Auxiliary Boost Control for Standby Power in Bootloader Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Today's switched-mode power supplies do not support continuous supply of power to a standby output load during bootloader mode due to the lack of regulation for the boost stage, leading to potential failures and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A DC input power supply unit with an auxiliary boost control circuit that assumes control of the primary power boost stage during bootloader mode, ensuring continuous power supply to the standby output by regulating the boost regulator signal and maintaining a minimum threshold voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply enters bootloader mode to update firmware, then the main output can be powered down for safety, but the standby output loses power regulation and may fail to supply continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary boost controller is pre-configured and activated before the main controller enters bootloader mode. It takes preliminary control of the boost stage to ensure continuous regulation of the standby output voltage throughout the firmware update process, preventing power failures during the critical bootloader operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary boost controller acts as an intermediary control circuit that temporarily assumes control of the boost stage during bootloader mode. This intermediary controller maintains voltage regulation on the standby output without interfering with the main controller's firmware update process, resolving the conflict between main output shutdown and standby output regulation.
2Ease of operation
If the boost stage is unregulated during bootloader mode, then the control circuit is simplified, but the standby output voltage becomes unstable and load operations are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented into two independent controllers: the main controller for normal operation and firmware updates, and the auxiliary boost controller specifically for maintaining the boost stage during bootloader mode. This segmentation allows the auxiliary controller to focus solely on maintaining stable standby output voltage without the complexity of full power supply management.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary boost controller is designed to autonomously regulate the boost stage during bootloader mode without requiring intervention from the main controller. It independently monitors and adjusts the boost duty cycle to maintain stable standby output voltage, enabling self-service operation during the firmware update process.
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
Enables continuous and reliable power supply to the standby output load during bootloader mode, preventing failures and disruptions, even with low input voltages.
Implementation Method 1
The filter is coupled to the input and configured to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the input voltage
Implementation Method 2
The boost stage circuit is coupled with the filter and configured to regulate step up of an output of the filter to a minimum threshold voltage based on a boost regulator signal
Implementation Method 3
The buck stage circuit is coupled with the boost stage circuit and configured to regulate step down of an output voltage of the boost stage circuit to a predetermined DC output voltage based on a buck regulator signal
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is directed to a DC input power supply unit with an auxiliary boost control circuit (or controller) that facilitates continuous supply of power to a standby output load of the power supply unit in a bootloader mode. More specifically, the auxiliary boost circuit (or controller) is configured to assume control of a primary power boost stage from a primary controller in a bootloader mode so that the power supply unit can continue to supply power to the standby output with a protection function regardless of the state of the power supply unit or primary controller.