Configurable Power Supply Unit Voltage Range Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units are limited in generating a range of supply voltages, making them unsuitable for applications requiring voltages beyond their predetermined range, leading to increased costs due to the need for dedicated units.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit configuration that includes a power-side regulator and multiple supply-side regulators, allowing selective connection to either an internal or external voltage source, enabling the generation of alternative voltage ranges without the need for additional dedicated units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional power supply unit with fixed regulator characteristics is used, then the voltage range is determined by the regulator characteristics, but the unit cannot supply voltages beyond this predetermined range
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions by allowing supply-side regulators to accept different input voltage sources. The same regulator can generate different output voltages depending on whether it receives input from the power-side regulator or an external source, making the power supply unit adaptable to various voltage requirements without adding dedicated units for each voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the power-side regulator and supply-side regulators is made switchable rather than fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to change its voltage generation mode based on requirements, enabling the power supply unit to adapt its output voltage range by selectively connecting supply-side regulators to different input sources through switchable paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated power supply unit is developed for alternative voltage ranges, then the required voltage range can be supplied, but the design and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of developing separate dedicated power supply units for different voltage ranges, the invention makes a single power supply unit universal by enabling supply-side regulators to accept multiple input sources. This allows the same hardware configuration to serve multiple voltage range requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated units and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple voltage generation capabilities into a single power supply unit by merging the functionality of what would traditionally require separate dedicated units. By allowing supply-side regulators to draw from either the power-side regulator or external sources, the system consolidates multiple voltage range capabilities into one unified device, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If supply-side regulators are connected only to the power-side regulator path, then the voltage range is limited to what the power-side regulator can provide, but the configuration is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The connection configuration is made dynamic and switchable rather than fixed. Supply-side regulators can be selectively connected to either the power-side regulator path or external source paths based on the required voltage range. This dynamic switching capability increases adaptability while maintaining relatively simple connection structures through the use of switchable paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The input paths to supply-side regulators are segmented into separate switchable connections, allowing independent selection of different input sources for each supply-side regulator. This segmentation enables flexible configuration where individual regulators can be assigned to different voltage generation modes, increasing overall system versatility without requiring complete redesign of the connection architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
As a result of a path being connected to an input terminal to allow a first intermediate voltage from a power-side regulator or another external source that does not pass through the power-side regulator to be selectively inputted into any supply-side regulator, a supply voltage can be generated based on the inputted voltage. Therefore, as a result of the relevant supply-side regulator being connected to a path by which the other external source is inputted, a supply voltage having a voltage value differing from that when the first intermediate voltage is inputted can be generated. As a result of the voltage inputted into the supply-side regulator being changed, only the voltage value of the supply voltage generated by the supply-side regulator is changed. Therefore, the variation of the voltage value of the supply voltage that can be provided by a power supply unit can be changed.