Dual Input Power Regulator Priority Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual input power management systems for electronic devices are costly, power-intensive, complex, and unreliable due to the need for multiple MCU interfaces and firmware to control power switches, especially during power mode conversions.

Innovation Solution

A dual input power management system with a priority determination module, feedback module, and output stage module that monitors input terminals for power supply, generates priority and control signals to regulate output voltage efficiently, eliminating the need for auxiliary circuits and separate LDO voltage regulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MCU interfaces and firmware are used to control power switches, then power supply selection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply selection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply input paths into a single integrated circuit that automatically selects and switches between power sources. The power management function is merged into one device rather than requiring separate MCU control of multiple discrete switches, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining power selection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management circuit performs automatic power source selection and switching without requiring external MCU intervention. The circuit monitors input voltages and autonomously determines which power source to use, eliminating the need for complex firmware and multiple MCU interfaces while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If auxiliary circuits and discrete components are used for power monitoring, then power supply detection accuracy is improved, but PCB space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply detection accuracyVSAvoidPCB space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates power monitoring and detection functions directly into the power management circuit, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary circuits and discrete components. This consolidation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing PCB space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management circuit performs multiple functions including power supply detection, voltage regulation, and switch control within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary circuits, reducing both PCB space and component count while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate LDO voltage regulators and power switch chips are used, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but power consumption and device count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation precisionVSAvoiddevice count

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the LDO voltage regulator and power switch control functions into a single integrated circuit. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining voltage regulation precision through integrated design and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power management circuit performs both voltage regulation and power switching functions within a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate LDO regulators and power switch chips, reducing device count while preserving regulation precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If MCU control firmware is used for power path selection, then input priority setting flexibility is improved, but reliability during power mode conversion decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput priority setting flexibilityVSAvoidreliability during power mode conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power management circuit autonomously monitors input voltages and automatically determines power path selection without requiring MCU firmware intervention. This self-service approach eliminates delays and potential failures associated with software execution during critical power mode transitions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining flexibility through configurable priority settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10216210B2Dual input power management method and system

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 O2 MICRO INC

AI summary

A dual input power management method includes: monitoring whether a first input terminal has a power supply and whether a second input terminal has a power supply, and accordingly generating a first monitor signal and a second monitor signal; generating a priority signal based on the first monitor signal, the second monitor signal, and an enable signal, to determine an input priority of the first input terminal and the second input terminal; generating a control signal based on a feedback signal indicative of an output voltage and a reference signal; and regulating the output voltage based on the priority signal and the control signal.