vertical diode and an organic field effect transistor (OTFT) with shorted drain-gate contact, regarding their application in a rectifying circuit. For this purpose, we fabricated both diode structures using the organic semiconductor pentacene. dc measurements were performed showing a space-charge-limited current mobility of more than 0.1cm2∕Vs for the vertical diode and a field effect mobility of 0.8cm2∕Vs for the OTFT with shorted source-drain. High-frequency measurements of those diode structures in a rectifier configuration show that both types of diodes are able to follow the base-carrier frequency of 13.56MHz which is essential for viable radio-frequency-identification (rf-ID) tags. Based on those results we evaluate the performance limits and advantages of each diode configuration regarding their application in an organic rf-ID tag.

Apparatus and method for PFM buck-or-boost converter with smooth transition between modes

Abstract: A PWM buck-or-boost converter is provided. The converter includes an error amplifier, a rectifier/splitter, a first comparator, and a second comparator. The rectifier/splitter provides two signals proportional to the departure of the error voltage from a central value but increasing in value from zero. Only one of the two signals departs from zero depending on the error voltage. The first comparator compares one of the two signals to a modulating waveform (e.g. a sawtooth waveform), and the second comparator compares the other of the two signals to the modulating waveform. Only one of the two signals intersects the modulating waveform depending on the error voltage. During buck regulation, the first comparator controls the buck switches and the output of the second comparator remains high. During boost regulation, the second comparator controls the boost switches and the output of the first comparator remains high.

A brushless exciter model incorporating multiple rectifier modes and Preisach's hysteresis theory

Abstract: A brushless excitation system model is set forth that includes an average-value rectifier representation that is valid for all three rectification modes. Furthermore, magnetic hysteresis is incorporated into the d-axis of the excitation using Preisach's theory. The resulting model is very accurate and is ideal for situations where the exciter's response is of particular interest. The model's predictions are compared to experimental results.

High-Performance Repetitive Control of PWM DC-AC Converters With Real-Time Phase-Lead FIR Filter

Abstract: The significance of phase-lead compensation is revealed for repetitive control systems in terms of tracking accuracy and transient. A real-time noncausal phase-lead FIR filter is proposed to improve the performance of add-on repetitive controlled constant-voltage constant-frequency PWM dc-ac converters. The experiment results show that nearly perfect tracking, low total harmonics distortion, and satisfactory transient are achieved in the proposed repetitive-controlled PWM converter under both linear load and rectifier load

Linear and Nonlinear Control Techniques for a Three-Phase Three-Level NPC Boost Rectifier

Abstract: This paper deals with three control techniques for a three-phase three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) boost rectifier to study their relative performance. Linear, nonlinear, and nonlinear model reference adaptive control (MRAC) methods are developed to control power factor (PF) and regulate output and neutral point voltages. These controllers are designed in Simulink and implemented in real time using the DS1104 DSP of dSPACE for validation on a 1.2-kW prototype of an NPC boost rectifier operating at 1.92 kHz. The performance of boost converter with three control methods has been investigated respectively in steady state in terms of line-current harmonic distortion, efficiency, and PF and during transients such as load steps, utility disturbances, reactive power control, and dc-bus voltage tracking behavior. The linear PI controllers are characterized by reduced complexity but poor performance, whereas the nonlinear control technique has improved the converter performance significantly, while nonlinear MRAC exhibits much better performance in a wide operating range

A Novel Variable Hysteresis Band Current Control of Three-Phase Three-Level Unity PF Rectifier With Constant Switching Frequency

Abstract: A Simple and novel variable hysteresis band current control technique for three-phase three-level unity power factor (PF) rectifier is proposed in this paper. The hysteresis band is controlled as variations of the rectifier input voltage and output dc link voltage to achieve constant switching frequency at any operating conditions, i.e., at rated and below and above the rated conditions. The rectifier has the characteristic of easy implementation, and draws a nearly sinusoidal current at unity input PF. Theoretical and predicted results of its analysis are verified initially through digital simulation, and confirmed by using an experimental prototype

Improving mains current quality for three-phase three-switch buck-type PWM rectifiers

Abstract: Modulation schemes for three-phase three-switch buck-type pulsewidth modulation rectifiers where the switching state of one bridge leg is clamped within a π 3-wide interval of the mains period guarantee minimum switching losses as well as minimum input filter capacitor voltage ripple and minimum dc current ripple. However, as shown in this paper by a detailed analysis of the time behavior of the input filter capacitor voltages within a pulse period such modulation schemes are characterized by the occurrence of sliding intersections of the filter capacitor voltages which causes input current distortion. An advanced modulation scheme is proposed which prevents the input current distortion and allows it to maintain the optimum performance of conventional modulation schemes. The theoretical considerations are finally verified by measurements on a 5-kW hardware prototype.

