Power Switch Control Circuit for Firmware Update Power Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply devices communicable with a system through a switch face issues where they stop supplying power when the microcontroller unit transitions to a high-impedance state during firmware updates, failing to maintain a stable operating voltage and control the switch.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control circuit that transmits a second operating voltage to the switch, allowing it to remain turned on during firmware updates, ensuring continuous power supply, and utilizing a protection circuit to manage power delivery when not updating firmware or when overloaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the microcontroller unit transitions to high-impedance state during firmware update, then the firmware update can be performed, but the power supply to the system is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the microcontroller unit and the switch. This control circuit receives the control signal from the microcontroller unit and independently controls the switch using a second operating voltage, thereby mediating the power supply interruption issue during firmware updates
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply control function is segmented into two independent control paths: one controlled by the microcontroller unit for firmware updates, and another controlled by the control circuit for maintaining power supply. This segmentation allows independent operation of each control path
2Device complexity
If the microcontroller unit controls the switch directly, then the control is simple, but the power supply cannot be maintained during high-impedance state
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit serves as an intermediary that receives control signals from the microcontroller unit and independently manages the switch control. This intermediary structure adds complexity but enables reliable continuous power supply during firmware updates
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is prepared in advance to take over switch control when the microcontroller unit enters high-impedance state. The second operating voltage is readied beforehand to ensure immediate switch control without power interruption
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device communicable with a system and a method for supplying power to a system through a switch thereof are disclosed. The power supply device includes a switch, a microcontroller unit and a control circuit, and supplies power to the system through the switch. The microcontroller unit provides a first operating voltage to the switch through a first pin, and performs a firmware update procedure when the power supply device communicates with the system. The control circuit is coupled to the switch, and transmits a second operating voltage to the switch. When the microcontroller unit performs the firmware update procedure, the control circuit turns on the switch at least according to the second operating voltage, so that the power supply device does not stop supplying power to the system.