Regulator Switching Circuit for Variable-Load Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple regulators face inefficiencies due to fixed connections between regulators and loads, leading to suboptimal operation when current magnitudes vary, as they fail to adjust connections for maximum efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching circuit that allows selective connection of regulators to loads based on identified operation conditions, enabling the processor to choose the most efficient regulator for each load, thereby optimizing power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If regulators are fixedly connected to loads in a one-to-one correspondence manner, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the regulators cannot operate under optimal conditions when current magnitude varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching circuit that allows regulators to be selectively connected to different loads based on real-time current magnitude requirements. The switching circuit enables the system to transition from static fixed connections to dynamic reconfigurable connections, optimizing regulator operation efficiency by matching regulator output capabilities with actual load demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power distribution architecture where any regulator can potentially serve any load through the switching circuit. This multi-functional connection system allows regulators to adapt their service scope based on operational conditions, enabling a single regulator to efficiently serve multiple loads across different current ranges rather than being permanently assigned to a single load.
2Device complexity
If regulators are fixedly connected to loads, then the device complexity is low, but the operational efficiency of regulators deteriorates when current magnitude varies
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the power distribution system, allowing the connection topology to change based on operational requirements. This enables the system to optimize regulator efficiency by selecting appropriate regulator-load pairings according to current magnitude, transforming a static low-complexity system into a dynamic one with improved operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of current magnitude requirements before establishing regulator-load connections. The switching circuit is pre-configured with multiple connection paths, and the control logic evaluates load requirements in advance to select the most efficient regulator pairing, preventing suboptimal operation rather than correcting it after the fact.
3Loss of energy
If switching circuit is added to selectively connect regulators to loads, then regulator operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit serves as an intermediary component between regulators and loads, mediating the connection relationships to optimize power delivery. This intermediary layer enables efficient regulator-load matching without requiring direct complex integration between each regulator and load, centralizing the complexity in the switching mechanism while maintaining simplicity in the regulator and load designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit implementation uses standardized switch elements that can be replicated in a modular fashion. Rather than designing complex custom connection logic for each regulator-load pair, the system uses repeated instances of basic switching units controlled by a centralized algorithm, reducing overall system complexity through standardization and modularity.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If switching circuit is implemented to dynamically adjust connections, then power management is optimized and battery life is extended, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously, with the switching circuit and control logic automatically assessing current requirements and selecting optimal regulator-load connections without user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of dynamic reconfiguration, allowing users to benefit from extended battery life and optimized power delivery while the system handles the operational complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current magnitude and load requirements, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust regulator connections through the switching circuit. This closed-loop control ensures that the system maintains optimal efficiency under varying operational conditions, automatically adapting to changes in power demands without requiring manual reconfiguration by the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a plurality of loads, at least one processor, a plurality of regulators configured to adjust a voltage of power received from a power source and output the adjusted power, and a switching circuit configured to connect at least one of the plurality of regulators to at least one of the plurality of loads. The at least one processor is configured to identify a load to which power is to be supplied among the plurality of loads, select at least one regulator among the plurality of regulators connectable to the identified load, and control the switching circuit to connect the at least one selected regulator to the identified load.