CPU Power Regulator Using ADC Feedback for USB Load Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for USB ports in electronic devices necessitates higher-rated transformers, leading to increased manufacturing costs and larger volumes, making them unsuitable for compact devices like microcomputers and thin laptops, while existing power regulators fail to efficiently manage power consumption within rated limits.

Innovation Solution

A power regulator comprising a power resistor, voltage amplifier, and analog-to-digital converter that adjusts the work frequency of a central processing unit by generating and amplifying voltage signals, converting them into control signals to manage power consumption, thereby reducing the need for high-rated transformers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of USB ports is increased to meet consumer demands, then the total power consumption increases, but the transformer rated power must be increased leading to larger volume and higher cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of USB portsVSAvoidtransformer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously monitoring power consumption through voltage detection and ADC conversion, then dynamically adjusting CPU frequency based on real-time power status. This allows the system to adapt power allocation to actual usage conditions rather than relying on a fixed high-rated transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting CPU frequency according to power consumption levels. When power consumption exceeds thresholds, the CPU frequency is reduced to stay within the transformer's rated power capacity, effectively managing power distribution without requiring a higher-rated transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the transformer rated power is increased to support higher total power consumption, then manufacturing cost increases, but this leads to decline in competitiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer rated powerVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of power consumption through integrated voltage detection, ADC conversion, and CPU frequency adjustment. This self-service capability allows the system to operate within the constraints of a lower-rated transformer, avoiding the need for expensive high-power transformers while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where voltage detection continuously monitors power consumption, converts it to digital signals via ADC, compares it against thresholds, and adjusts CPU frequency accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain efficient operation within the transformer's rated power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the transformer rated power is increased to support higher total power consumption, then the transformer volume increases, but it becomes unsuitable for compact devices like microcomputers and thin laptops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer rated powerVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power consumption in real-time based on actual usage conditions by monitoring voltage and adjusting CPU frequency. This dynamic adaptation allows compact devices to operate with lower-rated transformers that fit within thin form factors while still supporting multiple USB ports when power conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If existing power regulators are used without efficient power management, then power consumption exceeds rated limits, but increasing transformer power rating is not a viable solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower regulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms with voltage detection monitoring power consumption, ADC conversion for digital processing, and CPU frequency adjustment based on threshold comparisons. This closed-loop feedback system ensures power consumption remains within rated limits while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical power regulation methods with electronic voltage detection, ADC conversion, and software-based CPU frequency control. This substitution enables more precise and efficient power management compared to conventional approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11372434B2Power regulator and power regulating method
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 GIGA COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US11372434B2 patent drawing
  • US11372434B2 patent drawing
  • US11372434B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power regulator is applied to regulate a work frequency of a central processing unit and the power regulator comprises a power resister, a voltage amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. The power resister is coupled to a load to generate a first voltage. The voltage amplifier is coupled to the power resister to output a second voltage. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the voltage amplifier, converts the second voltage into a control signal and transmits the control signal to the central processing unit. The control signal is switched between a first level and a second level according to a value of the second voltage.