Power Supply Switch Circuit for Overlap Voltage Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-standard wireless communication devices, the need for separate power supply ICs for each power amplifier corresponding to different communication standards leads to inefficiencies, as unused power supply ICs are not utilized when switching between standards.

Innovation Solution

A power supply switch circuit with a switch controller that controls two switches to simultaneously supply voltage from two power supply circuits to a power amplifier during a transition period, allowing for seamless switching between different communication standards without interrupting the power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate power supply ICs are implemented for each power amplifier corresponding to different communication standards, then each power amplifier can be independently powered, but the number of power supply ICs increases and unused power supply ICs are not utilized when switching between standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of power supply ICs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power supply IC that can serve multiple power amplifiers corresponding to different communication standards (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). The power supply IC includes multiple output terminals that can be selectively connected to different power amplifiers through switch circuits, allowing one power supply IC to replace multiple dedicated power supply ICs while maintaining the capability to power any of the amplifiers as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate power supply ICs into a single integrated power supply IC that handles power distribution to multiple power amplifiers. By combining the power supply functions and adding a switching mechanism, the system reduces the total number of power supply ICs from four (one for each standard) to one, while still supporting all communication standards through selective power routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If power supply switching is performed between different communication standards, then power management efficiency improves, but power supply interruption may occur causing call drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a delay circuit that delays the turning-off of the currently active switch and the turning-on of the next switch during power supply switching. This preliminary action ensures that there is an overlapping period where both switches are momentarily conducting, preventing any interruption in power supply to the power amplifier during standard transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous power supply to the power amplifier during switching between communication standards by using a delay circuit to create an overlap period where both the old and new power supply paths are active simultaneously. This maintains uninterrupted power flow, preventing call drops while enabling efficient power management across different standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If voltage switching between power supply circuits is performed rapidly, then switching speed improves, but voltage instability and power supply interruption may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The delay circuit performs preliminary action by delaying the switching transition, ensuring that the voltage supply remains stable during the transition period. By controlling the timing of switch transitions with a predetermined delay, the system prevents rapid switching that could cause voltage instability, while still achieving timely power supply switching between different communication standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit provides beforehand cushioning by creating an overlap period where both power supply paths are active, cushioning against voltage instability that would occur during rapid switching. This predetermined delay ensures smooth voltage transition and maintains stable power supply to the power amplifier during standard transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12301223B2Power supply switch circuit and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US12301223B2 patent drawing
  • US12301223B2 patent drawing
  • US12301223B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power source switch circuit and an operation method thereof are provided. The power source switch circuit may include a switch circuit that includes a first switch configured switch a supply of a voltage from a first power supply circuit to a power supply terminal of a power amplifier, and a second switch configured to switch a supply of a voltage from a second power supply circuit to the power supply terminal of the power amplifier; and a switch controller configured to control the switch circuit to set the first switch and the second switch in a turned-on state during a first period when the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on.