Dual Input Single Output Regulator for Inertial Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual input single output regulators for inertial sensors suffer from low efficiency and high heat generation due to the use of diodes for power switching, resulting in a lower output voltage than the selected input voltage.
Innovation Solution
A dual input single output regulator that includes a comparator to compare two power supply signals, controlled switches, and a low-dropout regulator to provide a stable and regulated power supply signal based on the higher input voltage, minimizing voltage drop and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diodes are used to implement power switching between main and auxiliary power supplies, then the system can select between power sources, but efficiency is low and heat generation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/diode-based power switching system with an electronic control system using MOSFETs and a control circuit. The MOSFETs act as electronically controlled switches that can be turned on/off based on voltage comparison, eliminating the need for diodes and enabling efficient power source selection without significant energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power switching mechanism by using voltage-controlled MOSFETs instead of fixed diode drops. The control circuit dynamically adjusts which power source is selected based on voltage levels, allowing optimal efficiency while maintaining adaptability between power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diodes are used for power switching, then power source selection is achieved, but voltage drop across diodes reduces output voltage below input voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the diode-based voltage dropping mechanism with MOSFET switches that have minimal on-resistance. When MOSFETs are turned on, they conduct with very low voltage drop compared to diodes, allowing the output voltage to closely match the selected input voltage rather than being reduced by diode forward voltage drops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diodes are used for power switching, then power source selection is achieved, but heat generation is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diode-based power switching with MOSFET switches controlled by a voltage comparison circuit. MOSFETs have much lower conduction losses than diodes, resulting in significantly reduced heat generation during power source selection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control circuit continuously monitors the voltages from both power sources and dynamically controls the MOSFET switches accordingly. This feedback ensures that the higher voltage source is selected, maximizing efficiency and minimizing power loss and heat generation.
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
The solution achieves efficient power regulation with minimal heat dissipation and maintains the higher input voltage, effectively addressing the inefficiencies and heat issues of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a first comparator, having first and second input terminals and an output terminal, the first and second input terminals being configured to be electrically coupled to the first and second power supply node, respectively, to receive the first and second power supply signal, respectively, and the output terminal being configured to provide a first compared signal indicative of a result of a comparison between the first and the second power supply signal
Implementation Method 2
a first switch configured to electrically couple the first power supply node to an intermediate node, the first switch having a first control terminal; a second switch configured to electrically couple the second power supply node to the intermediate node, the second switch having a second control terminal
Implementation Method 3
a low-dropout regulator, having an input terminal coupled to said intermediate node and configured to receive the intermediate power supply signal, and an output terminal configured to provide a regulated power supply signal based on said intermediate power supply signal
Data Source
AI summary
A dual input single output (DISO) regulator, includes a comparator configured to receive a first and second power supply signal and to provide a first compared signal; a first switch configured to couple the first power supply source to an intermediate node, and a second switch configured to couple the second power supply source to the intermediate node; a control logic circuit, coupled to the first comparator, to the first switch, and to the second switch, and configured to receive the compared signal to control the first and the second switch in a first and second operating condition based on the compared signal. The intermediate node being biased by an intermediate power supply signal correlated to the first or second power supply signal. The DISO regulator includes a low-dropout regulator, configured to provide a regulated power supply signal based on the intermediate power supply signal.