Power Distribution Network With Multiple Charge Storage Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power distribution networks with a single charge storage component experience ripple in power supply voltage due to pulsed high-current draw by power amplifier circuits, leading to undesirable effects like audible buzz and electromagnetic interference, which are difficult to mitigate effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power distribution network with multiple charge storage components, including a primary and secondary battery or a battery and supercapacitor combination, along with an electromagnetic interference filter and a step-down DC-to-DC converter, to buffer high currents and regulate voltage, thereby reducing ripple and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single charge storage component is used in the power distribution network, then the device complexity is low, but power supply ripple increases causing audible buzz and electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution network structureVSAvoidpower supply ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single charge storage component is segmented into multiple charge storage components (first charge storage component and second charge storage component) that work together in the power distribution network. This segmentation allows each component to handle different aspects of power delivery, reducing ripple effects while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the first charge storage component and the second charge storage component. This converter regulates power flow and voltage transformation, acting as a mediator that smooths out ripple effects and prevents electromagnetic interference while maintaining efficient power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple charge storage components are used to buffer high current, then power supply ripple is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply rippleVSAvoidpower distribution network structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution network is segmented into functional modules: first charge storage component for primary power storage, converter for regulation, and second charge storage component for ripple buffering. This segmentation reduces power supply ripple while keeping each module relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The converter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transforms voltage between charge storage components, regulates power flow, and acts as an electromagnetic interference filter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective ripple reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the power amplifier circuit draws pulsed high current, then the power output is sufficient, but electromagnetic interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier outputVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The converter acts as an intermediary between the power amplifier circuit and charge storage components, providing electromagnetic interference filtering during pulsed high current operation. This allows the power amplifier to deliver sufficient power output while the converter mediates and suppresses the generation of electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic interference filtering function is extracted as a separate function performed by the converter, rather than being inherent in the power amplifier circuit itself. This extraction allows the power amplifier to focus on delivering high power output while the converter handles the harmful electromagnetic interference separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a battery and supercapacitor combination is used, then ripple reduction is effective, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply rippleVSAvoidassembly and integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution network is segmented into a battery module (first charge storage component) and a supercapacitor module (second charge storage component), each with distinct manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows each component type to be manufactured and tested separately using optimized processes, then integrated as complete modules, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite using different technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The converter serves as an intermediary that simplifies the integration of battery and supercapacitor by providing standardized voltage transformation and power flow regulation. This mediator handles the complexity of managing two different charge storage technologies, making the assembly and integration processes more manageable through unified control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration significantly reduces power supply ripple, prevents saturation of power amplifiers, minimizes RF interference, and allows for improved design flexibility and efficiency of power amplifiers, while maintaining consistent voltage and reducing ESR, thus enhancing overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic interference filter having an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal of the electromagnetic interference filter receiving, from the output terminal of the converter, the output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a converter having an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal receiving an input voltage from the first terminal of the first charge storage component, and the output terminal supplying an output voltage, wherein a magnitude of the output voltage is altered relative to a magnitude of the input voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-to-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a first charge storage component having a first terminal connected to the charging circuit and a second terminal connected to a power supply common voltage, a second charge storage component having a first terminal, the second charge storage component having a second terminal connected to the power supply common voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2608353B1Power distribution network based on multiple charge storage components
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2608353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2608353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2608353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power distribution network includes multiple charge storage components and multiple charging circuits to control the charging and discharging of the charge storage components, which may comprise a battery and a supercapacitor. By appropriate arrangement and selection of the storage components, ripple in the power supply voltage, whose propagation to other components relying on the power distribution network may cause an audible buzz, may be significantly reduced. Additionally, appropriate arrangement and selection of the storage components, electromagnetic interference may also be significantly reduced. Optionally, an electromagnetic interference filter may be placed between the charge storage components.