Power Supply Circuit Surge Suppression via Pre-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply circuits generate surge currents when turned on, which can be harmful to electronic device hardware and software, posing a risk to capacitive loads.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit design that includes a first and second switch unit, a control unit, and a current limiting unit, where the second switch unit pre-charges a capacitor to a predetermined voltage before the first switch unit turns on, using a timer and transistors to manage the charging and power supply, thereby suppressing surge currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power switch is turned on to supply power to capacitive loads, then power supply function is achieved, but surge current is generated which harms hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a pre-charging switch (second switch unit) that activates before the main power switch (first switch unit). This pre-charging switch gradually charges the capacitive load to a predetermined voltage level before the main switch turns on, thereby preventing surge current when the main switch closes. The control unit coordinates the timing to ensure the pre-charging operation completes before normal power supply begins.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a pre-charging circuit is added to suppress surge current, then surge current is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-charging function with the existing power supply circuit by integrating the second switch unit and current limiting unit into the same circuit topology as the first switch unit. Both switch units share common components such as the voltage input terminal, capacitive load, and control unit, thereby adding surge protection functionality without creating a completely separate circuit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls both the first switch unit for normal power supply and the second switch unit for pre-charging operation. The control unit also monitors voltage levels and coordinates the timing between pre-charging and normal power supply phases, making a single component perform multiple critical functions to reduce overall circuit complexity.
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 pre-charges capacitive loads, reducing the risk of surge currents and protecting the electronic device hardware and software by ensuring a controlled and stable power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a second switch unit (30) coupled between the voltage input terminal Vcc and the load (60)... configured to pre-charge the capacitor (C1) to a predetermined voltage before the first switch unit (20) turns on
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit which can suppress current surges comprises a first switch unit, a first control unit, a second switch unit, and a second control unit. The first switch unit is coupled between a voltage input terminal and a load, the load comprising a capacitor. The second switch unit is coupled between the voltage input terminal and the load. The second control unit turns on the second switch unit to charge the capacitor to a predetermined voltage before the first control unit controls the first switch unit to turn on. The second control unit controls the second switch unit to turn off when a voltage of the capacitor is greater than the predetermined voltage, and the first control unit controls the first switch unit to then turn on to supply power to the load.