Shared Inductor Power Supply with Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel power supply devices face challenges with increased footprint and cost due to the need for multiple inductors, and existing methods struggle with responsiveness to load changes and complexity in circuit configuration.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device utilizing a single inductor with a switch control circuit and control circuits to distribute electrical power to multiple capacitors in a time-division manner, adjusting the charge and discharge periods based on output voltage errors to improve responsiveness and reduce switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductors are used to generate multiple output power supply voltages, then the power supply can provide multiple channels, but the footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor L0 that serves multiple output channels simultaneously. The inductor is coupled to multiple switches (SW1-SW4) and capacitors (Cp, Cn) that distribute power to different output voltages, eliminating the need for separate inductors for each channel and reducing overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The single inductor L0 performs multiple functions by being shared across different power supply channels. It charges and discharges to provide power to both positive and negative output voltages through time-division multiplexing controlled by the switch network, making one component serve universal power delivery purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductors are used to generate multiple output power supply voltages, then the power supply can provide multiple channels, but the cost of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple inductors into a single shared inductor L0 that serves multiple output channels. The inductor is coupled to multiple switches and capacitors that distribute power to different output voltages, reducing the quantity of inductors from multiple to one and thereby reducing part cost
3Area of stationary object
If existing methods use one inductor for multiple outputs, then footprint is reduced, but responsiveness to load changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the switch network (SW1-SW4) to adjust the distribution of inductor current to different output channels based on real-time load conditions. The control circuit monitors output voltages and dynamically modifies switching patterns to maintain optimal power delivery and voltage regulation across all channels despite load variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the control circuit monitors the output voltages from the shared inductor and adjusts the switching patterns accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power distribution is dynamically optimized based on actual load demands, maintaining fast responsiveness despite using a single inductor
4Area of stationary object
If existing methods use one inductor for multiple outputs, then footprint is reduced, but circuit configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution function into separate controlled stages: the shared inductor L0 is divided into multiple independent discharge paths, each controlled by dedicated switches (SW1-SW4) and capacitors (Cp, Cn). This segmentation allows each channel to be independently controlled while sharing the common inductor, managing complexity through modular functional breakdown
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 approach allows for improved responsiveness to load changes, increased current supply capacity, reduced switching losses, and a simpler circuit configuration, while downsizing components and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a switching cycle includes a charge period during which electrical power is charged into the inductor, and a discharge period during which the inductor discharges the charged electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device is responsive to load changes. The power supply device includes a switch control circuit, a charge control circuit, and a discharge control circuit. The switch control circuit controls switches so that electrical power is charged into an inductor, discharged from the inductor, and distributed to first and second capacitors in a time-division manner based on a switching cycle. The charge control circuit controls the amount of electrical power to be charged into the inductor based on a first amount of error between a first output power supply voltage and its target value and a second amount of error between a second output power supply voltage and its target value. The discharge control circuit controls a distribution ratio at which the electrical power discharged from the inductor is distributed to the first and second capacitors based on the ratio between the first and second amounts of error.