AC Voltage Regulator Switch Control for Power Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional voltage regulators experience high power consumption and significant power losses, particularly during light load and no load situations, due to the inefficiencies of resistors and zener diodes.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design that includes a switch, input detection circuit, and output detection circuit to generate control signals for managing the switch's operation based on voltage thresholds, reducing power losses by optimizing switch operation and disabling the regulator when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional voltage regulator using resistor and zener diode is used, then voltage regulation function is achieved, but power consumption is high especially under light load and no load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the switching element based on real-time detection of input voltage and output current levels. The controller adjusts the switching element's on/off state according to operating conditions, transitioning from static resistor-zener diode regulation to dynamic switching regulation. This reduces power loss under light load while maintaining voltage regulation stability through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage regulator by introducing variable switching control instead of fixed resistor-zener diode operation. The controller modifies the switching element's duty cycle and timing based on detected voltage and current parameters, enabling adaptive power loss reduction across different load conditions while preserving regulation performance.
2Reliability
If the switching element is continuously on to maintain output voltage, then voltage regulation is maintained, but power consumption increases under light load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic switching action instead of continuous conduction. The controller generates periodic control signals to switch the switching element on and off in cycles, creating pulsed operation mode. This periodic action reduces average power consumption under light load while maintaining output voltage stability through controlled duty cycle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting output voltage and current levels, then using this information to adjust the switching element's operation. The controller continuously monitors system state and modifies switching timing and duration accordingly, reducing power consumption while ensuring output voltage remains stable through closed-loop control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If over-voltage protection is implemented by keeping switch off when voltage exceeds threshold, then device safety is improved, but regulation response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by detecting input voltage levels before they can cause damage. The controller monitors input voltage and proactively switches off the switching element when over-voltage conditions are detected, preventing harmful effects before they occur. This preliminary protection maintains fast response by anticipating danger rather than reacting after damage begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rushes through the protection response by implementing immediate switching off action when over-voltage is detected. Rather than gradual reduction, the controller rapidly transitions the switching element to off state, skipping intermediate states to achieve fastest possible protection response. This rushing through the protection sequence minimizes response time while ensuring device safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A high efficiency voltage regulator for generating a regulated output voltage from an AC power source is disclosed. It includes a switch coupled to a voltage source from the AC power source to provide a supply voltage. An input detection circuit is coupled to the voltage source to turn off the switch when the voltage level of the voltage source is higher than a threshold voltage. An output detection circuit is connected to the supply voltage to turn off the switch once the voltage level of the supply voltage is higher than an output-over-voltage threshold. The switch can only be turned on when the voltage level of the voltage source is lower than the threshold voltage and the voltage level of the supply voltage is lower than a hysteresis threshold.