Self-Sustaining Power Supply with Charge Pump Overvoltage Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems lack effective overvoltage protection and self-sustaining capabilities, particularly when dealing with high voltage inputs from sources like USB bus power supplies, which can lead to instability and damage to integrated circuit devices.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system incorporating clamp circuitry and high voltage switch circuitry that generates a clamped power supply, utilizing charge pump mechanisms to control voltage levels and provide overvoltage protection, allowing the system to operate independently of external sources and maintain stability during voltage spikes or surges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power supply systems are used without self-sustaining capability, then external control sources are required to manage overvoltage protection, but this increases system complexity and current consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovervoltage protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system generates its own control signals internally using the bus power supply itself to control the high voltage switch device, eliminating the need for external control sources. The system uses the bus detection circuit to monitor bus voltage and automatically generates control signals for the switch device,实现自我维持和保护功能

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control signals for the high voltage switch device are generated by merging the bus detection circuit and charge pump circuit within the power supply system itself, combining multiple functions (voltage monitoring, signal generation, and switch control) into a single integrated system that operates autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If high voltage bus power supply is used directly without clamping, then power supply capability is high, but integrated circuit devices are vulnerable to voltage spikes and surges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidvoltage spikes damage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A high voltage switch device is introduced as an intermediary between the bus power supply and the integrated circuit devices. This switch device is controlled by generated control signals to clamp the output voltage, preventing voltage spikes and surges from reaching the connected devices while maintaining high power supply capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a feedback mechanism where the bus detection circuit monitors the bus power supply voltage and automatically generates control signals based on the detected voltage levels. This feedback loop enables the high voltage switch device to respond dynamically to voltage conditions, providing overvoltage protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If external control sources are used for overvoltage protection, then protection accuracy is high, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovervoltage protection accuracyVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing bus power supply to generate its own control signals through the bus detection circuit and charge pump circuit, eliminating the need for separate external control power sources. This self-service approach maintains protection accuracy while reducing overall current consumption by reusing the bus power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively limits voltage to a safe range, protecting integrated circuit devices from overvoltage conditions and ensuring continuous operation without external input, reducing current consumption and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

charge pump circuitry configured to generate a voltage set point signal independent of the bus power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge pump:

Data Source

PatentUS8791679B2Self-sustaining, high voltage tolerant power supply
Publication Date: 2014.07.29 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC
  • US8791679B2 patent drawing
  • US8791679B2 patent drawing
  • US8791679B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system is provided that provides voltage clamping capabilities to provide over voltage protection to circuit elements and circuit systems. The power supply includes isolation mechanisms that generate a regulated power supply that is independent of an input power source. Voltage addition/multiplication techniques may be utilized to generate a reference voltage, from the regulated power supply, that is capable of setting a maximum voltage on a clamped power supply. The power supply system may operate without input from other circuits/systems associated with an integrated circuit.