Programmable Hardware Element Pre-Regulator for Power Supply Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing variable regulated voltage/current face efficiency and noise issues, with classic switch mode converters being inefficient and linear regulators being complex and costly, while prior art methods using analog tracking circuits and discrete analog circuitry are overly complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power supply system utilizing a programmable hardware element (PHE) that implements a PID control algorithm, coupled with a linear regulator, allowing for fast and efficient modifications through graphical programming, using either PID or non-linear control, or both conjunctively, to maintain stable power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If classic switch mode converters are used, then efficiency is improved (greater than 80 percent), but noise is difficult to eliminate from the output
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct stages: a switch mode pre-regulator stage for efficient power conversion and a linear regulator stage for low-noise output regulation. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and noise performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A programmable hardware element (PHE) acts as an intermediary controller between the pre-regulator and linear regulator stages. The PHE implements PID control algorithms that coordinate the operation of both stages, enabling the system to maintain high efficiency while eliminating noise through precise control of the linear regulator stage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If linear regulators with adjustable outputs are used, then noise is reduced, but efficiency is reduced significantly (to 30-50 percent)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the voltage regulation function into two parts: a pre-regulator that handles the bulk of voltage conversion efficiently, and a linear regulator that provides only fine-tuned noise filtering. This segmentation allows the linear regulator to operate with minimal voltage differential, improving efficiency while maintaining low noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-regulator performs preliminary voltage conversion and stabilization before the signal reaches the linear regulator. This preliminary action reduces the workload on the linear regulator, allowing it to operate more efficiently while still providing effective noise filtering.
3Reliability
If analog tracking circuits and discrete analog circuitry are used, then power supply control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces discrete analog circuitry and mechanical tracking circuits with a programmable hardware element that implements digital PID control algorithms. This substitution reduces circuit complexity and cost while maintaining or improving power supply control reliability through programmable precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a programmable hardware element that allows dynamic adjustment of control parameters without changing the physical circuit architecture. This parameter-based approach simplifies the hardware design while providing flexible and reliable power supply control through software-configurable PID parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for providing a programmable power supply. The programmable power supply may include a programmable hardware element (PHE) that couples to a power supply (DC-DC converter) and which in turn couples to a linear regulator. The PHE may implement a PID control algorithm that receives a measurement of the output power and may use PID and/or non-linear control to ensure that the power supply and the linear regulator maintain similar power levels. The PHE may be configured based on a graphical program, thus enabling fast and efficient modifications to the programmable power supply.