Capacitor Discharge Reduction in Shutdown Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits with capacitors for non-contact communication devices face significant energy loss due to discharging when not in use, which is particularly problematic for battery-operated devices as the energy loss equals the power needed to operate the circuit.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit design that includes a shutdown line to suspend the circuit module and a switching module to disconnect the capacitor from ground, reducing discharging without interrupting the connection between the capacitor and the circuit module, thereby minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the capacitor is left connected to the circuit module during shutdown mode, then the capacitor discharges through the circuit module causing energy loss, but if the capacitor is disconnected from the circuit module, then the power stabilizing function is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection path of the capacitor is segmented into two independent parts: one end remains connected to the circuit module to maintain power stabilizing function, while the other end is controllably connected to ground through a switching element. This segmentation allows the capacitor to be isolated from the discharge path through the circuit module while maintaining its power stabilizing connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching element (second switching element) is introduced as an intermediary between the capacitor and ground. This intermediary component controls the discharge path independently from the power stabilizing path, allowing the capacitor to discharge to ground without passing current through the circuit module, thus eliminating energy loss while maintaining power stability.
2Loss of energy
If a switching element is placed in the path between the capacitor and the circuit module, then discharging is prevented, but the power stabilizing circuit is cut off
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing a single switching element in the critical path between capacitor and circuit module, the solution segments the capacitor connections: one end remains permanently connected to the circuit module for power stabilization, while the other end has a separate controllable connection to ground. This avoids disrupting the power stabilizing path while still preventing discharge loss.
3Loss of energy
If the capacitor is disconnected from ground, then discharging is reduced, but the power stabilizing function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor's ground connection is segmented from its circuit module connection. The capacitor can be selectively disconnected from ground through the second switching element without affecting its connection to the circuit module. This allows independent control of discharge path while maintaining power stabilizing function through the persistent connection to the circuit module.
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
Significantly reduces capacitor discharging during idle states without cutting off the power stabilizing circuit, conserving energy and extending battery life in battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitor is configured to supply power to the circuit module
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
An electronic circuit comprising a circuit module (12), a capacitor (13) connected to the circuit module (12) and a shutdown line (21) providing a shutdown signal (31) to the circuit module (12) for suspending the circuit module (12). The electronic circuit further comprises a switching module (15) for switching the capacitor (13) such as to reduce discharging of the capacitor (13), depending on the shutdown signal (31). Particularly, the switching module (15) disconnects the capacitor (13) from ground (19). Disconnection takes effect when the circuit module (12) is suspended or in power down mode because of the shutdown signal (31) being provided.