JP2000295856A - Rectifier and power unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the losses in a rectifier and a power unit smaller and the breakdown voltage of the rectifier and unit higher. SOLUTION: When the collector potential of a transistor Q3 is higher than the emitter potential of the transistor Q3, the base-collector voltage of a transistor Q1 becomes a value which is insufficient to turn on the transistor Q1 and, as a result, no voltage drop occurs in a resistor R1 and transistors Q2 and Q3 are also turned off. When the collector potential of the transistor Q3 is lower than the emitter potential, the transistor Q1 is turned on and, as a result, a voltage drop occurs in the resistor R1 and the transistors Q2 and Q3 are also turned on. When the emitter-collector current of the transistor Q3 increases, the collector current of the transistor Q1 increases and the voltage drop in the resistor R1 becomes larger. Subsequently, the collector currents of the transistors Q2 and Q3 also increase and the emitter-collector voltage of the transistor Q3 drops.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rectifier and a power supply, and more particularly, to a rectifier and a power supply that cause less loss due to power consumed by components other than a load.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of obtaining a direct current by rectifying an alternating current, in order to suppress unnecessary power consumption by a rectifying element and to realize high-voltage rectification, a technique of intermittently rectifying a current path of a transistor. Is used. When rectification is performed using a transistor, the transistor detects the application of a voltage to be rectified or detects the inflow of current into a load, thereby turning on and off the timing of the current path of the transistor. Has been determined.

There is a method using a comparator or an operational amplifier to detect that a voltage to be rectified is applied. As a method for detecting the inflow of current into the load, there are a method using a current transformer and a method using a resistor. In the method using a current transformer, a primary winding of a current transformer is inserted into a current supply path to a load, and a signal having a magnitude proportional to a current flowing to the load is extracted from a secondary winding of the current transformer. In the method using a resistor, a resistor is inserted into a current supply path to a load, and a current flowing through the load is detected by measuring a voltage between both ends of the resistor.

[0004]

In any of the above-described methods, the comparator, the operational amplifier, the current transformer, or the resistor consumes power by itself, so that a loss occurs. Therefore, in order to keep this loss within a negligible range, it is necessary to sufficiently reduce the power consumption of the current transformer and the resistance value of the resistor.

However, in order to increase the sensitivity of the current transformer, it is necessary to increase the number of turns of the secondary winding of the current transformer. When the number of turns of the secondary winding of the current transformer increases, the power of the secondary transformer itself is reduced. Loss increases. Also, the voltage across the resistor inserted in the current supply path to the load is
It increases in proportion to the resistance value of this resistor. However, the loss due to this resistor also increases as the resistance value increases.

Further, since the current transformer acts as an inductive load from the viewpoint of the power supply, the phase of the voltage appearing on the secondary winding of the current transformer has a value different from the phase of the voltage supplied from the power supply. This phase shift changes depending on the impedance of the load and the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to determine the ON and OFF timings of the rectifying transistor using the voltage appearing on the secondary winding of the current transformer.

The input terminal of the comparator or the operational amplifier is connected to the control terminal of the transistor (ie, the base of the bipolar transistor or the gate of the field effect transistor).
It is connected to the. The control end of the transistor has a low withstand voltage, and the voltage to be rectified instantaneously exceeds the withstand voltage rating of the transistor, and is easily destroyed.

When a bipolar transistor is used for rectification, a sufficient base current must be supplied to the base of the bipolar transistor in order to sufficiently reduce the value of the on-resistance of the current path (that is, between the emitter and the collector) of the bipolar transistor. Need to shed. However, as the base current increases, the loss due to the bipolar transistor itself also increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a rectifier and a power supply device having a small loss and a high withstand voltage.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a rectifier according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reference potential source for generating a reference potential, a first current path, and a first current path.
A first current path control element that detects the potential difference between one end of the current path and the reference potential, and controls the intermittent control of the first current path in accordance with the detected result; and a serial connection to the first current path. A first load connected thereto, and a second current path, wherein the magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the first load is detected, and the second current path is intermittently connected according to the detected result. A second current path control element to be controlled, a second load connected in series to the second current path, and a third current path,
A third current path control element configured to detect a magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the second load, and to perform intermittent control of the third current path in accordance with a result of the detection;
The one end of the current path is connected to one end of the third current path, and the reference potential source detects a potential at the other end of the third current path; The first current path control element causes the first current path control element to substantially switch the first current path when a voltage is applied across both ends of the third current path in a direction in which a current flows in a predetermined direction. Means for determining the reference potential so as to conduct the current, and means for generating the determined reference potential, wherein the second and third current path control elements allow a current to flow through the first current path. When
The second and third current paths are intermittently controlled so that the third current path is substantially conducted.

According to such a rectifier, the detection of the voltage to be rectified is performed by detecting the potential difference between one end of the third current path applied to both ends of the voltage and the reference potential. . When the third current path is off, substantially no current flows through the first and second loads. Therefore, the loss of such a rectifier is small. According to such a rectifier, the voltage to be rectified is detected by a first current path control element including a transistor, a resistor, a constant current diode, and the like having a high withstand voltage without using a comparator or an operational amplifier. Or with a reference potential source, the breakdown voltage is also increased.

The first, second, and third current path control elements continuously change the impedance of the current path according to the magnitude of the voltage drop detected by each of the elements.
Means for intermittently controlling the respective current paths, wherein when the current flowing between both ends of the current path of the third current path control element increases, the impedance of the current path of the third current path control element decreases. As described above, each of the current paths may be intermittently controlled. Thus, even when the current flowing through the third current path increases, the third current path becomes closer to the saturation state, thereby preventing an increase in loss due to the third current path.

Each of the first, second, and third current path control elements has, for example, a control terminal, and detects a voltage between any one end of its own current path and the control terminal. According to the result, the impedance of each current path may be changed. In this case, for example, the reference potential source supplies the reference potential to the control terminal of the first current path control element, and the first load controls the one end of the current path of the second current path control element. And the second load may be connected between one end of the current path of the third current path control element and the control end.

The rectifier includes a fourth current path connected in series with the first current path, and a control terminal.
A fourth current path control element that detects a voltage between one end of the current path of the current path and the control end thereof, and changes the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result; A third load connected between the one end of the path and the control end of the fourth current path control element. In this case, the reference potential source has a current path, and a constant current source that allows a predetermined amount of current to flow through the current path of the reference current source; and a fifth current path that is connected in series to the current path of the constant current source. ,
A control end connected to one end of the fifth current path and a control end of the fourth current path control element, and a voltage between the other end of the fifth current path and the control end thereof. And, according to the detected result, change the impedance of its own current path so that the sum of the currents flowing from the constant current source to the fifth current path and the third load becomes the predetermined amount. And a fifth current path control element. Thereby, the fourth current path is provided at both ends of the fourth current path.
A voltage drop that increases as the current flowing through the current path increases. For this reason, it is possible to increase the voltage of the voltage source for flowing the current through the first and second current paths. Therefore, if a supply source of a voltage to be rectified using such a rectifier is used as the voltage source, rectification of a high voltage is performed without preparing a separate voltage source.

The rectifier includes a fourth current path connected in series with the first current path, and a control terminal.
Detecting a voltage between one end of the current path of the current and the control terminal of the self, according to the detection result, a fourth current path control element that changes the impedance of the fourth current path, The reference potential source includes a current path, and a constant current source that supplies a predetermined amount of current to the current path of the reference current source; a fifth current path connected in series to the current path of the constant current source;
And a control end connected to the control end of the fourth current path control element, and detects a voltage between the other end of the fifth current path and its own control end. A fifth current path control element that changes the impedance of its own current path so that the current flowing from the constant current source to the fifth current path becomes the predetermined amount according to the detected result;
May be provided. In the case of such a rectifier as well, a voltage drop occurs at both ends of the fourth current path such that the voltage drop increases as the current flowing through the fourth current path increases. For this reason, it is possible to increase the voltage of the voltage source for flowing the current through the first and second current paths. Therefore, if a supply source of a voltage to be rectified using such a rectifier is used as the voltage source, rectification of a high voltage is performed without preparing a separate voltage source.

The rectifier includes a fourth current path connected in series with the first current path, and a control terminal.
A fourth current path control element that detects a voltage between one end of the current path of the current path and the control end thereof, and changes the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result; A third load connected between the one end of the current path and the control end of the fourth current path control element, the reference potential source has one end connected to the fourth current path control element. A fifth current path connected to the control end of the control element;
And a control terminal connected to the control terminal of the fourth current path control element and detecting the voltage between the other end of the fifth current path and the control terminal of the fourth current path control element. And a fifth current path control element that changes the impedance of the fifth current path according to the detected result, wherein the fourth current path control element is connected to the one end of the fourth current path by itself. The impedance of the fourth current path is changed such that a predetermined amount of current determined by the impedance of the first current path flows through the third load in accordance with the result of detecting the voltage between the control path and the control terminal. The fifth current path control element may control the fifth current path via the third load according to a result of detecting a voltage between one end of the fifth current path and the control end of the fifth current path control element. The fifth current so that the current flowing through the road becomes the predetermined amount. Changing the impedance of the current path, in the case of such a rectifier, to both ends of the fourth current path, the fourth larger such a voltage drop with increasing current flowing through the current path of generated. For this reason, the first and second
It is possible to increase the voltage of the voltage source for flowing the current through the current path. Therefore, if a supply source of a voltage to be rectified using such a rectifier is used as the voltage source, rectification of a high voltage is performed without preparing a separate voltage source.

At least one of the first to third current path control elements comprises, for example, a bipolar transistor having the control terminal composed of a base and the current path having both ends of an emitter and a collector. Is done.

[0018] At least one of the first to third current path control elements is, for example, a field effect transistor including the control terminal composed of a gate and the current path having both ends of a source and a drain. Be composed.

