PWM Power Controller for Timed Overpower Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched mode power supplies face challenges in effectively managing over power events, as existing protection methods often trigger unnecessary responses when high power is required for short durations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A power controller with a pulse-width-modulation signal, first and second oscillators, and an over power detector is used to determine the cycle time and maximum duration of over power events, constantly switching off the power switch when the event exceeds the maximum duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing protection methods trigger responses when high power is required, then over power protection is activated, but unnecessary protection responses occur during short-duration peak power needs
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system dynamically adjusts its response based on the duration of the over power event. The controller distinguishes between temporary peak power demands (short duration) and sustained over power conditions (long duration), allowing peak power output while protecting against prolonged over power events that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a maximum duration threshold for over power events before triggering protection responses. This preliminary setting allows the system to tolerate brief peak power demands while automatically activating protection if the over power condition persists beyond the predetermined time limit.
2Reliability
If protection responses are triggered frequently, then device safety is maintained, but switching losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum duration threshold is predetermined and stored in the controller before operation begins. This preliminary configuration prevents unnecessary protection responses during normal peak power operations, thereby reducing frequent switching events and associated energy losses while maintaining device safety.
3Measurement precision
If the power supply continuously monitors power levels, then over power events are detected accurately, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential monitoring function needed for over power detection, focusing on detecting the duration of over power events rather than continuously analyzing all power parameters. This simplified approach maintains detection accuracy while reducing system complexity by concentrating on the critical timing aspect of over power protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A power controller with over power protection is disclosed, capable of providing a pulse-width-modulation signal to control a power switch. The power controller comprises a pulse width modulator, first and second oscillators, and an over power detector. The pulse width modulator generates the pulse-width-modulation signal. The first oscillator is coupled to the pulse width modulator, for determining a cycle time of the pulse-width-modulation signal. The second oscillator, independent from the first oscillator, determines a maximum over power duration. The over power detector detects the occurrence of an over power event. When the over power event lasts for the maximum over power duration, the pulse-width-modulation signal switches OFF the power switch constantly.