Integrated Start-Up Circuit for High Voltage DC Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing start-up circuits for high voltage switching regulators rely on external resistors, which increase cost and lack automatic shutoff and overcurrent protection, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dropping resistor and low voltage regulator within the integrated circuit package, along with an automatic shutoff and overcurrent protection circuit, to provide a start-up voltage from a high voltage DC bus while limiting power dissipation during start-up and protecting against short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external resistor is used to provide start-up voltage, then the start-up circuit can be implemented, but the cost increases and automatic shutoff capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dropping resistor and start-up circuit functionality into a single integrated circuit package. The controller integrates both the control logic and the dropping resistor, eliminating the need for external resistors and providing automatic shutoff capability through the integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller automatically shuts off the start-up circuit when the voltage regulator output is sensed, without requiring external components or manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on the output voltage detection, confining power dissipation to only the necessary start-up time interval.
2Reliability
If an external resistor is used for start-up, then the circuit can operate, but overcurrent protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overcurrent protection functionality into the integrated controller package. The controller monitors and limits current during start-up, providing protection against output shorts and overloads without requiring separate external protection components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the start-up circuit remains active continuously, then the application circuit can always be powered, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The start-up circuit operates periodically rather than continuously - it is active only during the brief start-up interval when the voltage regulator output is not yet established, then automatically shuts off. This periodic operation confines power dissipation to the necessary start-up time interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses feedback from the voltage regulator output sensing to control the start-up circuit operation. When the output voltage reaches the regulated level, the feedback signal triggers the automatic shutoff of the start-up circuit, optimizing power dissipation based on actual circuit state.
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 solution eliminates the need for external resistors, provides automatic shutoff and overcurrent protection, reducing power dissipation and cost, and ensures efficient start-up of high voltage switching regulators.
Implementation Method 1
a dropping resistor in the integrated circuit package having a first terminal for coupling to the high voltage DC bus and for dropping the high voltage DC bus voltage to a reduced voltage level at a second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A startup circuit for providing a startup voltage from a high voltage DC bus voltage to an application circuit including an integrated circuit package for at least a control circuit for driving at least one power switch of the application circuit; a dropping resistor in the integrated circuit package having a first terminal for coupling to the high voltage DC bus and for dropping the high voltage DC bus voltage to a reduced voltage level at a second terminal; and a low voltage regulator in the package coupled to the second terminal for providing a startup regulated low voltage DC output at a preset level for powering at least one part of the application circuit during startup of the application circuit. The application circuit may be, for example, a switching mode power supply.