Linear Regulator Power Optimization via Bidirectional Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED power supplies are limited in their ability to adjust power supply voltage in response to changing operating conditions, often only reducing power when higher current is required, failing to increase power when needed, and lacking efficient control of low dropout voltages across varying loads and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A controller monitors current flow in multiple LED strings, adjusting the power supply voltage dynamically by sending feedback signals to increase or decrease output based on current demands, utilizing a power converter, multiple-channel linear regulators, and a control circuit to provide real-time control of low dropout voltages, ensuring efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional feedback control reduces power supply voltage by injecting current in feedback loop, then power consumption is reduced, but the power supply cannot increase output when operating conditions require higher power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bidirectional feedback control where the controller can both reduce and increase power supply voltage based on real-time monitoring of LED string currents and operating conditions. The feedback loop dynamically adjusts the power supply output upward when temperature or load conditions require higher power, and downward when power consumption needs reduction, making the system adaptable to changing conditions rather than unidirectional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism that monitors multiple parameters including LED string currents, temperature, and load conditions. The controller processes this feedback information and generates appropriate control signals to adjust the power supply voltage bidirectionally, ensuring optimal power delivery under varying operating conditions while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If dropout voltage is minimized for power efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but the regulator cannot maintain regulation under varying loads and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dropout voltage control where the minimum dropout voltage is adjusted in real-time based on monitored operating conditions such as temperature and load current. When temperature increases or load conditions change, the controller dynamically increases the dropout voltage to maintain proper regulation. When conditions are stable and power efficiency is prioritized, the dropout voltage is minimized. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power efficiency and reliable regulation maintenance.
3Loss of energy
If fixed feedback current range is used to reduce power supply output, then power consumption decreases, but the system lacks real-time control capability for varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed feedback current with dynamic, adjustable feedback control. The controller monitors operating conditions in real-time and continuously adjusts the feedback current magnitude and direction based on actual system state. This enables the system to respond immediately to changing conditions, providing both power consumption reduction when appropriate and increased power delivery when required, thus achieving both energy efficiency and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a power converter configured to convert an input voltage to a target output DC voltage in response to a feedback signal, the feedback signal having a value. The power supply also includes a regulator coupled to the power converter and configured to generate an output power status signal, which maybe in one of two states depending whether an output current from the regulator is above or below a target current over a preset time duration. Further, a control circuit is coupled to the power converter and to the regulator and configured to increment or decrement the value of the feedback signal depending on the state of the power status signal.