Load adaptive power supply adjusting system for timing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a load adaptive power supply adjusting system used for timing equipment, and the system comprises a load detection unit which is used for monitoring the load state of the timing equipment in real time and generating a load state signal; the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected with the load detection unit and is used for regulating output voltage according to the load state signal so as to enable the system to maintain stable power supply voltage in different load states; the core module of the timing equipment comprises an RTC module, an MCU module and a display module, and the output end of the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected with the RTC module, the MCU module and the display module and supplies power to the RTC module, the MCU module and the display module; the system further comprises an external time reference receiving module, and the external time reference receiving module is in communication connection with the MCU module through a level conversion circuit. According to the utility model, through load-adaptive power supply adjustment, the power supply conversion efficiency of the timing equipment in a full load range is significantly improved, and the power consumption of the whole machine is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of power supply regulation technology, specifically relating to a load adaptive power supply regulation system for timing devices. Background Technology

[0002] In portable electronic devices and IoT terminals, the real-time clock (RTC) module is a core component for maintaining the system's time reference. Traditional timing devices typically use low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs) to power the RTC, MCU, and display modules. However, LDOs are extremely inefficient under light load conditions, resulting in high standby power consumption. Furthermore, timing devices operate in various modes (such as standby, time reading, and display refresh), with a wide range of load variations. Existing power management solutions mostly use fixed voltage conversion circuit structures, which cannot dynamically adjust according to load changes, leading to energy waste. Therefore, designing a power regulation system that can adaptively adjust the power supply voltage conversion circuit according to the timing device's load state to maintain high conversion efficiency across the entire load range has become a pressing technical problem in this field. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a load adaptive power regulation system for timing devices. The system monitors the load status in real time through a load detection unit and controls the voltage regulation unit to dynamically switch the power supply unit, thereby achieving high-efficiency power conversion across the entire load range and significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the timing device.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a load adaptive power supply regulation system for timing devices, comprising:

[0005] A load detection unit is used to monitor the load status of the timing device in real time and generate a load status signal; a voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the load detection unit and is used to adjust the output voltage according to the load status signal so that the system maintains a stable power supply voltage under different load conditions.

[0006] The core modules of the timing device include an RTC module, an MCU module, and a display module. The output terminal of the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the RTC module, the MCU module, and the display module respectively to supply power to them.

[0007] The system also includes an external time reference receiving module, which is communicatively connected to the MCU module via a level conversion circuit. The voltage regulation unit specifically includes a 1.8V power supply unit, a 3.8V power supply unit, and a 5V power supply unit. The 5V power supply unit is connected to the 1.8V power supply unit and the 3.8V power supply unit via power supply lines. The 1.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the MCU module, the RTC module, and the display module. The 3.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the external time reference receiving module.

[0008] Preferably, the level conversion circuit uses an N-MOS transistor and a resistor network to achieve bidirectional level conversion.

[0009] Preferably, the RTC module uses a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator to generate high-precision timing pulses or time base signals.

[0010] Preferably, the display module is a low-power segment LCD screen or an electronic paper display screen. The MCU module controls the display content of the display module through static driving or dynamic driving, and turns off the power or clock signal of the display module when there is no display refresh requirement.

[0011] Preferably, the 5V power supply unit integrates a charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit and a synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit, and switches the voltage conversion circuit via an analog switch; under light load, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit; under medium to heavy load, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit.

[0012] Preferably, the system further includes a dynamic impedance matching network and an antenna terminal, wherein the antenna terminal is connected to an external time reference receiving module via the dynamic impedance matching network.

[0013] Preferably, the dynamic impedance matching network includes, in sequence along the signal transmission path, a transient voltage suppression diode, a SAW filter, an impedance matching circuit, and a digital potentiometer; the transient voltage suppression diode is used to provide transient overvoltage protection; the SAW filter is used for frequency band selection and interference suppression; the impedance matching circuit is used to correct the antenna impedance; and the digital potentiometer is used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0014] Preferably, the impedance matching circuit is a π-type circuit.

[0015] Preferably, the antenna material at the antenna end is copper.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0017] 1. Load Adaptive Voltage Switching: The load detection unit monitors the load status in real time and controls the 5V unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the charge pump voltage switching circuit under light load and to the synchronous rectification Buck voltage switching circuit under medium and heavy load. This improves the power conversion efficiency to over 88% within the 10% to 100% load range and reduces standby power consumption by over 30%.

[0018] 2. High-precision timing: The RTC module uses a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator, with a daily timing error of less than 0.5ppm, meeting the requirements for high-precision timing.

