Load-Based Selectable Battery Cell Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices face damage due to peak current usage exceeding battery pack limits, leading to immediate shutdown, as existing battery safety circuits lack effective management of brief, high-current events without disrupting device operation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a first and second power source, along with a control circuit that measures load current and connects the second power source with a lower voltage to the device during peak usage, preventing battery damage by supplementing power during peak current events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery safety circuit immediately turns off the device when peak current exceeds threshold, then battery damage is prevented, but device operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A control circuit acts as an intermediary between the battery and the device, monitoring current levels and managing power distribution. The control circuit includes a first current regulator connected to the battery and a second current regulator connected to the device, enabling precise current management without immediate shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes current parameters by adjusting the operation of the first and second current regulators. When peak current is detected, the control circuit modifies current distribution parameters to maintain safe battery operation while preserving device functionality through controlled current adjustment rather than abrupt termination.
2Ease of operation
If a secondary power source is added to handle peak current, then device operation continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit merges the functionality of current monitoring, regulation, and power management into a single integrated unit. The first and second current regulators are combined within the control circuit, which automatically manages power distribution from the battery to the device based on real-time current conditions, reducing the need for separate complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs self-service by automatically detecting peak current conditions and adjusting power distribution without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational parameters and autonomously manages the power supply configuration, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Power supply and method for supplying power. One example power supply includes a first power source, a second power source, and a control circuit. The first power source provides electrical current to a first power output terminal. The first power source also provides electrical current to a second power output terminal. The second power source has a voltage level that is lower than the first power source. The control circuit is configured to measure a load current supplied to the second power output terminal. The control circuit is also configured to compare the measured load current to a threshold. Responsive to detecting the measured load current being higher than the threshold, the control circuit is configured to connect the second power source to the second power output terminal to provide electrical current thereto.