Isolated Power Converter Feedback Sleep Control for Standby Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems consume power in standby mode due to the continuous operation of feedback circuits even when the load is disconnected, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A feedback control apparatus and method that includes a secondary controller detecting load disconnection, communicating with a primary controller to enter a sleep mode by pulling down feedback nodes, and configuring them as high impedance nodes to disable feedback circuits, reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedback circuits continue to operate in standby mode to maintain output voltage regulation, then voltage regulation is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system dynamically switches between active and disabled states based on load detection. The secondary controller detects load disconnection and triggers a transition to sleep mode, where feedback circuits are disabled. This dynamic state change allows the system to maintain regulation when needed while minimizing power consumption during standby.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic load detection and mode switching. The secondary controller continuously monitors load status and periodically transitions the system between active and sleep modes. This periodic action ensures that feedback circuits operate only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining voltage regulation during active periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If feedback circuits are disabled in standby mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but output voltage regulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary controller performs preliminary load detection before disabling feedback circuits. By detecting load disconnection in advance and initiating the mode transition sequence, the system ensures that feedback circuits are disabled only when the load is confirmed disconnected, preventing unnecessary regulation attempts while maintaining power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the secondary controller to monitor load status and control the state of feedback circuits. The secondary controller provides feedback signals to the primary controller, enabling the primary side to adjust its operation based on secondary side load conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that voltage regulation is maintained when load is present while enabling power savings when load is disconnected.
3Use of energy by moving object
If load detection and mode switching mechanisms are added to reduce standby power, then power consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load detection and mode switching functions are merged into the existing controller architecture. The secondary controller, which already exists for USB Power Delivery protocols, is enhanced to perform load detection and trigger sleep mode transitions. The primary controller is similarly enhanced to respond to secondary controller signals. This merging approach avoids adding separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary controller serves multiple functions: it manages USB Power Delivery protocols, detects load status, and controls sleep mode transitions. By making the secondary controller universal and multi-functional, the system avoids adding dedicated circuits for each function. The primary controller similarly handles multiple roles including power conversion control and sleep mode response. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a secondary controller coupled to a secondary circuit of a power conversion system, and a primary controller coupled to a primary circuit of the power conversion system, the primary controller being coupled to the secondary controller through an isolation interface, wherein the secondary controller is configured to detect whether a load is coupled to the power conversion system, in response to the load being disconnected from the power conversion system, communicate with the primary controller through pulling down a secondary feedback node in the secondary circuit and a primary feedback node in the primary circuit for a first predetermined time, provide a high impedance at the secondary feedback node to reduce power consumption, and in response to the load being reconnected to the power conversion system, communicate with the primary controller through pulling down the secondary feedback node in the secondary circuit for a second predetermined time.