Power Supply Control Device Standby Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply control devices with integrated data processing units face challenges in reducing standby power consumption without compromising performance, as the data processing units themselves contribute to standby power usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a data processing device with a volatile memory unit and a nonvolatile memory unit, along with a sub-switch that can be intermittently turned off when data is stored in the nonvolatile memory unit, allowing power supply to be stopped without affecting performance, and utilizing a timer circuit and signal detection circuits to manage power usage based on device status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a data processing device is continuously powered to maintain data and control functions, then data integrity and control reliability are ensured, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by saving data from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory before turning off the sub-switch. This ensures data integrity is maintained even when power is interrupted, allowing the data processing device to be powered off during standby periods without risking data loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-switch controlling power to the data processing device is turned on and off periodically based on operational needs. During active periods, the device processes data and controls outlets; during standby periods, it is powered off to reduce consumption, while the timer circuit ensures periodic reactivation when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If power supply to the data processing device is intermittently stopped to reduce standby power, then power consumption decreases, but data loss may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Before the sub-switch is turned off to reduce power consumption, the system performs a preliminary data save operation, transferring data from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory. This preliminary action ensures that no data is lost when power is subsequently interrupted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Nonvolatile memory serves as an intermediary storage medium between the volatile memory and the power supply interruption. It temporarily holds data during the transition from powered to unpowered state, preventing data loss while enabling power reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the sub-switch is turned off to reduce data processing device power usage, then standby power is reduced, but control responsiveness may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandby powerVSAvoidcontrol responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-switch is turned on and off in periodic cycles based on operational requirements. During periods when outlet control is needed, the sub-switch is turned on to ensure responsive control. During periods when no control is needed, the sub-switch is turned off to reduce power consumption, creating an optimized periodic operation pattern

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply state of the data processing device is dynamically adjusted based on real-time operational needs. The system transitions between powered and unpowered states according to whether outlet control functions are currently required, optimizing the balance between power consumption and control responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9507366B2Power supply control device

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

An object is to reduce standby power in a data processing device, without loss of convenience, in a structure in which a power supply control device includes the data processing device. In a structure of a power supply control device which supplies power to an external device using a main switch, a data processing device is provided in the power supply control device to control the main switch; a sub-switch supplying power to the data processing device is provided; and a volatile memory unit and a nonvolatile memory unit are provided in the data processing device. Further, the sub-switch is off in a period in which data is stored in the nonvolatile memory unit of the data processing device, so that power supply to the data processing device is intermittently stopped.