Charge Control Circuit Dynamic Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge control circuits for rechargeable batteries in portable devices often require a fixed and non-optimal voltage difference between the system input voltage and battery voltage, leading to unnecessary power consumption and inefficiency in charging.
Innovation Solution
A charge control circuit with current and voltage sensing and control devices that dynamically adjust the conduction status of a transistor between the supply and charging terminals, using a switching regulator to optimize the voltage difference and minimize power loss, allowing for adaptive power management based on real-time sensing signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed predetermined voltage difference is maintained between the charging terminal and supply terminal, then current backflow from battery to system is prevented, but unnecessary power consumption occurs due to the non-optimal voltage difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed predetermined voltage difference to a dynamic voltage difference that adjusts in real-time based on battery voltage and charging current. The control circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and calculates the minimum required voltage difference to prevent current backflow, then dynamically sets the charging terminal voltage to maintain exactly this minimum difference rather than a conservative fixed margin, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the voltage difference parameter from a static predetermined value to a dynamic value that changes based on operating conditions. The control circuit calculates the voltage difference as a function of battery voltage and charging current (Vdiff = f(Vbat, Icharge)), allowing the system to adapt the voltage parameter to actual charging needs rather than maintaining a fixed conservative margin.
2Reliability
If a conservative predetermined voltage difference is used in circuit design, then current backflow is prevented, but charging efficiency is reduced due to excessive voltage margin
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage difference to match the minimum required for current flow control, eliminating the excessive static margin. By continuously monitoring battery voltage and charging current, the control circuit maintains the voltage difference at the optimal minimum level needed to prevent reverse current, thereby maximizing charging efficiency while preserving reliable current flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs self-service by autonomously calculating and adjusting the voltage difference based on real-time battery voltage and charging current measurements. The system determines its own optimal operating parameters without external intervention, automatically maintaining the minimum required voltage difference to prevent current backflow while maximizing charging efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed voltage difference is maintained, then circuit design is simplified, but power loss increases due to non-optimal voltage margin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by replacing the simple fixed voltage difference approach with a dynamic control system that adjusts voltage based on real-time conditions. The control circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and charging current, calculating the optimal voltage difference to minimize power loss while preventing current backflow, thereby accepting increased control complexity to achieve significant power loss reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring battery voltage and charging current, then using this information to adjust the charging terminal voltage. The control circuit receives feedback about actual charging conditions and dynamically modifies the voltage difference to optimize power efficiency, transforming the open-loop fixed voltage approach into a closed-loop adaptive system.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge control circuit supplies power from an external power source to a first common node and charges a second common node. A regulator circuit is coupled between the external power source and the first common node, and a transistor is coupled between the first common node and the second common node. A current sensing and control device senses the current from the first common node to the second common node and generates a first control signal. A first voltage sensing and control device senses a voltage at the first common node, and generates a conduction control signal to control the transistor. A second voltage sensing and control device senses a voltage at the second common node, and generates a second control signal. The regulator circuit provides system power to the first common node according to the first control signal and the second control signal.