Digital Control Loop Power Supply for SLIC Dissipation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subscriber line interface circuits (SLICs) face inefficiencies in power supply management, leading to unnecessary power dissipation due to the use of single fixed or multiple fixed power supplies, which fail to adequately address the varying power requirements for different operational states of subscriber equipment, such as 'on hook,' 'off hook,' and 'ringing' states.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system utilizing a switching regulator with a digital control loop and delta-sigma modulator to dynamically adjust the power supply levels, incorporating current mirrors to optimize transistor operation and reduce unnecessary current consumption, thereby minimizing power dissipation across different operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fixed negative power supply is provided to meet or exceed the requirements of all operational states, then sufficient supply levels are ensured for all states, but unnecessary power dissipation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system that continuously adjusts the negative power supply voltage level based on the detected operational state of the subscriber equipment. The controller receives state information and dynamically modifies the supply voltage to match current operational requirements, transitioning from static fixed supplies to a dynamically adaptable supply system that eliminates over-provisioning and reduces power dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the power supply dynamically according to operational state. Instead of using a fixed voltage level that must accommodate the most demanding state, the controller adjusts the voltage parameter to appropriate levels for each specific operational state, thereby reducing unnecessary power dissipation while maintaining sufficient supply levels for reliable operation.
2Loss of energy
If multiple fixed power supplies are provided for different operational states, then power dissipation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single universal power supply unit that can operate at multiple voltage levels, replacing the need for multiple dedicated fixed power supplies. This multi-functional supply unit is controlled by a controller that selects appropriate voltage levels based on operational state, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of state-specific power provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from multiple static power supply units to a single dynamic power supply unit that can adapt its output voltage. The controller dynamically configures the supply unit to provide appropriate voltage levels for different operational states, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving comparable or superior power efficiency through continuous adaptation rather than discrete fixed supplies.
3Loss of energy
If multiple fixed power supplies are used with automatic selection, then some power dissipation reduction is achieved, but only coarse granularity is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous or fine-grained adjustment of the power supply voltage parameter based on precise detection of operational state and potentially analog feedback. This enables the system to provide power supply levels with fine granularity that closely match actual operational requirements, improving upon the coarse granularity of multiple fixed supplies by enabling smooth transitions and precise voltage level selection for optimal power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about the operational state and potentially the actual power requirements, then adjusts the power supply voltage accordingly. This feedback loop enables adaptive fine-grained control of power supply levels, allowing the system to optimize power dissipation by providing precisely the right voltage level for each operational condition rather than selecting from discrete fixed levels.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of an apparatus for switching a transistor includes a first current mirror providing iB=K1i1, as a transistor base current, wherein the first current mirror is selectively driven by a current sourceiBMAXK1.A second current mirror providing a feedback signal i2=K2iD to the first current mirror such thati1+i2=iBMAXK1,wherein iD contributes to the transistor collector current, wherein iB=iBMAX−K1K2iD.