Inductor-Free Step-Down Power Supply With Switched Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply circuits using Zener diodes face challenges in reducing power consumption as they continuously draw current during output voltage generation, making it difficult to achieve low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A step-down power supply circuit configuration that includes a rectifier circuit, a switch, and a control circuit without an inductor between the rectifier circuit and the first line, allowing for controlled voltage levels and efficient power management by switching the NMOS transistor based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Zener diode is used to generate output voltage at a predetermined level, then the output voltage is stabilized, but power consumption increases due to steady current flow through the diode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a switch that operates in pulsed intervals rather than continuously. The switch is turned on only when the output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold and turned off when the voltage reaches the target level, creating a periodic switching action that maintains voltage stability while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static, continuous current flow approach (Zener diode) to a dynamic, switched-mode approach. The switch control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching timing and duration based on real-time output voltage feedback, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to actual voltage requirements
2Reliability
If an inductor is interposed between the rectifier circuit and the first line in a step-down power supply, then voltage regulation is improved, but device complexity and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the inductor component from the circuit configuration. Instead of using a traditional inductor-based voltage regulation approach, the invention extracts this component and replaces its function with a switch and control circuit that achieves voltage regulation through switching action and feedback control, thereby simplifying the circuit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the passive, continuous voltage regulation mechanism (inductor) with an active, controlled switching mechanism. The switch and control circuit actively manage voltage regulation through electronic control signals, replacing the passive electromagnetic induction principle with an active feedback-controlled switching system
3Reliability
If current flows steadily through a Zener diode for voltage generation, then output voltage is maintained, but power consumption cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the steady, continuous current flow through the Zener diode into a periodic switching current flow. The switch is activated only when voltage regulation is needed and deactivated when the voltage is sufficient, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic energy consumption that maintains voltage generation while reducing overall power loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by stopping current flow through the voltage generation path when regulation is not needed. The control circuit monitors output voltage and discards (stops) current flow when voltage is sufficient, then recovers (resumes) current flow only when voltage drops below the threshold, optimizing energy utilization
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
This configuration effectively stabilizes the output voltage at predetermined levels while minimizing power consumption by controlling current flow, allowing the power supply circuit to efficiently use AC power and maintain stable voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a switch coupled between the first line and the second line
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit of a step-down type, configured to generate an output voltage at a predetermined level from an alternating current (AC) voltage. The power supply circuit includes a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the AC voltage, a first line coupled to the rectifier circuit, a second line on a ground side, a switch coupled between the first line and the second line, and a control circuit configured to control the switch to bring a level of the output voltage to the predetermined level. The power supply circuit is free of an inductor interposed between the first line and the rectifier circuit.