Switching Controller Circuit Analog Digital Mode Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching controller circuits for power converters consume high power in standby mode due to the operation of a single microcontroller and require additional analog components, increasing cost and hardware dependency, which limits flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A switching controller circuit that toggles between analog and digital control modes using an analog control circuit, a digital control circuit, a clock enable circuit, and a digital PWM circuit, allowing the processing circuit to operate only in the mode that consumes less power, thereby reducing overall power consumption and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single microcontroller is used to control both full-operation mode and standby mode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power consumption in standby mode increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is segmented into two distinct control circuits: an analog control circuit for standby mode and a digital control circuit for full-operation mode. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, with the analog circuit consuming minimal power during standby operations while the digital circuit handles complex control tasks during full operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between analog and digital control circuits based on operational mode. A mode switching mechanism determines which circuit is active, allowing the controller to adapt its power consumption characteristics to the current operational requirements, thereby reducing overall power usage while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If analog components are added to control burst mode in standby, then the power consumption in standby mode is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analog control circuit integrates multiple functions (burst mode control, PWM generation, and mode switching) into a single unified circuit designed specifically for standby operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate analog components while achieving low power consumption, as the analog circuit is purpose-built to handle all standby control requirements without requiring additional discrete components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If analog components such as PWM generator and burst flip-flop are used, then the power consumption is reduced, but the flexibility and adaptability of the controller decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The analog control circuit is designed as a universal controller for standby mode that can adapt to different power consumption requirements and operational conditions. While dedicated to analog operation, it incorporates programmable elements and mode switching capabilities that allow it to adjust its behavior based on system requirements, maintaining flexibility within the constraints of low-power analog operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10027219B1Switching controller circuit
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 NXP USA INC
  • US10027219B1 patent drawing
  • US10027219B1 patent drawing
  • US10027219B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A switching controller circuit for a power converter includes analog and digital control circuits, a clock enable circuit, and a digital pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit. When the power converter is in a standby mode, the switching controller circuit operates in an analog control mode by activating the analog control circuit. When the power converter is not in standby mode, the switching controller circuit activates the digital control circuit and operates in a digital control mode. The switching controller circuit uses inexpensive electronic components and consumes less power in the analog control mode, thereby reducing standby mode power consumption.