Power Management ASIC for Wireless Sensor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for wireless nodes in wireless sensor networks and IoT applications face challenges in reducing power consumption, especially in energy harvesting, storage, and efficient energy conversion, leading to high quiescent current consumption and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A low-power, integrated circuit (ASIC) with a rectifier, DC-DC converter, and ultra-low power LDO regulator that converts ambient energy into a regulated voltage for sensors, enabling efficient energy management and storage, with a scalable design for low-cost, maintenance-free, and miniature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power management systems are used for wireless nodes, then basic power supply function is achieved, but quiescent current consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rectifier, DC-DC converter, and LDO regulator into a single integrated power management system. This merging reduces the total quiescent current by eliminating separate power management components and their associated idle currents, while maintaining all necessary power conversion functions for wireless sensor nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the operating parameters of each power management component (rectifier, DC-DC converter, LDO regulator) to minimize quiescent current consumption. By adjusting voltage levels, switching frequencies, and bias currents, the system achieves ultra-low power operation suitable for energy-harvesting wireless sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy harvesting circuitry is added to wireless sensor nodes, then energy independence is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy harvesting rectifier, DC-DC converter, and voltage regulation functions into a single unified power management IC. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate discrete components while providing complete energy harvesting capability for wireless sensor nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management IC is designed to perform multiple functions: rectifying AC input from energy harvesters, converting DC voltage levels, regulating output voltage, and powering various wireless sensor components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while enabling energy independence.
3Loss of energy
If multiple power conversion stages are used for efficient energy conversion, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power conversion stages (rectifier, DC-DC converter, LDO regulator) into a single integrated circuit. This merging maintains the energy conversion efficiency benefits of multiple stages while reducing power management complexity through unified control and shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter stage is designed with dynamic switching control that adapts to varying input conditions from energy harvesters. This dynamic operation optimizes energy conversion efficiency across different operating conditions while the integrated design keeps control complexity manageable through coordinated stage operation.
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
The solution achieves low quiescent current consumption, efficient energy conversion, and storage, enabling long-lasting, low-cost, and scalable wireless sensor nodes with reduced power consumption, suitable for IoT applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier having an input configured to receive an variable AC input voltage and convert the AC input voltage to a rectified output voltage
Implementation Method 2
a DC-DC converter having an input coupled to receive the rectified output voltage and to provide a DC supply voltage at an output thereof
Implementation Method 3
a low drop-out regulator having an input coupled to receive the supply voltage and is configured provide a regulated voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rectifier having an input configured to receive a variable AC input voltage and convert the AC input voltage to a rectified output voltage. A power converter has an input coupled to receive the rectified output voltage and to provide a DC supply voltage at an output thereof. A low drop-out regulator has an input coupled to receive the supply voltage and is configured provide a regulated voltage. A sensor is coupled to receive the regulated voltage as a power source and is configured to sense a condition and provide sensor data indicative of the sensed condition.