A power supply according to a second aspect of the present invention is a power supply that rectifies a single-phase AC voltage and outputs a rectified voltage, comprising: a reference potential source for generating a reference potential;
Of the first current path, and the potential difference between the one end of the first current path and the reference potential is detected, and according to the detected result,
A first current path control element for intermittently controlling the first current path, a first load having one end connected to the other end of the first current path, and a second current path; A second current path control element for detecting the magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the first load and intermittently controlling the second current path in accordance with the detected result; The second connected to
And a third current path, wherein the magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the second load is detected, and the third current path is intermittently controlled according to the detected result. A current path control element, wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to one end of the third current path, and a series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load Is connected to the other end of the third current path, and the other end of the first load is connected to the other end of a series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load. Connected, the reference potential source is configured to detect a potential at the other end of the third current path, and a potential detected by the detection means,
The first current path control element is configured to substantially conduct the first current path when a voltage for flowing a current in a predetermined direction is applied between both ends of the third current path. Means for determining a reference potential and generating the determined reference potential, wherein the second and third current path control elements are configured to output the third current path when the current flows through the first current path. The second and third current paths are intermittently controlled so as to substantially conduct the current path, and the other end of the series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load is provided. When a single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is applied between the one end of the third current path and the one end of the third current path, the second current path and the second
The one end of the series circuit formed by the load of
And outputting a rectified voltage between the current path and the other end of the current path.

According to such a power supply device, the detection of the single-phase AC voltage to be rectified detects the potential difference between one end of the third current path to which the single-phase AC voltage is applied and the reference potential. It is done by doing. When the third current path is off, substantially no current flows through the first and second loads. Therefore, the loss of such a power supply device is small. Further, according to such a power supply device, the detection of the single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is not performed by the comparator or the operational amplifier, but is performed by the first transistor including the high withstand voltage transistor, the resistor, the constant current diode, and the like. Since this is performed using the current path control element and the reference potential source, the withstand voltage increases.

A power supply unit according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a reference potential source for generating a reference potential, a first current path, and a potential at one end of the first current path and the reference potential. And the first voltage is detected according to the detection result.
A first current path control element for intermittently controlling the current path of the first current path; a first load having one end connected to the other end of the first current path;
A second current path for detecting a magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the first load, and according to a result of the detection,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path, a second load connected in series to the second current path, and a third current path; And a third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path according to the detection result, and one end of the third current path control element is connected to one end of the third current path. Connected to one end of a series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load, and an inductor connected to the other end of the first load. The one end of the path is connected to the one end of the third current path, the other end of the series circuit is connected to the other end of the third current path, and the reference potential source is Detecting means for detecting the potential at the other end of the third current path; and detecting the potential based on the potential detected by the detecting means. The current path control element sets the reference potential so that the first current path substantially conducts when a voltage for flowing a current in a predetermined direction is applied between both ends of the third current path. Means for determining and determining the determined reference potential, wherein the second and third current path control elements switch the third current path when a current flows through the first current path. The second and third current paths are intermittently controlled so as to substantially conduct, and an external load is applied between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the third current path. Connected, when an input voltage is applied across the third current path from an external voltage source, a current supplied from the external voltage source to the inductor flows to the external load, and the input voltage When the application of
A current flowing through the third current path is caused to flow to the external load by an electromotive force self-induced by the inductor.

According to such a power supply device, the detection of the electromotive force generated by the inductor detects the voltage generated by the electromotive force between the potential of one end of the third current path applied to both ends and the reference potential. This is performed by detecting a potential difference. When the third current path is off, the first and second current paths are turned off.
No current substantially flows through the load. Therefore, the loss of such a power supply device is small. Further, according to such a power supply device, the detection of the electromotive force generated by the inductor is not performed by the comparator or the operational amplifier, and is performed by the first transistor including the high withstand voltage transistor, the resistor, the constant current diode, and the like.
Since it is performed using the current path control element and the reference potential source,
The breakdown voltage also increases.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the rectifier comprises transistors QB and Q1-Q
3 and resistors RB, R1 and R2.

The transistors QB, Q1 and Q3 are NP
The transistor Q2 is composed of an N-type bipolar transistor, and the transistor Q2 is composed of a PNP-type bipolar transistor. Each of the transistors QB and Q1 to Q3 has a base, an emitter and a collector, respectively.

The base of transistor QB is connected to the base of transistor Q1, the emitter of transistor QB is connected to one end of resistor RB and the base of transistor Q1, and the collector of transistor QB is connected to the emitter of transistor Q3. Have been.

The base of transistor Q1 is connected to the base and emitter of transistor QB, the emitter of transistor Q1 is connected to the base of transistor Q2, and the collector of transistor Q1 is connected to the collector of transistor Q3. .

As described above, the base of the transistor Q2 is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q1, and the emitter of the transistor Q2 is connected to the positive electrode of a driving voltage source for supplying a DC power supply voltage for driving the rectifier. The collector of the transistor Q2 is connected to the base of the transistor Q3. Note that the negative electrode of the drive voltage source is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q3.

The base of transistor Q3 is connected to the collector of transistor Q2 as described above, the emitter of transistor Q3 forms the anode of this rectifier, and the collector of transistor Q3 forms the cathode of this rectifier. I have.

The resistor RB is connected between the emitter of the transistor QB and the positive terminal of the driving voltage source. The resistor R1 is connected between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q2. The resistor R2 is connected between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q3.

Suppose that the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is kept higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier while the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source. In this state, the potential of the collector of transistor Q1 is higher than the potential of the collector of transistor QB. On the other hand, the bases of the transistors QB and Q1 are at the same potential.

The height of the potential of the base of the transistor QB is determined by the fact that the collector current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor QB flows through the resistor RB from the potential of the positive electrode of the driving power source. Substantially equal to the resulting voltage drop. Therefore, the potential at the base of the transistor QB increases when the collector current of the transistor QB decreases, and decreases when the collector current increases.

Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor QB is equal to the voltage of the transistor QB when the emitter of the transistor QB functions as the collector and the collector of the transistor QB functions as the emitter.
It is almost equal to the minimum voltage required to turn on B. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1 when the emitter of the transistor Q1 functions as the collector and the collector of the transistor Q1 functions as the emitter. . Therefore, the transistor Q1 remains off.

Therefore, substantially no current flows through the resistor R1 which forms a current path between the positive electrode of the drive voltage source and the transistor Q1, and a substantial voltage drop occurs across the resistor R2. Does not occur. As a result, the voltage between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes almost 0 volt, and the transistor Q2 also keeps turning off.

When the transistor Q2 is off, substantially no current flows through the resistor R2 forming a current path between the negative electrode of the drive voltage source and the transistor Q2, and the resistor R2
No substantial voltage drop occurs between both ends of the. As a result, the voltage between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q3 also becomes almost 0 volt, so that the transistor Q3 also keeps turning off.

Accordingly, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode, the voltage between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier is substantially cut off even when the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source.

Next, it is assumed that the potential of the cathode of this rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source. In this state, the potential of the collector of transistor Q1 is lower than the potential of the collector of transistor QB. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is equal to the voltage of the transistor Q1 when the emitter of the transistor Q1 functions as the collector and the collector of the transistor Q1 functions as the emitter.
1 is turned on, and the transistor Q1 is turned on.

Then, from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source, the resistor R
1. A current path is formed through the emitter and the collector of the transistor Q1 to the cathode of the rectifier in order, and a voltage is applied across the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 is negative. Descent occurs. Therefore, the transistor Q2 is also turned on.

When the transistor Q2 is turned on, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source through the emitter and collector of the transistor Q2 and the resistor R2 in order. As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R2 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q3 becomes positive. Therefore, the transistor Q3 turns on.

Thus, while the anode of the rectifier is positive with respect to the cathode of the rectifier, current flows from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 increases. That is, the amount of loss generated by the rectifier increases. Then, the voltage of the collector of the transistor Q1 based on the potential of the collector of the transistor QB decreases, and the difference between the voltage of the collector of the transistor Q1 and the voltage of the collector of the transistor QB increases.

As a result, the voltage between the base and collector of transistor Q1 increases. That is, the transistor Q
When the emitter of the transistor Q1 functions as the collector and the collector of the transistor Q1 functions as the emitter, the forward bias to the transistor Q1 becomes deeper.
Therefore, the impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q1 decreases, and the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q1
The current flowing between the emitters increases.

Then, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R1 increases, and the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper. Therefore, the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2 increases. Further, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R2 increases due to the increase in the current between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2,
As a result, the forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper. Therefore, the impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 decreases, and the magnitude of the voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 also decreases. Therefore, the amount of loss generated by this rectifier is reduced.

With the operation described above, the rectifier performs rectification. When this rectifier is off (ie,
When the transistor Q3 is turned off), the transistors Q1 and Q2 are also turned off.
3. The resistors R1 and R2 do not consume power.

Further, since the collector current of the transistor QB is substantially suppressed to the minimum amount of the collector current flowing when the transistor QB is turned on, the power consumption by the transistor QB and the resistor RB is also minimized. Can be suppressed. Therefore, if the current amplification factor of the transistor QB is made sufficiently large and the resistance value of the resistor RB is made sufficiently large, the transistor QB and the resistor RB
Power consumption can be made small enough to be negligible.

The configuration of the rectifier is not limited to the one described above. For example, each of the transistors QB and Q1 to Q3 may be used such that an emitter is connected to a location to which a collector is to be connected and a collector is connected to a location to which an emitter is to be connected.

Further, the rectifier in FIG. 1 may be configured by a constant current diode or the like instead of the resistor RB, and may include a constant current source having a positive electrode and a negative electrode. However, in this case, the positive electrode of the constant current source is connected to the emitter of the transistor QB, and the negative electrode is connected to the positive electrode of the drive voltage source and the emitter of the transistor Q2. The power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source. In this case, a certain amount of current flows from the negative electrode to the positive electrode.

