Dual Output Power Supply with Digital Load Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power converter applications face challenges in achieving high energy efficiency across a wide range of loads, particularly in meeting stringent efficiency requirements at both light and heavy loads, necessitating a novel power supply structure.
Innovation Solution
A dual output power supply system that utilizes a digital microcontroller to monitor the combined power of two loads and switch between power modes by activating or deactivating a switching unit, ensuring efficient energy use based on load conditions through a first and second power conversion unit, a switching unit, and a load power measurement unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single power conversion unit is used to supply both loads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy efficiency cannot meet stringent requirements across light and heavy load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two separate power conversion units (first and second power conversion units), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for different load conditions, enabling the system to meet stringent energy efficiency requirements across both light and heavy load scenarios while maintaining dual output capability.
2Power
If both power conversion units operate simultaneously, then the power supply capability is enhanced, but the energy waste increases under light load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of the two power conversion units based on real-time load conditions. The digital controller monitors the combined load and selectively activates only the necessary power conversion unit(s), enabling the system to adapt its power supply capability to match actual demand and avoid energy waste under light load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital controller continuously monitors the load conditions and uses this feedback information to make real-time decisions about which power conversion unit(s) to activate. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds appropriately to changing load requirements, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining adequate power supply capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switching unit is always on to provide flexible power distribution, then the adaptability is improved, but the energy loss increases when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is extracted from continuous operation and instead activated only when needed based on load conditions. The digital controller determines when the switching unit should be turned on or off, separating the switching function from continuous operation and eliminating unnecessary energy losses while maintaining adaptability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual output power supply including: a first power conversion unit for generating a first DC output voltage to drive a first load according to a DC input voltage; a second power conversion unit for generating a second DC output voltage to drive a second load according to the DC input voltage; a switching unit having two channel ends coupled to the first DC output voltage and the second DC output voltage respectively; a load power measurement unit for measuring a sum of power of the first load and the second load; and a digital microcontroller unit coupled to the switching unit and the load power measurement unit for determining a switching signal to drive a control terminal of the switching unit according to the sum of power.