Multi-mode Power Supply Circuit with Pass-through Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply circuits face challenges in achieving ultra-low standby current consumption and excellent load response, often compromising on one or both due to high thermal dissipation and inefficient mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit that includes a switched mode power supply with a switching regulator and a linear voltage regulator, where the switching regulator can be disabled in pass-through operational mode to minimize current consumption, and the control circuit selects operational modes based on output current demand to optimize for both low standby current and efficient load response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a switching regulator is used in conventional power supply circuits, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but standby current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes: pass-through mode for low standby current consumption and switching regulator mode for high power conversion efficiency. The control circuit monitors load conditions and automatically transitions between modes, making the system adaptive to different operating states rather than fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the switching regulator from active to disabled state based on load demand. In pass-through mode, the switching regulator is completely disabled and the pass-through transistor is activated, changing the circuit topology to achieve ultra-low standby current. In full-power mode, the switching regulator is enabled for efficient power conversion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a switching regulator is disabled to reduce current consumption, then standby current consumption decreases, but load response capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from pass-through mode to switching regulator mode when load demand increases. The control circuit detects the load condition and activates the switching regulator, which then quickly establishes voltage regulation. This dynamic response ensures excellent load transient performance while maintaining ultra-low standby current during light-load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pass-through transistor pre-establishes a low-impedance path from input to output, allowing the system to respond rapidly to sudden load changes. When the switching regulator is activated from the disabled state, the output capacitor can quickly recharge through the pass-through path, minimizing voltage droop during load transients.
3Loss of energy
If a switching regulator operates continuously, then power conversion efficiency is maintained, but thermal dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching regulator from the active circuit path during light-load conditions by completely disabling it and activating the pass-through transistor. This removes the primary source of thermal dissipation (the switching regulator) from the system when high efficiency is not required, significantly reducing power loss and thermal generation during standby and light-load operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a pass-through mode is added to enable ultra-low standby current, then standby current consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pass-through function and switching regulator function into a single integrated power supply circuit with unified control. The pass-through transistor and switching regulator share common components such as the output capacitor and control circuitry, and the transition between modes is managed by a single control logic that monitors load conditions. This integration minimizes the additional complexity while achieving ultra-low standby current.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves ultra-low standby current consumption and excellent load response, with reduced thermal dissipation and improved power supply rejection ratio, outperforming circuits without a pass-through operational mode or parallel connected configurations.
Implementation Method 1
converting an input voltage of a power supply circuit to an intermediate voltage using a switching regulator of the switched mode power supply
Implementation Method 2
converting the intermediate voltage or the input voltage of the power supply circuit to an output voltage using a linear voltage regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit and a method for operating a power supply circuit involves selecting a normal operational mode or a pass-through operational mode for a switched mode power supply, in the normal operational mode, converting an input voltage of a power supply circuit to an intermediate voltage using a switching regulator of the switched mode power supply, in the pass-through operational mode, disabling the switching regulator such that the input voltage of the power supply circuit is unchanged by the switching regulator and an electric current consumption of the switching regulator approaches zero, and converting the intermediate voltage or the input voltage of the power supply circuit to an output voltage using a linear voltage regulator.