Power Control Circuit Standby Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply systems experience standby power consumption even when switched off or not in use, leading to energy inefficiencies due to continuous operation of components like voltage converters and sensors, which is a concern for energy savings in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A power control circuit that includes a switch and switch controllers to isolate the power supply from the voltage converter until the system is explicitly turned on, using a P-type and N-type transistor switch configuration to ensure power is only applied when the device is operational, thereby preventing standby power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power supply is directly connected to the voltage converter, then the system can operate continuously, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation continuityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply connection from the always-on state by introducing a switching mechanism. The switch isolates the power supply from the voltage converter when the system is not in use, removing the unnecessary power consumption path while maintaining the ability to reconnect when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power management by making the power supply connection stateful rather than static. The switch controller dynamically adjusts the connection state based on system operation status, transitioning between connected and isolated states to optimize energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the voltage converter is always connected to the power supply, then voltage conversion is always available, but energy is wasted during standby mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption during standby
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the system for efficient operation by establishing a disconnected state as the default condition. Before the system is activated, the switch is pre-configured to isolate the power supply, preventing energy waste. The connection is established in advance when the system is turned on, ensuring immediate voltage conversion availability without continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If power is continuously supplied to the voltage converter, then the electronic device can function without interruption, but power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionality continuityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power supply control by cycling the switch between connected and disconnected states based on system usage. Instead of continuous power supply, the system alternates between active power delivery during operation and disconnection during standby, reducing overall power loss while maintaining productivity when the device is actually in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2720356B1Power supply system and power control circuit thereof
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 VIA TECH INC
  • EP2720356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2720356B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2720356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply system (10) for supplying power to a chipset (400) of an electronic device is provided. The power supply system (10) comprises a voltage converter (300), converting a supply voltage of a power supply (100) into a predetermined voltage and supplying the predetermined voltage to the chipset (400), and a power control circuit (200) connected between the voltage converter (300) and the power supply (100). The power control circuit (200) further comprises a switch (M1) and a switch controller (S1, D1). The switch (M1) has a first terminal connected to the power supply (100), a second terminal connected to the voltage converter (300) and a control terminal. The switch controller (S1, D1), connected to the control terminal of the switch (M1) and the chipset (400), controls the switch (M1) to couple the power supply (100) to the voltage converter (300) according to the turning-on of the power supply system (10).