Parallel PFC Circuit Control for Low Standby High-Power Output

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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 to meet standby power standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The PFC circuits are controlled to dynamically adjust their operation mode based on load conditions. When no load is detected, the circuits operate in a static state with output voltage clamped to reference voltage, eliminating switching signals. When load is detected, the circuits dynamically transition to burst mode for high power output, thus resolving the contradiction between power output capability and standby power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The output voltage parameter of the PFC circuits is changed based on load conditions. By clamping the output voltage to a reference voltage (less than AC rectified voltage) when no load is present, the switching activity is eliminated. When load is detected, the voltage parameter allows burst mode operation, enabling high power output while maintaining low standby power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple PFC circuits are used to output large amount of power, then power output capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple PFC circuits are merged and controlled by a single control circuit that implements load detection and voltage clamping functionality. This unified control approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate control circuits for each PFC circuit, while still enabling high power output capability through the combined operation of multiple PFC circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the load detection mechanism and the voltage regulation controller for multiple PFC circuits. This universal control approach reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to output large amounts of power through multiple PFC circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4693858A1Electronic device comprising PFC circuit, and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4693858A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4693858A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693858A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The 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.