Bias Voltage Generation Using Series Load in Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies, particularly switching power supplies, face inefficiencies in generating bias voltage for controller modules due to high power wastage and heat dissipation when using resistors or transistors, and custom boost inductors with specific turns ratios are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A load is integrated in series with a switch in a power supply to generate and maintain a bias voltage, utilizing a boost converter with a main and auxiliary winding, where the load functions as a current sink and energy storage circuitry to regulate voltage, reducing wastage and eliminating the need for custom inductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a resistor or transistor is used to step-down the input voltage to generate bias voltage, then the bias voltage can be generated, but large amount of power is wasted and dissipated as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional resistor-based voltage division method with a switching regulator circuit that uses a switch (transistor), diode, and inductor to generate bias voltage. This substitution eliminates the continuous power dissipation inherent in resistor-based approaches by using periodic switching action to transfer energy efficiently from the input voltage to the bias voltage output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a switching regulator topology where the switch operates in saturation and cutoff regions rather than linear region. This allows the circuit to achieve high efficiency by minimizing resistive losses during voltage conversion, as the switch remains in low-loss states during operation.
2Loss of energy
If a custom boost inductor with specific turns ratio is used to generate bias voltage efficiently, then power wastage is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the boost inductor serve multiple functions: it acts as the main energy storage element for the power conversion circuit and simultaneously provides the bias voltage generation through its auxiliary winding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bias voltage generation components and allows use of standard off-the-shelf inductors with common turns ratios, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power conversion function and bias voltage generation function into a single boost inductor structure. The auxiliary winding of the inductor is directly coupled to the switch node, allowing the same magnetic component to perform both main power transfer and control voltage generation, thereby eliminating the need for custom-manufactured inductors.
3Manufacturing precision
If a custom boost inductor with specific turns ratio is manufactured, then the correct bias voltage can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the design approach from requiring precise custom turns ratios to using standard off-the-shelf inductor specifications. By adjusting other circuit parameters such as switching frequency, duty cycle, and capacitor values, the circuit achieves the desired bias voltage output using commercially available inductors with common turns ratios, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration efficiently generates and maintains a constant bias voltage, reducing power wastage and heat dissipation while allowing for scalable and cost-effective bias voltage generation, enhancing the efficiency of power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
the boost inductor, functioning as a transformer, transfers charge from the main winding of the inductor to the auxiliary winding
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor in parallel combination with the load may be charged when the switch is on. The charge may be discharged when the switch is off
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a load connected in series with a switch. The power supply uses the load in series with the switch to maintain a substantially constant voltage. The voltage may be used as a voltage bias and supplied to a controller module that is used to control switching of the switch. The load is operable to maintain a substantially constant voltage at an input terminal of the load and also to function as a current sink. The load may also perform an additional function, such as provide auxiliary lighting or operate as a cooling mechanism for the power supply and/or a lighting system that includes the power supply.