Power Supplying Device for Voltage-Stabilized Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load-switch integrated circuits (ICs) with over-current protection (OCP) mechanisms fail to charge electronic devices with voltage-stabilized capacitors of varying capacitances, as they switch to protection mode due to instantaneous high currents during the initial charging stage, preventing normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A power supplying method and device that generates periodic signals to periodically charge and discharge voltage-stabilized capacitors, gradually decreasing the current supplied, and uses enable signals to continuously supply power once the voltage reaches a normal level, avoiding OCP protection mode activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the critical current threshold is raised to allow voltage-stabilized capacitors to charge normally, then the charging capability is improved, but the over-current protection becomes less strict and may fail to protect against actual over-current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first charging period with periodic pulse signals for initial capacitor charging, and a second charging period with continuous signals for normal operation. This segmentation allows different current characteristics for different charging stages, resolving the contradiction between enabling capacitor charging and maintaining protection strictness.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage-stabilized capacitor is charged in advance during the first charging period before the load-switch IC enters normal operation. By performing preliminary charging with controlled pulse signals, the capacitor is prepared to handle subsequent high-current demands without triggering false OCP protection, while the protection mechanism remains strict during the preliminary phase.
2Reliability
If the load-switch IC switches to protection mode to avoid over-current risks, then the safety is improved, but the charging function fails and normal operation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
During the first charging period, the load-switch IC receives periodic pulse signals that turn it on and off cyclically. This periodic action limits the duty cycle and average current, preventing the OCP mechanism from activating due to sustained over-current conditions, while still enabling the capacitor to charge to the operating voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal parameters are changed between two periods: in the first period, the signal has limited duty cycle and periodic characteristics to prevent OCP activation; in the second period, the signal enables continuous operation with full charging capability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between safety and charging function.
3Speed
If the load-switch IC operates continuously to charge the capacitor fully, then the charging speed is improved, but the instantaneous high current triggers the OCP protection mode
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal dynamically changes its characteristics between two periods. During the first period, it uses periodic pulses with controlled duty cycle to manage current levels. During the second period, it transitions to continuous signaling for full-power charging. This dynamic adaptation allows fast charging when safe and prevents protection activation when necessary.
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
Enables effective charging of electronic devices with capacitors of different specifications by increasing supply voltage over time while decreasing charging current, ensuring normal operation without triggering the OCP protection mode.
Implementation Method 1
periodically turning on and off a load-switch circuit by the periodic signal to enable the load-switch circuit to periodically charge and discharge the voltage-stabilized capacitor
Implementation Method 2
detecting the amount of a current supplied to the external electronic device by the load-switch circuit to determine a level of the flag signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power supplying method is adapted to supply power to any one of external electronic devices with voltage-stabilized capacitors of different specifications. The power supplying method includes: generating a periodic signal; periodically turning on and off a load-switch circuit by the periodic signal to enable the load-switch circuit to periodically charge and discharge the voltage-stabilized capacitor; generating an enable signal following the periodic signal; continuously turning on the load-switch circuit by the enable signal to enable the load-switch circuit to supply the power to the external electronic device according to a flag signal; and detecting the amount of a current supplied to the external electronic device by the load-switch circuit to determine a level of the flag signal. During periodically charging and discharging the voltage-stabilized capacitor, the amount of the current supplied to the external electronic device is gradually decreased.