This rectifier has, as shown in FIG.
Transistors QB, Q1 and Q3 are PNP bipolar transistors, and transistor Q2 is an NPN transistor.
It may be composed of a bipolar transistor.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the negative electrode of the drive voltage source is connected to the portion where the positive electrode of the drive voltage source is connected in the configuration of FIG. The positive electrode of the drive voltage source is connected to the point where the negative electrode is connected. The collector of transistor Q3 forms the anode of the rectifier of FIG. 2, and the emitter of transistor Q3 forms the cathode of the rectifier of FIG. When the above-described constant current source is provided instead of the resistor RB, the negative electrode of the constant current source is connected to the emitter of the transistor QB, and the positive electrode is connected to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source and the transistor QB.
2 are connected to the second emitter.

The operation of the rectifier of FIG. 2 is substantially the same as the operation of the configuration of FIG. 1 except that the direction of the current flowing through each part of the rectifier is opposite. That is, when the potential of the anode of this rectifier is made lower than the potential of the cathode of this rectifier while the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the voltage between the base and collector of the transistor QB becomes
While the voltage is substantially equal to the minimum voltage required to turn on the transistor QB, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1.

Therefore, transistor Q1 is kept off. Accordingly, substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1, and the transistor Q2 continues to be turned off. Therefore, substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R2, and the transistor Q3 keeps turning off. Accordingly, the anode-cathode portion of the rectifier of FIG.

Next, when the potential of the anode of the rectifier is made higher than the potential of the cathode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is
The voltage reaches a voltage that turns on the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 turns on.

Thus, from the anode of the rectifier,
Collector and emitter of transistor Q1, resistor R1
, A current path leading to the negative electrode of this drive voltage source is formed, and a voltage drop is generated between both ends of the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes positive. Therefore, the transistor Q2 is also turned on.

When the transistor Q2 is turned on, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source through the resistor R2, the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2 in this order. As a result, between both ends of the resistor R2,
A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q3 becomes negative, and the transistor Q3 turns on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 increases, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier increases. As a result, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of transistor Q1 increases.

As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R1 also increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2 increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R2 also increases, and the transistor Q
3 becomes deeper and the collector-emitter impedance of transistor Q3 decreases. Therefore, the voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 is small, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier is reduced.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, of the transistors Q2 and Q3, the one composed of an NPN type bipolar transistor is an enhancement type n-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Silicon Field Effe
ct Transistor). Also, PN
A device composed of a P-type bipolar transistor may be replaced with an enhancement-type p-channel MOSFET.

When an enhancement type MOSFET is used in place of the bipolar transistor, a MOSF is provided at a place where the base of the bipolar transistor is to be connected.
The gate of the ET is connected. In addition, a portion to which the emitter of the bipolar transistor is to be connected is M
The source of the OSFET is connected. Also, the drain of the MOSFET is connected to a place where the collector of the bipolar transistor is to be connected.

Accordingly, in this rectifier, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the transistor Q2 may be formed of an enhancement p-channel MOSFET, and the transistor Q3 may be formed of an enhancement n-channel MOSFET.

The operation of the rectifier of FIG. 3 is substantially the same as the operation of the configuration of FIG. That is, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier in a state where the power supply voltage is supplied from the driving voltage source, the transistor Q1 keeps the off state. Substantially no voltage drop occurs, so that the transistor Q2 also keeps turning off. Therefore, the resistor R2
Substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the transistor Q3, and the transistor Q3 keeps turning off. Thus, the anode-cathode of the rectifier of FIG.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the driving voltage source, the transistor Q1 is turned on, so that the transistor Q2 is connected between both ends of the resistor R1. A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the gate with respect to the source becomes negative, and the transistor Q2 also turns on. Then, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source via the source and drain of the transistor Q2 and the resistor R2 in this order. As a result, between both ends of the resistor R2,
A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the gate with respect to the source of the transistor Q3 is positive, and the transistor Q3 is turned on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the drain and source of transistor Q3 increases, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier increases. As a result, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases.

As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R1 also increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the current flowing between the drain and source of the transistor Q2 increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R2 also increases, and the transistor Q3
, The forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper, and the impedance between the drain and source of the transistor Q3 decreases. Therefore, the voltage drop between the drain and the source of the transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier is reduced.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, of the transistors QB and Q1, the one composed of an NPN bipolar transistor may be replaced with an enhancement type n-channel MOSFET. Therefore,
This rectifier may have, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. In this case, however, the rectifier further includes, for example, diodes D1 to D3 and a resistor R3, as shown in FIG.

Of the transistors QB and Q1, NPN
In the case where a transistor composed of a bipolar transistor is replaced by an enhancement type n-channel MOSFET, the connection relationship among the transistors QB and Q1 to Q3, the resistors R1 and R2, and the external drive voltage source is as follows: The drain of QB is connected to the other end of resistor RB that is not directly connected to the drive voltage source through diode D3, the source is connected to the emitter (or source) of transistor Q3, and the gate is connected to the gate. (B) the drain of transistor Q1 is connected to the base (or gate) of transistor Q2 via diode D1, and the source is connected to the collector (or drain) of transistor Q3. , The gate is connected between the two ends of the resistor RB through the diode D2. Except a point that is connected to the end towards which the dynamic voltage source is not directly connected, and is substantially identical to the connection of the rectifier shown in FIGS.

The diode D1 is for preventing a current from flowing backward from the source to the drain of the transistor Q1. The anode of the diode D1 is connected to the base (or gate) of the transistor Q2, and the cathode of the diode D1 is connected to the drain of the transistor Q1.

The diode D2 is for making the gates of the transistors Q1 and QB substantially equal to each other by generating a voltage drop substantially equal to the voltage drop of the diode D3. The anode of the diode D2 is connected to the other end of the resistor RB that is not connected to the positive terminal of the drive voltage source, and the cathode of the diode D2 is connected to the gate of the transistor Q1.

The diode D3 is for preventing current from flowing backward from the source to the drain of the transistor QB. The anode of the diode D3 is a resistor R
B is connected to the other end of the drive voltage source that is not connected to the positive electrode, and the cathode of the diode D3 is connected to the drain and gate of the transistor QB.

The resistor R3 forms a current path for allowing a current to flow through the diode D2.
1 is connected between the gate and the source.

The operation of the configuration of FIG. 4 is substantially the same as the operation of the configuration of FIG. 1 and the operation of the configuration of FIG. That is,
When a power supply voltage is supplied from a drive voltage source and the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier, the potential of the source of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the potential of the source of the transistor QB.

Further, a resistor R
B, a current flows through a current path from the anode and cathode of the diode D3 to the cathode of the rectifier via the drain and source of the transistor QB, and a voltage drop occurs across the resistor RB. A forward voltage of the diode D3 is generated between them. On the other hand, the resistor RB and the diode D
Current also flows through the current path through the anode and cathode of the diode 2 to the cathode of the rectifier, and a forward voltage of the diode D2 is generated between the anode and the cathode of the diode D2. Therefore, assuming that the forward voltages of the diodes D2 and D3 are substantially equal to each other, the transistor QB
And Q1 have substantially the same potential as each other.

The height of the potential of the gate of the transistor QB is substantially equal to a value obtained by subtracting the voltage drop across the resistor RB and the forward voltage of the diode D3 from the potential of the positive electrode of the driving power supply. Therefore, the potential of the gate of the transistor QB increases when the drain current of the transistor QB decreases, and decreases when the collector current increases. Therefore, the voltage of the gate of the transistor QB is
It is almost equal to the minimum voltage required to turn on transistor QB. As a result, the voltage at the gate of transistor Q1 is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on transistor Q1. Therefore, the transistor Q1 remains off.

Therefore, substantially no current flows through the resistor R1 which forms a current path between the positive electrode of the drive voltage source and the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q2 continues to be turned off. Therefore, the negative electrode of the driving voltage source and the transistor Q
No current flows substantially through the resistor R2 which forms a current path between the resistor R2 and the transistor Q3, and the transistor Q3 also keeps turning off.
That is, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode, the voltage between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier continues to be substantially cut off even when the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source.

Next, assuming that the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the driving voltage source, the potential of the source of the transistor Q1 becomes lower than the source potential of the transistor QB. Therefore, the voltage of the gate of the transistor Q1 reaches a voltage at which the transistor Q1 is turned on, and the transistor Q1 is turned on.
1 turns on.

Then, from the positive electrode of the driving voltage source, the resistor R
1, a current path is formed through the diode D1, the drain and the source of the transistor Q1, in order, to the cathode of the rectifier, and a transistor Q2 is connected between both ends of the resistor R1.
A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the base (or the gate) with respect to the emitter (or the source) becomes negative. Therefore, the transistor Q2 is also turned on.

Then, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the driving voltage source to the negative electrode of the driving voltage source through the emitter (or source) and collector (or drain) of the transistor Q2 and the resistor R2 in order. As a result, the resistor R3
, A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the base (or gate) with respect to the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q3 becomes positive. Therefore, the transistor Q3 turns on. Thus, while the anode of the rectifier is positive with respect to the cathode of the rectifier,
Current flows from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the collector (or drain) and the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q3 increases, and the loss generated by the rectifier increases. Increases. As a result, the difference between the voltage at the source of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the source of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the drain and source of transistor Q1 increases.

As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R1 also increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the current flowing between the collector (or drain) and the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q2. Increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R2 also increases, the forward bias on the transistor Q3 becomes deeper, and the impedance between the collector (or drain) and the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q3 decreases. . Thus, the voltage drop across the collector (or drain) -emitter (or source) of transistor Q3 is reduced and the amount of loss generated by this rectifier is reduced.

