Semiconductor Power Supply with Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices with different drive voltages face instability during startup when powered by a solar panel, as the time for the solar panel's output voltage to reach the required drive voltage fluctuates, leading to overcharging and the need for complex circuits to manage current and voltage differences.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with an input terminal, a power source section, a switch, and a voltage regulator that controls the connection to a power source supply terminal, using diodes or other components to regulate voltage and manage power supply, allowing startup without a complex circuit configuration even when the input voltage is below the predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solar panel is used as the power source for semiconductor devices, then cost is reduced and renewable energy is utilized, but the startup time becomes unstable and overcharging occurs during drive transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the control semiconductor device with a capacitor that is charged in advance during periods when power supply voltage is stable. This stored energy is then used during drive transition periods when the solar panel voltage is insufficient, preventing overcharging and enabling stable startup of driven semiconductor devices without requiring complex circuit modifications.
2Reliability
If a complex circuit is added to execute startup control during drive transition, then startup stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the control semiconductor device's existing capacitor, which is already part of its normal operation. The capacitor automatically charges when power supply voltage is stable and discharges during drive transition, providing startup control stability without requiring any additional complex circuits or external intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive voltage of the control semiconductor device is higher than the driven semiconductor device, then voltage regulation is needed, but adding a regulator increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the voltage regulation function with the existing capacitor in the control semiconductor device. The capacitor serves dual purposes: it acts as an energy storage element for startup stability and simultaneously functions as a voltage regulation mechanism during drive transition, eliminating the need for separate complex regulator circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including an input terminal to which a power source, for which the time until a voltage equal or greater than a predetermined voltage value is output fluctuates according to an external environment, is connected, a power source section to which the input terminal supplies power from the power source, a power source supply terminal that supplies power to a driven semiconductor device, a switch that controls a connection between the power source section and the power source supply terminal, and a voltage regulator to which the input terminal supplies power from the power source, and that supplies a voltage to the power source supply terminal is provided.