Automatic Power Adjusting Device Using Programmable Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies require manual adjustment of protection levels using variable resistors, leading to increased labor costs and potential inaccuracies due to resistor degradation, resulting in inconsistent output power across different batches.
Innovation Solution
An automatic adjusting device with a programmable signal generating unit and comparing unit that adjusts the protection level based on a limiting level, eliminating the need for manual resistance adjustments and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a variable resistor is used for manual adjustment of protection level, then the output power can be adjusted, but the labor cost increases and the adjustment accuracy deteriorates due to resistor degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable resistor system with an electronic digital-to-analog converter (DAC) system. The protection level is adjusted through digital values stored in a register, which are converted to analog voltages by the DAC. This eliminates the mechanical wear and degradation issues of variable resistors while enabling precise, repeatable adjustments through digital control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically reads the actual output voltage or current, compares it with the target value, and adjusts the protection level dynamically without requiring manual intervention. The control circuit continuously monitors and self-corrects the protection level to maintain accuracy, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing labor costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable resistor is disposed in the power supply for adjusting protection level, then the output power can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DAC and register combination serves multiple functions: it stores protection level settings, provides digital adjustment capability, generates precise analog voltages for comparison, and enables communication with external control systems. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall circuit complexity compared to using separate variable resistors for each adjustment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the protection level by modifying digital parameter values in the register, which are then converted to corresponding analog voltage levels by the DAC. This parameter-based control approach allows for precise adjustment of protection levels without adding complex circuitry, as the change is achieved through software/digital control rather than hardware reconfiguration.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of variable resistor is performed for each batch, then the protection level can be tuned, but the productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desired protection level values are pre-calculated and stored as digital values in the register during product design. During manufacturing, these pre-programmed values are loaded into the system, and the DAC automatically generates the corresponding analog voltages. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during production, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual output voltage or current is continuously monitored and compared with the target value. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically adjusts the protection level settings in the register and corresponding DAC outputs to ensure consistency across different batches, eliminating the need for manual tuning while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Ease of operation
If variable resistor is used in the circuit, then the protection level can be adjusted, but the reliability decreases due to resistor chipping or falling off after long-term usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable resistor with a solid-state electronic system consisting of a DAC and register. The adjustment capability is achieved through digital control and electronic voltage generation rather than mechanical resistance changes. This solid-state implementation eliminates the physical wear, chipping, and detachment issues inherent in mechanical variable resistors, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors its own operation and automatically compensates for any drift or changes in the protection level. The control circuit reads the actual output parameters, compares them with expected values, and self-adjusts the DAC outputs to maintain the correct protection levels. This self-correcting capability ensures long-term stability and reliability without requiring manual intervention or being susceptible to component degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic adjusting device is provided, which is used for adjusting an output power of a power supply and comprises an automatic adjusting circuit. The automatic adjusting circuit includes a comparing unit and a programmable signal generating unit. The comparing unit compares a limiting level and a protection level and produces a comparison signal. The protection level limits the output power provided by the power supply. The programmable signal generating unit generates the protection level and adjusts the protection level according to the comparison signal for adjusting the output power. The programmable signal generating unit will adjust the protection level according to the limiting level. Thereby, the output power can be adjusted automatically without manual adjustment. Consequently, the cost can be reduced and the adjusting accuracy can enhanced.