In the structure described with reference to FIG. 4, transistors QB and Q1 are p-channel MOSFETs.
The transistor Q3 may be formed of a PNP bipolar transistor or a p-channel MOSFET, and the transistor Q2 may be formed of an NPN bipolar transistor or an n-channel MOSFET. Therefore, this rectifier may have, for example, the configuration shown in FIG.

However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the negative electrode of the drive voltage source is connected to the portion where the positive electrode of the drive voltage source is connected in the configuration of FIG. The positive electrode of the drive voltage source is connected to the point where the negative electrode of the voltage source is connected. And the transistor Q3
Forms the anode of the rectifier, and the emitter (or source) of transistor Q3 forms the cathode of the rectifier.

As shown, the cathode of the diode D1 is connected to the base (or gate) of the transistor Q2.
, And the anode of the diode D1 is connected to the drain of the transistor Q1. The diode D
2 is connected to the other end of the resistor RB that is not connected to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source, and a diode D
The anode of 2 is connected to the gate of transistor Q1. The cathode of the diode D3 is connected to the other end of the resistor RB that is not connected to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source, and the anode of the diode D3 is connected to the drain and gate of the transistor QB.

The operation of the rectifier described with reference to FIG.
Except that the direction of the current flowing through each part of the rectifier is opposite, the operation of the configuration of the rectifier described with reference to FIG. 4 is substantially the same.

That is, when a power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source and the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier, the potential of the source of the transistor Q1 becomes lower than the potential of the source of the transistor QB. Also, assuming that the forward voltages of the diodes D2 and D3 are substantially equal to each other, the gates of the transistors QB and Q1 are substantially at the same potential.

The height of the potential of the gate of the transistor QB is substantially equal to the sum of the potential of the negative electrode of the driving power source and the voltage drop across the resistor RB and the forward voltage of the diode D3. Therefore, the potential of the gate of the transistor QB decreases when the drain current of the transistor QB decreases, and increases when the collector current increases. Therefore, the voltage at the gate of transistor QB is substantially equal to the minimum voltage required to turn on transistor QB. As a result, the voltage at the gate of the transistor Q1 becomes slightly lower than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 remains off.

Therefore, substantially no current flows through the resistor R1, and the transistor Q2 also keeps turning off. Further, substantially no current flows through the resistor R2, and the transistor Q3 also keeps turning off. Therefore, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode, the connection between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier continues to be substantially shut off.

Next, assuming that the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the driving voltage source, the potential of the source of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the source potential of the transistor QB. The transistor Q1 turns on.

Then, from the anode of this rectifier, the source and drain of the transistor Q1, the diode D1,
A current path is formed through the resistor R1 to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source. Between both ends of the resistor R1, the polarity of the base (or gate) with respect to the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q2 is set to be positive. A voltage drop occurs in the direction.
Therefore, the transistor Q2 is also turned on.

Then, from the positive electrode of the driving voltage source, the resistor R
2. A current path is formed through the collector (or drain) and the emitter (or source) of the transistor Q2 in order and reaching the negative electrode of the drive voltage source. As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R3 such that the polarity of the base (or the gate) with respect to the emitter (or the source) of the transistor Q3 becomes negative. Therefore, transistor Q
3 turns on. Thus, while the anode of the rectifier is positive with respect to the cathode of the rectifier, current flows from the anode of the rectifier to the cathode.

The current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the collector (or drain) and the emitter (or source) of transistor Q3 increases, and the loss generated by the rectifier increases. Increases, the magnitude of the voltage drop across resistor R1 and the magnitude of the voltage drop across resistor R2 also increase, resulting in a deeper forward bias on transistors Q2 and Q3, which results in transistor Q3 Collector (or drain)-
The impedance between the emitters (or sources) decreases. Thus, the voltage drop across the collector (or drain) -emitter (or source) of transistor Q3 is reduced and the amount of loss generated by this rectifier is reduced.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a rectifier circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. This rectifier circuit includes an AC input terminal, an output terminal,
It comprises a rectifier Rect and a capacitor C. As shown in FIG. 6, the rectifier Rect has substantially the same configuration as the rectifier of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment.

The capacitor C is connected between one pole of the AC input terminal having a pair of poles and the cathode of the rectifier Rect. The anode of the rectifier Rect is connected to the pole of the AC input terminal to which the capacitor C is not connected.

The output terminal has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is connected to the cathode of the rectifier Rect, and the negative electrode is connected to a connection point between the capacitor C and the AC input terminal. In the rectifier Rect, a portion to be connected to the negative electrode of the external drive voltage source is connected to the negative electrode of the output terminal.

It is assumed that an external load is connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode at the output terminal of the rectifier circuit, and a single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is applied between the two electrodes at the AC input terminal. Then, it is assumed that the voltage of the pole connected to the anode of the rectifier Rect becomes positive with respect to the potential of the other pole among the poles of the AC input terminal. In this case, the cathode of the rectifier Rect is connected to the rectifier Rect of the AC input terminal via a load.
The anode of the rectifier Rect has a higher potential than the cathode of the rectifier Rect because it is connected to the other pole not connected to the anode of the rectifier Rect.

The voltage generated at the pole of the rectifier Rect which is connected to the negative pole at the output end is applied to the portion of the rectifier Rect connected to the negative pole at the output end. You. The voltage has a negative polarity with respect to the potential of one of the two poles of the AC input terminal connected to the anode of the rectifier Rect. Therefore, this voltage is applied to the rectifier Re.
The rectifier Rect is used as a power supply voltage for driving ct.
Supplied to

Accordingly, the rectifier Rect conducts between the anode and the cathode, and the rectifier Rec among the two poles at the AC input terminal.
From the pole connected to the anode of t, the rectifier Re
A current flows through the ct anode and the cathode, and then through a parallel circuit of an external load and a capacitor C to the other pole of the AC input terminal.

On the other hand, the rectifier R
When the voltage of the pole connected to the anode of the rect becomes negative with respect to the potential of the other pole, the rectifier R
The anode of ect is at a lower potential than the cathode of rectifier Rect. Therefore, the connection between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier Rect is substantially shut off.

By repeating the above operation, the rectifier circuit of FIG. 6 performs half-wave rectification. Then, the capacitor C smoothes the half-wave rectified voltage generated between the two electrodes at the output terminal. In the rectifier circuit shown in FIG. 6, a voltage applied to an AC input terminal as a single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is supplied to a rectifier Re as a power supply voltage for driving the rectifier Rect.
ct. For this reason, the rectifier circuit of FIG. 6 operates without separately preparing a drive voltage source for driving the rectifier Rect.

The configuration of this rectifier circuit is not limited to the one described above. For example, the rectifier Rect of this rectifier circuit
May have substantially the same configuration as the rectifier of FIG. 1, for example, as shown in FIG.

In this case, however, as shown, the capacitor C is connected between one pole of the AC input terminal and the anode of the rectifier Rect. The cathode of the rectifier Rect is connected to the pole of the AC input terminal to which the capacitor C is not connected. The positive terminal of the output terminal is connected to a connection point between the capacitor C and the AC input terminal, and the negative terminal is connected to the anode of the rectifier Rect. In the rectifier Rect, a portion to be connected to the positive electrode of the external driving voltage source is connected to the positive electrode of the output terminal.

An external load is connected between the two electrodes at the output terminal of the rectifier circuit of FIG. 7, and a single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is applied between the two electrodes at the AC input terminal. It is assumed that the voltage of the pole connected to the cathode of the rectifier Rect has a negative polarity with respect to the potential of the other pole. In this case, the anode of the rectifier Rect, via the load,
The rectifier Rect is connected to the other pole of the AC input terminal that is not connected to the cathode of the rectifier Rect.
Has a higher potential than the cathode of the rectifier Rect.

The voltage generated at the pole of the rectifier Rect that is connected to the positive pole at the output end is applied to the portion of the rectifier Rect that is connected to the positive pole at the output end. Is done. This voltage has a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the other pole of the AC input terminal that is connected to the anode of the rectifier Rect. Therefore, this voltage is applied to the rectifier Re.
The rectifier Rect is used as a power supply voltage for driving ct.
Supplied to

Accordingly, the anode-cathode of the rectifier Rect conducts, and from the two poles of the AC input terminal, the pole connected to the positive pole of the output terminal passes through a parallel circuit of a load and a capacitor, and then the rectifier Rect. A current flows through the anode and the cathode to the other pole of the AC input terminal.

On the other hand, the rectifier R
When the voltage of the pole connected to the cathode of the rect becomes positive with respect to the potential of the other pole, the rectifier R
The anode of ect is at a lower potential than the cathode of rectifier Rect. Therefore, the connection between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier Rect is substantially shut off.

With the above operation, the rectifier circuit of FIG. 7 performs half-wave rectification. Also in the rectifier circuit of FIG. 7, the voltage applied to the AC input terminal as a single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is used as a power supply voltage for driving the rectifier Rect.
Since the power is supplied to the rectifier Rect, there is no need to separately prepare a drive voltage source.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a switching regulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, this switching regulator includes a pulse input terminal, an output terminal, a rectifier Rect.
, A capacitor C, and a coil L. As shown in FIG. 8, the rectifier Rect includes the rectifier shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment and the rectifier shown in FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment.
Has substantially the same configuration as the rectifier Rect.

The capacitor C is connected between both electrodes at the output terminal having a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The anode of the rectifier Rect is connected to a negative electrode at a pulse input terminal having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and a negative electrode at an output terminal. The cathode of the rectifier Rect is connected to the positive electrode of the pulse input terminal. In the rectifier Rect, a portion to be connected to the positive electrode of the external driving voltage source is connected to the positive electrode of the output terminal. The coil L is connected between the positive terminal of the output terminal and the positive terminal of the pulse input terminal.

