Switching Power Converter Controller Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power control systems in electronic devices face inefficiencies in standby mode due to continuous monitoring of input and link voltages, leading to additional energy usage and losses.
Innovation Solution
The method involves intermittently disabling sensing of input and link voltages during standby mode, enabling sensing only when a predetermined power demand is detected, thereby reducing energy consumption and losses associated with voltage sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous sensing of input voltage and link voltage is performed during standby mode, then the controller can detect power demand changes promptly, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the link voltage during standby mode instead of continuous monitoring. The controller samples the link voltage at predetermined intervals (e.g., every N milliseconds) to detect power demand changes. This periodic action maintains adequate detection capability while significantly reducing the average power consumption compared to continuous sensing, directly resolving the technical contradiction between detection accuracy and standby power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If sensing resistors continuously monitor voltages, then power demand changes are detected accurately, but energy losses in sensing circuits increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing resistors are activated only during periodic sampling intervals rather than continuously. During each sampling interval, the sensing circuit measures the link voltage to determine if power demand exceeds the threshold. Between sampling intervals, the sensing circuit remains inactive. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision when needed while reducing energy losses in the sensing circuits during standby mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuit operates in a dynamic manner, switching between active and inactive states based on the sampling timing. The controller dynamically controls the activation of sensing resistors through timing signals, enabling the circuit to adapt its operation mode. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain sensing accuracy when required while minimizing energy consumption during extended standby periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method reduces power consumption by an electronic power control system when a controller of the electronic power control system reduces sense signal monitoring during a standby mode of the controller. The electronic power control system includes a controller to control a switching power converter. The controller operates in at least two modes, standby and active modes. Energy savings during standby mode can be achieved in a variety of current and/or voltage sensing configurations. During the standby mode, the controller generates a signal to at least intermittently disable sensing of an input voltage to the switching power converter or at least intermittently disabling sensing of an input voltage and an output voltage. Disabling sensing reduces energy losses associated with an input voltage sense signal itself and with circuitry in the controller used to process the input voltage signal.