Programmable Micro Power Supply for Vehicle Standby Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in providing the correct standby voltage to microcontrollers with different SRAM requirements, as they often require specific voltages, necessitating multiple micro power supplies and manual matching during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A programmable micro power supply with a power conversion circuit and control circuit that communicates with microcontrollers via a communication link to adjust the output voltage independently, allowing for dynamic voltage adjustment based on the specific requirements of each microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple micro power supplies are used to accommodate different voltage requirements, then the correct standby voltage can be provided to each microcontroller, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micro power supply is designed with a programmable control circuit that can be configured through communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART) to output different standby voltages. This allows a single power supply device to serve multiple microcontrollers with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated power supplies while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply utilizes adjustable voltage parameters through digital communication programming. The control circuit can change its output voltage parameter based on received commands, enabling it to adapt to different microcontroller requirements dynamically without physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-voltage power supplies.
2Reliability
If manual matching is performed during manufacturing, then the proper voltage can be supplied, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micro power supply includes an automated configuration capability where the microcontroller can communicate its voltage requirements to the power supply through standard communication protocols. The power supply then automatically configures its output voltage without requiring manual intervention, eliminating time-consuming manual matching processes while ensuring accurate voltage pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the microcontroller communicates its standby voltage requirements to the power supply through bidirectional communication interfaces. This feedback loop enables automatic voltage configuration, replacing manual matching with an automated information-exchange process that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If a single micro power supply is used for multiple control systems, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide correct voltage to each microcontroller is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply transitions from a static fixed-voltage design to a dynamic programmable design. The control circuit can change its output voltage dynamically based on communication with different microcontrollers, allowing a single power supply to adapt to multiple voltage requirements without physical reconfiguration, thus maintaining both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply employs adjustable voltage parameters that can be modified through digital communication. This parameter change capability enables a single power supply device to provide different voltage levels to different microcontrollers, achieving both device simplicity and configuration flexibility simultaneously.
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 the provision of the correct standby voltage to various microcontrollers without the need for multiple power supplies, ensuring data integrity and efficient operation by dynamically adjusting the output voltage based on the microcontroller's requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving system flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion circuit having a power supply input and a converted power output
Implementation Method 2
a control circuit coupled to the power conversion circuit and operable to control a conversion rate of the power conversion circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a micro power supply in a vehicle includes a processor on the micro power supply communicating with a processor on a microcontroller via a communication link. The communication includes a desired output voltage of the programmable micro power supply. In response to the communicated desired output voltage, the programmable micro power supply adjusts an output voltage of a power converter to be the desired output voltage.