Dual-Path Power Supply for Fast Digital Startup and Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply systems for portable devices with digital and analog circuits face inefficiencies due to high power consumption in DC/DC converters and long initialization periods, which hinder rapid voltage stabilization and efficient power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a switched-mode power supply coupled to a voltage application source, with a first node configured to be powered directly or through the switched-mode power supply, and linear regulators to manage voltage for digital and analog circuits, allowing for efficient power distribution and reduced power consumption during initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switched-mode power supply is used to power digital circuits, then power consumption efficiency is improved, but initialization time increases and voltage stabilization is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling digital circuits to operate in a low-power mode before the switched-mode power supply is fully initialized. The system prepares digital circuits to function using alternative power paths or storage elements during the initialization period, thereby reducing the effective initialization time while maintaining energy efficiency benefits of the switched-mode power supply once operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power supply modes for digital circuits. During initialization, digital circuits operate in a first mode (using alternative power paths), and after initialization completes, they transition to a second mode (using the switched-mode power supply). This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by allowing efficient power consumption without being constrained by the initialization time penalty.
2Loss of energy
If a DC/DC converter is used to lower or raise voltage, then power efficiency is improved compared to linear regulators, but power consumption during operation is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different power supply strategies for different circuit types. Digital circuits can utilize the DC/DC converter for efficient voltage conversion when needed, while analog circuits use linear regulators to avoid introducing noise. This localized application of different power supply methods optimizes overall system energy efficiency while managing operational power consumption appropriately for each circuit type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between DC/DC converters and linear regulators based on operational requirements. During active processing, DC/DC converters provide efficient voltage conversion. During low-activity states or initialization, the system can switch to linear regulators or alternative power paths, thereby reducing operational power consumption while maintaining high energy efficiency when performance is required.
3Speed
If digital circuits are powered during initialization, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases before the switched-mode power supply is ready
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by enabling digital circuits to enter a preliminary operational state during initialization using alternative power paths or storage elements. This allows the system to be responsive to basic inputs and perform initialization tasks without requiring the full switched-mode power supply to be operational, thereby improving system responsiveness while controlling power consumption through selective circuit activation.
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
Enables faster initialization and reduced power consumption by allowing digital circuits to run before the switched-mode power supply is fully initialized, and switches to low-consumption modes to conserve energy, improving overall efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first node configured to be powered by a voltage application source through a switched-mode power supply coupled to the voltage application source
Implementation Method 2
Linear regulators ensure a fast voltage change at the level of the digital circuits without causing a major change on the analog circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a voltage application source, and a switched mode power supply having an output coupled to the voltage application source through a first path and through a second path different from the first path. A first node is coupled to the output of the switched mode power supply, the switched mode power supply being configured to couple the first node to the voltage application source through the first path in a first operating mode and through the second path in a different second operating mode. A digital regulator is coupled to the first node. A digital circuit is coupled to an output of the digital regulator. An analog regulator is coupled to the first node and an analog circuit coupled to an output of the analog regulator.