An external load is connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the output terminal of the switching regulator, and the positive terminal of the pulse input terminal has a positive polarity with respect to the negative terminal of the pulse input terminal between both terminals of the pulse input terminal. Thus, it is assumed that a rectangular pulse is applied.

In this case, the cathode of the rectifier Rect is
The potential becomes higher than the anode of the rectifier Rect, so that the anode-cathode of the rectifier Rect is substantially shut off. Further, a current flows from the positive electrode at the pulse input terminal to the negative electrode at the pulse input terminal via the coil L, and then further through the parallel circuit of the load and the capacitor C. As a result, a voltage having a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the negative electrode at the output terminal is generated at the positive electrode at the output terminal, and the capacitor C is charged by this voltage.

The voltage of the positive terminal of the output terminal is applied to the portion of the rectifier Rect connected to the positive terminal of the output terminal. Since the voltage is positive with respect to the potential of the anode of the rectifier Rect connected to the negative electrode of the output terminal, the voltage is supplied to the rectifier Rect as a power supply voltage for driving the rectifier Rect. However, while the rectangular wave is applied to the pulse input terminal, the cathode of the rectifier Rect has a higher potential than the anode as described above, so that the anode-cathode of the rectifier Rect is substantially shut off.

Next, it is assumed that the application of the rectangular pulse is completed, and the positive electrode at the pulse input terminal of the switching regulator becomes lower than the potential of the negative electrode at the pulse input terminal. In this case, the cathode of the rectifier Rect is at a lower potential than the anode of the rectifier Rect.

At both ends of the coil L, back electromotive force is generated such that the end connected to the positive terminal of the pulse input terminal has a negative polarity with respect to the other terminal. Further, a voltage is generated at both ends of the capacitor C charged while the rectangular pulse is being applied to the pulse input terminal, such that the terminal connected to the positive terminal of the output terminal has a positive polarity.

For this reason, the portion of the rectifier Rect connected to the positive terminal of the output terminal continues to have the rectifier Re.
The voltage of the positive polarity is continuously applied to the potential of the anode of ct. Therefore, the rectifier Rect is driven by this voltage, and the rectifier Rect conducts between the anode and the cathode.

As a result, a current flows from the coil L to the coil L via the parallel circuit of the load and the capacitor C and the anode and the cathode of the rectifier Rect. As a result, a voltage having a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the negative electrode at the output terminal is continuously applied to the positive electrode at the output terminal.

By repeating the above operation, the switching regulator of FIG. 8 supplies power having a constant polarity to the load. In the switching regulator of FIG. 8, the back electromotive force generated by the coil L and the capacitor C
Is supplied to the rectifier Rect as a power supply voltage for driving the rectifier Rect.
For this reason, the switching regulator of FIG. 8 operates without separately preparing a drive voltage source for driving the rectifier Rect.

The configuration of this switching regulator is not limited to the above. For example, the rectifier Rect of this switching regulator may have substantially the same configuration as the rectifier of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. However, in this case, of the rectifier Rect,
The portion to be connected to the negative electrode of the external drive voltage source is connected to the negative electrode of the output terminal. The coil L is connected between the negative electrode at the output terminal and the negative electrode at the pulse input terminal.

An external load is connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the output terminal of the switching regulator shown in FIG. 9, and the positive terminal of the pulse input terminal has a positive polarity with respect to the negative terminal of the pulse input terminal between both terminals of the pulse input terminal. Assuming that a rectangular pulse is applied, the gap between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier Rect is substantially cut off.

From the positive electrode at the pulse input terminal, through a parallel circuit of a load and a capacitor C, further through a coil L,
A current flows to the negative electrode of the pulse input terminal. As a result, a voltage having a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the negative electrode at the output terminal is generated at the positive electrode at the output terminal, and the capacitor C is charged by this voltage.

Next, when the application of the rectangular pulse is completed and the positive electrode of the pulse input terminal of the switching regulator becomes lower than the potential of the negative electrode of the pulse input terminal, both ends of the coil L are connected to the negative electrode of the pulse input terminal. Back electromotive force is generated such that the connected end has a positive polarity with respect to the other end. Further, a voltage is generated at both ends of the capacitor C such that the end connected to the positive terminal of the output terminal has a positive polarity.

For this reason, the portion of the rectifier Rect connected to the negative electrode of the output terminal continues to have the rectifier Re.
The voltage of the negative polarity is continuously applied to the potential of the cathode of ct. The cathode of the rectifier Rect has a lower potential than the anode of the rectifier Rect. Therefore, the rectifier Rect is driven by this voltage, and the rectifier Rect conducts between the anode and the cathode.

As a result, the rectifier Rec is output from the coil L.
A current flows to the coil L through the parallel circuit of the anode and the cathode t, the load, and the capacitor C in order. As a result, a voltage having a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the negative electrode at the output terminal is continuously applied to the positive electrode at the output terminal.

With the above operation, the switching regulator of FIG. 9 also supplies power having a constant polarity to the load without separately preparing a drive voltage source for driving the rectifier Rect.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a rectifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This rectifier comprises, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, transistors QB and Q1 to Q4, resistors R1, R2 and R4, a diode D, and a constant current source CS.

The transistors QB and Q1 to Q3 and the resistors R1 and R2 are substantially the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG. Transistors QB and Q1
The connection relationship between Q3, resistors R1, R2 and an external drive voltage source is as follows: (A) The emitter of transistor Q1 is:
A point that is not directly connected to the base of the transistor Q2 or the resistor R1, and (B) a constant current source CS between the emitter of the transistor QB and the driving voltage source instead of the resistor RB.
Are connected as shown in FIG. 1 except that
Is substantially the same as the connection relationship of the rectifier shown in FIG.

The transistor Q4 is formed of an NPN type bipolar transistor and has a base, an emitter and a collector. The base of the transistor Q4 is connected to the base and the emitter of the transistor QB,
The emitter of the transistor Q4 is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q1, and the collector of the transistor Q4 is connected to the base of the transistor Q2. A resistor R is connected between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q4.
4 are connected.

The constant current source CS is composed of a constant current diode and the like, and has a positive electrode and a negative electrode.
The negative electrode is connected to the positive electrode of the driving voltage source,
It is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q2. When the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the constant current source CS flows a current of a certain magnitude from its own negative electrode to its positive electrode as described later.

Diode D supplies a base current to the base of transistor Q3 when transistor Q3 is turned on in accordance with the operation described later. The diode D has an anode and a cathode. The anode of the diode D is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q3, and the cathode of the diode D is connected to the base of the transistor Q3.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that a power supply voltage is supplied from a drive voltage source. In this case, the height of the potential of the base of the transistor QB is substantially equal to the potential of the positive electrode of the driving power supply minus the voltage drop generated across the constant current source CS. And the transistor QB
Collector current increases when the potential at the base of the transistor QB increases, and decreases when the potential at the base decreases. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor QB is a voltage necessary for flowing the current flowing through the constant current source CS between the emitter and the collector of the transistor QB.

In this state, it is assumed that the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier. Then, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes a value slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. Therefore, the transistor Q1 remains off. Therefore, substantially no voltage drop occurs across the resistor R1 irrespective of whether the transistor Q4 is on or off, and the transistor Q2 also keeps off. Therefore, the resistor R2
Substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the transistor Q3, and the transistor Q3 keeps turning off. Therefore, the connection between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier in FIG.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes lower than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is
The voltage reaches a voltage that turns on the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 turns on.

Then, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the cathode of the rectifier via the constant current source CS, the resistor R4, the emitter and the collector of the transistor Q1, and the like. As a result, the potential at the connection point between the resistor R4 and the base of the transistor QB is substantially equal to the sum of the current flowing through the resistor R4 and the current flowing between the emitter and the collector of the transistor QB. The potential becomes equal to the magnitude.

Then, by the current flowing through the resistor R4,
A voltage drop occurs at both ends of the resistor R4 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q4 becomes positive. As a result, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the driving voltage source to the cathode of the rectifier via the resistor R1, the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q4, and the emitter and the collector of the transistor Q1.

As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes negative. Therefore, the transistor Q2 is also turned on.

When the transistor Q2 is turned on, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source through the emitter and collector of the transistor Q2 and the resistor R2 in this order. As a result, between both ends of the resistor R2,
A voltage drop occurs such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q3 becomes positive, and the transistor Q3 turns on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the amount of voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of transistor Q3 increases, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier increases. As a result, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases.

As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R1 also increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2 increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R2 also increases, and the transistor Q
3 becomes deeper and the collector-emitter impedance of transistor Q3 decreases. Thus, the voltage drop across the collector-emitter of transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss created by this rectifier is reduced.

In the rectifier shown in FIG. 10, since the current flowing through the resistor R1 causes a voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q4, the voltage of the driving power supply drives the rectifier shown in FIG. For example, a voltage higher than the voltage of the driving power supply can be used.

Therefore, for example, if the rectifier of FIG. 7 is constituted by the rectifier of FIG. 10 instead of the rectifier of FIG.
It is possible to rectify an AC voltage having a larger amplitude than the rectifier circuit shown in FIG. Also, for example, if the switching regulator of FIG. 8 is configured by the rectifier of FIG. 10 instead of the rectifier of FIG. 1, a DC voltage higher than that of the switching regulator of FIG. 8 configured by the rectifier of FIG. 1 can be generated. It becomes possible.

The configuration of the rectifier is not limited to the one described above. For example, the transistor Q4 may be used such that an emitter is connected to a place where a collector is to be connected, and a collector is connected to a place where an emitter is to be connected. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the transistors QB and Q1 to Q3 and the resistors R1 and R2 may be substantially the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG.

