Power Control Circuitry for Inrush Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control circuitry solutions for reducing inrush current are susceptible to manufacturing process variations and are costly due to the use of complex analog circuits like charge pumps.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a series of power switching circuits with enable qualifying circuits that stagger the turning on of power switching circuits based on predetermined voltage levels, using simple digital components to control enable signals, thereby reducing peak current independently of process variations and avoiding complex analog solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex analog circuits like charge pumps are used to limit inrush current, then inrush current is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuitry divides the circuit into multiple segments or blocks, each with its own power switching circuit. The enable qualifying circuits sequentially enable these segments, distributing the inrush current over time and reducing peak current demand on the power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The enable qualifying circuits perform preliminary actions by monitoring voltage levels and preparing enable signals in advance. Before full power is applied to a circuit block, the voltage is pre-charged to a predetermined level, and only then is the full enable signal activated, preventing sudden current surges.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex analog circuits like charge pumps are used to reduce inrush current, then inrush current is limited, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex analog circuits with inexpensive digital logic components. The enable qualifying circuits use simple voltage level detection and digital signaling, which are much cheaper to manufacture and integrate into standard CMOS processes, eliminating the need for costly charge pump circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes analog/metallic circuit mechanisms with digital/logic-based mechanisms. Instead of using charge pumps with inductors and switches, the solution uses digital voltage level detection and logical enable signals, replacing a mechanical/analog system with a digital one that is easier and cheaper to manufacture.
3Speed
If inrush current is not limited, then circuit activation is fast, but voltage drops occur causing other circuits to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The enable qualifying circuits perform preliminary voltage charging to a predetermined level before fully enabling the power switching circuit. This pre-charging action prepares the circuit block gradually, preventing sudden current surges that would cause voltage drops on the power supply line and affect other circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control circuitry activates circuit blocks in a periodic or sequential manner rather than all at once. Each block is enabled in turn with controlled timing, distributing the power demand over time and preventing simultaneous inrush currents that would cause harmful voltage drops on shared power supply lines.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively limits inrush current by staggering the enable signals, reducing peak current and avoiding the cost and complexity of analog circuits, while being independent of manufacturing process variations.
Implementation Method 1
each power switching circuit being responsive to its enable signal being set for connecting the voltage source to said at least one voltage line of said associated circuit portion
Implementation Method 2
each enable qualifying circuit setting its output signal when both the enable signal provided to the associated power switching circuit is set and said at least one voltage line of the circuit portion associated with that power switching circuit has reached a predetermined voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
The power control circuitry comprises a series of power switching circuits, each power switching circuit being associated with one of the circuit portions and being provided with an enable signal and responsive to its enable signal being set to connect the voltage source to the at least one voltage line of the associated circuit portion. Further, at least one enable qualifying circuit is provided, each such enable qualifying circuit being associated with one of the power switching circuits and being arranged to generate an output signal used to determine the enable signal provided to a later power switching circuit in the series. Each enable qualifying circuit sets its output signal when both the enable signal provided to the associated power switching circuit is set and the at least one voltage line of the circuit portion associated with that power switching circuit has reached a predetermined voltage level.