Dynamic Bias Power Detection Circuit for Ultra-Low Startup Current

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a system power detection circuit with low power consumption is crucial, especially when the power level is lower than a predetermined voltage value, as existing circuits fail to efficiently manage power consumption and disable other system components effectively.

Innovation Solution

A power detection apparatus comprising a first current processing circuit that provides a dynamic bias voltage and a second current processing circuit, which outputs a power good signal when the dynamic bias voltage exceeds a threshold, utilizing transistors and resistors to mirror currents and adjust threshold voltages for efficient power detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional power detection circuit is used, then the power detection function is achieved, but the power consumption is too high when the power level is lower than the predetermined voltage value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of detection circuitVSAvoidpower detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bias voltage adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The bias voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the power level being detected, allowing the circuit to optimize its operating point for different power conditions. This enables the detection circuit to maintain reliability across varying power levels while minimizing power consumption, particularly in the low-power regime where conventional circuits fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bias voltage parameter adaptively to optimize detection performance. By varying the bias voltage according to the power level, the circuit can maintain proper operating conditions for the detection transistors even when supply power is low. This parameter adjustment allows the circuit to achieve accurate detection at ultra-low power levels without consuming excessive power, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the bias voltage is increased to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision is improved, but the startup current increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower detection precisionVSAvoidstartup current
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bias voltage adjustment rather than a fixed high bias voltage. The bias voltage is adapted based on the detected power level, providing sufficient precision for detection while avoiding the need for continuously high voltage that would increase startup current. This dynamic approach allows the circuit to achieve measurement precision when needed without paying the continuous power penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit itself generates and adjusts the bias voltage based on its own operating conditions. The circuit automatically adapts its bias voltage to maintain detection precision without requiring external high-voltage sources, thereby achieving self-optimization that prevents startup current issues while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ultra-low startup current power detection, allowing the system to determine if power is ready and initiate operations efficiently while minimizing power consumption, with adjustable threshold voltages and operation currents to suit various electronic apparatus systems.

Implementation Method 1

the first current processing circuit is further configured to mirror a current of the bias terminal by a predetermined ratio to the output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent mirroring:

Implementation Method 2

A first terminal of the first resistor is coupled to the drain of the second transistor, and a second terminal of the first resistor is coupled to the bias terminal to provide the dynamic bias voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

The second current processing circuit is coupled to the first current processing circuit, and is biased under the dynamic bias voltage. The second current processing circuit is configured to output a power good signal at an output terminal to represent that the system power is ready when the dynamic bias voltage is greater than a threshold voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor switching:

Data Source

PatentUS9164152B2Ultra low startup current power detection apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.10.20 POWER FOREST TECH
  • US9164152B2 patent drawing
  • US9164152B2 patent drawing
  • US9164152B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power detection apparatus is provided. The power detection apparatus includes a first current processing circuit and a second current processing circuit. The first current processing circuit is configured to provide a dynamic bias voltage at a bias terminal in response to a variation of a system power. The second current processing circuit is coupled to the first current processing circuit and is biased under the dynamic bias voltage for outputting a power good signal at an output terminal to represent that the system power is ready when the dynamic bias voltage is greater than a threshold voltage.