Active Rectifier and Regulator Circuit for Implant Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuits for powering biomedical implants using wireless inductive coupling face challenges due to large component counts, low voltage conversion efficiency, and low power efficiency, which are unsuitable for the compact and efficient needs of small implantable devices.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that combines rectification and regulation using a comparator and error amplifier to control power transfer through a field effect transistor (FET), minimizing components and dropout voltage, thereby improving space efficiency and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional rectifier and linear regulator circuits are used, then power transfer can be achieved, but the circuit requires numerous large components that consume limited space in small implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rectifier and linear regulator circuits into a single integrated circuit device, merging multiple functions (rectification, regulation, protection) into one compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate discrete components and significantly reduces the overall circuit area while maintaining all necessary functionality for power conversion and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it rectifies AC input signals to DC, regulates the output voltage to maintain stability, and provides protection against reverse polarity and over-current conditions. This multi-functionality within a single device reduces component count and simplifies the overall circuit design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional rectifier and linear regulator circuits are used, then voltage regulation can be achieved, but voltage conversion efficiency and power efficiency remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs dynamic control mechanisms including over-current protection that actively monitors and limits current flow, and regulation circuits that adjust operating parameters in real-time. This dynamic operation optimizes the efficiency of voltage conversion and reduces energy losses during power transfer, adapting to varying load conditions and input voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear regulator portion of the circuit uses feedback mechanisms to monitor output voltage and adjust the control element accordingly, maintaining optimal operating conditions. This feedback control ensures efficient voltage regulation while minimizing power dissipation and energy loss during the conversion process.
3Power
If conventional rectifier and linear regulator circuits are used, then power transfer can be achieved, but the circuit suffers from high dropout voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is designed with optimized electrical parameters including low dropout voltage characteristics in the linear regulator stage. By carefully selecting and designing the control elements and operating points, the circuit achieves efficient power transfer with minimized voltage drop across the regulation stage, improving overall power delivery efficiency.
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 design achieves improved voltage conversion and power efficiency, reducing the number of components and die area, making it more compact and suitable for small implantable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit includes a field effect transistor (FET), wherein regulating power transfer includes enabling the FET and coupling the output node to the input node, and preventing power transfer includes disabling the FET and preventing the output node from being coupled to the input node
Implementation Method 2
comparing an output signal at an output node with an input signal at an input node, wherein the output signal is a rectified and regulated signal, and the input signal is an unrectified and unregulated signal
Implementation Method 3
computing a difference between a reference signal and a comparison signal, where the comparison signal is based on the output signal
Implementation Method 4
wherein the input signal is an AC voltage and the output signal is a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to produce a rectified and regulated output signal. In one aspect, the method includes, at a circuit, comparing an output signal at an output node with an input signal at an input node, wherein the output signal is a rectified and regulated signal, and the input signal is an unrectified and unregulated signal, and computing a difference between a reference signal and a comparison signal. Power transfer from the input node to the output node is prevented when the output signal is greater than the input signal. Furthermore, power transfer from the input node to the output node is regulated to produce the rectified and regulated output signal when both the input signal is greater than the output signal, and when the magnitude of the reference signal exceeds the magnitude of the comparison signal.