Active Current Ripple Filter Dynamic Capacitance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power input protection and filter technologies, such as Passive Current Ripple Filters (PCRFs), face issues with component size variations due to aging and temperature changes, leading to over-dimensioned components that consume excessive surface area on Printed Board Assemblies (PBAs), and Passive Hold-Up circuits require large capacitances, resulting in either increased surface area or height on the PBA.
Innovation Solution
An active current ripple filter (ACRF) with a control unit, energy storage, and detectors to manage power supply and short circuits, allowing for active regulation and minimal component usage, thereby reducing board area and height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LC-circuits are used in Passive Current Ripple Filters, then filtering performance is achieved, but component size increases due to over-dimensioning for aging and temperature compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from passive LC-circuits with fixed parameters to an active circuit using a MOSFET switch that dynamically changes the effective capacitance parameter. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the load only when needed, allowing the filtering circuit to adapt its parameters based on operating conditions rather than being over-dimensioned for worst-case scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control through a MOSFET switch that connects or disconnects the capacitor based on real-time detection of input current conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the filter to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions without requiring oversized components that would be needed in a static design
2Duration of action of stationary object
If large capacitances are used in Passive Hold-Up circuits, then power supply continuity during outages is ensured, but board area or height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacitance control where a MOSFET switch connects the capacitor to the load only during power outage conditions detected by the control unit. During normal operation, the capacitor remains disconnected, allowing the use of smaller capacitance values that would be insufficient for continuous hold-up but are adequate when activated only during outages
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is pre-charged during normal operation when connected to the power input, storing energy in advance. When a power outage is detected, the control unit activates the MOSFET to connect the pre-charged capacitor to the load, providing immediate hold-up power without requiring the capacitor to be permanently connected or oversized
3Quantity of substance
If multiple small capacitors are used in Passive Hold-Up circuits, then required capacitance is achieved, but board surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering capacitor and hold-up capacitor functions into a single capacitor component. This single capacitor serves dual purposes: filtering during normal operation when connected via MOSFET, and hold-up during outages when connected by the control unit, eliminating the need for separate capacitor arrays
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ACRF provides improved control over current ripple and hold-up functionality with reduced component count, minimizing board area and height while maintaining effective power supply protection.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage unit, wherein the ACRF comprises one or more active components and an energy storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit comprising an ACRF comprising an active component, an energy storage unit, an input port and an output port. The electronic circuit comprises a control unit to control the ACRF. A detector detects a short circuit at the input port or the absence of an energy supply at the input port. The control unit controls the ACRF to function as an ACRF if the detector detects a power supply connected to the input port or that there is no short circuit at the input port, and controls the ACRF to stop functioning as an ACRF and to discharge energy from its energy storage unit to its output port if the detector detects a short circuit at the input port or no power supply connected to the input port.