Power Supply Control Circuit for Stable CC/CV Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply control systems face instability and issues such as current undershoot when switching between constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) control modes, particularly when the power supply is turned off.

Innovation Solution

A power supply control circuit with a voltage control unit, current control unit, selection unit, auxiliary current control unit, and compound unit that operates in different modes to stabilize the control value, including diode OR connections and feedback controls to manage voltage and current errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power supply is turned off using conventional control switching, then the power supply stops operation, but current undershoot occurs and control becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcurrent undershoot
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the control circuit in advance for safe shutdown. Before turning off the power supply, the control circuit pre-adjusts the operation amount through filtering and gradual reduction, preventing current undershoot from occurring in the first place. This is achieved by continuously filtering the operation amount even during shutdown sequences, ensuring smooth transition to zero current without sudden negative spikes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operation amount and using filtered feedback signals to adjust the control output. During power-off sequences, the feedback mechanism ensures that the control circuit responds to changing conditions in real-time, maintaining stability by adjusting the operation amount based on actual system state rather than abrupt command changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If control switching between CC and CV modes is performed, then the power supply adapts to different operational requirements, but control instability occurs during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to maintain stability during mode transitions. By continuously monitoring the operation amount and applying filtering to the feedback signal, the control circuit smoothly adapts when switching between CC and CV modes, preventing instability that would otherwise occur during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filtering and preparing the operation amount before mode switching occurs. This ensures that when transitions between control modes are initiated, the control circuit is already in a stable state, preventing oscillations or instability during the switching event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the operation amount is directly switched without filtering, then the response speed is fast, but control becomes unstable and current undershoot is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filtering to the operation amount during normal operation to maintain fast response while preventing instability. Instead of excessive filtering that would slow response, the system uses targeted filtering that removes only the harmful high-frequency components causing instability while preserving the essential response characteristics needed for fast operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12494703B2Power supply control circuit and power supply control method
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SINTOKOGIO LTD
  • US12494703B2 patent drawing
  • US12494703B2 patent drawing
  • US12494703B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply control circuit includes a voltage control unit configured to operate in a voltage control mode, a current control unit configured to operate in a current control mode, a selection unit connected to output sides of the voltage control unit and the current control unit and configured to output the control value in either one of the voltage control mode and the current control mode, an auxiliary current control unit configured to operate in an auxiliary current control mode, and a compound unit connected to output sides of the selection unit and the auxiliary current control unit and configured to output, to the power unit, the control value in a control mode output by the selection unit when the power supply is turned on, and output, to the power unit, the control value in the auxiliary current control mode when the power supply is turned off.