Power Source Control Circuit Transistor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source control circuits using parallel diodes for switching between primary and secondary power sources suffer from inefficiency, resulting in power wastage and heat dissipation, which is detrimental in power-limited systems like solid state drives (SSDs) during primary power removal and restoration.
Innovation Solution
The use of power source control circuits with transistors and diodes to manage the switching between primary and secondary power sources, ensuring efficient power transfer by controlling current paths and preventing backflow, thereby minimizing power loss and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parallel diodes are used to switch between primary and secondary power sources, then power source switching is achieved, but power loss and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the switching mechanism by replacing diodes with transistors operated in different regions (saturation, active, cutoff). This allows control of the switching behavior and minimizes voltage drops, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining reliable power source switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the passive diode-based switching mechanism with an active transistor-based control system. This replacement enables intelligent control of current flow paths, allowing the system to achieve switching functionality with minimal power loss by actively managing the conduction states of the transistors rather than relying on diode forward voltage drops.
2Reliability
If parallel diodes are used to switch between primary and secondary power sources, then power source switching is achieved, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating parameters from diode forward conduction to transistor-controlled conduction, the patent reduces the voltage drop across the switching element. This parameter change directly reduces power dissipation (P=VI) and consequently heat generation, while maintaining the ability to switch between power sources reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution of diodes with transistors replaces a passive, heat-generating switching mechanism with an active, controllable one. The transistor-based system can be controlled to minimize on-resistance and voltage drops, thereby reducing heat dissipation while providing the same power source switching functionality.
3Device complexity
If diodes are used for power source switching, then simple circuit structure is achieved, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching elements from fixed diode characteristics to controllable transistor characteristics. This allows the system to optimize conduction paths and minimize voltage drops dynamically, significantly improving power efficiency while the added complexity is managed through integrated control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple but inefficient diode-based switching with a more complex but efficient transistor-based switching system. The increased device complexity is justified by the substantial improvement in power efficiency, as the active control enables minimal power loss during switching operations and power source transitions.
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 solution significantly reduces power wastage and heat dissipation, enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of power-limited systems by ensuring seamless transitions between power sources during primary power availability and removal.
Implementation Method 1
A first power source control circuit includes a transistor T1 having a source, a drain, and a gate. The source of the transistor T1 is coupled to the first power source and the drain of the transistor T1 is coupled to a VOUT node.
Implementation Method 2
A second diode D1 is coupled between the source of the transistor T1 and the VOUT node. In operation, the primary power source provides power to the VOUT node by forward biasing the diode D1.
Data Source
AI summary
Power sources, backup power circuits, power source control circuits, data storage devices, and methods relating to controlling application of power to a node are disclosed. An example power source includes an input, backup power source, and a backup power source control circuit. The input is configured to be coupled to a primary power source and further configured to couple the primary power source to the output when the input is coupled to the primary power source. The backup power source control circuit is configured to control a current path from the backup power source to the output based at least in part on a voltage applied to the input.