However, in this case, the transistor Q4
It is assumed that it is formed of an NP-type bipolar transistor. The positive electrode of the constant current source CS is connected to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source and the emitter of the transistor Q2, and the negative electrode is connected to the emitter of the transistor QB.
The anode of the diode D is connected to the base of the transistor Q3, and the cathode of the diode D is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q3.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, when a power supply voltage is supplied from a drive voltage source, the height of the potential of the base of transistor QB is changed to the potential of the negative electrode of the drive power supply by constant current source C.
It is substantially equal to the sum of the voltage drop occurring across S. Then, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor QB is a voltage necessary for flowing the current flowing through the constant current source CS between the emitter and the collector of the transistor QB.

In this state, assuming that the potential of the anode of the rectifier is lower than the potential of the cathode, the voltage between the gate and source of the transistor Q1 becomes slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. ,
Transistor Q1 remains off.

Therefore, substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1, and the transistor Q2 also keeps turning off. Therefore, substantially no voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R2, and the transistor Q3 continues to be turned off. As a result, the voltage between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier continues to be substantially cut off.

Next, when the potential of the anode of the rectifier is made higher than the potential of the cathode, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB. The voltage reaches a voltage that turns on the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 turns on.

Then, a current path from the anode of the rectifier to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source is formed through the collector and emitter of the transistor Q1, the resistor R4, and the constant current source CS. As a result, the resistor R4 and the transistor QB
Of the current flowing through the resistor R4 and the current flowing between the emitter and the collector of the transistor QB are substantially equal to the magnitude of the current flowing through the constant current source CS. Become.

Then, a voltage drop is generated at both ends of the resistor R4 in such a direction that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q4 becomes negative. As a result, a current path is formed from the anode of the rectifier to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source through the collector and emitter of the transistor Q1, the emitter and collector of the transistor Q4, and the resistor R1 in that order. As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base of the transistor Q2 with respect to the emitter becomes positive, and the transistor Q2 also turns on.

When the transistor Q2 is turned on, a current path is formed from the positive electrode of the driving voltage source to the negative electrode of the driving voltage source through the resistor R2, the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q2 in this order, and between both ends of the resistor R2. Then, a voltage drop occurs in which the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q3 is set to the negative polarity, and the transistor Q3 is turned on.
This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier in FIG. 11 increases, the transistor Q1
The difference between the collector voltage of the transistor Q1 and the collector voltage of the transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and the collector of the transistor Q1 increases. This allows the resistor R1
The magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the transistor Q2 also increases, and the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper.
The current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop across the resistor R2 also increases, and the forward bias on the transistor Q3 becomes deeper,
The impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 decreases. Therefore, the voltage drop between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 is small, and the amount of loss generated by the rectifier is reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a rectifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This rectifier includes transistors QB and Q1 to Q4, resistors R1 and R2, and a diode D as shown in FIG.
And a constant current source CS.

The transistors QB and Q1 to Q3, the diode D, the constant current source CS, and the resistors R1 and R2 are substantially the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG. The connection relationship among the transistors QB and Q1 to Q3, the diode D, the constant current source CS, the resistors R1 and R2, and the external drive voltage source is substantially the same as the connection relationship of the rectifier shown in FIG.

In the structure of FIG. 12, transistor Q4
Is composed of a depletion-type n-channel FET and has a gate, a source, and a drain. The gate of the transistor Q4 is connected to the base and the emitter of the transistor QB, the source of the transistor Q4 is connected to the emitter of the transistor Q1, and the drain of the transistor Q4 is connected to the base of the transistor Q2.

In the structure shown in FIG. 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the base of transistor QB
The voltage between the collectors is a voltage necessary for flowing the current flowing through the constant current source CS between the emitter and the collector of the transistor QB.

In this state, if the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes
The value is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. Therefore, the transistor Q1 is turned off, and the transistors Q2 and Q3 continue to be turned off regardless of whether the transistor Q4 is on or off. Therefore, the connection between the anode and the cathode of the rectifier in FIG.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of this rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes lower than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB, Q1 turns on.

Then, the potential of the emitter of the transistor Q1 becomes substantially equal to the collector of the transistor Q1, and is therefore lower than the potential of the base of the transistor Q1 by about 0.6 volt. For this reason, the drain-source of the transistor Q4 composed of a depletion-type n-channel FET conducts, and the positive electrode of the drive voltage source passes through the resistor R1, the drain and source of the transistor Q4, and the emitter and collector of the transistor Q1. A current path to the rectifier cathode is formed.

As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes negative.
2 is turned on, and the transistor Q3 is also turned on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases. Increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R1 increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, the forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper, and the impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 decreases. Decrease. Thus, the voltage drop across the collector-emitter of transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss created by this rectifier is reduced.

In the rectifier of FIG. 12, since the current flowing through the resistor R1 causes a voltage drop between the drain and source of the transistor Q4, the voltage of the driving power supply is also the same as that of the rectifier of FIG. A voltage higher than the voltage of the driving power supply for driving the rectifier having the configuration shown in FIG.

The configuration of the rectifier is not limited to the one described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, transistors QB and Q1 to Q3, a diode D, and a constant current source CS
And resistors R1 and R2 may be substantially the same as in the configuration shown in FIG.

In this case, transistors QB and Q1-Q
3. The connection relation among the diode D, the constant current source CS, the resistors R1, R2 and the external drive voltage source is substantially the same as the connection relation of the rectifier shown in FIG. The transistor Q4 has a depletion-type p-channel FE
T.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, a power supply voltage is supplied from a drive voltage source, and the potential of the cathode of this rectifier is
If the potential is higher than the anode potential of the rectifier, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. Therefore, the transistor Q1 is turned off, and the transistors Q2 and Q3 continue to be turned off regardless of whether the transistor Q4 is on or off. For this reason,
The anode-cathode gap of the rectifier of FIG.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB, Q1 turns on.

Then, the potential of the emitter of the transistor Q1 becomes substantially equal to the collector of the transistor Q1, and therefore becomes a potential higher by about 0.6 volts than the potential of the base of the transistor Q1. As a result, conduction is established between the drain and source of the transistor Q4 composed of a depletion-type p-channel FET. A current path leading to the negative electrode of the voltage source is formed. Also in this case, a voltage drop occurs between the drain and the source of the transistor Q4.

As a result, a voltage drop occurs between both ends of the resistor R1 such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes positive.
2 is turned on, and the transistor Q3 is also turned on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases. Increases. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R1 increases, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, the forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper, and the impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q3 decreases. Decrease. Thus, the voltage drop across the collector-emitter of transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss created by this rectifier is reduced.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the constant current source C
S may be composed of a transistor Q5 and a resistor R4, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG.
In the above configuration, the constant current source CS may be composed of a transistor Q5 and a resistor R4 as shown in FIG. 15, for example.

Transistor Q5 in the structure of FIG.
Is composed of a depletion-type n-channel FET and has a drain, a source, and a gate. The drain of the transistor Q5 forms the negative electrode of the constant current source CS. A resistor R4 is connected between the gate and the source of the transistor Q5.
The other end connected to the gate forms the positive electrode of the constant current source CS.

Transistor Q5 in the structure of FIG.
Is composed of a depletion-type p-channel FET and has a drain, a source, and a gate. The drain of the transistor Q5 forms the positive electrode of the constant current source CS, and a resistor R4 is connected between the gate and the source of the transistor Q5.
The other end connected to the gate forms the negative electrode of the constant current source CS.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, when a power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the positive electrode of the drive voltage source passes through the drain and source of transistor Q5, resistor R4, and the emitter and collector of transistor QB.
A current flows to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source. This current creates a voltage drop across resistor R4 that causes the gate of transistor Q5 to be lower in potential than the source of transistor Q5 (ie, reverse biases transistor Q5). The current flowing through the resistor R4 decreases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q5 increases and increases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q5 decreases. Therefore, the magnitude of this current converges to a constant value.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the positive electrode of the drive voltage source passes through the collector and emitter of the transistor QB, the resistor R4, and the source and drain of the transistor Q5.
A current flows to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source. This current creates a voltage drop across resistor R4 that causes the gate of transistor Q5 to be at a higher potential than the source of transistor Q5 (ie, reverse biases transistor Q5). This current flowing through the resistor R4 decreases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q5 increases, and increases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q5 decreases. Therefore, the magnitude of this current converges to a constant value.

That is, the transistor Q5 and the resistor R4 connected as shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15 function as a constant current source CS.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a rectifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This rectifier includes, for example, transistors QB and Q1 to Q4, resistors R1, R2 and R4, and a diode D, as shown in FIG.

The transistors QB and Q1 to Q4, the diode D, and the resistors R1 and R2 are substantially the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG. Transistors QB and Q1-Q4, diode D, resistor R1,
The connection relationship between R2 and the external drive voltage source is shown in FIG.
The connection relation of the rectifier shown in FIG.

In the configuration of FIG. 16, the resistor R4 is connected between the gate and the source of the transistor Q4. The resistance value of the resistor R4 in the configuration of FIG. 16 ranges from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source via the resistor R1, the drain and source of the transistor Q4, the resistor R4, and the base and collector of the transistor QB. When a current flows and the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 is equal to or higher than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB, the value is selected so that the transistor Q2 does not turn on due to the voltage drop generated across the resistor R1. .

In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, when a power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the positive electrode of the drive voltage source passes through resistor R1, the drain and source of transistor Q4, resistor R4, and the base and collector of transistor QB. Then, a current that reaches the negative electrode of the drive voltage source flows. This current causes a voltage drop across resistor R4 that causes the gate of transistor Q4 to be lower in potential than the source of transistor Q4 (ie, reverse biases transistor Q4). The current flowing through the resistor R4 decreases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q4 increases, and increases as the reverse bias of the transistor Q4 decreases. Therefore, the magnitude of this current converges to a constant value.

