Open-Loop Power Supply Control for Device Management Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional device management systems in device management networks face challenges with high costs and instability due to the use of closed-loop control systems for power supply management, which can result in power supply instability and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device management apparatus and method that employs an open-loop control system, where the power supply operates in multiple predefined modes based on the nature of received device management commands, dynamically adjusting the power supply's switching frequency or duty cycle to match the required power levels, eliminating the need for closed-loop feedback and reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed-loop control system is used for power supply management, then power supply stability can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to error amplifier and feedback circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the closed-loop feedback control circuitry (error amplifier, feedback network) from the power supply management system. Instead of using complex closed-loop control, the invention uses simple open-loop control where the microcontroller directly sets the switching frequency or duty cycle based on predefined operating modes, eliminating the need for error amplifiers and feedback circuitry while maintaining adequate power supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive closed-loop control components (error amplifiers, precision reference voltages, feedback network components) with inexpensive open-loop control implementation using a standard microcontroller and simple power supply circuitry. The microcontroller software serves as a low-cost alternative to expensive hardware-based closed-loop control systems.
2Power
If closed-loop control system is used for power supply management, then power regulation can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive closed-loop control components (error amplifiers, precision voltage references, feedback network) from the power supply design. The power regulation function is achieved through open-loop control where the microcontroller adjusts switching parameters based on predefined operating modes, significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based closed-loop control mechanisms (analog error amplifiers, feedback circuits) with software-based open-loop control implemented in a microcontroller. This substitution of mechanical/analog systems with digital/software control reduces component complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining power regulation capability.
3Reliability
If transceiver transmits signal frequently, then communication reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the transceiver operates in different power modes (active, standby, sleep) and the microcontroller dynamically adjusts the power supply parameters (switching frequency, duty cycle) based on operational requirements. This allows the system to transmit signals reliably when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle or low-activity periods through predefined operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic transmission strategies where the transceiver communicates at intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller manages power supply in predefined operating modes that correspond to different activity levels, enabling reliable periodic communication while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a device management apparatus and method for use in a device management network including a remote device management system. The device management apparatus comprises a communication interface (6) adapted to receive device management commands of differing nature from the remote device management system and to transmit a feedback signal to said remote device management system if requested by said device management commands, wherein the differing nature of a device management command comprises a differing level of power required to process the device management command, wherein the differing level of power required to process the device management command further relates to whether or not the device management command requires the communication interface (6) to transmit the feedback signal. The device management apparatus comprises a power supply (7) adapted to supply power to the communication interface (6) of the device management apparatus and further adapted to operate in a plurality of differing predefined operating modes. The device management apparatus further comprises a control unit (8) adapted to control the power supply to operate in one of the plurality of operating modes based on the nature of a received device management command, wherein the control unit (8) is adapted to: set the power supply (7) operating under respective predefined switching frequency or duty cycle in a first power mode or in a second power mode of the plurality of differing predefined operating modes.