Parallel Boost Circuit for Power Hold-Up in Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply solutions require excessive bulk input capacitance to maintain power during undervoltage conditions, which is impractical due to space and cost constraints, especially in applications needing to hold up to 20 watts of power for 24 milliseconds at a minimum operating voltage of 20V.
Innovation Solution
A power supply converter with a boost circuit that operates in parallel, using a power storage circuit like a reservoir capacitor, charged to a higher voltage, which switches into the power supply converter during undervoltage conditions to maintain supply voltage, reducing the need for large input capacitors and eliminating the need for a dedicated boost controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If bulk input capacitance is added to prolong power hold-up time, then the power supply can maintain voltage during undervoltage conditions, but the capacitors consume excessive PCB area and increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent power paths: a main power converter for normal operation and a separate boost circuit for hold-up operation. The boost circuit includes its own power storage capacitor (C_HOLD) that is isolated from the main converter's bulk input capacitance during normal operation, allowing independent optimization of each path's components.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost circuit pre-charges its power storage capacitor C_HOLD to a higher voltage (V_HOLD) than the minimum operating voltage during normal operation. When undervoltage occurs, this pre-charged capacitor immediately supplies power through the boost circuit, eliminating the need for large capacitance in the main path.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bulk input capacitance is increased to reduce input voltage slew rate, then power supply stability improves during undervoltage conditions, but component cost and PCB area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage stabilization function is extracted from the main power converter's bulk input capacitance and transferred to the isolated boost circuit. The boost circuit monitors input voltage and activates independently when undervoltage conditions occur, providing stable output voltage without requiring large capacitance in the main power path.
3Extent of automation
If a dedicated boost power supply controller is added to manage the boost circuit, then precise control of power transfer is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main power converter's existing PWM controller is made multi-functional by adding a second PWM output that drives the boost circuit's switch. This single controller simultaneously manages both the main power conversion and the boost circuit operation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated boost controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the main power converter and the boost circuit are merged into a single PWM controller. The controller generates synchronized PWM signals for both circuits, coordinating their operation and simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining precise power transfer control.
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
This approach reduces the required capacitance, costs, and PCB area while maintaining power supply efficiency, allowing for effective hold-up times without additional reconversion steps or dedicated controllers, thus meeting regulatory requirements for communications devices.
Implementation Method 1
The power storage device comprises at least one reservoir capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply and associated method include a power supply converter having a power output and configured to provide a supply voltage through the power output to a communications device. A simplified boost circuit is connected to the power supply converter in parallel but isolated from the power supply converter's bulk input capacitance during normal operation. The boost circuit includes at least one power storage circuit and a charging circuit connected thereto and configured to charge and maintain the power storage circuit to a predetermined voltage and switch the power storage circuit into the power supply converter during an undervoltage condition to transfer the stored power from the power storage circuit to the power supply converter and maintain the supply voltage to the communications device connected thereto for a required hold-up time.