Power Supply Device for Programmable Circuit Data Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices for programmable circuits in household appliances, such as microcontrollers, suffer from voltage degradation due to isolation diodes, leading to potential data loss during short-term mains voltage failures.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with control means that disconnects the power supply signal during a mains voltage break and maintains a stored level using a capacitor and Schottky diode to ensure minimal signal loss, allowing the circuit to operate in low consumption mode and retain data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isolation diode is used to maintain power to the microcontroller during mains voltage failure, then data retention is improved, but the voltage level applied to the microcontroller is reduced causing degraded operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the isolation diode from the power supply circuit. Instead of using a diode to maintain power during mains failure, the system directly connects the capacitor to the microcontroller power supply pins, eliminating the voltage drop caused by the diode's forward voltage loss while still providing backup power retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the power supply circuit by replacing the diode-based power maintenance approach with a direct capacitor connection. This eliminates the voltage level reduction (typically 0.7V drop) that occurs with diode-based isolation, thereby maintaining proper operating voltage levels for the microcontroller.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a capacitor and diode assembly is used to maintain power during mains failure, then the microcontroller remains powered, but the voltage is lower than the DC supply voltage causing operational degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diode component from the power maintenance circuitry. By removing the diode, the system eliminates the voltage drop issue while preserving the capacitor's ability to maintain power during mains failures, thus ensuring both continuous operation and proper voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply function into distinct components: the capacitor handles power retention during failures, while the control means manages the connection/disconnection based on mains status. This separation allows optimal performance of each function without the compromises required by a unified diode-based approach.
3Productivity
If the power supply signal is continuously connected to the electronic circuit, then the circuit operates normally, but energy is wasted during mains voltage failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system where the connection between the power supply signal and the electronic circuit is controlled based on mains voltage status. The control means dynamically connects or disconnects the power supply signal, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual operational needs and eliminate energy waste during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the capacitor to automatically maintain power to the electronic circuit during mains failures without requiring active control or additional energy input. The capacitor self-charges during normal operation and self-discharges to maintain power during failures, providing energy management without continuous external control.
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 effectively prevents data loss and maintains circuit operation during short-term power outages by minimizing voltage drop and optimizing energy storage, ensuring that operating parameters are retained.
Implementation Method 1
the holding means comprise at least one capacitor connected by a first terminal to the control means and to said at least part of an electronic circuit and by a second terminal to the reference potential
Implementation Method 2
the optimization means comprise a Schottky type diode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The attachment has a generation unit (50) for generating a supply signal (V1) from a main supply signal (V0). A control unit (20) is arranged for the connecting the supply signal to an electronic circuit or a storage unit (11) such as RAM, when a control signal (5V MEMO) coming from a cut-off sensing device (12) presents a state representative of the main supply signal. The control unit does not connect the supply signal to the electronic circuit when the control signal presents another state that is representative of absence of the main supply signal. An independent claim is also included for an electrical domestic appliance.