Switching Power Supply Terminal Reduction via Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching power-supply devices require a large number of terminals to achieve multiple functions, which is inefficient and not addressed in previous designs like JP 2008-211881 A.
Innovation Solution
A switching power-supply device with an integrated circuit that includes a switching element, a driving circuit, a voltage detection circuit, a timing control circuit, and a control unit, allowing for voltage detection and control without the need for additional terminals, enabling multiple functions with a reduced number of terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control circuit with multiple functions is constructed as an integrated circuit with many terminals, then various functions can be realized, but the number of terminals increases making the device complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single terminal to perform multiple functions through different detection timings. The voltage detection circuit detects different voltages at different timings controlled by the timing control circuit, allowing one terminal to provide information for multiple control functions (output voltage control, switching element control, etc.), thereby reducing the total number of terminals needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection timing variable rather than fixed. The timing control circuit dynamically adjusts when the voltage detection circuit samples the terminal voltage based on the operating state, enabling the same terminal to provide different voltage information at different times for different control purposes, thus reducing terminal requirements while maintaining functional versatility
2Measurement precision
If voltage detection is performed continuously, then accurate voltage control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing voltage detection at specific intervals and timings rather than continuously. The timing control circuit controls the voltage detection circuit to detect voltage only at predetermined timings when the switching element is in specific states (on-state or off-state), achieving necessary measurement precision while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting voltage at specific timings before certain operations occur. The timing control circuit is configured to detect voltage at predetermined timings that precede or coincide with critical switching events, ensuring accurate voltage information is available when needed for control decisions without requiring continuous monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A switching power-supply device performs a control of an output voltage by switching operation of a switching element and has an integrated circuit including the switching element and a driving circuit for performing on-and-off control of the switching element. The integrated circuit includes an input terminal connected to the switching element, a voltage detection circuit, which detects a voltage of the input terminal, a timing control circuit, which controls a timing of detecting the voltage by the voltage detection circuit, and a control unit, which performs a control according to the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit.