Brandon J. Pierquet

High-efficiency inverter for photovoltaic applications

We introduce a circuit topology and associated control method suitable for high efficiency DC to AC grid-tied power conversion. This approach is well matched to the requirements of module integrated converters for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. The topology is based on a series resonant inverter, a high frequency transformer, and a novel half-wave cycloconverter. Zero-voltage switching is used to achieve an average efficiency of 95.9% with promise for exceeding 96.5%. The efficiency is also projected to improve as semiconductor transistor technology develops further. Design and control considerations for the proposed approach are presented, along with experimental results that validate the approach.

Inductance Compensation of Multiple Capacitors With Application to Common- and Differential-Mode Filters

Capacitor parasitic inductance often limits the high-frequency performance of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters in both common-mode (CM) and differential-mode (DM) filtering domains. However, these limitations can be overcome through the use of specially-coupled magnetic windings that effectively nullify the capacitor parasitic inductance. This document explores the use of a single coupled magnetic winding to provide inductance compensation for multiple capacitors (e.g., both DM and CM capacitors) simultaneously, reducing the number of coils previously required. The substantial advantages of this method are illustrated both in a proof-of-concept test circuit and in an improved version of an existing EMI filter. The coupling between multiple inductance compensation windings in a single filter enclosure is also investigated

A Fabrication Method for Integrated Filter Elements With Inductance Cancellation

This paper outlines a fabrication method for integrated filter elements. An integrated filter element is a three- (or more) terminal device comprising a capacitor and coupled air-core magnetic windings, in which the magnetic windings cancel the effects of capacitor parasitic inductance. This provides greatly enhanced filtration perfromance over a capacitor alone. Methods for designing and forming cancellation windings are described, along with means for repeatable interconnection with the capacitor and encapsulation of the filter element. The high performance and repeatability of filter elements fabricated with the proposed miethod are demionstrated with several examples

Magnetic endotracheal tube imaging device

This paper describes an accurate, economical, and portable device that helps to locate the position of an endotracheal tube (ETT) in situ. The device uses an array of magnetic field sensors to detect an anomaly in magnetic field caused by magnet embedded near the cuff of an ETT, and displays an intuitive map of relative magnetic field intensity under the sensor area. The device provides real-time feedback of the position to a clinician, so that corrective measures can be taken if the ETT is determined to be outside of normal positioning with respect to the patients airway. Variations of the proposed design are suitable for continuous monitoring.

A Fabrication Method for Integrated Filter Elements with Inductance Cancellation

This paper outlines a fabrication method for integrated filter elements. An integrated filter element is a three- (or more) terminal device comprising a capacitor and coupled air-core magnetic windings, in which the magnetic windings cancel the effects of capacitor parasitic inductance. This provides greatly enhanced filtration performance over a capacitor alone. Methods for designing and forming cancellation windings are described, along with means for repeatable interconnection with the capacitor and encapsulation of the filter element. The high performance and repeatability of filter elements fabricated with the proposed method are demonstrated with several examples.

Inductance Compensation of Multiple Capacitors with Application to Common- and Differential-Mode Filters

Capacitor parasitic inductance often limits the high-frequency performance of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) filters in both common- and differential-mode filtering domains. However, these limitations can be overcome through the use of specially-coupled magnetic windings that effectively nullify the capacitor parasitic inductance. This document explores the use of a single coupled magnetic winding to provide inductance compensation for multiple capacitors (e.g. both differential- and common-mode capacitors) simultaneously, reducing the number of coils previously required. The substantial advantages of this method are illustrated both in a proof-of-concept test circuit and in an improved version of an existing EMI filter. The coupling between multiple inductance compensation windings in a single filter enclosure is also investigated.

Corrections to "Inductance Compensation of Multiple Capacitors with Application to Common- and Differential-Mode Filters"

Capacitor parasitic inductance often limits the high-frequency performance of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters in both common-mode (CM) and differential-mode (DM) filtering domains. However, these limitations can be overcome through the use of specially-coupled magnetic windings that effectively nullify the capacitor parasitic inductance. This document explores the use of a single coupled magnetic winding to provide inductance compensation for multiple capacitors (e.g., both DM and CM capacitors) simultaneously, reducing the number of coils previously required. The substantial advantages of this method are illustrated both in a proof-of-concept test circuit and in an improved version of an existing EMI filter. The coupling between multiple inductance compensation windings in a single filter enclosure is also investigated