Adaptive Switching Power Supply Reference Voltage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching power supplies face inefficiencies at low load conditions, failing to meet the 80% efficiency requirement set by the Environmental Protection Agency when operating at 20% of their full load capacity, and existing solutions are costly.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive switching power supply system that includes a power detection module, a low power module, and a stage voltage adjustment module, which adjusts the reference voltage from a high power to a low power setting when the load falls below a minimum threshold, enhancing efficiency and incorporating a holdup module for maintaining voltage during input voltage loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional switching power supply design is used, then the power supply can operate at full load, but the efficiency drops below 80% when operating at 20% load capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidload range adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply dynamically adjusts its operating parameters based on load conditions. The system transitions between different operating modes (continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode) and adjusts the reference voltage for the boost converter based on detected power levels, enabling efficient operation across a wide load range from 20% to 100% capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key operating parameters including the reference voltage for the regulation stage and the switching frequency based on load detection. When low power is detected, the reference voltage is adjusted to optimize efficiency at partial load conditions, and the power supply can operate in different conduction modes to maintain high efficiency across varying load demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If expensive devices and magnetics are used, then the efficiency requirement at low load can be met, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standard, cost-effective components rather than expensive specialized devices. By implementing intelligent control algorithms and adaptive operating modes, the patent achieves high efficiency at low load using conventional, readily available components, eliminating the need for costly magnetics or specialized low-load optimized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves efficiency improvements through parameter optimization (switching frequency, reference voltage, conduction mode) rather than through expensive hardware changes. This software/control-based approach to efficiency maintains cost-effectiveness while meeting the 80% efficiency requirement at 20% load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the reference voltage is adjusted to low power setting, then the efficiency increases at low load, but the holdup time capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidholdup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between different reference voltage settings based on load conditions. During normal low-load operation, the low power reference voltage is used for efficiency. When a loss of input voltage occurs, the system can transition to alternative operating modes or voltage settings to maintain the regulated output voltage, ensuring both efficiency and holdup capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential input voltage loss by maintaining the ability to switch operating modes. The adaptive control architecture allows the power supply to respond to input voltage failures by adjusting operating parameters or switching to different conduction modes, providing a buffer against holdup time issues while maintaining efficiency during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7888919B2Apparatus, system, and method for an adaptive high efficiency switching power supply

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an adaptive high efficiency switching power supply. The switching power supply has a regulation stage with a stage controller that operates to regulate a voltage of the regulation stage relative to a reference voltage. A power detection module detects an amount of power used by the switching power supply. A low power module determines if the power supply is operating below a minimum power capacity threshold. A stage voltage adjustment module adjusts the reference voltage from a high power reference voltage to a low power reference voltage in response to the low power module determining that the power supply is operating below the minimum power capacity threshold. The low power reference voltage causes a regulated voltage adjustment such that the switching power supply operates more efficiently below the minimum power threshold.