The height of the potential of the base of the transistor QB is determined by the voltage drop generated across the resistor R1 from the potential of the positive electrode of the driving power supply, the voltage between the drain and source of the transistor Q4, Is substantially equal to the voltage drop across R4. The collector current of the transistor QB increases as the potential at the base of the transistor QB increases, and decreases as the potential at the base decreases. Therefore, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor QB is
The current flowing between the drain and source of the transistor 4
This is a voltage required to flow between the emitter and collector of B.

In this state, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes
The value is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. Therefore, the transistor Q1 turns off.

Further, between both ends of the resistor R1, from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source via the resistor R1, the drain and source of the transistor Q4, the resistor R4, and the base and collector of the transistor QB. The resulting current causes a voltage drop in a direction such that the polarity of the base with respect to the emitter of the transistor Q2 becomes negative. However, the magnitude of the voltage drop generated between both ends of the resistor R1 is insufficient for the transistor Q2 to be turned on when the transistor Q1 is turned off.

Therefore, the transistor Q2 keeps turning off,
Further, the transistor Q3 also keeps turning off. Therefore, FIG.
The rectifier of No. 6 keeps substantially shut off between the anode and the cathode.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of this rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes lower than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB, Q1 turns on.

Then, the current flowing through the transistor Q1 is changed between the drain-source of the transistor Q4 and the resistor R1.
Will also flow. As a result, the value at which the magnitude of the current flowing between the drain and source of the transistor Q4 converges is larger than when the transistor Q1 is off.

As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R1 increases to a value sufficient to turn on the transistor Q2, so that the transistor Q2 turns on, and further the transistor Q3 turns on. This causes current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases. Also increase. As a result, the magnitude of the current flowing between the drain and source of the transistor Q4 also converges to a larger value, and the magnitude of the voltage drop across the value resistor R1 also increases. Therefore, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper.
, The impedance between the collector and the emitter decreases.
Thus, the voltage drop across the collector-emitter of transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss created by this rectifier is reduced.

In the rectifier of FIG. 16, since the current flowing through the resistor R1 causes a voltage drop between the drain and source of the transistor Q4, the voltage of the driving power supply is also the same as that of the rectifier of FIG. A voltage higher than the voltage of the driving power supply for driving the rectifier having the configuration shown in FIG.

The structure of the rectifier is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the transistors QB and Q1 to Q4 and the diode D may be substantially the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG. In this case, as shown, the connection relationship among the transistors QB and Q1 to Q4, the diode D, the resistors R1 and R2, and the external driving voltage source is substantially the same as the connection relationship of the rectifier shown in FIG. So that

In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, when a power supply voltage is supplied from the drive voltage source, the collector of the transistor QB, the emitter (and base) of the transistor QB, the resistor R4, the source of the transistor Q4, A current flows to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source via the drain and the resistor R1 in order. This current is applied across the resistor R4 across the gate of transistor Q4.
, A voltage drop is generated in a direction in which the potential is higher than the source (ie, a direction in which the transistor Q4 is reverse biased). Then, the magnitude of this current flowing through the resistor R4 converges to a constant value. The voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor QB is equal to the voltage between the drain and the transistor Q4.
This voltage is required to cause this current flowing between the sources to flow between the emitter and collector of the transistor QB.

In this state, if the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made higher than the potential of the anode of the rectifier, the voltage between the base and the collector of the transistor Q1 is slightly less than the voltage required to turn on the transistor Q1. Value. Therefore, the transistor Q1 turns off.

A current from the positive electrode of the drive voltage source to the negative electrode of the drive voltage source via the collector and base of the transistor QB, the resistor R4, the source and drain of the transistor Q4, and the resistor R1 is applied to both ends of the resistor R1. The magnitude of the voltage drop generated between the transistors Q1 is not enough to turn on the transistor Q2 when the transistor Q1 is off. Accordingly, the transistors Q2 and Q3 continue to be turned off, and the anode-cathode of the rectifier in FIG. 17 continues to be substantially shut off.

Next, when the potential of the cathode of the rectifier is made lower than the potential of the anode while supplying the power supply voltage from the drive voltage source, the potential of the collector of the transistor Q1 becomes higher than the potential of the collector of the transistor QB, Q1 turns on.

Then, the current flowing between the emitter and the collector of the transistor Q1 also increases
The current that flows between the source and the resistor R1 and the magnitude of the current flowing between the drain and the source of the transistor Q4 converges are larger than when the transistor Q1 is off. As a result, the magnitude of the voltage drop between both ends of the resistor R1 increases, and the transistor Q2 turns on. As a result, the transistor Q3 is also turned on, and a current flows from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier.

When the current flowing from the anode to the cathode of the rectifier increases, the difference between the voltage at the collector of transistor Q1 and the voltage at the collector of transistor QB increases, and the current flowing between the emitter and collector of transistor Q1 increases. Increase. As a result, the magnitude of the current flowing between the drain and source of the transistor Q4 also converges to a larger value, and the magnitude of the voltage drop across the value resistor R1 also increases. Therefore, the forward bias to the transistor Q2 becomes deeper, and the forward bias to the transistor Q3 becomes deeper.
, The impedance between the collector and the emitter decreases.
Thus, the voltage drop across the collector-emitter of transistor Q3 is reduced, and the amount of loss created by this rectifier is reduced.

[0190]

As described above, according to the present invention, a rectifier and a power supply having a small loss and a high withstand voltage can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier circuit of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a switching regulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the switching regulator of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a rectifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a modification of the rectifier of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 QB, Q1-Q5 Transistor RB, R1-R4 Resistor CS Constant current source D, D1-D3 Diode Rect Rectifier C Capacitor L Coil

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 24, 2000 (200.4.2
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

6. At least one of the first to third current path control device is composed of a bipolar transistor comprising said control terminal consists of a base, and said current path to both ends emitter and collector The rectifier according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein:

7. A field effect transistor comprising at least one of said first to third current path control elements, said control end comprising a gate, and said current path having both ends of a source and a drain. The rectifier according to any one of claims 3 to 6 , wherein the rectifier is configured.

8. A power supply device for rectifying a single-phase AC voltage and outputting a rectified voltage, comprising: a reference potential source for generating a reference potential; and a first current path, one end of the first current path. And a first current path control element for intermittently controlling the first current path according to the detection result, and one end connected to the other end of the first current path. A first load, and a second current path, wherein the magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the first load is detected, and according to the detected result,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path; a second load connected in series to the second current path; and a third current path, wherein the second load is provided. The magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs between both ends of the
A third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path; wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to one end of the third current path; One end of the series circuit formed by the current path and the second load is connected to the other end of the third current path, and the other end of the first load is connected to the second current path and the second load. The reference potential source is connected to the other end of a series circuit formed by a second load, and the reference potential source detects a potential at the other end of the third current path; The first current path control element substantially conducts the first current path when a voltage is applied across both ends of the third current path in a direction in which current flows in a predetermined direction. Means for determining the reference potential as described above, and generating the determined reference potential. A third current path control element intermittently controls the second and third current paths so as to substantially conduct the third current path when a current flows in the first current path; A single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is applied between the other end of the series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load and the one end of the third current path. And outputting a rectified voltage between the one end of the series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load and the other end of the third current path. And power supply.

