Switching Regulator Energy Saving Circuit Light Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching regulators face significant energy losses and acoustic noise issues under light and no load conditions due to high switching frequencies, which are not effectively managed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A switching regulator design that includes a feedback unit to generate a feedback signal for load conditions, a first control unit to output an oscillation and energy saving signal, and a second control unit to adjust the switching signal's off-time and disable circuits during low load conditions, preventing acoustic noise by disabling the switching signal before it enters the audio band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the switching frequency is increased to reduce the size of the magnetic component, then the magnetic component size is reduced, but the power loss increases under light load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on load conditions. Under light load conditions, the switching frequency is reduced to minimize power loss, while under heavy load conditions, the switching frequency is increased to reduce magnetic component size. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between magnetic component size and power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter according to load conditions. By varying this critical parameter, the system optimizes both magnetic component size and power loss performance, resolving the technical contradiction between these two parameters.
2Loss of energy
If the switching frequency is reduced to save energy under light load conditions, then the power loss is reduced, but acoustic noise occurs when the frequency falls into the audio band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the switching frequency parameter to remain outside the audio band (typically 20Hz-20kHz) even when reduced for energy saving. By selecting appropriate frequency ranges, the system achieves power loss reduction without generating acoustic noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching frequency is dynamically adjusted to balance energy saving and noise avoidance. The system transitions between different frequency operating points, ensuring the frequency remains below the audio band during light load conditions to prevent acoustic noise while still achieving energy savings.
3Loss of energy
If the off-time is increased to reduce switching frequency and power loss, then the power consumption is reduced, but the switching period increases which may affect regulation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The off-time is dynamically adjusted based on load conditions and feedback signals. Under light load conditions, the off-time is increased to reduce switching frequency and power consumption. Under heavy load conditions, the off-time is decreased to maintain regulation performance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and regulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback signals to continuously monitor the output voltage and adjust the off-time accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that regulation performance is maintained even when the off-time is increased to reduce power consumption, resolving the technical contradiction between these two parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching regulator having an energy saving circuit and an energy saving method is provided to improve the system efficiency under light load conditions. A first control unit outputs an oscillation signal and an energy saving signal in response to the variation of a feedback signal. A second control unit receives the feedback signal and the oscillation signal to output a switching signal to control a switch. An off-time of the switching signal is increased in response to a decrement of the load. The energy saving signal is applied to turn off the switch and the circuits of the switching regulator needn't to work during the off-time of the switching signal for saving energy under light load conditions.