RTC Power Supply with Regulator and Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supplies for real-time clock generation in advanced semiconductor technologies face challenges in providing sufficient power to RTC circuits without exceeding their low voltage endurance, as system power voltages are typically higher than the voltage limits of these circuits.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system that includes a rechargeable battery recharged by system power, an energy storage device, and a switch, where the switch is turned on when system power is available and off when it's not, ensuring continuous power to the RTC generator, with a second regulator providing a regulated voltage until the energy storage device's power is insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If system power voltage is used to power RTC circuits, then power availability is ensured, but voltage exceeds the low voltage endurance of core devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidvoltage exceeding endurance limit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A voltage regulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the system power source and the RTC circuit. The regulator steps down the higher system power voltage to a lower voltage that matches the RTC circuit's voltage endurance requirements, thereby enabling safe power delivery without direct connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage parameter of the power supply is transformed from the original system power voltage level to a reduced voltage level suitable for the RTC circuit. This parameter change is achieved through voltage regulation, allowing the system to adapt the power characteristics to match the load requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If battery power is used as redundant power supply, then power continuity is maintained, but power supply duration is insufficient in advanced semiconductor technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower continuityVSAvoidpower supply duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device is pre-charged during normal operation when system power is available. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that sufficient power is stored in advance to sustain the RTC circuit for an extended period when system power fails, going beyond what a standard battery can provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system merges two energy storage mechanisms: a rechargeable battery for long-term energy storage and an additional energy storage device for immediate backup power. This combination provides both power continuity and extended duration, addressing the limitations of using either component alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If switch is added to control power routing, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A switch is introduced to dynamically route power between the system power source and the battery based on operational conditions. When system power is available, the switch connects the RTC to system power; when system power fails, the switch transitions to connect the battery, providing adaptive power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution extends the duration of power supply to the RTC generator when system power is unavailable, particularly beneficial in advanced semiconductor technologies by maintaining operation even when battery power is interrupted, with improved longevity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage device, and a switch. The first regulator receives a system power and generates a first regulated voltage when the system power is available. The energy storage device is coupled to a node.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS7728459B2Power supply for real-time clock generation

Publication Date: 2010.06.01 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A power supply. The power supply provides power to a real-time clock generator when system power is not available and comprises first and second regulators, an energy storage device, and a switch. The first regulator receives a system power and generates a first regulated voltage when the system power is available. The energy storage device is coupled to a node. The second regulator comprises an input coupled to the node and provides a second regulated voltage to a real-time clock generator. The switch is coupled between the first regulator and the node. The switch is turned on when the system power is available and turned off when the system power is not available.