Power Supply Circuit Voltage Slope Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory cards face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple DC-DC converters to manage different operation voltages, leading to inrush currents and potential semiconductor device burn-out when inserted into electronic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a DC-DC converter, bypass switch circuits, and an output slope control circuit that operates in step-down or boost modes to manage voltages of 3.3 V and 1.8 V, sharing the DC-DC converter between non-volatile memory and memory card control circuits, preventing inrush currents and ensuring simultaneous voltage activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC-DC converters are mounted on the memory card to manage different operation voltages, then voltage independence is achieved, but device complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single DC-DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between step-down mode (for 3.3V to 1.8V conversion) and boost mode (for 1.8V to 3.3V conversion), replacing what would traditionally require two separate converters. This multi-functionality achieves voltage independence while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter dynamically switches between step-down and boost modes based on the detected input voltage level. The control circuit detects whether the input voltage is 3.3V or 1.8V and automatically adjusts the converter operation mode, enabling a single device to adapt to different voltage requirements without manual configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a boost DC-DC converter generates required voltage inside the memory card, then voltage independence is achieved, but inrush current occurs when the memory card is inserted into electronic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary detection of the input voltage level before initiating boost conversion. By detecting whether the input voltage is already at the required level (3.3V) or needs boosting (1.8V), the system avoids unnecessary boost operation that would cause inrush current, thereby preventing this harmful effect while maintaining voltage independence.
3Device complexity
If the rising timing of power supply voltages is not synchronized, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but risk of burn-out due to latch-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the output voltage of the DC-DC converter and adjusts the switching timing accordingly. When the output voltage reaches the target level, the control circuit synchronizes the turning-on timing of bypass switches to ensure that power supply voltages rise in a controlled manner, preventing latch-up conditions while maintaining reasonable 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
This solution reduces the number of DC-DC converters needed, prevents inrush currents, and ensures safe and efficient operation by synchronizing voltage slopes, thereby achieving independence of memory card operation voltage from internal non-volatile memory voltage while ensuring efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter generating an output voltage from the voltage of the input pin in either a step-down mode or a boost mode
Implementation Method 2
a first bypass switch circuit turning on to output the voltage of the input pin to the first output pin when the voltage is not output to the first output pin from the DC-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converter and first and second bypass switch circuits are provided in parallel between an input pin and first and second output pins and operate in accordance with a combination of the voltage value of the input pin and the voltage value required for the first output pin. A start control circuit causes the DC-DC converter to operate unconditionally in a step-down mode during the period from when the DC-DC converter is started until the output voltage of the DC-DC converter becomes equal to the voltage of the input pin. An output slope control circuit synchronizes rising slopes of the output voltages of the first and second bypass switch circuits with a rising slope of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter.