Operational Amplifier Control Circuit for Dynamic Driving Capability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operational amplifiers have a fixed driving capability determined by a bias unit, leading to inefficient power consumption due to wasted current and compromised slew rate, as there is no mechanism to adjust current according to actual needs, particularly in power-saving devices like liquid crystal displays.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit comprising a control unit and a bias unit dynamically modulates the driving capability of the operational amplifier by receiving a modulating signal, adjusting the bias signal, and switching between stronger and normal driving capabilities based on a predetermined time period, using a timer to manage this modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the bias voltage applied to the operational amplifier is designed to be higher to increase output current and slew rate, then the driving capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bias voltage control by introducing a control unit that receives a modulating signal and dynamically adjusts the bias voltage applied to the operational amplifier. This allows the driving capability to be modulated in real-time according to actual signal requirements, transitioning from a static fixed bias system to a dynamic adjustable system that optimizes the trade-off between driving capability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bias voltage parameter dynamically based on the modulating signal. The control unit modifies the bias voltage level to match the actual driving needs, thereby adjusting the operational amplifier's output current and slew rate adaptively. This parameter change approach enables the system to achieve high driving capability only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the bias signal applied to the operational amplifier is designed to be smaller to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the slew rate and driving capability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddriving capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the bias signal level based on the modulating signal requirements. When high driving capability is needed, the bias signal is increased; when power saving is prioritized, the bias signal is reduced. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the bias signal adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes in the bias signal based on actual operating conditions. The control unit modifies the bias signal parameter to match the required driving capability, enabling the system to operate at optimal power levels while maintaining sufficient driving performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed reference current is used to bias the operational amplifier, then the circuit structure is simple, but the driving capability cannot be adjusted according to actual needs leading to current waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidcurrent waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed reference current system into a dynamic system by adding a control unit that receives a modulating signal. This control unit dynamically adjusts the bias current based on actual signal requirements, eliminating current waste while maintaining circuit simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically adjusts the bias current based on the modulating signal without requiring external manual intervention. The system self-regulates the current consumption to match actual driving needs, eliminating waste while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7342452B2Control circuit for operational amplifier and method thereof
Publication Date: 2008.03.11 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US7342452B2 patent drawing
  • US7342452B2 patent drawing
  • US7342452B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control circuit for an operational amplifier and a method thereof are provided to dynamically modulate the operational amplifier for strong driving capability and power saving. The control circuit comprises a bias unit coupled to the operational amplifier and a control unit coupled to the bias unit. The bias unit normally outputs a bias signal to bias the operational amplifier so that the operational amplifier has a first driving capability. However, when the driving capability of the operational amplifier needs to be adjusted, the control unit receives a modulating signal and outputs a control signal according to the modulating signal. When the bias unit receives the control signal, the bias unit dynamically modulates the bias signal according to the control signal, and hence the driving capability of the operational amplifier is dynamically modulated in an indirect manner.