A Passive UHF RFID Tag LSI with 36.6% Efficiency CMOS-Only Rectifier and Current-Mode Demodulator in 0.35/spl mu/m FeRAM Technology

Abstract: A passive UHF RFID tag LSI in 0.35mum CMOS with 2kb FeRAM enables the 2.9-times higher 32b read-and-write throughput over an EEPROM-based tag. A CMOS full-wave rectifier improves the power efficiency from 16.6% up to 36.6% by lossless internal Vth cancellation and mirror stack architecture. A current-mode ASK demodulator converts the 15% power modulation into linear current signal over a 27dB dynamic range of the incoming power

High-power-factor soft-switched boost converter

Abstract: A novel implementation of the high-power-factor (HPF) boost converter with active snubber is described. The snubber circuit reduces the reverse-recovery-related losses of the rectifier and also provides zero-voltage switching for the boost switch and zero-current switching for the auxiliary switch. The performance of the proposed approach was evaluated on an 80-kHz, 1.5-kW, universal-line range, HPF boost converter. The proposed technique improves the efficiency by approximately 2% at full load and low line.

Power converter with reduced common mode voltage

Abstract: An improved power converter that produces reduced-levels of common-mode voltages, or even entirely eliminates such voltages, is disclosed herein, along with a method of reducing common-mode voltages. In at least some embodiments, the improved power converter is equipped with common-mode filter inductors and a link coupling input and output ports of the power converter with one another to communicate a ground point associated with the input ports of the converter (and the source) to the load. Further, in at least some embodiments, the method includes providing common mode filter inductors as part of the converter, where the inductors are connected at least indirectly to at least one of a rectifier and an inverter of the converter, and communicating a grounded neutral from input ports of the converter to output ports of the converter by way of at least one additional linkage.

Digital implementation of power factor correction

Abstract: A circuit for providing power factor correction in accordance with an embodiment of the present application may include a boost converter circuit and a control circuit receiving as inputs a rectified AC input voltage from a rectifier, a signal proportional to current through the boost inductor and the DC bus voltage across the capacitor of the boost converter. The control circuit provides a pulse width modulated signal to control the on time of a PFC switch. The control circuit further includes a voltage regulator and a current regulator. The current regulator includes a difference device operable to subtract a signal proportional to the inductor current from the current reference signal, a PI controller adapted to receive the output of the difference device and provide a first control signal, a feed forward device operable to receive the rectified AC input voltage and to provide a second control signal with a smaller dynamic range than the AC input voltage, and an adder operable to add the first control signal to the second control signal to provide a PWM reference signal for generating the pulse width modulated signal. A zero crossing detector and vector rotator may be provided to provide a clean sinusoidal reference to the current regulator. A partial PFC regulator may be provide to provide partial mode PFC if desired.

Full-wave rectifier realization using only two CCII+s and NMOS transistors

Abstract: In this paper, a voltage-mode full-wave rectifier employing plus-type second-generation current conveyors (CCII+s) and enhancement-mode n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is proposed. The presented circuit requires no passive components, and is suitable for high frequency applications. The proposed full-wave rectifier circuit is simulated using HSPICE to verify the theoretical analysis.

Solid state led bridge rectifier light engine

Abstract: A solid-state light engine comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured into a bridge rectifier with a current limiting module coupled to the LED bridge rectifier. The light engine may be packaged for high temperature operation. Optionally, the LEDs comprise wavelength-converting phosphors with a persistence that is a multiple of the peak to peak current period, to smooth and mask ripple frequency pulsation of emitted light.

Inverter circuit with distributed energy stores

Abstract: The invention relates to a rectifier circuit comprising a phase module (110) with at least one upper and one lower rectifier valve (T1,...,T6), said phase module (100) being electrically connected on the DC side to a positive and a negative DC busbar (P0, N0), each rectifier valve (T1,...,T6) having at least two bipolar subsystems (10) electrically connected in series. According to the invention, a protection component (12) is connected in parallel to the connector contacts (X1, X2) of each subsystem (10). A rectifier circuit is thus obtained with distributed energy stores which can be operated redundantly in case of fault.

A New Dual Channel Resonant Gate Drive Circuit for

Abstract: At high frequency applications, the gate drive loss of the power MOSFET becomes quite significant. A new dual channel low side resonant gate drive circuit is proposed in this paper. The proposed drive circuit can provide two symmetrical drive signals for driving two MOSFETs. It can recover most of the driving energy and clamp the gate and source voltage of the driven MOSFETs to either drive voltage or ground via a low impedance path. The circuit can also alleviate the dv/dt issue. The proposed circuit consists of four switches and a single winding inductor. The proposed resonant gate drive circuit can be used to drive the synchronous MOSFETs in a current doubler or full-wave rectifier. It can also be used to drive the primary MOSFETs in push-pull converters.

Power Supply Generation in CMOS Passive UHF RFID Tags

Abstract: The paper discusses the design of a power generation circuit suitable to provide the supply voltage for a passive UHF RFID tag. The proposed differential rectifier exhibits a low activation threshold and is compatible with digital CMOS technologies. The chip supply voltage is obtained through a Dickson-based voltage multiplier and an ultra low-power voltage regulator.