Programmable Quick Discharge Circuit for Voltage Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional discharge circuits require costly and inconvenient replacements of transistors or resistors to adjust the threshold voltage, leading to inefficient power discharge from capacitors in voltage regulators when the power supply is turned off, causing potential operation errors due to residual voltage.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power discharge circuit comprising a programmable voltage controller, a detect circuit, and a discharge circuit with a MOS transistor and RC circuit, allowing users to select and adjust the threshold voltage using a voltage divider and selector, enabling quick discharge when the working voltage falls below the set threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional discharge circuit with fixed transistors or resistors is used, then the threshold voltage is predetermined, but adjusting the threshold voltage requires costly and inconvenient replacement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed threshold voltage components with programmable logic that can dynamically adjust the threshold voltage based on stored configuration data. The discharge circuit transitions from a static component-based threshold setting to a dynamic software-configurable threshold, allowing flexible adjustment without physical component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the threshold voltage parameter through programmable logic instead of changing physical components. The system stores threshold voltage values in memory and loads them into comparison logic, enabling parameter adjustment through data modification rather than hardware replacement.
2Speed
If a conventional discharge circuit is used, then the structure is simple, but the power discharge speed is slow when the power supply is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple threshold voltage values in memory before the discharge operation is needed. When power is turned off and discharge is required, the system can immediately load and use the pre-stored threshold values without delay, enabling fast discharge response while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (programmable logic and memory) between the power supply and the discharge circuit. This intermediary layer enables faster discharge control by providing programmable threshold comparison and control signals, achieving rapid discharge without significantly complicating the overall circuit structure.
3Reliability
If the threshold voltage is not adjusted, then the circuit structure remains simple, but operation errors occur due to residual voltage in the capacitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the programmable threshold voltage comparison to determine when discharge should occur and when it should stop. The system continuously monitors the capacitor voltage against the programmable threshold and controls the discharge transistor accordingly, ensuring reliable operation by preventing errors from residual voltage while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure through software-based control.
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 programmable discharge circuit efficiently discharges power stored in capacitors within voltage regulators when the power supply is off, allowing for convenient threshold voltage adjustments, reducing operational errors and costs by ensuring rapid voltage drop to zero.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable voltage controller, a detect circuit, and a discharge circuit. The programmable voltage controller selects and provides a threshold voltage by a voltage divider including a plurality of impedance components
Implementation Method 2
The discharge circuit includes a MOS transistor and a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, and discharges the working voltage when the working voltage is less than the threshold voltage
Implementation Method 3
The discharge circuit includes a MOS transistor and a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, and discharges the working voltage when the working voltage is less than the threshold voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable power discharge circuit and a method of discharging power are provided. The programmable power discharge circuit includes a programmable voltage controller, a detect circuit, and a discharge circuit. The programmable voltage controller selects and provides a threshold voltage by a voltage divider including a plurality of impedance components. The detect circuit detects a difference between the threshold voltage and a working voltage to decide whether the working voltage is discharged.