Switched Multi-Range Current Measurement for Power Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems in electronic devices lack precise measurement of current and efficiency, which affects performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A current and efficiency determination circuit with precision current measurement devices and a switch circuit controlled by a controller to selectively activate subsets within their operating range, allowing precise current measurement and efficiency determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single precision current measurement device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for the full operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The current measurement circuit is segmented into multiple precision current measurement devices, each responsible for a specific operating range. The controller divides the total current measurement task among multiple devices, allowing each device to operate within its optimal range while collectively covering the full operating spectrum, thus achieving high precision without requiring a single overly complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific precision current measurement devices based on the current operating conditions. The controller adjusts which devices are active depending on the current level, ensuring that the appropriate measurement device is always in use for the current operating range, thereby maintaining high measurement precision across varying conditions
2Measurement precision
If multiple precision current measurement devices are used simultaneously, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases due to all devices being active
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically activates only the necessary subset of precision current measurement devices based on the current operating range. When the total current falls within a specific range, only the corresponding measurement device is activated, while others remain inactive. This dynamic activation strategy maintains high measurement precision by ensuring the active device is operating in its optimal range, while minimizing power consumption by keeping unnecessary devices dormant
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards (deactivates) precision current measurement devices that are not needed for the current operating range, and recovers (activates) them only when their specific operating range is required. This on-demand activation approach ensures that measurement precision is maintained when needed while reducing overall power consumption by keeping unused devices in a low-power state
3Device complexity
If the precision current measurement devices operate outside their respective operating range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each precision current measurement device is designed with specific local quality characteristics optimized for its designated operating range. The controller assigns each device to a specific current range where it can operate with optimal precision. By ensuring that each device operates only within its specialized range rather than requiring all devices to handle all ranges, the system maintains high measurement accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (which specific devices are active) based on the current operating conditions. When the total current changes, the controller adjusts which measurement devices are active, ensuring that the active devices are operating within their optimal parameter ranges. This parameter adjustment strategy maintains measurement precision across different operating conditions without requiring fixed complex circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining current and efficiency are provided. A current measurement circuit includes a plurality of precision current measurement devices. Each of the precision current measurement devices has a respective operating range and is configured to be coupled to a voltage converter via a second input power. A switch circuit includes a plurality of switches. One end of each of the plurality of switches is connected to a respective one of the plurality of precision current measurement devices and an other end of each of the plurality of switches is connected to a first input power. A controller is electrically coupled to the current measurement circuit and the switch circuit. The controller is configured to selectively close the plurality of switches to place a subset of the plurality of precision current measurement devices in an active mode such that each of the subset of the plurality of precision current measurement devices is within the respective operating range and to determine a total current at the second input power.