Deep-Sleep Power Supply Converter Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art switching power supplies operate in only two modes: online and standby, with the input and standby converters always actively switching, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption, especially in deep sleep modes where only a fraction of the load's power is required.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of deep-sleep-mode power supplies with mode control circuitry that enables or disables the switching activity of input, output, and standby converters, allowing for a deep sleep mode where all converters are disabled, optimizing power usage by transitioning between online, standby, and deep sleep modes based on load requirements, and using system controllers to manage redundancy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the input converter and standby converter remain actively switching in standby mode, then the power supply can quickly transition to online mode, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransition speed to online modeVSAvoidpower consumption in standby mode
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply system adaptable and adjustable between different operational states. The controller dynamically transitions converters between active switching and deep-sleep states based on load conditions, enabling the system to optimize between quick transition capability and power consumption efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the converters by introducing a deep-sleep mode where switching activity is disabled. This parameter change allows the system to dramatically reduce power consumption in standby mode while maintaining the ability to quickly transition to full operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If all converters remain actively switching in standby mode, then the power supply can immediately handle full load, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle full loadVSAvoidpower loss in standby mode
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply operation into distinct modes: online mode with all converters active, standby mode with selective converter activity, and deep-sleep mode with switching disabled. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for either full load capability or energy efficiency depending on actual demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by disabling switching activity in the input and standby converters when full power is not needed. Instead of maintaining excessive switching activity, the system uses only the necessary converter (standby converter) to supply minimal power, reducing energy loss while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the input converter and standby converter are always actively switching, then the power supply maintains full operational capability, but efficiency decreases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capability across modesVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system becomes dynamic by adapting its operational state based on load requirements. The controller monitors load conditions and transitions converters between active and deep-sleep states, making the system versatile enough to handle both full-load and low-power scenarios efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply achieves multi-functionality by implementing multiple operational modes (online, standby, deep-sleep) within a single system. This allows the same hardware to universally handle diverse operational requirements from full power to minimal power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8276000B2System and method for supplying power to a load using deep-sleep-mode power supplies
Publication Date: 2012.09.25 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • US8276000B2 patent drawing
  • US8276000B2 patent drawing
  • US8276000B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method are provided for supplying power to a load using deep-sleep-mode power supplies. Each of plural switching power supplies includes an input converter, an output converter and a standby converter. Each is configured to have its output converter connected to the load, and each is configured to operate in at least an online mode in which the input, output and standby converters are enabled for switching, and a deep sleep mode in which the input, output and standby converters are disabled from switching. A system controller is configured to place a first set of the plural switching power supplies in the online mode and a second set of the plural switching power supplies in the deep sleep mode while the load is operating and the power supplies in the first set are supplying power to the load.