Power Converter Quasi-Zero Power Consumption Wake-Up Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face challenges in minimizing power consumption when no load is present, as they struggle to efficiently 'wake up' and provide power when a load is connected, leading to inefficiencies in standby or sleep modes of devices like cell phones and laptops.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system with a wake-up element that intermittently operates for a preselected number of cycles when the output voltage falls below a threshold, allowing it to recharge to a predefined sleep voltage, thereby minimizing power consumption when no load is connected and ensuring efficient wake-up when a load is connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power converter operates continuously to maintain output voltage, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. A wake-up element triggers the power converter to operate for a predetermined number of cycles when the output voltage falls below a threshold, then enters sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains voltage stability while dramatically reducing power consumption during no-load conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power converter enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the wake-up response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up element continuously monitors the output voltage even when the power converter is in sleep mode. When the voltage drops below the threshold, the wake-up element is already prepared and can immediately trigger the power converter to wake up, eliminating delay. This preliminary monitoring action ensures fast response while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up element is self-triggered by the output voltage level itself. When the voltage falls below the threshold, the wake-up element automatically activates the power converter without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures rapid wake-up response while minimizing the need for additional control circuitry that would increase power consumption.
3Reliability
If the power converter operates at high duty cycle to maintain output voltage, then the output voltage level is maintained, but the efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating at high duty cycle continuously, the power converter operates at low duty cycle with periodic wake-up cycles. The converter remains in sleep mode most of the time, then activates for brief predetermined number of cycles to recharge the output capacitor, maintaining voltage level while minimizing energy loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter system, method and device powers a load when coupled to the load and draws a quasi-zero amount of power from the power supply when not coupled to the load. The power converter system maintains an output voltage such that the power converter system is able to properly “wake-up” when a load is coupled by intermittently operating the power converter for a preselected number of cycles when it is detected that the output voltage has fallen below a threshold level.