Power Switching Circuit Overcurrent Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power switching methods face challenges in seamlessly switching between different power sources without generating overcurrent, which can damage power supply elements and circuits, especially when transitioning between high and low power consumption modes.

Innovation Solution

A power switching circuit with a first and second regulator, along with overcurrent protectors and a control circuit, is used to manage the transition between different power sources, preventing overcurrent by detecting output currents and adjusting power supply accordingly, ensuring seamless operation and protecting circuit elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power sources are alternately switched to save power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but overcurrent is generated which damages power supply elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidovercurrent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the voltage levels of both power sources before switching occurs. The detection circuit measures voltages in advance, and the control circuit uses this information to gradually adjust the switching process, preventing overcurrent by preparing the switching path before actual power source transition begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by using a gradual switching mechanism instead of abrupt power source transitions. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching process based on detected voltage levels, creating a smooth transition that adapts to real-time voltage conditions and prevents overcurrent generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If voltage levels are not matched during power source switching, then seamless power supply is difficult to maintain, but switching between different power sources is required for power saving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidvoltage level stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using a detection circuit that continuously monitors voltage levels of both power sources. The control circuit receives this feedback information and uses it to adjust the switching process, ensuring that voltage level differences are compensated for during transitions, thereby maintaining seamless power supply while achieving power saving

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control circuit that mediates between the two power sources with different voltage levels. This control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the transition process, smoothing out voltage level differences and enabling seamless switching between power sources with different characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9030044B2Methods and circuits for power switching

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a circuit for power switching. The method comprises the steps of: providing a operation circuit; receiving a command from a Host and setting up a power mode of the operation circuit; supplying a first rated consuming power source and then a second rated consuming power source to the operation circuit via the power switching circuit according to power mode; detecting the transferring process form the first rated consuming power source to second rated consuming power source; and preventing over current according to detecting result.