Primary Side Regulated Power Supply Eliminating Optocouplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for applications like battery chargers and LED ballasts require costly dedicated IC devices and optocouplers for secondary-side feedback, increasing implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with primary-side regulation that eliminates the need for secondary-side feedback, using a transformer with a control circuit and feedback circuit to maintain constant current output, implemented with commercially available IC devices and fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optocoupler is used for secondary-side feedback, then the power supply can provide constant current output, but the component count and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optocoupler component from the traditional secondary-side feedback architecture. By removing this isolated component and redesigning the feedback path to exist entirely on the primary side, the invention reduces component count while maintaining constant current output capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the feedback function with the existing primary-side control circuitry. Instead of having a separate optocoupler for feedback, the patent integrates the feedback mechanism into the primary-side controller, combining multiple functions into a single integrated solution that reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a dedicated IC device is used for battery charger or LED ballast application, then the power supply can provide application-specific constant current output, but the implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal primary-side regulated controller that can serve multiple applications (battery chargers, LED ballasts, and other constant current applications) without requiring application-specific dedicated IC devices. The unified architecture provides multi-functionality while reducing implementation costs through standardized component usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves application-specific performance through parameter configuration rather than hardware differentiation. By adjusting control parameters, feedback ratios, and operating points within the universal primary-side regulated architecture, the system can be adapted to different applications (battery charging, LED driving) without requiring dedicated IC devices for each application type.
3Measurement precision
If secondary-side feedback is implemented, then the power supply can accurately regulate output current, but the system requires more components including optocoupler and feedback circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a primary-side feedback mechanism that acts as an intermediary to achieve accurate output current regulation without direct secondary-side measurement. The feedback is mediated through transformer coupling and primary-side sensing, eliminating the need for secondary-side feedback components while maintaining regulation accuracy.
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
The system provides a cost-effective constant current output without the need for an optocoupler, reducing component count and implementation costs while maintaining performance comparable to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
A transformer is coupled to the input terminal and defines a primary side and a secondary side
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a power supply system has a primary side and a secondary side. An input terminal on the primary side is operable to receive an input voltage. An output terminal on the secondary side is operable to be connected to a load for providing current thereto. Circuitry is provided which is operable to regulate the power supply system from the primary side so that the current provided to the load at the output terminal is substantially constant.