Switching Current Regulator Using Peak Input Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply circuits in wireless electronic devices face challenges in extending battery operational life due to inefficient current regulation, as existing systems rely on average current amplitude, which leads to excessive power consumption and reduced battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
A current regulator system that includes a switching voltage regulator and a current regulator, utilizing a sampling capacitor to generate a current sampling voltage based on the input current relative to a reference current, allowing the switch controller to adjust switching times to optimize current flow and reduce battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional average current amplitude regulation is used in switching power supply circuits, then the circuit operation is simple, but the battery operational life is reduced due to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the regulation parameter from average current amplitude to peak current amplitude. The current regulator monitors and controls the peak amplitude of the input current waveform, which directly reduces the total energy drawn from the battery while maintaining adequate power delivery to the load. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling more efficient energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the current regulator continuously monitors the input current amplitude and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly. The regulator compares the actual current amplitude with a reference value and modifies the switch control signals to maintain optimal current levels, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery life through closed-loop control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If peak current amplitude regulation is implemented, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional current regulation circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current regulation function with the existing switching control circuitry. The current regulator's output directly controls the switching duty cycle, integrating multiple functions (current sensing, amplitude regulation, and switch control) into a unified control system. This consolidation reduces overall circuit complexity while achieving peak current regulation and improved power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The current regulator circuit performs multiple functions: it senses input current amplitude, generates comparison signals for peak detection, produces reference currents for regulation, and controls the switching duty cycle. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving effective power consumption reduction.
3Duration of action of moving object
If current regulation is added to control input current amplitude, then battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current regulation functionality with the existing switching voltage regulator architecture. The current regulator integrates with the switch controller, sharing common components such as the switching elements and control logic. This merging approach extends battery life through effective current management while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing circuit elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The added current regulation circuitry is designed to work within the existing power supply framework, where the same control signals and switching infrastructure serve both voltage regulation and current amplitude control functions. This universal approach allows the system to achieve extended battery life without requiring entirely separate regulation subsystems, thereby limiting the growth in component count.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a power supply system includes a switching voltage regulator comprising at least one switch configured to conduct an input current to generate an output voltage responsive to a switching signal and based on an input voltage. The system also includes a current regulator configured to generate a current sample voltage based on an amplitude of the input current relative to a reference current defining a maximum average amplitude setpoint of the input current to set a switching time defining a switching period of the at least one switch. The system also includes a switch controller configured to provide the switching signal to control the at least one switch based on an amplitude of the output voltage relative to a reference voltage and based on the switching time.