Autonomous Power Supply Switching Without a Separate Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply switches require a separate power source for the controller and are complex, power-consuming, and prone to errors due to the use of comparators.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous power supply switch using two switch transistors and an inverter or Schmitt trigger, eliminating the need for a controller with a separate power supply, and allowing for fast and robust switching between main and backup power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller with separate power supply is used to switch between power sources, then the switching function can be achieved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply switch circuit uses the main power source voltage itself to control the switching operation. When the main power source voltage drops below a threshold, the circuit automatically switches to the backup power source without requiring an external controller or separate power supply for control purposes. The circuit serves its own control needs using the power it monitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary controller component and its separate power supply from the system. By removing these elements, the patent achieves the switching function using only the essential components: power source inputs, output, and switching elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a controller with separate power supply is used, then power source switching can be controlled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is performed selflessly by the power source voltage itself. The circuit monitors the main power source voltage and automatically triggers the switching operation when the voltage drops below the threshold, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption by an external controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive and continuously power-consuming controller with simple, passive switching elements that only consume power during the actual switching transition. The switching elements remain in a low-power state during normal operation and are activated only when necessary.
3Measurement precision
If comparators are used in the switching circuit, then voltage comparison function is achieved, but the circuit becomes more complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the comparator component from the circuit. Instead of using an active voltage comparison device, the invention employs a threshold-based switching mechanism that inherently performs the comparison function through the switching elements' characteristics, eliminating the need for separate comparison hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electronic comparator system with a simpler threshold-based switching mechanism. The switching elements automatically transition between states based on whether the main power source voltage is above or below the threshold, substituting complex electronic comparison with a more robust and simpler threshold response.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous power supply switch with a main supply input and a backup supply input and a supply output to supply the power provided at the main supply input and to switch to the backup supply input, if the power at the main supply input is below a switch threshold. The switch includes a first switch transistor connected between the main supply input and the supply output with its gate/base connected to a first steering point of the switch and a second switch transistor connected between the backup supply input and the supply output with its gate/base connected to a second steering point of the switch; an inverter or Schmitt trigger with its input connected to the second steering point and its output connected to the first steering point and its power supply connected to the backup supply input of the switch.