Wireless Receiver Rectifier Current Limited Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power receivers face issues with overvoltage conditions that can cause electrical stress and interfere with bi-directional communications, existing overvoltage protection methods either cause heating, disrupt communication, or lead to catastrophic damage due to large currents.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power circuit utilizing high-side and low-side transistors as current sources, with programmable current sources for controlled power dissipation during overvoltage events, allowing for continuous energy delivery and communication while preventing excessive voltages and currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If overvoltage protection circuits are implemented in wireless power receivers, then electrical stress on components is reduced, but bi-directional communications between transmitter and receiver are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against electrical stressVSAvoidbi-directional communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the overvoltage protection circuit is designed to distinguish between communication signals and actual overvoltage conditions. The circuit acts as a mediator that allows communication signals to pass through while blocking harmful overvoltage transients, thus protecting components without interfering with normal bi-directional communications between transmitter and receiver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection circuit is designed with local quality by implementing different protection characteristics for different signal types. The circuit selectively responds to voltage characteristics - allowing communication voltage levels to pass while clamping or blocking excessive voltage spikes, thereby providing localized protection only where and when needed without affecting overall communication functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing overvoltage protection methods are used, then voltage stress is reduced, but heating occurs and power transfer efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against overvoltageVSAvoidheating and power transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by using pulsed or cyclic protection mechanisms rather than continuous clamping. The overvoltage protection circuit operates in periodic cycles, activating only when overvoltage conditions are detected and deactivating when normal conditions return, thereby minimizing continuous energy dissipation and reducing heating effects while maintaining protection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection circuit utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting its clamping voltage threshold and response characteristics based on operating conditions. The circuit changes its electrical parameters adaptively - maintaining high impedance under normal conditions to minimize power loss and switching to low impedance only when overvoltage is detected, thus reducing energy loss and heating while providing effective protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If overvoltage protection circuits are implemented, then component protection is improved, but large currents can still cause catastrophic damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidlarge currents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a preemptive current limiting mechanism that activates before catastrophic damage can occur. The overvoltage protection circuit includes integrated current sensing and limiting functionality that detects excessive current conditions early and immediately restricts current flow, preventing the development of hazardous current levels that could cause catastrophic component failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection circuit merges multiple protection functions into a single integrated solution that simultaneously addresses both overvoltage and overcurrent conditions. By combining voltage clamping, current limiting, and protection switching in one unified circuit architecture, the system provides comprehensive protection against both voltage stress and large currents without requiring separate protection circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively manages overvoltage conditions by dissipating excess power within the rectifier circuit, maintaining communication, and preventing system damage, while optimizing power transfer efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio.

Implementation Method 1

dissipating excess power within the rectifier circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10958154B2Wireless receiver rectifier low side current limited operation

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 INTEGRATED DEVICE TECH INC

AI summary

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a wireless power circuit is presented. In some embodiments, the wireless power circuit includes one or more high-side transistors; one or more low-side transistors coupled in series with the one or more high-side transistors, wherein the one or more low-side transistors can be controlled as current sources.