Bidirectional Switching Regulator for Battery Voltage Boost and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated systems face challenges in maintaining optimal power supply when the battery voltage drops below a threshold, leading to suboptimal charging and operation, especially when external power sources have limited current capabilities, preventing transition to higher current modes and causing system failure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bidirectional switching regulator that boosts battery voltage when below a threshold to power system electronics and controls power delivery from external sources, allowing communication with USB Host systems to increase current and manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system operates with limited external power source current, then the system can remain connected to USB Host, but the battery charging efficiency deteriorates when system current demand is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two power path configurations: (1) external power source directly to system when current demand is high, and (2) external power source through switching regulator to battery when charging efficiency is prioritized. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the power distribution topology to current operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the switching regulator based on current conditions. When battery charging efficiency is prioritized, the regulator operates in a mode that optimizes charging current while maintaining system operation, effectively changing the electrical parameters to resolve the contradiction between system operation and charging efficiency.
2Reliability
If the battery voltage is boosted to power up system electronics, then the system can operate with depleted battery, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching regulator control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: (1) boost battery voltage to power up system electronics when battery is depleted, (2) regulate power during normal operation, and (3) manage power distribution between external source and battery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable system startup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system uses the existing switching regulator infrastructure to service itself during startup. The regulator automatically detects battery voltage levels and activates boost mode when needed, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring and control circuitry while ensuring reliable system startup.
3Power
If the external power source current is increased to meet system demand, then the system can operate without battery supplementation, but the voltage drop on the external power source causes problems
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the system load. It decouples the load current demands from the external power source by storing energy in its inductor and delivering it to the system, thereby preventing voltage drops on the external power source while maintaining high current availability to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching regulator performs preliminary energy storage in its inductor during the switch on-time, preparing energy in advance for delivery during the off-time. This preliminary action allows the system to draw high current without immediately impacting the external power source voltage, thereby maintaining external source stability while meeting system power demands.
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 efficient battery charging and system operation simultaneously by boosting battery voltage to ensure proper system functioning, even when external power sources are near their current limits, and allows transition to higher current modes, enhancing overall power management.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional switching regulator that boosts battery voltage when below a threshold to power system electronics
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of controlling power in battery operated systems. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a switching regulator for boosting voltage on a depleted battery to power up a system. The system may communicate with an external system to increase the current received from the external system. Embodiments of the present invention include circuits for controlling power received from external power sources such as a USB power source. In another embodiment, input-output control techniques are disclosed for controlling the delivery of power to a system or charging a system battery, or both, from an external power source.