High-Side Switch Gate Control for Low-Load Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-side switch circuits consume significant power even in low-load conditions, limiting their use in low-power applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resistor and a transistor in series with the control terminal of the high-side switch, along with a control circuit that adjusts the connection based on current thresholds, to minimize power consumption by disconnecting the resistor when low power is required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-side switch circuit is used to control power provision to a load circuit, then the switching capability and circuit integration are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly even in low-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation by switching between two transistors (first and second transistors) based on load conditions. The control circuit dynamically selects which transistor to activate - using the first transistor for high-load conditions and the second transistor for low-load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to optimize power consumption while maintaining switching capability across different operating states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing a control circuit that monitors load conditions and adjusts the switching state accordingly. The control circuit changes the effective resistance and current path parameters by activating different transistors based on whether the load is high or low, thereby optimizing the balance between switching performance and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a resistor is connected in series with the control terminal to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption in low-power modes is reduced, but the control signal transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the control signal source and the second transistor. It conditions the control signal appropriately to ensure reliable transmission while working in conjunction with the series resistor to achieve power reduction. The intermediary control circuit compensates for any signal degradation caused by the resistor, maintaining reliable control signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different circuit configurations for different operating conditions. The series resistor is specifically applied in the low-power mode path (with the second transistor) rather than in the entire circuit, allowing power reduction only where needed while maintaining full control signal capability in the high-power mode path (with the first transistor).
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
Significantly reduces power consumption in low-power modes, making the high-side switch circuit suitable for applications with varying load demands, including vehicular systems.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump circuit, and a resistor. The charge pump circuit has an output coupled to the control terminal
Implementation Method 2
The resistor has a first terminal coupled to the control terminal, and a second terminal
Implementation Method 3
The second transistor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the resistor, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal, and a control terminal. The control circuit is configured to turn on the second transistor responsive to the current being greater than a threshold, and turn off the second transistor responsive to the current being less than the threshold
Implementation Method 4
The current source has an input coupled to the control terminal of the second transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a first transistor, a second transistor, a charge pump circuit, and a resistor. The input terminal is configured to provide an input voltage. The output terminal is configured to provide an output voltage. The first transistor has a first terminal coupled to the input terminal, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal, and a control terminal. The charge pump circuit has an output coupled to the control terminal. The resistor has a first terminal coupled to the control terminal, and a second terminal. The second transistor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the resistor, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal, and a control terminal. The current source has an input coupled to the control terminal of the second transistor.