Power Supply Device Current Peak Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) faces challenges in providing high power supplies to power-hungry processors, leading to high current peaks, stress on the test setup, and potential overload due to shrinking voltage tolerances and increasing currents, requiring complex ramping strategies and extensive expertise.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a supply current monitor that temporarily reduces the target voltage when the supply current exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing high current peaks and allowing for automatic, efficient power ramping without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power supply device delivers high currents fast to meet processor power demands, then the processor operation is satisfied, but high current peaks occur that may overload the raw supply and stress the test setup
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device performs preliminary action by pre-charging blocking capacitors before the actual power delivery to the processor. This pre-charging phase prepares the capacitive load so that when full power is delivered, the current peaks are significantly reduced because the capacitors are already charged and do not draw excessive inrush current.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply device implements periodic action through a two-phase operation: a pre-charging phase followed by a main power delivery phase. This periodic structure allows the system to manage current delivery in controlled intervals, preventing continuous high current peaks while maintaining the ability to deliver high currents when needed for processor operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If blocking capacitors are used to provide power in the first micro-seconds, then the initial power demand is met, but the capacitors may be overloaded due to high ripple currents
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device applies preliminary action by pre-charging the blocking capacitors to an appropriate voltage level before the processor requires full power. This pre-charging ensures the capacitors are ready to supply power during the critical first micro-seconds without being subjected to excessive ripple currents, thereby extending their operational life and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by using the pre-charged capacitors as a buffer that can immediately supply power during the initial micro-seconds. This cushioning effect protects the capacitors from being overloaded by the raw supply during transient conditions, as the capacitors are already in a state ready to deliver power without drawing excessive current.
3Loss of energy
If the power supply device is programmed to the desired voltage but initially switched off, then power is saved, but closing the relay generates huge peak currents that may stress and overload the system
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device uses preliminary action by pre-charging the blocking capacitors through a controlled path before closing the main relay. This pre-charging operation prepares the capacitive load so that when the relay is closed, the peak currents are minimized because the capacitors are already charged and do not require massive inrush current to reach operating voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism by using a separate pre-charging path that operates independently from the main power delivery path. This intermediary pre-charging circuit allows the capacitors to be prepared without engaging the main relay, thereby avoiding the huge peak currents that would otherwise occur when closing the relay to charged capacitors.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive a-priori knowledge and programming are used to manage power ramping, then peak currents are avoided, but the system requires skilled operators and extensive software effort
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device implements self-service by automatically managing the pre-charging of blocking capacitors and controlling the power delivery sequence without requiring external programming or operator intervention. The device monitors its own state and autonomously executes the pre-charging and power delivery phases, thereby eliminating the need for skilled operators to program complex power ramping sequences while still preventing peak currents.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device for a test equipment, test equipment having a power supply device and a method for operating a power supply device are described. The power supply device is configured for an at least partly capacitive load and has an output voltage provider configured to generate a target voltage, which is energized by an input supply voltage provided at an input of the power supply, wherein the target voltage generates an output supply voltage at the capacitive load, when the capacitive load is connected to an output of the power supply and a supply current monitor configured to monitor supply current flowing into the input of the power supply and to temporarily reduce the target voltage generating the output supply voltage, if a current value of the supply current exceeds a first predetermined threshold.