Boost Power Supply Control Using Intermediate Voltage Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched-mode power supplies, particularly boost-type, face challenges in efficiently delivering a DC output potential higher than the input potential while maintaining low on-state resistance in switching transistors, which can lead to increased dimensions and cost, and are affected by decreasing input potential due to battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A switched-mode power supply configuration that powers control circuits from an intermediate potential generated by a low drop-out regulator, using a charge pump to deliver a sum of intermediate and output potentials, allowing for reduced on-state resistance and adaptable operating modes to manage transistor aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If control circuits are powered from input potential in known boost-type switched-mode power supplies, then device complexity is reduced, but on-state resistance of switching transistors increases leading to larger dimensions and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate potential generated by a low drop-out regulator powered from the output potential. This intermediate potential serves as a mediator to power the control circuits, allowing them to operate at a voltage level that enables lower on-state resistance in the switching transistors without requiring direct connection to the high output potential, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and transistor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a new voltage dimension by generating an intermediate potential through the low drop-out regulator. This additional voltage level allows control circuits to be powered at an optimal voltage that balances transistor performance requirements with overall system complexity, effectively adding a dimensional solution to the power distribution architecture
2Reliability
If switching transistors are sized to maintain low on-state resistance, then on-state resistance decreases, but transistor dimensions and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter of the control circuits by powering them from an intermediate potential rather than directly from the input or output potential. This parameter change allows the use of smaller switching transistors with lower on-state resistance because the control circuits can operate at an optimized voltage level that reduces the current handling requirements of the transistors
3Adaptability or versatility
If input potential decreases due to battery discharge, then adaptability is challenged, but maintaining performance requires larger transistors increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the low drop-out regulator continuously monitors the output potential and adjusts the intermediate potential accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that control circuits receive stable power regardless of input potential variations from battery discharge, maintaining consistent transistor performance without requiring oversized transistors to handle the full range of input conditions
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 enables efficient delivery of a higher DC output potential with reduced transistor size and cost, maintaining low on-state resistance and adapting to varying input potentials without increasing transistor dimensions, thus improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a low drop-out regulator configured to deliver an intermediate potential from the output potential
Implementation Method 2
a charge pump configured to deliver, to a fifth node, a power supply potential equal to a sum of the intermediate potential and of the potential of the fourth node
Implementation Method 3
an inductance coupling the second node to the fourth node
Implementation Method 4
a power supply potential delivered to an input of the switched-mode power supply is switched (or chopped) by the switching of metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, A switched-mode power supply includes: a first node; a second node configured to receive a DC input voltage; a third node configured to receive a reference voltage; first and second switching transistors; a first circuit configured to control the first switching transistor; and a second circuit configured to control the second switching transistor, wherein the switched-mode power supply is configured to deliver a regulated output voltage at the first node from the DC input voltage, and wherein the first and second circuits are configured to be powered from the output voltage.