Load Switch Controller With Slew-Rate Sequencing and Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic power switches are inefficient and costly due to their complexity and the need for numerous power management ICs, leading to increased footprint size and cost, especially in high-end electronic devices requiring complex power switching with skew rate control and sequencing.
Innovation Solution
A power control device generates primary and secondary power control signals with slew rate control and sequencing, using DC-DC power controllers and load switch controllers to manage power sources and load switches, along with monitoring circuitry for voltage regulation and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic power switches are used with multiple power management ICs, then complex power switching with skew rate control and sequencing can be achieved, but the footprint size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power management functions (power switching control, skew rate control, sequencing, and monitoring) into a single integrated power management IC. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate ICs and external microcontrollers, thereby reducing PCB footprint while maintaining full power switching control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power management IC performs multiple functions simultaneously: generating primary and secondary power control signals, controlling slew rates of load switches, sequencing power-up operations, and monitoring voltage levels. This multi-functional approach replaces what previously required several discrete components, reducing overall system footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power management ICs and external microcontrollers are used, then complex power switching control is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power management functions into a single integrated IC, eliminating the need for multiple separate ICs and external microcontrollers. This reduction in component count directly lowers bill of materials cost and simplifies manufacturing assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power management IC provides comprehensive power control capabilities (primary and secondary control signals, slew rate control, sequencing, monitoring) that previously required multiple specialized components. This multi-functionality reduces component count and overall system cost while maintaining full control capability.
3Device complexity
If conventional power switches without integrated monitoring are used, then simpler design is achieved, but voltage level monitoring and synchronization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates voltage monitoring functionality directly into the power management IC, combining it with power control and sequencing functions. This integration ensures reliable voltage level monitoring and synchronization without requiring separate external monitoring components, thereby maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power control device can generate control signals to control operation of power sources. Additional control signals control operation of load switches that can be connected to the power sources to provide secondary sources of power. The load switches can be turned in a gradual manner at rates that depend on the power sources to which they are connected. The outputs of the load switches can be monitored for overvoltage and undervoltage conditions relative to the power sources to which they are connected.