Power Supply Device Brownout Immunity Single Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of on-board electronics in motor vehicles leads to brownouts and electrical perturbations in power supplies, causing temporary stoppages or resets in electronic computers, which existing solutions attempt to mitigate using large capacitors that are cumbersome for miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a diode and a switching device, where the switching device shorts the diode when the supply voltage is above a threshold, allowing a single capacitor to provide energy to the microprocessor during brownouts and filter voltage variations, thereby reducing the need for additional capacitors and minimizing circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two capacitive structures are used to provide energy storage and filtering functions, then the electronic computer becomes immune to brownouts, but the device size and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage function and filtering function into a single capacitive structure C1. The capacitor serves dual purposes: storing energy during normal operation to release during brownouts, and filtering voltage variations. This is achieved by configuring the capacitor with specific connections to the microprocessor, diode, and switching device, eliminating the need for separate capacitors C1 and C2 while maintaining brownout immunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single capacitive structure C1 performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across two capacitors. It provides energy storage for brownout protection, filtering of power supply variations, and voltage stabilization. The universal design reduces component count while maintaining all necessary protective and stabilizing functions for the microprocessor.
2Reliability
If two capacitive structures are used to provide energy storage and filtering functions, then the electronic computer becomes immune to brownouts, but the printed circuit surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate capacitive structures into one, directly reducing the printed circuit board area required. The single capacitor C1 replaces the physical space previously occupied by capacitors C1 and C2, along with their associated mounting areas, while maintaining all necessary protective functions through intelligent circuit configuration with the diode and switching device.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional single capacitor reduces the total component footprint on the printed circuit board. By making the capacitor perform both energy storage and filtering roles, the design eliminates redundant components and their associated mounting spaces, achieving compactness suitable for miniaturized electronic computers.
3Reliability
If multiple capacitors are used to protect against brownouts, then microprocessor immunity is improved, but the device becomes less suitable for miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple capacitive functions into a single physical capacitor, reducing the overall device volume. The single capacitor C1 with its specific circuit configuration provides the same brownout protection and filtering that previously required multiple capacitors, enabling more compact device design while maintaining microprocessor immunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal single-capacitor design performs multiple protective and stabilizing functions within a smaller volume. By making the capacitor multi-functional (energy storage, filtering, voltage stabilization), the design achieves miniaturization compatibility while preserving all necessary protection mechanisms for the microprocessor against brownouts and electrical perturbations.
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 solution maintains microprocessor activity during brownouts while filtering power supply oscillations using a single capacitor, reducing the printed circuit surface area and enhancing integration by eliminating the need for additional capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive structure C1 coupled to the microprocessor (4) and adapted to provide electrical energy stored within it in order to thwart a brownout
Implementation Method 2
a diode D1... In the event of a brownout on the power supply (10), the diode D1 turns off, electrically isolating the microprocessor (4) from the power module (6)
Implementation Method 3
a switching device coupled in parallel with the diode allowing the microprocessor to be supplied with electrical energy in the event of a brownout on said power supply
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for supplying power to an electronic computer having a first connection terminal coupled to a power supply, a second connection terminal coupled to an electrical ground, a microprocessor having a microprocessor supply input coupled, firstly, to a first terminal of first capacitance of a first capacitor and, secondly, coupled to a supply output of the power supply device, the second terminal of first capacitance being coupled to the electrical ground, the power supply device has a first supply input. It has a diode coupled to the supply input, and to the supply output, and a switching device coupled in parallel with the diode.