Segmented Power Path Switch for Battery Charger Voltage Drop Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charger circuitry inefficiencies, particularly in the implementation and control of the power path switch, lead to unnecessary power consumption and reduced battery life due to excessive voltage requirements during charging and discharging cycles.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger circuit with a segmented power path switch and advanced control circuitry that minimizes voltage drops and current overshoots, using multiple controllable transistor segments and precise error amplifiers to manage charging and discharging efficiently, and incorporates protection mechanisms for short circuit conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power path switch is used to control battery charging, then the circuit structure is simple, but voltage drops and current overshoots occur leading to power wastage and reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The power path switch is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (first power path switch segment, second power path switch segment, etc.). Each segment can be controlled separately to optimize current flow paths, reducing voltage drops and power losses while maintaining precise control over charging current.
2Device complexity
If a single power path switch is used, then the control circuit is simple, but battery life is reduced due to excessive voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented power path switch enables more precise control over voltage distribution during charging. By independently managing current through different segments, the system can maintain optimal voltage levels that extend battery life while avoiding excessive voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Error amplifier circuitry is employed to provide feedback control, monitoring voltage and current conditions and adjusting the power path switch segments accordingly. This ensures optimal charging parameters are maintained, reducing stress on the battery and extending its operational life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If minimal voltage management is used, then power consumption is high, but circuit complexity increases with advanced control
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented architecture allows the circuit to achieve advanced power management functionality without requiring a completely complex control system. Each segment can be controlled independently with relatively simple control logic, distributing the complexity across multiple manageable components rather than requiring one complex centralized controller.
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 reduces power wastage, extends battery life by optimizing voltage management and current control, while ensuring safe operation during charging and potential short circuit events.
Implementation Method 1
A battery charger circuit with a segmented power path switch and advanced control circuitry that minimizes voltage drops and current overshoots
Implementation Method 2
using multiple controllable transistor segments and precise error amplifiers to manage charging and discharging efficiently
Implementation Method 3
incorporates protection mechanisms for short circuit conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charger circuit having a regulator controller configured to control the switching transistors of a switching voltage regulator. A power path switch is disposed intermediate an output of the switching voltage regulator and a terminal of a battery to be charged, with the power path switch including at least two transistor segments having common respective drain electrodes, common respective source electrodes and separate respective gate electrodes. A power path switch controller operates to sequentially turn ON the at least two transistor segments of the power path switch, preferably in the order of a decreasing ON resistance.