Parallel PFC Circuit Control for Low-Standby High-Power Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses face challenges in achieving a slim design while satisfying standby power standards and outputting a large amount of power due to switching signals from multiple PFC circuits operating in burst mode.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus includes a first and second PFC circuit connected in parallel, controlled by a control circuit that detects load connection and adjusts output voltage to a reference voltage less than the AC rectified voltage when no load is detected, minimizing switching signals and standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple PFC circuits are operated in burst mode to output large amount of power, then power output capability is improved, but standby power consumption increases due to switching signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PFC circuit configuration adaptable: the control circuit dynamically selects between single PFC circuit operation and dual PFC circuit operation based on load conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high power output when needed while minimizing standby power consumption during light load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the PFC circuits based on load conditions. The control circuit monitors load status and adjusts whether one or two PFC circuits operate in burst mode, thereby changing the power consumption parameter to match actual demand and resolve the standby power issue.
2Power
If multiple PFC circuits are used to output large amount of power, then power delivery is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple PFC circuits into a unified controlled system. The control circuit integrates management of both PFC circuits, enabling them to operate cooperatively when needed and individually when sufficient, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both single and dual PFC circuit operations. This universal control approach simplifies the overall device architecture by using one control mechanism for multiple operational scenarios, resolving the complexity issue while preserving power delivery capability.
3Loss of energy
If PFC circuits operate in burst mode, then power efficiency is improved, but switching signals cause power loss during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating only one PFC circuit in burst mode during light load conditions instead of both circuits. This partial operation maintains power efficiency benefits of burst mode while reducing the excessive switching signal power loss that would occur if both circuits operated simultaneously, thereby resolving the standby power loss issue.
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 ensures that standby power does not exceed reference power by maintaining output voltages at or above the AC rectified voltage, thereby reducing power loss and meeting both slim design and high power output requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first power factor correction (PFC) circuit; a second PFC circuit connected in parallel to the first PFC circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus may include: a first PFC circuit; a second PFC circuit that is connected in parallel to the first PFC circuit; and a control circuit that controls the first PFC circuit by detecting whether a load is connected and applying a first signal for controlling on-off of the first PFC circuit to a first switch in the first PFC circuit, and controls the second PFC circuit by applying a second signal for controlling on-off of the second PFC circuit to a second switch in the second PFC circuit.