[0019] 3. Ultra-low power consumption display: The display module is linked with the MCU and refreshes only when the time is updated or when the user triggers it. When in standby mode, the power supply or clock signal is turned off, and the power consumption of the whole display is less than 5μA.

[0020] 4. Flexible expansion interface: It can be connected to various external time reference receiving modules (such as Beidou, GPS, IRIG-B) through the level conversion circuit, and achieve high-quality signal reception and automatic time calibration with the help of dynamic impedance matching network, which has strong expandability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall structural block diagram of the load adaptive power regulation system described in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the level conversion circuit described in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the impedance matching circuit described in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments of this application and the accompanying drawings.

[0025] This embodiment provides a load-adaptive power supply regulation system for timing devices. The core of the system lies in dynamically switching power supply according to the load state through a voltage regulation unit, combined with a high-precision temperature control RTC and a low-power display module, to achieve efficient power supply and long-term stable operation of the timing device. Figure 1 As shown, the system includes:

[0026] The load detection unit is used to monitor the load status of the timing device in real time and generate a load status signal; the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the load detection unit and is used to adjust the output voltage according to the load status signal so that the system maintains a stable power supply voltage under different load conditions.

[0027] The core modules of the timing device include an RTC module, an MCU module, and a display module. The output of the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the RTC module, the MCU module, and the display module respectively to supply power to them. The RTC module is used to generate a high-precision time base signal. The MCU module, as the system control core, is connected to the RTC module for communication. The display module is used for local time display.

[0028] The system also includes an external time reference receiving module, which is communicatively connected to the MCU module via a level conversion circuit. The voltage regulation unit specifically includes a 1.8V power supply unit, a 3.8V power supply unit, and a 5V power supply unit. The 5V power supply unit is connected to the 1.8V power supply unit and the 3.8V power supply unit via power supply lines. The 1.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the MCU module, the RTC module, and the display module. The 3.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the external time reference receiving module.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the level conversion circuit uses an N-MOS transistor and a resistor network to achieve bidirectional level conversion.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the level conversion circuit specifically includes: surface mount resistors R11, R10, R12, R15, R16, and R18; N-type MOSFETs Q3 and Q5; external time base receiver module power supply VCC_3V8; and MCU module power supply VDD_GNSS_1V8.

[0031] The communication transmit port MCU_TXD of the MCU module is connected in parallel with the surface mount resistor R10. The surface mount resistor R10 is connected to the MCU module power supply VDD_GNSS_1V8 to pull up the voltage, and then connected in series to the source of the N-type MOSFET Q3. The drain of the N-type MOSFET Q3 is connected in parallel with the surface mount resistor R11. The surface mount resistor R11 is connected to the external time base receiver module power supply VCC_3V8 to pull up the voltage, and then connected in series with the surface mount resistor R12 to the communication receive port GNSS_RXD of the external time base receiver module.

[0032] The communication transmit port GNSS_TXD of the external time base receiver module is connected to the power supply VCC_3V8 of the external time base receiver module via a surface mount resistor R16, which is then connected in series to the drain of the N-type MOSFET Q5. The source of the N-type MOSFET Q5 is connected in parallel with the surface mount resistor R15, which is then connected to the power supply VDD_GNSS_1V8 of the MCU module via the surface mount resistor R15, which is then connected in series to the communication receive port MCU_RXD of the MCU module.

[0033] The working principle of the level conversion circuit is as follows: the MCU module and the external time base receiving module transmit data based on the UART protocol. The MCU module is designed for low power consumption and uses a 1.8V power supply. When the MCU_TXD signal of the MCU module's communication transmitting port is high, there is no voltage difference between the gate and source of the N-type MOSFET Q3, and the drain and source remain open. At this time, the level of the GNSS_RXD signal of the external time base receiving module's communication receiving port is connected to 3.8V through R11 and R12, and also maintains a high level.

[0034] When the MCU_TXD signal at the communication transmit port of the MCU module is low, there is a 1.8V voltage difference between the gate and source of the N-type MOSFET Q3. The drain and source of the N-type MOSFET Q3 are connected. At this time, the signal at the GNSS_RXD communication receive port of the external time reference receiver module is connected to the low signal at the MCU_TXD communication transmit port of the MCU module, and both signals are low simultaneously. Level conversion is achieved through the N-type MOSFET Q3.

[0035] The communication receive port MCU_RXD of the MCU module and the communication transmit port GNSS_TXD of the external time base receiver module are connected. When the communication transmit port GNSS_TXD of the external time base receiver module is high, the communication receive port MCU_RXD of the MCU module is also pulled high by default, and both ends are at a high level. When the communication transmit port GNSS_TXD of the external time base receiver module is low, the internal parasitic diode of the N-type MOSFET Q5 is turned on, and the communication transmit port MCU_RXD of the external time base receiver module will also be pulled low, realizing the level conversion.

