Power Supply Switching Frequency Adaptation for DSL Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply circuits in communications devices, such as DSL devices, face challenges in maintaining optimal switching frequencies when transitioning from mains power to battery backup, leading to reduced efficiency and increased interference due to limited voltage headroom and reduced quiet line noise performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an operating mode controller that adjusts the switching frequency of the power supply circuit from a high frequency mode suitable for mains power to a lower frequency mode when using battery power, allowing the power supply circuit to operate efficiently and minimize interference within the DSL data modulation frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the switching frequency of the power supply circuit is set higher than the data modulation frequency band, then interference with communications is reduced, but voltage head-room requirements increase and battery operation becomes infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with communicationsVSAvoidbattery operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its switching frequency based on the power source being used. When mains power is detected, the circuit operates at a higher switching frequency (above the data modulation frequency band) to minimize communication interference. When battery power is detected, the circuit automatically switches to a lower switching frequency mode, enabling feasible battery operation while still managing interference through adaptive frequency selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameter (switching frequency) of the power supply circuit based on the power source condition. The controller detects whether mains power or battery power is being used and accordingly adjusts the switching frequency parameter - maintaining high frequency for mains power to reduce interference, and lowering the frequency for battery power to ensure operational feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the switching frequency is decreased to enable battery operation, then voltage head-room requirements are reduced, but interference with data modulation may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operation capabilityVSAvoidinterference with data modulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the switching frequency to the available power source. The controller continuously monitors the power source status and adjusts the switching frequency in real-time - using high frequency when mains power is available to minimize interference, and switching to low frequency when battery power is detected to enable operation within voltage head-room constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter changes by adjusting the switching frequency based on power source detection. When battery power is detected, the controller lowers the switching frequency parameter to a level that can be sustained by battery voltage head-room. When mains power is detected, the parameter is increased to reduce communication interference, thus optimizing performance for each power source condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the power supply circuit operates at high switching frequency with battery power, then interference is reduced, but battery depletes faster due to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with communicationsVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit operates dynamically with two distinct switching frequency modes depending on the power source. When battery power is detected, the circuit automatically transitions to a lower switching frequency mode that reduces power consumption and extends battery life, while accepting a trade-off in interference performance. When mains power is available, the circuit operates at high frequency to minimize interference without concern for battery depletion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the switching frequency parameter based on power source detection to optimize battery life. Upon detecting battery power, the controller reduces the switching frequency parameter to a level that minimizes power consumption and extends operational duration. This parameter adjustment ensures that the device can operate sustainably on battery power for extended periods, prioritizing battery life over minimal interference when not connected to mains power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3076648B1Method and system for operating a power supply of a communications device
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3076648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3076648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3076648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a power supply circuit of a communications device involves operating the power supply circuit in a first operating mode in which a switching frequency of the power supply circuit is higher than an operating frequency band of the communications device and switching the power supply circuit to operate in a second operating mode in response to connecting the power supply circuit to a battery by decreasing the switching frequency of the power supply circuit.