Multi-input Power Manager with MPPT and Transfer Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in developing a power harvesting system for small devices is the inefficiency of multi-input power management due to the requirement of separate power conversion devices for each energy source, which leads to large area usage and difficulty in applying the system to small devices, especially when maximizing output power through maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology.
Innovation Solution
A multi-input power manager that includes multiple MPPT circuits, input capacitors, and transfer switches, controlled by a transfer switch control circuit to efficiently manage and output powers from multiple sources by tracking maximum power points and switching between them based on reference voltages, allowing for time-interleaved power supply without dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate power conversion devices are used for each energy source to simultaneously output energy, then power output capability is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power conversion functions into a single integrated power manager that handles multiple energy sources (solar, battery, USB) through unified control logic and a single power conversion circuit, eliminating the need for separate conversion devices for each source
Solution Approach 2:
The power manager is designed as a universal device that can simultaneously or alternatively convert power from multiple different energy sources using a single multi-functional circuit architecture, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple dedicated devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate power conversion devices are used to handle multiple energy sources, then power conversion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager implements a universal control architecture that can adapt to multiple energy sources through software-controlled switching and unified power conversion logic, maintaining high versatility while keeping hardware complexity low through component sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (switching between different input sources, adjusting conversion ratios) through firmware control rather than requiring separate hardware paths for each source, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Power
If separate power conversion devices are used for each energy source, then power output capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power conversion functions into a single integrated circuit module, reducing the total component count, PCB real estate, and assembly steps, which directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to handle multiple energy sources
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-input power manager includes: first to n-th maximum power point tracking circuits for respectively receiving first to n-th powers from the outside and controlling voltages of first to n-th nodes to be first to n-th reference voltages based on the first to n-th powers; first to n-th input capacitors which respectively store the first to n-th powers by control of the first to n-th maximum power point tracking circuits, and are respectively connected to the first to n-th nodes; first to n-th transfer switches which are respectively connected to the first to n-th nodes, and output powers respectively stored in the first to n-th input capacitors, responding to first to n-th transfer switching signals; and a transfer switch control circuit which compare the first to n-th reference voltages and the voltages of the first to n-th nodes respectively, and generate the first to n-th transfer switching signals accordingly.