Digital Control Circuit for Power Supply Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses face challenges in adjusting settings, such as ripple voltage and switching frequency, without redesigning the system, especially when power consumption is low, due to inefficiencies in analog and digital circuit systems.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a digital control circuit that operates in both normal and low power control modes, using an oscillator to intermittently activate the driver and reduce power consumption by switching between continuous and intermittent operations based on detected current levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a digital controller is used for high frequency voltage regulator, then control precision and adaptability are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two control modes: a first control mode using a digital controller for precise control when load requires it, and a second control mode using a simple comparator circuit for low-power operation when load is light. The system dynamically selects the appropriate control mode based on real-time power consumption requirements, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining control adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter by switching between two different control strategies: using PWM duty cycle control via digital controller when precision is needed, and using on/off control via comparator when power consumption is the priority. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and minimize power consumption while maintaining necessary control precision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If analog circuit system is used for switching power source, then power consumption is reduced, but setting adjustment becomes difficult and requires redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that can operate in multiple modes: the digital controller can implement both precise PWM control and simple on/off control, while the comparator circuit provides a universal low-power control alternative. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware architecture to serve both precision control requirements and power consumption requirements, eliminating the need for redesign when adjusting settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its control strategy based on operating conditions, switching between the digital controller-based PWM mode and the comparator-based on/off mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain low power consumption while providing easy setting adjustment through digital parameters rather than hardware redesign.
3Measurement precision
If continuous ON/OFF control is implemented, then power supply precision is maintained, but power consumption increases when small amount of power is supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between continuous PWM control (first control mode) and intermittent on/off control (second control mode). When small amounts of power are supplied, the system transitions to the second control mode where the comparator circuit provides sufficient precision for low-power operation with minimal power consumption, while the digital controller enters a low-power state.
Solution Approach 2:
In the second control mode, the system uses periodic sampling by the comparator circuit to maintain power supply precision without continuous digital controller operation. The comparator periodically checks the output voltage and adjusts the switching element accordingly, providing sufficient precision for low-power applications while consuming significantly less power than continuous digital control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus, comprising: a driver connected to a power source voltage and configured to perform an ON/OFF operation of power supply to a load; a digital control circuit configured to perform an ON/OFF control of the driver; and an oscillator configured to output an oscillator signal for performing the ON/OFF control of the driver every constant period. The digital control circuit operates in a normal control mode in which the output operation of the oscillator signal by the oscillator and the ON/OFF operation of the driver are continuously activated, or in a low power control mode in which the output operation of the oscillator signal by the oscillator and the ON/OFF operation of the driver are intermittently activated.