Bus Controller Feedback Control Reducing Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply apparatuses for mobile devices, such as those conforming to the USB Battery Charging Specification, face challenges in reducing power consumption, especially in standby states, as they continue to consume power even when no device is connected.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus featuring a bus controller and DC/DC converter with a transformer, photocoupler, and feedback circuit that adjusts the DC voltage to a lower standby level when no device is connected, allowing the bus controller to operate while minimizing power consumption, and switches between output states based on device connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DC voltage is maintained at the specified voltage level even when no device is connected, then the bus controller can operate continuously, but the power consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DC voltage level adjustable based on operational conditions. The voltage is dynamically changed from a specified voltage level (when a device is connected) to a lower voltage level (when no device is connected), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual needs while maintaining controller operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the DC voltage level parameter according to the connection status of a device. The feedback control unit changes the voltage parameter from a higher specified level to a lower level (but above minimum operating voltage) when no device is detected, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving essential functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the DC voltage is lowered when no device is connected, then power consumption is reduced, but the bus controller may not operate properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through a feedback control unit that monitors the connection status of devices and adjusts the DC voltage level accordingly. The unit receives feedback about whether a device is connected and automatically regulates the voltage to appropriate levels, ensuring the bus controller operates reliably at lower voltages when needed while preventing voltage drops that would compromise operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the switching transistor is switched frequently to maintain output voltage, then the output voltage remains stable, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the switching transistor in a burst mode rather than continuous switching. The transistor switches on and off in periodic bursts to maintain output voltage at the specified level, reducing the frequency of switching operations and thereby lowering power consumption while preserving voltage stability through controlled periodic 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
This solution reduces power consumption by lowering the DC voltage when no device is connected, thereby reducing the power usage of the bus controller and the DC/DC converter, achieving a power savings of 30% or more in standby states.
Implementation Method 1
a photocoupler comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element
Implementation Method 2
a photocoupler comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element
Implementation Method 3
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus is provided, that supplies a bus voltage VBUS to a detachable device. A DC/DC converter generates a DC voltage VOUT used as the bus voltage VBUS. A USB controller receives the DC voltage VOUT as a power supply voltage, and detects whether or not the device is connected. The DC/DC converter generates the DC voltage VOUT such that (i) when the device is detected, the DC voltage VOUT has a specified voltage level, and such that (ii) when the device is not detected, the DC voltage VOUT has a voltage level that is lower than the specified voltage level and that is higher than a minimum operating voltage level required to operate the USB controller.