Switching Power Supply Circuit Audible Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching power supply circuits experience a buzzing noise due to switching frequencies within the audible range during the power-on mode, in addition to the standby mode.

Innovation Solution

A switching power supply circuit with a control circuit that adjusts the current-to-voltage ratio for a photocoupler to control the switching operation, ensuring the switching frequency is outside the audible range in both standby and power-on modes by using a first and second rectifier circuit, a switching transformer, and a photocoupler for feedback control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is reduced in standby mode, then power consumption and transformer buzz are reduced, but the switching frequency may fall within the audible range causing noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransformer buzz
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the switching frequency adjustable based on operational mode. The control circuit dynamically changes the switching frequency between a first frequency (lower) in standby mode and a second frequency (higher) in power-on mode, allowing optimization of both power consumption and noise characteristics for each mode without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter between two distinct values depending on operational mode. In standby mode, a lower frequency reduces power consumption and transformer buzz, while in power-on mode, a higher frequency prevents audible noise. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and noise reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the switching frequency is increased to avoid audible noise in power-on mode, then noise is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudible noiseVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on the operational mode of the power supply. During power-on mode, a higher frequency eliminates audible noise, while during standby mode, a lower frequency reduces power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both noise and energy characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic switching between two frequency regimes corresponding to different operational modes. The control circuit periodically monitors the operational state and switches between the first (lower) and second (higher) frequencies, creating a periodic action pattern that optimizes performance for each mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution effectively reduces noise in the switching transformer across both operational modes, maintaining low power consumption and minimizing audible noise in audio systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first rectifier circuit configured to rectify the AC power and convert the AC power to a direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a switching transformer including a primary coil supplied with the current switched by the switching operator, and a secondary coil inducing power corresponding to the current supplied to the primary coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a second rectifier circuit configured to rectify the power induced by the secondary coil of the switching transformer and output the DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 4

a photocoupler configured to feed back a signal from a secondary side to a primary side in accordance with a flowing current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2804303B1Switching power supply circuit
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2804303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2804303B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2804303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switching power supply circuit (101) includes a first rectifier circuit (102) converting an alternate current to a direct current, a switching operator (20), a switching transformer (103) including a primary coil supplied with a switched current and a secondary coil inducing power corresponding to the current, a second rectifier circuit (30) rectifying the power induced by the secondary coil, and a control circuit (40) changing a ratio of a current flowing to a photocoupler (107) to an output voltage from the second rectifier circuit (30) in a standby mode and in a power-on mode to reduce a noise of the switching transformer in each of the modes.