DC-DC Converter Startup Voltage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching regulators face inefficiencies due to unstable supply voltage for control circuits, particularly when the output voltage of the switching regulator is near the threshold voltage, leading to potential erroneous operations from overshoot or undershoot during startup.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus that includes a switching regulator, a control unit, a voltage generation circuit, and a timer circuit, where the control unit is initially driven by a stable supply voltage from the voltage generation circuit during startup and later by the switching regulator's output voltage once it stabilizes, ensuring stable operation and high efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the output voltage of the switching regulator is used as the supply voltage for the control circuit, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but circuit stability deteriorates due to overshoot or undershoot during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a startup period during which a dedicated startup power supply provides voltage to the control circuit before the switching regulator's output voltage is stable. This preliminary power supply arrangement prevents erroneous operations during startup while allowing the switching regulator to establish stable output voltage, after which the control circuit switches to using the regulator's output voltage for efficient operation.
2Reliability
If a linear regulator is used to generate supply voltage for the control circuit, then circuit stability is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply arrangement into two distinct segments: a startup power supply (linear regulator) used during the startup period to ensure stable control circuit operation, and a main power supply (switching regulator output) used after startup for efficient operation. This segmentation allows each power supply to be optimized for its specific operational phase, combining the stability benefits of linear regulation during startup with the efficiency benefits of switching regulation during normal operation.
3Loss of energy
If the supply voltage threshold is set near the output voltage of the switching regulator, then power efficiency is improved, but determination stability deteriorates due to voltage variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a predetermined startup period before the control circuit begins using the switching regulator's output voltage. During this startup period, the control circuit is supplied by a dedicated startup power supply, allowing the switching regulator to stabilize its output voltage without the risk of erroneous determination. After the startup period expires, the control circuit switches to using the regulator's output voltage, ensuring stable operation with high efficiency.
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 stabilizes the power supply apparatus by providing a stable drive voltage during startup and maintaining high efficiency by switching to the output voltage of the switching regulator once it stabilizes, reducing the risk of erroneous operations and improving overall power conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator which converts an input voltage to a desired output voltage by a switching operation of a switching transistor
Implementation Method 2
a timer circuit which measures time elapsed from a start of operation of the switching transistor and which varies an output thereof when a predetermined period of time has elapsed
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a switching regulator, a linear regulator, a timer circuit, a control circuit, an inverter, and a switch. The power supply apparatus is a step-down type DC-DC converter which steps down an input voltage inputted to an input terminal and then outputs an output voltage, which has been stepped down, to an output terminal. The timer circuit counts the time elapsed from when a start of the power supply apparatus is instructed by a control signal, and sets an output signal to a high level at a lapse of a predetermined time. When the output signal goes to the high level, the switch turns on and the output voltage is supplied to a power supply terminal of the control circuit.