Synchronous Rectifier Pin Multiplexing for Load-Adaptive Power Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current switching power supplies lack communication between synchronous rectifier circuits and protocol circuits, preventing the synchronous rectifier chip from adjusting its working mode based on load demands, resulting in high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A signal transmission circuit is established between the protocol circuit and the synchronous rectifier circuit, allowing for communication and control of the synchronous rectifier chip's working mode based on load demands, utilizing a switching circuit and signal identification circuit to adjust the mode and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a synchronous rectifier circuit is added to reduce conduction loss, then conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduction lossVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the synchronous rectifier circuit and protocol circuit into a single integrated chip structure, merging previously separate functional blocks. This integration reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of synchronous rectification, directly addressing the contradiction between reduced conduction loss and increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If communication between synchronous rectifier circuit and protocol circuit is established, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the communication interface and control logic directly into the synchronous rectifier chip, merging the previously separate synchronous rectifier circuit and protocol circuit. This allows the chip to receive protocol signals and automatically adjust its working mode without requiring external communication infrastructure, thereby reducing power consumption while avoiding additional device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the synchronous rectifier chip receives detection signals from the protocol circuit about load conditions and adjusts its working mode accordingly. This feedback loop enables dynamic power management, allowing the chip to enter low-power states when loads are light, thus reducing overall power consumption without significantly increasing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4465516A1A synchronous rectifier chip pin multiplexing technology
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 DIODES INC
  • EP4465516A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4465516A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4465516A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A switching power supply is provided. The switching power supply may include: a protocol circuit disposed on a secondary side of the switching power supply and configured to detect a power supply demand of a load device connected to the protocol circuit; a synchronous rectifier circuit disposed on the secondary side of the switching power supply and configured to control a rectifier power tube; and a signal transmission circuit disposed between the protocol circuit and the synchronous rectifier circuit and configured to transmit a signal between the protocol circuit and the synchronous rectifier circuit.