Switching Power Supply Voltage Threshold Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices require power management to maximize battery autonomy, and existing DC-DC buck converters consume significant power due to high quiescent current and have complex designs unsuitable for small form factors.
Innovation Solution
A switching power supply with a buck converter incorporating a voltage threshold indicator that provides a temperature-compensated control signal to manage the on-off switching cycle, allowing the power switch to alternate between states based on output voltage thresholds, and a feedback loop with a memory device for regulating output voltage, reducing quiescent current and circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a power consumption reduction approach is used by momentarily switching off the controller under light load conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but the quiescent current remains significant (1 μA to 15 μA) and the design becomes complex with large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching between continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) based on real-time monitoring of output current or voltage. This dynamic adaptation allows the converter to optimize its performance and power consumption characteristics according to load conditions, achieving low quiescent current without requiring complex control circuitry or large footprint components
2Stability of the object's composition
If the switching converter operates in continuous conduction mode to maintain stable output voltage, then output stability is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous switching activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) based on load conditions. Under light load conditions, it transitions to DCM where the inductor current reaches zero during the switching cycle, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate output voltage stability through appropriate control of the switching frequency and duty cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching with variable frequency operation. By adjusting the switching frequency based on load demands and operating mode (CCM/DCM), the system achieves efficient power conversion with reduced losses. The periodic nature of switching combined with mode adaptation allows the system to balance between output stability and power consumption efficiency
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 significantly reduces power consumption and circuit size, making it suitable for wearable devices by dynamically controlling the switching converter based on temperature-compensated voltage thresholds, thereby enhancing battery life and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage threshold indicator being adapted to provide a temperature compensated voltage threshold
Implementation Method 2
a switching converter for providing an output voltage comprising a power switch coupled to a driver for driving the power switch with an on-off switching cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply is disclosed. The power supply includes a switching converter for providing an output voltage comprising a power switch coupled to a driver for driving the power switch with an on-off switching cycle; and a voltage threshold indicator. The voltage threshold indicator includes an input for receiving an output of the converter, and an output coupled to the driver. The voltage threshold indicator is adapted to provide a temperature compensated voltage threshold, and a control signal to control the on-off switching cycle. The control signal is adapted such that when the output voltage exceeds the temperature compensated voltage threshold, a value of the control signal changes.