Dying Gasp Charge Controller Internal Capacitor Pump Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charge controllers for xDSL modems require large, bulky, and expensive external capacitors to facilitate the 'dying gasp' period, which is undesirable for size and cost considerations.
Innovation Solution
A dying gasp charge controller comprising an internal capacitor and a pump/dump circuit system that utilizes PMOS transistors, current limiters, amplifiers, and a low drop-out regulator to manage charge transfer between internal and external capacitors, allowing for efficient energy storage and distribution without the need for large external capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large external capacitors are used to store energy for the dying gasp period, then the system can maintain operation during power disconnection, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage function with the existing power management circuitry by using the internal capacitor that is already part of the charge controller. Instead of adding a separate large external capacitor, the system merges the dying gasp energy storage function with the internal capacitor and uses the pump circuit to transfer energy as needed, thereby eliminating the need for bulky external capacitors while maintaining reliable dying gasp operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic energy management approach using the pump circuit that can actively transfer charge between the internal capacitor and the output capacitor. This dynamic system allows the internal capacitor to be charged during normal operation and then discharge during the dying gasp period, replacing the static large external capacitor with a flexible, space-efficient dynamic energy transfer mechanism
2Reliability
If large external capacitors are used to store energy for the dying gasp period, then the system can maintain operation during power disconnection, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dying gasp energy storage function with the internal capacitor that is already included in the charge controller design. By utilizing existing components and the integrated pump circuit rather than adding expensive large external capacitors, the system maintains reliable dying gasp operation while reducing overall device cost and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal resources - the internal capacitor and the pump circuit that is already part of the charge controller - to provide the dying gasp function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional expensive external components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the required reliability
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 a compact and cost-effective solution for maintaining energy during the 'dying gasp' period, matching the energy storage capacity of conventional systems while reducing the size and expense of external capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
An internal capacitor is coupled to an input node of a dying gasp charge controller
Implementation Method 2
a pump circuit that is coupled to the input node and the output node, wherein the pump circuit provides charge to the output node from the input node when the voltage on the output node is less than a charge voltage
Implementation Method 3
the dump circuit provides charge to the input node from the output node when the voltage on the input node falls below a gasp voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In many applications, “dying gasp” periods following power down are used. Conventional circuits supply energy for the “dying gasp” periods generally by use of large external capacitors that are bulky and expensive. Here, a dying gasp charge controller is employed that allows for the use of smaller capacitors at higher voltages, which maintains or exceeds the energy storage capacities of conventional circuits.