DC Power Supply Restricted Mode Electromigration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low voltage DC power supplies in electronic devices can cause electromigration when exposed contacts touch other objects, leading to potential damage due to prolonged current flow, even at reduced voltages or limited currents.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power supply system that provides discrete pulses of power in a restricted power mode to reduce current flow through objects touching the contacts, thereby minimizing electromigration by limiting the duration of full voltage exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DC power is provided continuously to ensure device operation, then power supply reliability is improved, but electromigration damage occurs due to prolonged current flow through exposed contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power delivery through pulse width modulation (PWM), where power is supplied in discrete pulses rather than continuously. The controller adjusts the duty cycle of these pulses to match the actual load requirements, ensuring power is delivered only when needed. This periodic action eliminates prolonged current flow through exposed contacts, preventing electromigration damage while maintaining reliable device operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power is reduced to minimize electromigration, then harmful effects are decreased, but power delivery capability is insufficient for full device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power management where the controller continuously monitors load conditions and adjusts power delivery in real-time. When a device is connected and drawing power, the controller increases the duty cycle to provide full power capability. When no load is present or power is not needed, the controller reduces or stops power delivery to minimize electromigration. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power delivery capability and electromigration prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors device connection status, power draw, and operational state. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently adjusts the power delivery strategy - providing full power when devices are actively drawing current, and reducing or eliminating power when devices are not connected or in low-power states. This feedback-driven control ensures both sufficient power delivery and electromigration prevention.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to power supply devices and methods for managing DC power. In one example, a method comprises: providing DC power at a first voltage until determining that a standby time period has elapsed; determining that a load is connected to the power supply device; and based on determining that the standby time period has elapsed, entering a restricted power mode, wherein the restricted power mode comprises either: deactivating the DC power, or (1) providing the DC power at a second voltage until determining that a load detection time period has elapsed, (2) deactivating the DC power after determining that the load detection time period has elapsed, and (3) repeating (1) and (2) until determining that the load is no longer connected to the power supply device.