Automotive Switching Regulator Power Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Automotive electronic systems face challenges in power management as they rely on a 12V battery module that cannot be charged when the vehicle is shut down, necessitating a power-saving mechanism to efficiently supply power to various electronic devices only when needed.

Innovation Solution

The automotive electronic system incorporates a battery module, control chip, network switch, and power supply circuits to dynamically switch on and off electronic application modules based on user needs, using switching regulators to convert voltage and manage power distribution through an automotive network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If electronic application modules are continuously powered on to ensure immediate availability, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts the operational state of electronic application modules based on real-time demand signals. When a module is needed, power is immediately supplied; when not needed, power is cut off. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining responsiveness and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic power supply cycles where electronic modules are activated only during required periods and deactivated during idle periods. The control chip receives periodic demand signals and adjusts power supply accordingly, achieving both fast response when needed and power savings during idle times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic application modules are kept active simultaneously, then system functionality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply circuits, each dedicated to a specific electronic application module. The control chip can independently control the power state of each module based on individual demand signals, allowing the system to maintain only the necessary functionality while minimizing power loss in inactive modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system (individual electronic modules) receive different power states based on local demand. Instead of uniformly powering all modules, the system applies power selectively to specific modules where it is needed, achieving optimal functionality with minimal energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If voltage conversion is performed continuously to maintain stable power supply, then power supply stability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion process is activated periodically only when power is being supplied to electronic modules, rather than running continuously. The switching regulator performs voltage conversion during active periods and remains dormant during idle periods, maintaining power stability when needed while improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution effectively saves power by turning off unused electronic application modules when not in use, ensuring that only necessary functions are active, thereby optimizing energy usage and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

enabling a first switching regulator according to the first control signal; based on a first voltage, supplying power to a network switch by using the first switching regulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9434331B2Automotive electronic system and power supply method thereof

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

An automotive electronic system and a power supply method thereof is related to the power supply method including outputting an interface signal to an automotive network, enabling a first switching regulator according to a first control signal from a control chip and/or the interface signal on the automotive network, supplying power to a network switch based on a first voltage by the first switching regulator when the first switching regulator is enabled, enabling a second switching regulator according to a second control signal from an electronic application module and/or the interface signal on the automotive network, and supplying power to the electronic application module based on the first voltage by the second switching regulator when the second switching regulator is enabled. The network switch and the electronic application module are connected to each other by the automotive network.