Multi-Function Pin Power Controller for QR Detection and OTP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies, particularly quadrature resonance (QR) power supplies, face challenges in implementing protection functions like over voltage protection (OVP), over current protection (OCP), and over temperature protection (OTP) within integrated circuits with limited pins, making it difficult to effectively integrate these functions.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integrated circuit power controller with a multi-function pin that includes a diode and thermistor circuits, allowing for simultaneous QR detection and OTP functions without additional pins, using a resistor and diode series circuit for QR detection and a resistor and thermistor series circuit for temperature monitoring, enabling protection signal triggering based on resistance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection functions (OVP, OCP, OTP) are implemented in traditional power supplies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pins and circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the QRD pin serve dual purposes: detecting QR timing signals during normal operation and detecting temperature via thermistor during protection functions. This allows the power controller to provide OTP protection without adding extra pins, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the QR detection function and temperature protection function into a single pin (QRD pin). By combining these functions, the system achieves multiple protection capabilities without increasing the number of pins required, thus improving reliability while maintaining simple device structure
2Reliability
If QR detection and OTP protection are implemented simultaneously, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The QRD pin is designed to perform multiple functions: QR timing detection during normal operation and temperature monitoring during protection modes. This multi-functionality allows simultaneous QR detection and OTP protection without increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different detection modes based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the QRD pin detects QR timing signals; during protection modes, it detects temperature via the thermistor. This dynamic functionality enables multiple protection capabilities without permanent circuit complexity
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
Enables QR power supplies to operate efficiently with reduced switching loss and provide additional OTP protection without increasing the number of pins, allowing for effective protection and efficient power conversion across various converter types.
Implementation Method 1
The second circuit coupled between the multi-function pin and the ground line has a thermistor
Implementation Method 2
The first circuit coupled between the multi-function pin and the auxiliary winding has a diode
Data Source
AI summary
Power supplies and power controllers are disclosed. A disclosed power supply has a power controller, a power switch, an auxiliary winding, a first circuit and a second circuit. The power controller is a monolithic integrated circuit with a multi-function pin and a gate pin. A control node of the power switch is coupled to the gate pin. The first circuit is coupled between the multi-function pin and the auxiliary winding and has a diode. The second circuit is coupled between the multi-function pin and a ground line, and has a thermistor.