[0036] Data testing shows that, for the data transmission rate of the UART protocol (commonly 9600bps~115200bps in real-world scenarios), the data transmission waveform in this embodiment is reliable and does not suffer from distortion. This design can achieve bidirectional communication and can be used as a standard circuit, facilitating reuse and debugging.

[0037] Furthermore, the main function of surface mount resistors R11 and R10 is to prevent short circuits and maintain the voltage difference when the communication transmit port MCU_TXD of the MCU module and the communication receive port GNSS_RXD of the external time base receiver module are at a low level; therefore, relatively large resistance values ​​are required. Similarly, the main function of surface mount resistors R15 and R16 is to maintain the low-level voltage difference between the communication receive port MCU_RXD of the MCU module and the communication transmit port GNSS_TXD of the external time base receiver module; therefore, relatively large resistance values ​​are required. The function of surface mount resistors R12 and R18 is to protect against transient surges and limit current; therefore, relatively small resistance values ​​are required.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the RTC module uses a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator to generate high-precision timing pulses or time base signals.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the display module is a low-power segment LCD screen or an electronic paper display screen. The MCU module controls the display content of the display module through static driving or dynamic driving, and turns off the power or clock signal of the display module when there is no display refresh requirement.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the 5V power supply unit integrates a charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit and a synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit, and switches between the voltage conversion circuits via an analog switch. Under light load conditions, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit; under medium to heavy load conditions, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the light load condition is defined as the output current being less than 20% (200mA) of the rated current of the 5V power supply unit, and the medium-heavy load condition is defined as the output current being greater than or equal to 20%. When the load current is <200mA (light load), the charge pump voltage conversion circuit mode is used; when it is ≥200mA, the synchronous Buck voltage conversion circuit mode is switched.

[0042] Under light load conditions, the system switches to charge pump voltage conversion circuit mode. The charge pump voltage conversion circuit uses only switches (MOSFETs) and flying capacitors for voltage transformation, eliminating the need for a power inductor. Its main losses are switching losses and the equivalent series resistance loss of the capacitor. Under light load current, these losses are far lower than the iron and copper losses caused by the inductor. Therefore, in the light load region, the conversion efficiency of the charge pump voltage conversion circuit is significantly higher than that of the traditional Buck voltage conversion circuit. Actual measurement data shows that under light load conditions (50mA-200mA), the conversion efficiency of the charge pump voltage conversion circuit can be maintained between 90% and 92%. In contrast, under the same load, the efficiency of the traditional asynchronous rectifier Buck voltage conversion circuit is typically only 70% to 80%.

[0043] As the load increases, the efficiency of the charge pump voltage converter circuit drops rapidly due to increased on-resistance and drive losses. At this point, the circuit switches to a synchronous rectification Buck voltage converter. This converter uses an inductor for energy storage and replaces the Schottky diode with a low-on-resistance MOSFET as the freewheeling diode, significantly reducing conduction losses and making it particularly suitable for medium- to high-current outputs. Under typical medium load (500mA) conditions, the synchronous rectification Buck converter achieves an efficiency of over 88%; even under heavy load (1A), it maintains a high efficiency of over 85%.

[0044] Furthermore, the MCU module can also incorporate a high-resolution PWM module, which optimizes the PWM frequency in real time based on the load current. The MCU module controls the PWM module to adaptively adjust the switching frequency and duty cycle of the 5V unit's built-in voltage conversion circuit in the voltage regulation unit. Under light loads, the switching frequency is automatically reduced (e.g., from 1MHz to 100kHz), significantly reducing switching losses; under heavy loads, the frequency is increased to reduce the size of passive components and output ripple. Simultaneously, the duty cycle is adjusted in real time by a digital PID algorithm. After the voltage feedback signal is sampled by a high-speed ADC, the MCU module calculates the error and updates the duty cycle, achieving fast and accurate voltage regulation.

