DC/DC Converter Power-Up Sequence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power-up sequence control methods for semiconductor devices rely on software, leading to errors and increased hardware complexity, and can result in latch-up phenomena due to unintentional parasitic circuits, which affect device operation and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a single DC/DC converter with four channel outputs and a comparator block to monitor input power states, generating control signals for power output sequences, thereby reducing component count and maintaining hardware control design concepts, allowing for efficient power management and fault diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If software control is used for power-up sequence, then flexibility and ease of control are improved, but system complexity increases due to additional processor requirements and error susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-up sequence control flexibilityVSAvoidprocessor and code requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based control with a hardware-based solution using voltage comparators and DC-DC converters. The comparators continuously monitor voltage levels and automatically generate control signals for power switches, eliminating the need for microprocessors and software code while maintaining control flexibility through analog voltage threshold detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power-up sequence control system is designed to operate autonomously without external processing. The voltage comparators self-monitor the power supply voltages and automatically trigger the appropriate power switches based on predefined voltage thresholds, enabling the system to manage its own power sequencing without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If multiple DC converters are used for power-up sequence control, then individual channel control is improved, but system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual channel power controlVSAvoidnumber of DC converter components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple DC converter functions into a single multi-output DC-DC converter unit. This single converter provides multiple isolated output channels that can independently control different power domains, reducing the total component count while maintaining individual channel control capability through separate voltage monitoring and control circuits for each output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC converter unit is designed with multiple output terminals that can serve different power requirements simultaneously. Each output channel can be independently controlled to provide power to different semiconductor devices or circuit blocks, making the single converter unit universal for multiple power distribution functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If hardware control is used for power-up sequence, then reliability is improved by avoiding software errors, but design flexibility and adaptability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stability without software errorsVSAvoidpower-up sequence modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves adaptability in the hardware control system by making the voltage threshold parameters adjustable. The comparators can be configured with different reference voltage levels to detect different power-up sequence conditions, allowing the same hardware architecture to adapt to different power sequencing requirements by changing voltage parameters rather than redesigning the circuit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach decreases system size and cost, enhances re-usability, and improves design reliability by monitoring input power states and preventing latch-up phenomena, while enabling efficient power-up sequence control without significant circuit changes.

Implementation Method 1

one DC/DC converter unit configured to convert a first input voltage of input power and output the converted first input voltage as a first output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a comparator block unit including two comparators configured to monitor a state of the input power, and one or more comparators configured to generate a control signal for enabling a power output of a next sequence from the first output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS9413219B2System for controlling power-up sequence using DC/DC converter

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a system for controlling a power-up sequence applicable to a power controller of a lane departure warning system, including: one DC/DC converter unit configured to convert a first input voltage of input power and output the converted first input voltage as a first output voltage, and including four output terminals; and a comparator block unit including two comparators configured to monitor a state of the input power, and one or more comparators configured to generate a control signal for enabling a power output of a next sequence from the first output voltage.