Power Supply Circuit with Bidirectional Switch for Stand-by Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply circuits for electronic devices with multiple operating modes require complex selectors, additional terminals, and control signals to manage power consumption, leading to inefficiencies and increased losses, especially in stand-by mode.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained power supply circuit with two branches capable of switching between power modes, utilizing a capacitive and transformer-based configuration with a bidirectional activation switch and a control circuit that analyzes voltage variations to automatically adjust between stand-by and high-power modes without external control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple power supply circuits are activated independently to reduce power consumption during stand-by periods, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to required selectors and additional terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply circuits into a single integrated circuit that can operate in different modes. The power supply circuit includes a first power supply unit for stand-by mode and a second power supply unit for active mode, both integrated within the same circuit structure, eliminating the need for external selectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. It can automatically switch between stand-by mode (using first power supply unit) and active mode (using second power supply unit) based on load requirements, making the circuit universal and adaptable to different power demands without requiring additional control circuits or terminals.

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

2Extent of automation

If control signals are transmitted between powered device and power supply circuit to manage power modes, then power mode switching is achieved, but additional terminals and interface circuits are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower mode controlVSAvoidinterface circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit incorporates an automatic detection mechanism that monitors load current or power consumption levels internally. Based on this self-detection, the circuit automatically activates or deactivates the appropriate power supply unit without requiring external control signals from the powered device, thereby eliminating the need for additional control terminals and interface circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit includes an automatic control mechanism that detects the actual power consumption or load status and provides feedback to switch between power supply units accordingly. This internal feedback loop enables automated power mode switching without external intervention, reducing the need for additional control terminals and interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single power supply circuit is used for both stand-by and active modes, then device complexity is reduced, but power loss during stand-by mode increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidstand-by power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit is segmented into distinct functional units: a first power supply unit optimized for stand-by mode with lower power consumption characteristics, and a second power supply unit optimized for active mode with higher power output capability. This segmentation allows the circuit to select the appropriate unit based on operational mode, maintaining simplicity while reducing stand-by power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit dynamically switches between different power supply units based on real-time power demand. During stand-by periods, the first power supply unit is activated to minimize power loss, while during active operation, the second power supply unit is activated to meet higher power requirements. This dynamic adaptation maintains circuit simplicity while optimizing power efficiency across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces power losses and eliminates the need for control signals, enabling efficient automatic switching between modes, resulting in a simpler and more versatile power supply circuit with lower energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a second parallel branch capable of providing a second power level greater than the first one, the second branch comprising a bidirectional activation switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBidirectional switching:

Implementation Method 2

each branch comprises a capacitive element in series with a resistive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance filtering: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

each branch comprises a capacitive element in series with a resistive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive voltage division: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

the second branch comprises a transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9263966B2Power supply circuit with low stand-by losses
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 STMICROELECTRONICS (TOURS) SAS
  • US9263966B2 patent drawing
  • US9263966B2 patent drawing
  • US9263966B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit for converting an A.C. power supply voltage into a D.C. voltage, including: a first branch capable of providing a first power level; and a second parallel branch capable of providing a second power level greater than the first one, the second branch including a bidirectional activation switch.