Power Supply Control Apparatus for PMIC Burnout Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face instability and risk of PMIC burnout due to low withstand voltage during charging, as existing power management systems are not effective in managing power supply voltage when batteries are fully charged.

Innovation Solution

A power supply control method that involves dividing the charger current into two paths, one for battery charging and another for system power supply, with real-time voltage monitoring to determine complete charge status, and switching to battery power supply once fully charged to prevent excessive voltage application to the PMIC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the charger continuously supplies power to the system through the power supplying path during charging, then the system can operate continuously, but the PMIC may burn out when the battery is fully charged due to excessive voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePMIC stabilityVSAvoidexcessive voltage damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the battery voltage to determine charging status. When the battery voltage exceeds a threshold (indicating full charge), the system automatically switches the power supply path from charger to battery, preventing excessive voltage from damaging the PMIC. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by using real-time voltage monitoring to dynamically adjust the power supply configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically switches the power supply configuration based on battery charge status. During charging, the charger supplies power through the power supplying path; when full charge is detected, the system transitions to battery-powered operation. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous system operation while protecting the PMIC from voltage damage, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and component safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the charger supplies high voltage for fast charging, then charging speed increases, but the PMIC withstand voltage is exceeded causing burnout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidPMIC durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the battery as an intermediary energy storage device between the charger and the system. The charger charges the battery at high voltage for fast charging, and then the battery supplies power to the system at safe voltage levels. This intermediary approach enables fast charging capability while protecting the PMIC from voltage damage, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and component durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the power supplying path remains active during battery charging, then the system receives continuous power, but the PMIC is exposed to high probability of burnout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidburnout risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of battery voltage to determine charging status before potential damage occurs. By monitoring battery voltage and detecting full charge condition in advance, the system proactively switches the power supply path from charger to battery, preventing PMIC burnout before it can happen. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by anticipating and preventing the harmful condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3570404B1Power supply control method and apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3570404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3570404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3570404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply control method and device, a storage medium and an electronic device are provided. The method includes that: during charging, a battery is charged through a charging path of a charger, and power is supplied to an electronic device system through a power supplying path of the charger (101); a current voltage of the battery is detected in a charging process (102); whether the battery is completely charged or not is determined according to the voltage (103); and the power supplying path of the charger and the charging path of the charger are turned off in response to determining that the battery is completely charged, and power is supplied to the electronic device system through the battery (104). According to the method, stability of the electronic device may be improved.