Dynamic Voltage Adjust Circuits for Power Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery-powered and non-battery electronic devices face inefficiencies and thermal issues due to constant input voltage in battery charger ICs, leading to non-optimal efficiency and potential device damage from high skin temperatures during intensive workloads.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system and method that dynamically adjust power supply voltages based on operating conditions by communicating with an external power source to optimize output currents and minimize power loss, using a power management circuit to adjust the voltage within target ranges and prioritize components for efficient charging and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant input voltage is used in battery charger ICs, then the circuit operation is simplified, but the efficiency is not constant over the entire battery voltage range resulting in non-optimal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the input voltage to the battery charger IC is varied based on the battery's charging state and power dissipation requirements. The system transitions from constant voltage operation to dynamic voltage control, adjusting the input voltage to optimize efficiency at different charging stages while managing thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by adjusting the input voltage level according to battery voltage range and thermal conditions. This parameter variation allows the charger to operate at optimal efficiency points across different battery states, resolving the contradiction between simplified constant voltage operation and optimal efficiency.
2Power
If high power is delivered to the device during intensive workloads, then the device performance is improved, but the skin temperature increases making the device unusable and possibly causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of temperature and power dissipation conditions, adjusting the input voltage in response to thermal feedback. This periodic control allows high power delivery during intensive workloads while preventing excessive temperature buildup by dynamically modulating the power input based on real-time thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors and power management circuits continuously monitor device conditions and adjust the input voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain high power delivery when safe and reduce power input when thermal limits are approached, resolving the contradiction between performance and thermal safety.
3Area of stationary object
If the connector size is reduced to meet form factor limits, then the device compactness is improved, but the current limit of the cables is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the reduced current capacity of smaller connectors by dynamically adjusting the input voltage parameter. By varying the voltage level based on power requirements and thermal conditions, the system can deliver adequate power through smaller gauge cables that would otherwise be insufficient, thus enabling compact connector design without sacrificing power delivery capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an electronic system comprises one or more power circuits configured to receive a first voltage from an external power source and produce a second voltage to one or more electronic components of the electronic system, and a power management circuit configured to determine one or more output currents of the one or more power circuits, wherein the power management circuit causes the external power source to change the first voltage based on at least one output current of at least one power circuit to reduce power loss of the at least one power circuit.