An alternating-current (AC)—direct-current (DC) power supply includes a circuit board including an alternating-current input terminal to which an alternating current is input and a direct-current output terminal from which a direct current is output. The AC-DC power supply includes a diode bridge that rectifies the alternating current input via the alternating-current input terminal, an alternating-current input line that electrically connects the alternating-current input terminal and the diode bridge, a coil connected to the diode bridge, a diode connected to the direct-current output terminal, a switching line that electrically connects the coil and the diode, and a switching element connected to the switching line. A portion of the switching line is disposed at right angles to portion of the alternating-current input line.

An alternating-current (AC)—direct-current (DC) power supply includes a circuit board including an alternating-current input terminal to which an alternating current is input and a direct-current output terminal from which a direct current is output. The AC-DC power supply includes a diode bridge that rectifies the alternating current input via the alternating-current input terminal, an alternating-current input line that electrically connects the alternating-current input terminal and the diode bridge, a coil connected to the diode bridge, a diode connected to the direct-current output terminal, a switching line that electrically connects the coil and the diode, and a switching element connected to the switching line. A portion of the switching line is disposed at right angles to portion of the alternating-current input line.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a DC to DC converter module for use between an electric power source and an electric motor. The DC to DC converter module having: a DC to DC converter; input terminals configured to provide a source voltage to the DC to DC converter from the electric power source; output terminals connected to outputs of the DC to DC converter and configured to provide an output voltage of the DC to DC converter module to the electric motor; and control circuitry connected to the DC to DC converter, the control circuitry having an input for receiving a signal indicative of a desired electric motor performance. The control circuitry being configured to control the DC to DC converter in order to adjust the output voltage based at least partially on the signal indicative of a desired electric motor performance.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a DC to DC converter module for use between an electric power source and an electric motor. The DC to DC converter module having: a DC to DC converter; input terminals configured to provide a source voltage to the DC to DC converter from the electric power source; output terminals connected to outputs of the DC to DC converter and configured to provide an output voltage of the DC to DC converter module to the electric motor; and control circuitry connected to the DC to DC converter, the control circuitry having an input for receiving a signal indicative of a desired electric motor performance. The control circuitry being configured to control the DC to DC converter in order to adjust the output voltage based at least partially on the signal indicative of a desired electric motor performance.

With respect to a failure in voltage sensors each for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage in a DC/DC converter, it is so arranged that a circuit failure of the DC/DC converter is prevented, and that the DC/DC converter is continuingly controlled. Two voltage sensors are included therein each for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage, so that, even when a first voltage sensor for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage on one side fails to work properly, a control device turns on a second switching device, and detects a voltage by a second voltage sensor for detecting the high-voltage-side voltage on the other side, whereby a failure of the voltage sensor for detecting the high-voltage-side voltage is detected.

With respect to a failure in voltage sensors each for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage in a DC/DC converter, it is so arranged that a circuit failure of the DC/DC converter is prevented, and that the DC/DC converter is continuingly controlled. Two voltage sensors are included therein each for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage, so that, even when a first voltage sensor for detecting a high-voltage-side voltage on one side fails to work properly, a control device turns on a second switching device, and detects a voltage by a second voltage sensor for detecting the high-voltage-side voltage on the other side, whereby a failure of the voltage sensor for detecting the high-voltage-side voltage is detected.

Drive coils in sections of a linear motor track that are normally used to electromagnetically propel movers along the track when such movers are nearby can be used to generate a mid-bus voltage for the section when not being used to propel movers. Such drive coils not being used to propel movers are considered idle and available for mid-bus voltage generation. The mid-bus voltage, and a full-bus voltage from which the mid-bus voltage is derived, in turn, can be applied across other drive coils that are near movers with varying polarities and magnitudes to propel movers along the track. Track sensors can be positioned along the track to detect presences or absences of movers with respect to drive coils for determining propulsion of such movers or generation of the mid-bus voltage. Accordingly, power supplies can be used more efficiently by not requiring them to generate mid-bus voltages in addition to full-bus voltages and DC references.

Drive coils in sections of a linear motor track that are normally used to electromagnetically propel movers along the track when such movers are nearby can be used to generate a mid-bus voltage for the section when not being used to propel movers. Such drive coils not being used to propel movers are considered idle and available for mid-bus voltage generation. The mid-bus voltage, and a full-bus voltage from which the mid-bus voltage is derived, in turn, can be applied across other drive coils that are near movers with varying polarities and magnitudes to propel movers along the track. Track sensors can be positioned along the track to detect presences or absences of movers with respect to drive coils for determining propulsion of such movers or generation of the mid-bus voltage. Accordingly, power supplies can be used more efficiently by not requiring them to generate mid-bus voltages in addition to full-bus voltages and DC references.

An actuator for a cooling fan module includes a controller, a first motor and a second motor. The controller includes a controlling unit configured to receive control commands, and a motor driving unit electrically connected to the controlling unit and powered by a DC power supply. The first motor is electrically connected to the motor driving unit. The second motor is connected in parallel to the first motor. The first motor and the second motor are synchronously driven and controlled by the controller.

An actuator for a cooling fan module includes a controller, a first motor and a second motor. The controller includes a controlling unit configured to receive control commands, and a motor driving unit electrically connected to the controlling unit and powered by a DC power supply. The first motor is electrically connected to the motor driving unit. The second motor is connected in parallel to the first motor. The first motor and the second motor are synchronously driven and controlled by the controller.