Inrush Current Protection Circuit Two-Stage Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
When electronic devices are powered on and connected to an external charging source, an instantaneous large inrush current can damage internal circuits due to rapid voltage changes, which existing technologies fail to adequately mitigate.
Innovation Solution
An inrush current protection circuit comprising a first charging circuit that charges a load to a first stage voltage lower than the target voltage, followed by a second charging circuit that rapidly ramps up to the target voltage, utilizing a soft start method to minimize voltage variation and reduce inrush current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external power source is connected to charge the electronic system, then the rechargeable battery can be recharged, but an instantaneous large inrush current occurs that may damage internal circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first charging circuit charges the load to a first stage voltage (below target voltage), and a second charging circuit then charges the load from the first stage voltage to the target voltage. This segmentation of the charging process into sequential stages limits the rate of voltage change and prevents instantaneous large inrush current from damaging internal circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The first charging circuit performs preliminary action by charging the load to a first stage voltage before the second charging circuit activates to reach the target voltage. This preliminary charging at a controlled rate prepares the system for subsequent faster charging while avoiding the harmful inrush current that would occur if full-power charging started immediately.
2Productivity
If the first charging circuit charges the load to the target voltage directly, then charging speed is fast, but voltage variation is large causing inrush current
Solution Approach 1:
The charging circuit is divided into two sequential charging circuits with different functions. The first charging circuit provides controlled charging to a first stage voltage, limiting voltage variation. The second charging circuit then completes the charging to target voltage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both stability during initial charging and overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically switches between two charging modes: the first charging circuit operates when the load voltage is below the first stage voltage, and the second charging circuit operates when the load voltage is at or above the first stage voltage. This dynamic switching optimizes both voltage stability and charging speed at different stages of the charging process.
Data Source
AI summary
An inrush current protection circuit for charging a load to a target voltage, in which the inrush current protection circuit includes a first charging circuit and a second charging circuit. The first charging circuit charges a load to a first stage voltage, and there is a voltage difference existing between the target voltage and the first stage voltage. The second charging circuit charges the load form the first stage voltage to the target voltage, in which the first charge circuit charges slower than the second charging circuit.