Switching Power Supply Counter for Energy Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices using switching power supplies, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in complying with power usage limits and detecting malfunctions without the capability to accurately measure power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a power supply controlled by a control unit operating on a fixed frequency clock, which determines whether to enable power transfer based on voltage comparisons, using counters or timers to measure power consumption and adjust duty cycles accordingly, allowing for precise measurement and regulation of power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If switching power supplies are used to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the capability to measure and comply with power usage limits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counter as an intermediary device that indirectly measures power consumption by counting the number of times the switch is enabled. This counter acts as a mediator between the switching power supply operation and the power measurement requirement, providing a practical solution for devices that cannot directly measure power while using switching power supplies for efficiency.
2Power
If the switch is enabled frequently to meet power demand, then power delivery capability is improved, but the risk of transformer saturation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the counter monitors the number of switch enablings and this information is fed back to the control logic. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust the duty cycle, reducing the switch enabling frequency when the counter indicates high activity, thereby preventing transformer saturation while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the duty cycle dynamic by adjusting it based on the counter value. The control unit dynamically modifies the switching behavior, enabling the system to adapt to varying power demands while preventing excessive switch enablings that could lead to transformer saturation, thus balancing power delivery and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a switching power supply circuit are disclosed wherein the number of times that a switch of the circuit is enabled is counted.