Multi-Output SLIC Power Supply with Capacitor Branches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SLIC power supply circuits, particularly in two-channel or multi-channel configurations, suffer from significant power loss due to inefficiencies in providing different voltage levels for subscriber terminals in active and standby modes when using single-output switching power converters.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output switching power converter is introduced, which generates an intermediate voltage signal and uses output branches with capacitors to provide distinct voltage levels to each channel, preventing discharge below a certain level, thereby reducing power loss by optimizing voltage levels for active and standby modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-output switching power converter is used to supply power to multiple channels, then device complexity is reduced, but power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into multiple independent output branches (first output branch with first capacitor, second output branch with second capacitor) that share a common switching power converter. Each branch can independently control voltage levels for different channels, allowing power to be supplied only to active channels rather than all channels simultaneously, thus reducing power loss while maintaining relatively simple overall circuit structure.
2Productivity
If different voltage levels are provided for active and standby modes, then operational efficiency is improved, but power loss increases due to continuous voltage maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically adjusts voltage levels in each output branch based on operational mode. During standby mode, capacitors are charged to high voltage levels (e.g., 48V). During active mode, the switching power converter maintains appropriate voltage levels only for active channels while allowing standby channel capacitors to discharge below their charged levels, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes voltage parameters dynamically - in standby mode, capacitors are charged to high voltage levels; in active mode, the switching power converter adjusts to provide appropriate voltage levels only to active channels. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between operational efficiency and power loss by adapting voltage levels to actual operational requirements.
3Loss of energy
If separate switching power converters are used for each channel, then power loss is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit merges multiple output branches (first output branch, second output branch) into a single switching power converter architecture. The switching power converter is configured to repeatedly set the signal level of an intermediate voltage signal to a high voltage level for a first time interval and to a low voltage level when the first time interval has elapsed, serving multiple channels through shared power conversion infrastructure while maintaining independent voltage control per channel through output capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching power converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple output branches simultaneously. It can charge first and second capacitors to high voltage levels during first time intervals, and prevent discharging below given low voltage levels when first time intervals have elapsed, thereby providing universal power supply capability across multiple channels with a single device.
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 significantly reduces power loss from over 2 watts to below 0.5 watts in scenarios where only one channel is active, while maintaining low component costs and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor (C1) having a first output node (N3), a second capacitor (C2) having a second output node (N4)
Implementation Method 2
preventing discharging of the first and second capacitors to voltage levels lower than a given low voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
A subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) is herein described. In accordance with one aspect of the present proffered solution, the SLIC includes a first interface circuit operably coupled to a first subscriber loop and a second interface circuit operably coupled to a second subscriber loop. The SLIC further includes a power supply circuit that is coupled to the first and second interface circuits to provide first and second output voltages to the respective interface circuits. The power supply circuit includes a switching power converter that is operably supplied with an input voltage and is configured to provide an intermediate voltage signal at an intermediate circuit node. At least a first and a second output branch are connected to the intermediate circuit node. Each output branch includes an output capacitor that is coupled to the intermediate circuit node and that provides an output voltage signal that depends on the intermediate voltage signal. The switching power converter is configured to repeatedly set the signal level of the intermediate voltage signal to a high voltage level for a first time interval and to a low voltage level when the first time interval has elapsed.