DC Current Regulator Bias Voltage Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulators of direct current flowing through a load consume substantial power due to the application of a large bias voltage to the operational amplifier's inverting input, which is necessary for their operation.
Innovation Solution
The regulator design separates the formation of the bias voltage and the feedback signal, allowing for a small measuring resistor to be used, reducing power consumption by decoupling the bias voltage from the feedback signal stabilization process, and incorporating a reference resistor to provide the operational amplifier's bias voltage independently of the output current or measuring resistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large bias voltage is applied to the operational amplifier's inverting input for operation, then the operational amplifier can function properly, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage application by introducing a second input terminal that receives a separate bias voltage, distinct from the feedback signal applied to the inverting input. This allows the operational amplifier to receive its necessary operating voltage independently from the feedback signal, enabling the use of a smaller measuring resistor and reducing power consumption while maintaining proper operational amplifier function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second input terminal as an intermediary element that mediates between the bias voltage source and the operational amplifier's inverting input. This intermediary allows the bias voltage to be applied separately from the feedback signal, enabling independent control of the operational amplifier's operating conditions and reducing the power consumption associated with the measuring resistor
2Reliability
If a large measuring resistor is used to provide bias voltage to the operational amplifier, then the operational amplifier operates reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage application by introducing a second input terminal that receives a separate bias voltage, distinct from the feedback signal applied to the inverting input. This allows the operational amplifier to receive its necessary operating voltage independently from the feedback signal, enabling the use of a smaller measuring resistor and reducing power consumption while maintaining proper operational amplifier function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bias voltage function from the measuring resistor by providing it through a separate second input terminal. This extraction allows the measuring resistor to be optimized for its primary function of current sensing with minimal resistance value, while the bias voltage is supplied independently, significantly reducing power dissipation in the measuring resistor
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 design significantly reduces power consumption by allowing the choice of a small measuring resistor, resulting in a power reduction of scores to hundreds of times less than previous designs, with minimal additional power dissipation in the feedback element and reference voltage source.
Implementation Method 1
an operational amplifier whose non-inverting input is a first input of the constant voltage - constant current converter, an inverting input of the operational amplifier being connected to the emitter of the transistor and an output of the operational amplifier being connected to the base of the transistor
Implementation Method 2
As output current flows through the measuring resistor of the direct voltage - direct current converter, a voltage drop appears across the measuring resistor which, as a feedback signal via the feedback element is applied to the inverting input of the operational amplifier
Implementation Method 3
a direct voltage - direct current converter including a transistor whose collector is an output of the direct voltage - direct current converter, an operational amplifier whose non-inverting input is a first input of the constant voltage - constant current converter
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A regulator of direct current flowing through a load (31) comprises connected in series a source (35) of direct voltage and the load (31), a setter (1) of the output current flowing through the load (31), a direct voltage - direct current converter (8) providing stability of the current flowing through the load (31), as well as providing the separation of the bias voltage from the feedback signal thus resulting in decreasing watt consumption in the regulator.