Switched-mode power supply stepped reference voltage control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched-mode power supplies face inefficiencies in managing capacitor discharge during mode transitions, leading to power loss and uncertainty in output voltage states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switched-mode power supply with a high impedance state during specific operating phases allows capacitors to discharge into loads, optimizing power usage and reducing losses by controlling switches and reference voltages through comparators and state machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the switched-mode power supply operates with continuous switching between charging and discharging phases, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but output voltage uncertainty and power loss increase during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply performs preliminary action by pre-charging the output capacitor to the target voltage level before the discharging phase begins. This is achieved through the charging phase where the switch connects the voltage source to the capacitor, ensuring the capacitor is ready to discharge at the precise moment needed. The control circuit anticipates the mode transition and prepares the capacitor in advance, eliminating voltage uncertainty during the switch-over between charging and discharging phases.
2Loss of energy
If the capacitor discharges into the load during the second operating phase, then power loss is reduced by utilizing stored energy, but output voltage stability becomes uncertain during the transition from first to second phase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage across the output capacitor and adjusting the switching timing and duration accordingly. The circuit detects when the capacitor voltage reaches the target level during charging and automatically triggers the mode transition to discharging. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise voltage control and stability during the transition between charging and discharging phases, eliminating the uncertainty that would otherwise occur during mode switching.
3Productivity
If multiple switches are used to control the charging and discharging phases, then power management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple switches into a unified control architecture. The control circuit integrates the timing, switching, and coordination of all switches into a single control unit that manages the entire charging-d discharging cycle. This consolidation reduces the complexity of individual switch control while maintaining the efficiency benefits of multiple switches, as the unified controller optimizes the overall power management sequence and coordination.
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 ensures efficient power management by utilizing capacitor energy during discharge into loads, minimizing power loss and stabilizing output voltages, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of switched-mode power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected to the output node of the switched-mode power supply at least partially discharges into a load
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a switched-mode power supply having a first operating phase during which the output node of the switched-mode power supply is coupled by an on switch to a source of a first reference voltage. The first operating phase is followed by a second operation phase during which the output node of the switched-mode power supply is in a high impedance state. While in the second operating phase, a capacitor connected to the output node of the switched-mode power supply at least partially discharges into a load.