Power Supply Start-Up Control Circuit With Voltage Buffering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling the start-up cycle of integrated circuits in power supplies result in unpredictable startup times, leading to potential component damage, excessive power loss, and overheating due to sudden voltage changes and quick switching during overloads.

Innovation Solution

A method and circuit that set specific voltage values for starting and shutting the integrated circuit, using a buffer unit, input voltage detection, bias voltage detection, and bypass modulation to maintain stable voltage levels, ensuring a sufficient buffer time and preventing repeated startup/shutdown cycles during overloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the integrated circuit uses conventional detection method to control start-up cycle, then the circuit can detect alternating current voltage, but the startup time becomes unpredictable and may cause component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidstartup time predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitor C1 to a start-up voltage value before the integrated circuit operates. This ensures that when startup is needed, the voltage is already prepared, making the startup time predictable and preventing component damage from sudden voltage changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses capacitor C1 as a cushioning element that stores energy beforehand. When startup occurs, this pre-stored energy provides a smooth voltage transition, cushioning against sudden voltage spikes that could damage components, thus improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the integrated circuit repeats detection cycle when alternating current voltage is insufficient, then the detection function is maintained, but power loss increases and overheating occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through a controlled start-up cycle where the integrated circuit repeatedly charges capacitor C1 to start-up voltage and then shuts down. This periodic operation allows the system to wait for sufficient alternating current voltage while maintaining detection accuracy, but the patent aims to reduce excessive repetitions that cause energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by monitoring the voltage at node X and comparing it with start-up and cut-off voltage values. This feedback mechanism controls when to start and shut down the integrated circuit, ensuring accurate detection while the invention seeks to optimize the feedback thresholds to reduce unnecessary startup cycles and associated energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the integrated circuit starts up quickly when alternating current reaches normal voltage, then productivity is improved, but buffer time for system boot becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup speedVSAvoidbuffer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitor C1 to the start-up voltage value before the integrated circuit needs to operate. This preparation in advance allows the circuit to start up quickly when voltage is sufficient, improving productivity, while the pre-charged capacitor provides the necessary buffer time for system boot by maintaining voltage during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the integrated circuit shuts down and restarts quickly during overload, then the overload protection function is activated, but the circuit generates large power loss and overheat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverload protectionVSAvoidoverheat

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through repeated startup-shutdown cycles during overload conditions, where the integrated circuit shuts down when voltage drops to cut-off value and restarts when voltage recovers to start-up value. While this provides overload protection, the patent addresses the overheat issue by optimizing the voltage thresholds and timing to reduce the frequency of these cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses capacitor C1 as a cushioning element that maintains voltage during transitions. During overload, this pre-charged capacitor provides a buffer that prevents sudden voltage drops, reducing the need for rapid shutdowns and restarts, thereby minimizing power loss and overheating while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7764522B2Circuit and method for controlling the start-up cycle of a power supply

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 SPI ELECTRONICS

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and a circuit for controlling a start-up cycle of an integrated circuit in a circuit system. The method and circuit determine whether or not an input power of the circuit system and a bias voltage power of the integrated circuit have reached a normal operating voltage range to control the bias voltage power to produce a start-up cycle of the integrated circuit. The method and circuit also provides a protection mechanism for an overload of the circuit system overload, so that the integrated circuit can moderate surges and prevent damages.