Patent ID: 8233301
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: H02M

Abstract:
1. An impedance dropping power supply that is operable to convert a high ac input voltage from an ac source into a dc output voltage for a load having a load impedance; wherein said power supply comprises an impedance controlled converter having an average converter input impedance; wherein said converter comprises an ac switch, a dc switch, a power transformer, a diode, a controller, a rectifier, and a driver; wherein said power transformer comprises a primary winding that is operable to receive a primary winding ac input voltage from said ac source; wherein said converter is operable to control said average converter input impedance as a function of said load impedance to keep said primary winding ac input voltage at a voltage which is less than a predetermined maximum voltage; wherein said converter is operable to decrease said average converter input impedance as said load impedance increases, and is operable to increase said average converter input impedance as said load impedance decreases; wherein said converter is operable to control said primary winding ac input voltage as a function of said load impedance, is operable to decrease said primary winding ac input voltage as said load impedance increases, and is operable to increase said primary winding ac input voltage as said load impedance decreases; wherein said controller comprises a Schmidt trigger and at least one controller capacitor; wherein a discharge rate of said at least one controller capacitor is at least partially a function of said load impedance; wherein said Schmidt trigger circuit is operable to generate controller control signals as a function of said load impedance; wherein said driver is operable to generate driver control signals as a function of said controller control signals; wherein said power transformer is operable to convert said primary winding ac input voltage into a secondary winding ac output current; wherein said rectifier is operable to convert at least some of said secondary winding ac output current into a rectifier dc output current; wherein said ac switch is operable to selectively permit and prevent a receipt by said rectifier of at least some of said secondary winding ac output current; wherein said ac switch is operable to periodically open and close as a function of said driver control signals; wherein said dc switch is operable to selectively permit and prevent a receipt by said controller of at least some of said rectifier dc output current; wherein said dc switch is operable to periodically open and close as a function of said controller control signals; wherein said at least one controller capacitor is operable to continue to supply electrical energy to said load, to said ac switch, to said dc switch, to said Schmidt trigger and to said driver for a period of time while said ac switch is operable to selectively prevent a receipt by said rectifier of at least some of said secondary winding ac output current and while said dc switch is operable to prevent a receipt by said controller of at least some of said rectifier dc output current; and wherein said diode is operable to block at least some of a flow of electrical current from said controller to said dc switch while said dc switch is operable to prevent a receipt by said controller of at least some of said rectifier dc output current.