Parallel Linear Regulator Circuit Without Balance Resistors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulator circuits in parallel configurations suffer from power loss and inefficiency due to the need for balance resistors, which result in voltage drops and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A regulator circuit design that includes multiple linear regulator circuits connected in parallel, where each circuit controls current based on the magnitude of the previous circuit's output, eliminating the need for balance resistors and optimizing power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If balance resistors are used in parallel voltage regulator circuits, then voltage matching between circuits is improved, but power loss increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balance resistors from the parallel voltage regulator circuit configuration. By eliminating these resistive elements, the circuit achieves voltage matching between parallel regulator circuits through direct voltage sensing and feedback control without the power loss and accuracy degradation that balance resistors cause.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage sensing circuit monitors the output voltage and provides feedback to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the error signal based on this feedback to dynamically balance the output voltages of parallel regulator circuits, achieving voltage matching without requiring balance resistors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If balance resistors are used in parallel voltage regulator circuits, then voltage matching between circuits is improved, but regulation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balance resistors from the circuit, eliminating their detrimental effect on regulation accuracy. The voltage matching function previously performed by balance resistors is replaced by an active feedback control mechanism that maintains higher regulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback circuit continuously monitors the output voltage and adjusts the control signals to maintain precise voltage regulation. This active control approach provides superior accuracy compared to the passive balance resistor method, as it dynamically compensates for voltage variations without introducing resistive errors.
3Power
If multiple linear regulator circuits are connected in parallel to increase output current, then current capacity is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total output current requirement into multiple parallel linear regulator circuits, each contributing a portion of the total current. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher current loads while the feedback control ensures optimal current distribution, minimizing redundant power dissipation compared to a single high-current regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control circuit monitors the combined output current and voltage from parallel regulator circuits and adjusts their operation accordingly. By dynamically controlling the error signals to each regulator based on actual output conditions, the system optimizes current distribution and minimizes total power loss while maintaining the required output current capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator circuit includes a first linear regulator circuit, configured to control a voltage on an output node based on a first reference voltage and to provide first current to the output node, and a second linear regulator circuit, connected in parallel to the first linear regulator circuit and configured to provide second current to the output node, and the second linear regulator circuit is further configured to control a magnitude of the second current based on a magnitude of the first current.