Fast Blocking Switch for Voltage Stability in Multi-Supply Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In integrated systems with multiple power supplies arranged in a wire-OR configuration, existing blocking circuitry increases cost, complexity, and power consumption while failing to minimize voltage disturbances effectively during power supply switching.

Innovation Solution

A fast blocking switch comprising an energy storage device, a first power switch, and a second power switch, where the energy storage device rapidly activates the switches, and the second switch provides additional charge to the first switch for faster turn-on, reducing voltage disturbances and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional blocking circuitry is used to minimize voltage disturbances during power supply switching, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking switch is divided into two separate power switches: a first power switch for main blocking function and a second power switch for providing additional charge. This segmentation allows each switch to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining voltage stability during switching transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second power switch is activated in advance to provide additional charge to the control terminal of the first power switch before the first switch needs to block. This preliminary action ensures that the first switch has sufficient charge available for rapid blocking operation, minimizing voltage disturbances without requiring complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional blocking circuitry is used to minimize voltage disturbances during power supply switching, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second power switch operates periodically to replenish charge in the control terminal of the first power switch only when needed, rather than continuously consuming power. This periodic activation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining voltage stability during switching events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The second power switch automatically activates to provide charge to the first power switch's control terminal when voltage disturbances are detected or predicted, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains voltage stability while minimizing continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If faster switching is implemented to reduce voltage disturbances, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Charge is stored in advance in the control terminal of the first power switch through the second power switch, so when switching is needed, the first switch can activate rapidly without requiring high instantaneous power. This preliminary charge storage enables fast switching while avoiding excessive power consumption during the switching event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution minimizes voltage disturbances and reduces power consumption by enabling fast and efficient switching of power supplies, thereby optimizing the operation of integrated systems with multiple power sources.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage device, a first power switch and a second power switch. The energy storage device stores a charge for fast activation of the switches

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The control terminal of the second switch is also operable (e.g., as a charge storage element) to provide (e.g., additional) charge to the control terminal of the first switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical charge transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9627962B2Fast blocking switch
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US9627962B2 patent drawing
  • US9627962B2 patent drawing
  • US9627962B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fast blocking switch includes, for example, an energy storage device, a first power switch and a second power switch. The energy storage device stores a charge for fast activation of the switches. The first switch is operable for coupling input current to an output terminal in response to the coupling of a potential supplied by the stored charge to a control terminal of the first switch. The second switch is operable for coupling a limited amount of the input current to the output terminal in response to the coupling of a potential supplied by the stored charge to a control terminal of the second switch.