Bipolar High-Voltage Regulator With Zener Feedback for Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage regulators for mass spectrometry systems suffer from significant power losses and poor thermal management due to encapsulation, which complicates heat dissipation and requires multiple transistors in series for high differential voltage handling, leading to inefficiencies and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A low-power dissipation voltage regulator design incorporating a first and second voltage regulator unit with Zener diodes and shunt transistors, along with feedback paths and resistive voltage dividers, to regulate both positive and negative high voltages efficiently, using low-voltage and low-power transistors to minimize power dissipation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high voltage regulators are encapsulated in sealed housing to operate at high voltages, then electrical insulation and safety are improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator circuit is divided into multiple independent modules (voltage regulator unit, Zener diode unit, feedback unit) that can be separately mounted and thermally managed. This segmentation allows heat to be dissipated from multiple surfaces rather than confined in a single encapsulated housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A Zener diode is introduced as an intermediary component to provide a low-impedance bypass path for high voltage regulation, reducing the power dissipation burden on the main voltage-regulating transistor and thereby reducing heat generation in the sealed housing.
2Power
If multiple transistors are connected in series to handle high differential voltage, then voltage handling capability is improved, but device complexity and power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage-regulating transistor by using a Zener diode to establish a stable reference voltage, allowing the transistor to operate in a more efficient region with reduced power dissipation and fewer components required.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback path is implemented that extends from the output voltage port to the base of the voltage-regulating transistor, allowing the transistor to automatically adjust its conductivity based on output voltage variations. This feedback mechanism enables single-transistor operation at high voltages by providing stable control without requiring multiple series transistors.
3Reliability
If conventional voltage regulators are used in mass spectrometry systems, then basic voltage regulation is achieved, but power dissipation and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high power dissipation into a benefit by using a Zener diode to create a low-impedance bypass path that deliberately shunts excess current away from the voltage-regulating transistor. This reduces the transistor's power dissipation and associated heat and noise, while maintaining stable voltage regulation.
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
The solution achieves low power dissipation, high stability, and low noise operation, allowing for effective thermal management and precise voltage regulation in mass spectrometry systems, with power dissipation reduced to less than 0.5 Watts and adjustable output voltage within acceptable tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
A Zener diode is electrically connected in parallel to the voltage-regulating transistor so as to provide a low impedance bypass path around said voltage-regulating transistor when the voltage-regulating transistor is coupled via said polarity switch to one of said voltage sources providing a voltage having a polarity opposite to the voltage polarity associated with said voltage-regulating transistor
Implementation Method 2
for each of the first and second voltage regulator units, a feedback path extends from the output voltage port to a base of the voltage-regulating transistor associated with the voltage regulator unit for modulating a current applied to the transistor base so as to adjust conductivity of said voltage-regulating transistor and hence an output voltage generated at said output voltage port
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a voltage regulator is disclosed, which comprises a first voltage regulator unit configured for regulating a voltage generated by a positive high voltage source, a second voltage regulator unit configured for regulating a voltage generated by a negative high voltage source, a polarity switch for connecting said first and second voltage regulator units to said positive and negative high voltage sources, respectively, and an output voltage port for receiving a regulated positive and negative high voltage from said first and said second voltage regulator units, respectively.