Bias Circuit Topology for Low Control Current in Power Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bias circuits face issues with increased control current, leading to a reduction in the maximum power of power transistors, particularly in high power modes.

Innovation Solution

A bias circuit design incorporating a first bias transistor, a diode, and specific resistor and capacitor configurations to reduce control current and maintain maximum power, including a diode-connected transistor and parallel resistor elements to manage current flow and voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional bias circuit is used to control power transistor operation modes, then the power transistor can switch between high power mode and low power mode, but the control current increases and the maximum power of the power transistor decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower mode switching capabilityVSAvoidmaximum power of power transistor
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The bias circuit is segmented into multiple independent bias transistors (first bias transistor, second bias transistor, third bias transistor) that can be independently controlled. Each bias transistor manages specific current paths, allowing the circuit to switch between high power mode and low power mode while maintaining adequate control current levels. This segmentation enables selective activation of bias transistors based on operating mode requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Diode elements are introduced as intermediary components between bias transistors and power transistors. These diodes regulate voltage levels and current flow, acting as mediators that prevent excessive control current while ensuring proper biasing conditions. The diode-connected transistor configurations further mediate the relationship between control signals and power transistor operation, maintaining maximum power capability during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If control current is increased to maintain power transistor performance, then the power transistor can maintain maximum power, but the control current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum power of power transistorVSAvoidcontrol current consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bias circuit employs dynamic control of bias transistor activation based on operating conditions. In high power mode, the first bias transistor is activated to provide necessary bias current. In low power mode, the second and third bias transistors are activated instead. This dynamic switching of bias paths allows the circuit to maintain power transistor performance when needed while minimizing control current consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes operational parameters by switching between different bias transistor configurations. The bias voltages and current paths are dynamically adjusted based on the desired power mode. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve maximum power output when required without maintaining high control current consumption during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240429880A1Bias circuit
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US20240429880A1 patent drawing
  • US20240429880A1 patent drawing
  • US20240429880A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bias circuit includes a first bias transistor that has a base or a gate that is supplied with a first bias and an emitter or a source that supplies a bias through a first resistor element to a first amplifier, a first diode that has an anode that is connected to the base or the gate of the first bias transistor and a cathode that is electrically connected to the emitter or the source of the first bias transistor, a second resistor element that has a first end connected to the anode of the first diode and a second end connected to the cathode of the first diode, and a capacitor that has a first end connected to the anode of the first diode and a second end connected to a ground. The cathode of the first diode is electrically connected to the ground.