Multi-Channel Power Supply Current Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel power supplies face challenges in balancing channel currents and minimizing power dissipation, leading to reduced component lifetime and increased manufacturing costs due to high power dissipation in existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a multi-channel power supply that measures current in each channel and adjusts intrinsic and adjustable resistances to balance currents and minimize power dissipation by setting the adjustable resistor in the channel with the highest intrinsic resistance to its lowest value and balancing the remaining channels, using Field Effect Transistors (FETs) to implement adjustable resistances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing multi-channel power supplies use conventional current balancing techniques, then channel currents are balanced, but power dissipation becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameters of adjustable resistors in each channel based on measured intrinsic channel resistances. By dynamically adjusting resistance values rather than using fixed conventional balancing methods, the system achieves current balancing while minimizing power dissipation through optimized parameter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the intrinsic resistance of each channel and uses this feedback information to adjust the adjustable resistors accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to achieve both current balancing and minimal power dissipation by continuously monitoring and adapting to actual channel conditions.
2Ease of operation
If FETs are used to regulate channel currents, then current control is achieved, but FETs become hot during operation decreasing component lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high power dissipation in FETs into a beneficial outcome by using measured intrinsic resistance data to pre-calculate optimal adjustable resistor values. This approach minimizes the power that would otherwise be dissipated as heat in the FETs, thereby extending component lifetime while maintaining current control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of intrinsic channel resistances before operating the FETs for current regulation. By determining the optimal adjustable resistor settings in advance based on these measurements, the system minimizes subsequent power dissipation and heat generation in the FETs during normal operation.
3Reliability
If adjustable resistors are used for current balancing, then current distribution is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable resistors to change the resistance parameters of each channel based on measured intrinsic resistances. This parameter adjustment approach optimizes current distribution while keeping the added complexity manageable through systematic and automated resistance value selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically measures intrinsic resistances and calculates optimal adjustable resistor values without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. This self-service approach optimizes current distribution while minimizing the complexity burden through automated 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
This approach effectively balances channel currents and minimizes power dissipation, extending component lifetime and reducing manufacturing costs by optimizing the use of components and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Modern power supplies regulate channel currents by utilizing FETs (Field Effect Transistors)
Implementation Method 2
If these FETs dissipate too much power then they will be hot during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for controlling a multi-channel power supply and to corresponding devices. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a multi-channel power supply is provided. Therein each channel comprises an intrinsic channel resistance and a resistor adjustable between a lowest resistance and a highest resistance. The method comprises the following steps: Measuring for each channel a measure indicative of a current in the respective channel; Adjusting, on the basis of the measures, the adjustable resistor in the channel having the highest intrinsic channel resistance to the lowest resistance; and Adjusting, on the basis of the measures, the adjustable resistor(s) in the remaining channel(s), such that currents in each channel are balanced. With it a concept of simultaneously performing current balancing and reduction of power dissipation is provided.