Power Supply Extension Module for Voltage Drop Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional low-dropout voltage regulators fail to maintain a stable output voltage when the input voltage falls below a minimum threshold, leading to potential data loss in microcontrollers due to memory resets during voltage drops, such as when a vehicle engine starts.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a low-dropout regulator and an extension module, where the extension module takes over to supply a lower output voltage when the input voltage drops below the minimum threshold, ensuring that the memory's voltage requirements are met and data is preserved by enabling the extension module when the LDO regulator is disabled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a low-dropout regulator is used to maintain stable output voltage, then the output voltage stability is improved when input voltage is above minimum threshold, but the regulator fails to function when input voltage falls below the minimum threshold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidoperating range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two distinct regulatory paths: a primary LDO regulator for normal operation and an extension module for low-voltage operation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific operating range, with the LDO providing stable regulation above the threshold and the extension module enabling operation below the threshold by generating an artificial reference voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the input voltage threshold is lowered to extend operating range, then the adaptability is improved, but the LDO regulator cannot maintain proper regulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating rangeVSAvoidvoltage regulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The extension module acts as an intermediary between the power source and the LDO regulator. It generates an artificial reference voltage that allows the LDO regulator to maintain proper regulation even when the input voltage falls below the minimum threshold. The extension module mediates the voltage difference by creating a virtual reference point that enables continued stable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the minimum input voltage threshold is reduced, then the operating range is extended, but the regulator may no longer function as designed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimum voltage operationVSAvoidregulator functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The extension module changes the reference voltage parameter dynamically based on input voltage conditions. When the input voltage drops below the minimum threshold, the extension module activates and provides an adjusted reference voltage that allows the LDO regulator to continue functioning within its designed operational parameters, effectively changing the voltage parameters to maintain functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8987934B2Power supply with extended minimum voltage output

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 NXP BV

AI summary

Various exemplary embodiments relate a system for supplying power. The system may include a power source outputting a source voltage, a regulator connected to the power source, and an extension module connected to the power source. The regulator may output a first voltage when the source voltage is above a minimum threshold, and the extension module may output a second voltage when the source voltage falls below the minimum threshold.