Multi-Stage Power Supply Circuit for Variable Battery Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuits face challenges in efficiently converting a single input voltage to multiple output voltages due to varying input voltages from batteries, leading to reduced conversion efficiency, particularly in step-up conversions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit incorporating switched capacitors that adjust transformation ratios based on input voltage levels and integrated regulators to optimize voltage conversion, including capacitors that step up or down input voltage when necessary, and separate regulators for intermediate voltage adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single input voltage is converted to multiple output voltages using conventional power supply circuits, then multiple voltage levels are provided for electronic components, but the conversion efficiency deteriorates when the voltage difference between input and output is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage conversion process into multiple stages using a multi-stage converter architecture. Each stage performs a partial voltage transformation, breaking down a single large voltage difference into several smaller steps. This segmentation reduces the voltage difference across each conversion stage, thereby improving overall conversion efficiency while maintaining multi-voltage output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different converter configurations (step-up, step-down, or direct pass-through) based on the input voltage level. The controller dynamically adjusts the operation mode of each stage to optimize efficiency for the current input voltage condition, allowing the system to adapt to varying battery discharge characteristics and maintain high efficiency across different operating points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery power is used as the power source, then portability and flexibility are improved, but the input voltage varies significantly depending on battery configuration and charge level
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conversion ratio and operating mode of each stage based on real-time input voltage detection. When the battery voltage is high, the system uses step-down conversion; when low, it uses step-up conversion or direct pass-through. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation by automatically optimizing performance across the entire battery discharge curve without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (conversion ratio, switching frequency, duty cycle) of the power converter stages based on the input voltage level. By monitoring battery voltage and adjusting converter parameters accordingly, the system maintains optimal efficiency across varying battery charge levels and configurations, making the system easy to operate regardless of battery state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage difference between input and output is large, then the required voltage transformation capability is improved, but the conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total voltage transformation into multiple smaller transformation steps. Each stage handles a portion of the voltage difference, reducing the voltage stress and improving efficiency at each individual stage. The cumulative effect of multiple efficient small-step conversions exceeds the efficiency of a single large-step conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate voltage stages as mediators between the input and final output voltages. Each intermediate stage acts as a buffer that reduces the voltage difference for subsequent stages, allowing the system to achieve large overall voltage transformation while maintaining high efficiency at each intermediate step.
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
Improves overall conversion efficiency by minimizing the difference between input and output voltages, especially when using battery power, by dynamically adjusting transformation ratios and using separate regulators for each stage, thus enhancing the efficiency of voltage conversion.
Implementation Method 1
one or more switched capacitors capable of transforming the input voltage at one or more transformation ratios
Implementation Method 2
one or more regulators that adjust an intermediate voltage based on an output power from each of the switched capacitors to the output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit that converts a single input voltage to a multi-stage output voltage, includes: one or more switched capacitors capable of transforming the input voltage at one or more transformation ratios and applying a lower transformation ratio as the input voltage increases; and a regulator that adjusts an intermediate voltage based on an output power from the switched capacitor to the output voltage.