[0045] Low power consumption is achieved through intelligent management and improved energy conversion efficiency, especially under varying load conditions. After integrating the above dynamic power management scheme, the static standby power consumption of the overall timing module circuit can be reduced from approximately 1.2W in conventional designs to below 0.85W, a reduction of more than 30%.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the system further includes a dynamic impedance matching network and an antenna terminal, wherein the antenna terminal is connected to an external time reference receiving module via the dynamic impedance matching network.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the dynamic impedance matching network includes, in sequence along the signal transmission path, a transient voltage suppression diode, a SAW filter, an impedance matching circuit, and a digital potentiometer; the transient voltage suppression diode is used to provide transient overvoltage protection; the SAW filter is used for frequency band selection and interference suppression; the impedance matching circuit is used to correct the antenna impedance; and the digital potentiometer is used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, as an optional extension scheme, when the circuit is connected to an external time reference receiving module such as a Beidou module and antenna, the dynamic impedance matching network along the signal transmission path includes, in sequence, a transient voltage suppression diode (TVS2), a SAW filter (U2), a π-type impedance matching circuit (L1, C21, C22), and a digital potentiometer (U1) connected to the 3.8V power supply unit. The MCU module periodically reads the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) index and uses a binary method to fine-tune the resistance value of the digital potentiometer until the SNR reaches a local maximum value, thus achieving dynamic impedance matching.

[0049] Furthermore, the overall connection relationship of the dynamic impedance matching network can be as follows: the signal transmission path starts from the antenna port H2, the instantaneous voltage suppression diode TVS2 is connected in parallel to leak the high-level induced voltage, then the SAW filter U2 filters out noise, the signal passes through the parallel series-parallel π-type impedance matching circuit of patch inductor L1, patch capacitor C21, and patch capacitor C22, and then reaches the signal receiving interface GNSS_ANT of the Beidou module after passing through the variable impedance of digital potentiometer U1.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the antenna material at the antenna end is copper.

[0051] The working principle of the system described in this embodiment is as follows: the RTC module maintains local high-precision timing, the MCU module reads the RTC time and displays it through the display module; when external calibration is required, an external time reference receiving module is connected through a level conversion circuit, the signal received at the antenna end is transmitted to the external time reference receiving module through a dynamic impedance matching network, the external time reference receiving module processes the positioning data and then transmits it to the MCU module through a level conversion circuit, and the MCU module performs time calibration on the RTC module based on the real-time data.

[0052] Through the above design, this embodiment achieves a deep integration of power regulation and timing functions: the voltage regulation unit dynamically switches the power supply voltage conversion circuit according to the load state, providing efficient power supply to the RTC module, MCU module, and display module; the RTC module provides a precise time base; the display module achieves ultra-low power refresh under MCU control; and the external calibration interface ensures long-term timing accuracy. This system-level optimization with power regulation at its core enables the timing device to maintain microsecond-level timing accuracy while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to traditional discrete timers.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A load adaptive power regulation system for a timing device, characterized in that, include: A load detection unit is used to monitor the load status of the timing device in real time and generate a load status signal; a voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the load detection unit and is used to adjust the output voltage according to the load status signal so that the system maintains a stable power supply voltage under different load conditions. The core modules of the timing device include an RTC module, an MCU module, and a display module. The output terminal of the voltage regulation unit is electrically connected to the RTC module, the MCU module, and the display module respectively to supply power to them. The system also includes an external time reference receiving module, which is communicatively connected to the MCU module via a level conversion circuit. The voltage regulation unit specifically includes a 1.8V power supply unit, a 3.8V power supply unit, and a 5V power supply unit. The 5V power supply unit is connected to the 1.8V power supply unit and the 3.8V power supply unit via power supply lines. The 1.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the MCU module, the RTC module, and the display module. The 3.8V power supply unit is electrically connected to the external time reference receiving module.

2. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The level conversion circuit uses an N-MOS transistor and a resistor network to achieve bidirectional level conversion.

3. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The RTC module uses a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator to generate high-precision timing pulses or time base signals.

4. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module is a low-power segment LCD screen or an electronic paper display screen. The MCU module controls the display content of the display module through static driving or dynamic driving, and turns off the power or clock signal of the display module when there is no display refresh requirement.

5. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 5V power supply unit integrates a charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit and a synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit, and switches between the voltage conversion circuits via an analog switch. Under light load conditions, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the charge pump-based voltage conversion circuit; under medium to heavy load conditions, the load detection unit controls the 5V power supply unit of the voltage regulation unit to switch to the synchronous rectification-based Buck voltage conversion circuit.

6. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a dynamic impedance matching network and an antenna terminal, which is connected to an external time reference receiving module via the dynamic impedance matching network.

7. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dynamic impedance matching network includes, in sequence along the signal transmission path, a transient voltage suppression diode, a SAW filter, an impedance matching circuit, and a digital potentiometer; the transient voltage suppression diode is used to provide transient overvoltage protection; the SAW filter is used for frequency band selection and interference suppression; the impedance matching circuit is used to correct the antenna impedance; and the digital potentiometer is used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio.

8. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The impedance matching circuit is a π-type circuit.

9. The load adaptive power regulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The antenna material at the antenna end is copper.

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