Power Supply Controller With Shared Pin For Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in providing a compact and low-cost switching power supply that offers a wide range of programmable features and operating modes while maintaining efficiency and compactness, as existing solutions often compromise between functionality and cost.

Innovation Solution

A power supply controller with combination input/output lines that allows configuration of various operating modes, such as over-temperature, over-voltage, and power factor correction, by receiving configuration signals and feedback signals to control the switch coupled to the transformer, enabling flexible operation without dedicated configuration terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple external connection terminals are provided for configuration and operation, then power supply functionality and programmability are improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply configurabilityVSAvoidcontroller package size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines configuration input and feedback output functions into a single shared pin or terminal on the controller package. This merging allows the same physical connection to serve dual purposes: receiving configuration signals during initialization and providing feedback signals during operation, thereby reducing the total number of external terminals required while maintaining full configurability and operational feedback capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared pin is designed to perform multiple functions at different operational stages. During the configuration phase, it acts as an input terminal for receiving mode selection signals; during the operational phase, it serves as an output terminal for providing feedback signals about power delivery status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pins for configuration and feedback, reducing overall package complexity and size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple external connection terminals are provided for configuration and operation, then power supply functionality and programmability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating modes programmabilityVSAvoidcontroller package cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges configuration input and feedback output functions into a single shared pin or terminal on the controller package. This merging allows the same physical connection to serve dual purposes: receiving configuration signals during initialization and providing feedback signals during operation, thereby reducing the total number of external terminals required while maintaining full configurability and operational feedback capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances controller flexibility and functionality while reducing size and cost, allowing for efficient power supply operation across multiple modes, thereby addressing the need for configurable and efficient power conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The power supply can provide power to the output load via, for example, a primary winding of a transformer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9584031B2Power supply with configurable controller with combination input/output line

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein describe a power supply configured to provide power to an output load via a power supply transformer. The power supply includes a controller configured to operate in a configuration state and an operating state. During the configuration state, the controller receives a configuration signal from a sense circuit coupled to the controller and selects one of a plurality of operating modes from the configuration signal. During the operating state, the controller controls a switch coupled to the transformer based on the selected operating mode and a sense signal received from the sense circuit representative of the power provided to the output load by the power supply. When the switch is closed, current flows from a power source through the transformer, and when the switch is open, current is prevented from flowing from the power source through the transformer.