9. A reference potential source for generating a reference potential, comprising a first current path, and detects the potential difference between the potential at one end of and the reference potential of the first current path in accordance with a result of the detection, the second A first current path control element for intermittently controlling one current path, a first load having one end connected to the other end of the first current path, and a second current path; Detects the magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs across the load, and according to the detected result,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path; a second load connected in series to the second current path; and a third current path, wherein the second load is provided. The magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs between both ends of the
A third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path; one end connected to one end of the third current path, and the other end connected to the second current path and the second load; An inductor connected to one end of a series circuit to be formed and the other end of the first load, wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to the one end of the third current path, The other end of the series circuit is connected to the other end of the third current path, the reference potential source detects a potential at the other end of the third current path, and the detection means The first current path control element switches the first current path when a voltage is applied across both ends of the third current path in a direction in which a current flows in a predetermined direction. Means for determining the reference potential so as to substantially conduct, means for generating the determined reference potential, The second and third current path control elements are configured such that when current flows through the first current path, the second and third current path control elements substantially conduct the third current path. An intermittent control of a current path, wherein an external load is connected between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the third current path, and an external voltage source is connected to the third current path. When an input voltage is applied between both ends,
A current supplied from the external voltage source to the inductor flows to the external load, and when the application of the input voltage is stopped, a current flowing in the third current path by an electromotive force induced by the inductor. To the external load.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0012] The first, second and third current path control device is provided with a continuous control means for continuously changing the impedance of the current path according to the magnitude of the voltage drop their senses, each of said successive control The means includes means for reducing the impedance of the current path of the third current path control element such that when the current flowing between both ends of the current path of the third current path control element increases, the impedance of the current path of the third current path control element decreases . And third current path control element
The impedance of each current path of the child may be changed. Thus, even when the current flowing through the third current path increases, the third current path becomes closer to the saturation state, thereby preventing an increase in loss due to the third current path.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The first, second and third current path control elements
Each of the continuous control means has, for example, a control terminal, detects a voltage between any one end of the current path of the respective one and the control terminal, and, according to the detected result, sets the impedance of the current path of the respective one. It may be changed. In this case, for example, the reference potential source supplies the reference potential to the first
And the first load is connected between one end of a current path of the second current path control element and the control end, and the second load is connected to the control end of the current path control element. What is necessary is just to be connected between one end of the current path of the third current path control element and the control end.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The rectifier includes a fourth current path connected in series with the first current path, and a control terminal.
A fourth current path control element that detects a voltage between one end of the current path of the current path and the control end thereof, and changes the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result; A third load connected between the one end of the path and the control end of the fourth current path control element. In this case, the reference potential source includes a current path, and a constant current source that allows a predetermined amount of current to flow through the current path of the reference current source, and a constant current source that is connected in series to a current path of the constant current source .
A fifth current path connected to the other end of the current path, the other end of the fifth current path, a control end of the first current path control element, and the fourth current path control A control end connected to a control end of the element, detecting a voltage between the one end of the fifth current path and the control end of the fifth current path, and detecting an impedance of the current path of the self according to the detected result. is varied, self
Comprising a fifth current path control elements Ru to generate the reference potential to himself the control end, wherein the fourth current path control element,
Emitter and collector at both ends of the fourth current path
And a base forming a control end of the fourth current path control element.
And a bipolar transistor having
The fifth current path control element is connected to the fifth current path control element.
An emitter and a collector at both ends, and the fifth current path
A base forming a control end of the control element.
It may be composed of a transistor .
As a result, a voltage drop occurs at both ends of the fourth current path such that the voltage drop increases as the current flowing through the fourth current path increases. For this reason, it is possible to increase the voltage of the voltage source for flowing the current through the first and second current paths.
Therefore, if a supply source of a voltage to be rectified using such a rectifier is used as the voltage source, rectification of a high voltage is performed without preparing a separate voltage source.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The rectifier includes a fourth current path connected in series with the first current path, and a control terminal.
Detecting a voltage between one end of the current path of the current and the control terminal of the self, according to the detection result, a fourth current path control element that changes the impedance of the fourth current path, The reference potential source includes a current path, and a constant current source that allows a predetermined amount of current to flow through the current path of the reference current source. The reference potential source is connected in series to a current path of the constant current source , and has one end connected to the third current path.
A fifth current path connected to the other end, and a fifth current path
The other end, a control end of the first current path control element and a control end connected to the control end of the fourth current path control element, and the one end of the fifth current path and the self detecting the voltage between the control terminal, according to the result detected by changing the impedance of the self-the current path, the self of the system
Comprising a fifth current path control elements Ru to generate the reference potential to the control end, wherein the fourth current path control device, said fourth
A source and a drain forming both ends of the current path;
A gate serving as a control end of the current path control element.
It consists of a compression type field effect transistor.
The fifth current path control element is connected to the fifth current path control element.
An emitter and a collector at both ends, and the fifth current path
A base forming a control end of the control element.
It may be composed of a transistor .
In the case of such a rectifier as well, at both ends of the fourth current path,
A voltage drop that increases as the current flowing through the fourth current path increases. For this reason, it is possible to increase the voltage of the voltage source for flowing the current through the first and second current paths. Therefore, if a supply source of a voltage to be rectified using such a rectifier is used as the voltage source, rectification of a high voltage is performed without preparing a separate voltage source.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Deleted

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A reference potential source for generating a reference potential, a first current path, and a potential difference between one end of the first current path and the reference potential is detected. A first current path control element for intermittently controlling one current path; a first load connected in series to the first current path; and a second current path, both ends of the first load Detects the magnitude of the voltage drop that occurred between them, and according to the detected result,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path; a second load connected in series to the second current path; and a third current path, wherein the second load is provided. The magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs between both ends of the
A third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path, wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to one end of the third current path, and the reference potential source Detecting means for detecting the potential of the other end of the third current path; and detecting the potential of the third current path based on the potential detected by the detecting means. Means for determining the reference potential so as to substantially conduct the first current path when a voltage for flowing a current in a predetermined direction is applied, and generating the determined reference potential. The second and third current path control elements are configured to cause the second and third current paths to substantially conduct when the current flows through the first current path. A rectifier for intermittently controlling a road. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third current path control elements continuously change the impedance of the current path in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage drop detected by each element.
Means for intermittently controlling the respective current paths, wherein when the current flowing between both ends of the current path of the third current path control element increases, the impedance of the current path of the third current path control element decreases. The rectifier according to claim 1, wherein the current path is intermittently controlled. 3. The first, second, and third current path control elements have a control terminal, and detect and detect a voltage between any one end of a current path of the respective one and the control terminal. According to the result,
The reference potential source supplies the reference potential to a control terminal of the first current path control element, and the first load is the second current path. The second load is connected between one end of the current path of the third current path control element and the control end, and the second load is connected between one end of the current path of the control element and the control end; The rectifier according to claim 2, wherein: A fourth current path connected in series to said first current path;
A current path, and a control terminal, detecting a voltage between one end of the fourth current path and the control terminal of the fourth current path, and changing the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result. A fourth current path control element; a third load connected between the one end of the fourth current path and a control end of the fourth current path control element; A constant current source having a current path, and supplying a predetermined amount of current to the current path; a fifth current path connected in series to the current path of the constant current source; A control end connected to one end of the current path and the control end of the fourth current path control element, and detecting a voltage between the other end of the fifth current path and the control end of itself. According to the result obtained, the fifth current is supplied from the constant current source.
And a fifth current path control element that changes the impedance of its own current path so that the sum of the current flowing through the third load and the current flowing through the third load becomes the predetermined amount. A rectifier according to claim 3. 5. A fourth power supply connected in series with said first current path.
A current path, and a control terminal, detecting a voltage between one end of the fourth current path and the control terminal of the fourth current path, and changing the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result. A fourth current path control element, wherein the reference potential source has a current path, and a constant current source that supplies a predetermined amount of current to the current path of the reference current source; and a serial current path connected to the current path of the constant current source. A fifth current path, and a control end connected to one end of the fifth current path and a control end of the fourth current path control element. Detecting a voltage between the control terminal and the fifth terminal from the constant current source according to a detection result;
The rectifier according to claim 3, further comprising: a fifth current path control element that changes the impedance of the current path so that the current flowing through the current path becomes the predetermined amount. 6. A fourth current path connected in series with said first current path.
A current path, and a control terminal, detecting a voltage between one end of the fourth current path and the control terminal of the fourth current path, and changing the impedance of the fourth current path according to the detected result. A fourth current path control element; a third load connected between the one end of the fourth current path and a control end of the fourth current path control element; A fifth current path having one end connected to a control end of the fourth current path control element; and a source connected to the one end of the fifth current path and the control end of the fourth current path control element. A fifth control circuit for detecting the voltage between the other end of the fifth current path and the control terminal of the fifth current path, and changing the impedance of the fifth current path according to the detected result. A current path control element, wherein the fourth current path control element is provided in front of the fourth current path. According to a result of detecting a voltage between the one end and the control end of the fourth current path, the fourth current path is supplied to the third load so that a predetermined amount of current determined by the impedance of the first current path flows. The fifth current path control element changes the impedance of the fifth current path control element according to a result of detecting a voltage between one end of the fifth current path and the control end of the fifth current path control element. The rectifier according to claim 3, wherein the impedance of the fifth current path is changed so that the current flowing through the fifth current path becomes the predetermined amount. 7. At least one of said first to third current path control elements comprises a bipolar transistor having said control terminal comprising a base and said current path having both ends of an emitter and a collector. The rectifier according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: 8. A field effect transistor comprising at least one of said first to third current path control elements, said control terminal comprising a gate, and said current path having a source and a drain at both ends. The rectifier according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the rectifier is configured. 9. A power supply apparatus for rectifying a single-phase AC voltage and outputting a rectified voltage, comprising: a reference potential source for generating a reference potential; and a first current path, one end of the first current path. And a first current path control element for intermittently controlling the first current path according to the detection result, and one end connected to the other end of the first current path. A first load, and a second current path, wherein the magnitude of a voltage drop generated between both ends of the first load is detected, and according to the detected result,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path; a second load connected in series to the second current path; and a third current path, wherein the second load is provided. The magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs between both ends of the
A third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path; wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to one end of the third current path; One end of the series circuit formed by the current path and the second load is connected to the other end of the third current path, and the other end of the first load is connected to the second current path and the second load. The reference potential source is connected to the other end of a series circuit formed by a second load, and the reference potential source detects a potential at the other end of the third current path; The first current path control element substantially conducts the first current path when a voltage is applied across both ends of the third current path in a direction in which current flows in a predetermined direction. Means for determining the reference potential, and generating the determined reference potential. A third current path control element intermittently controls the second and third current paths so as to substantially conduct the third current path when a current flows in the first current path; A single-phase AC voltage to be rectified is applied between the other end of the series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load and the one end of the third current path. And outputting a rectified voltage between the one end of the series circuit formed by the second current path and the second load and the other end of the third current path. And power supply. 10. A reference potential source for generating a reference potential, a first current path, and a potential difference between one end of the first current path and the reference potential is detected. A first current path control element for intermittently controlling one current path, a first load having one end connected to the other end of the first current path, and a second current path; Detects the magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs across the load, and according to the detected result,
A second current path control element for intermittently controlling the second current path; a second load connected in series to the second current path; and a third current path, wherein the second load is provided. The magnitude of the voltage drop that occurs between both ends of the
A third current path control element for intermittently controlling the third current path; one end connected to one end of the third current path, and the other end connected to the second current path and the second load; An inductor connected to one end of a series circuit to be formed and the other end of the first load, wherein the one end of the first current path is connected to the one end of the third current path, The other end of the series circuit is connected to the other end of the third current path, the reference potential source detects a potential at the other end of the third current path, and the detection means The first current path control element switches the first current path when a voltage is applied across both ends of the third current path in a direction in which a current flows in a predetermined direction. Means for determining the reference potential to substantially conduct, means for generating the determined reference potential, The second and third current path control elements are configured such that when current flows through the first current path, the second and third current path control elements substantially conduct the third current path. An intermittent control of a current path, wherein an external load is connected between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the third current path, and an external voltage source is connected to the third current path. When an input voltage is applied between both ends,
A current flowing from the external voltage source to the inductor flows to the external load, and when the application of the input voltage is stopped, a current flowing in the third current path by an electromotive force induced by the inductor. To the external load.