Switching Regulator Photo-Coupler Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching regulators with photo-couplers experience high power consumption during low load or no load conditions due to the current flowing through the photo-transistor and light-emitting diode, which is not efficiently managed by the existing pull-up resistance values.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a switching regulator design that dynamically adjusts the resistance value of the pull-up resistor or uses multiple reference voltages for the photo-coupler's pull-up resistor, allowing the switch to be turned ON or OFF based on the load quantity detected, thereby reducing the current through the photo-coupler and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed pull-up resistance value is used in the photo-coupler circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but power consumption is high during low load or no load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pull-up resistance value changeable based on load conditions. The control circuit switches between a first pull-up resistance value (for low load conditions) and a second pull-up resistance value (for normal load conditions), transforming the static resistance into a dynamic parameter that adapts to varying operational states, thereby reducing power consumption during low load while maintaining proper functionality during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the pull-up resistor based on detected load conditions. When the load is determined to be in a low load state, the control circuit selects the first pull-up resistance value; when in a normal load state, it selects the second pull-up resistance value. This parameter change approach directly addresses the power consumption issue by adjusting the resistance to match operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pull-up resistance value is reduced to lower power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but the current through the photo-transistor may fall below the dark current threshold affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameter based on operational conditions to balance power consumption and detection accuracy. By selecting appropriate resistance values from multiple options based on load detection, the system ensures that the photo-transistor current remains above the dark current threshold during normal operation while reducing power consumption during low load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the pull-up resistance value based on real-time load detection. The control circuit monitors load conditions and switches between different resistance values accordingly, ensuring that detection accuracy is maintained when needed while minimizing power consumption when the system is in low load states.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single pull-up resistance value is used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot efficiently manage power consumption across different load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resistance switching capability that allows the pull-up resistance to adapt to different load conditions. This is achieved by providing multiple pull-up resistors with different resistance values and using a control circuit to select the appropriate resistor based on detected load conditions, thereby enabling efficient power consumption management while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pull-up resistance circuit multi-functional by enabling it to serve different purposes under different operating conditions. The same pull-up resistance circuit can operate with high resistance values during low load conditions to minimize power consumption and with low resistance values during normal load conditions to ensure proper detection accuracy, thus achieving universal adaptability across different operational states.
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
This approach effectively reduces power consumption in the photo-coupler circuit by ensuring the current through the photo-transistor is always greater than the dark current, even during light loading states, while maintaining adequate detection of the DC output voltage.
Implementation Method 1
an output voltage detecting circuit including a photo-coupler for insulated detection of the DC output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A switching regulator can include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a switching circuit including a switching element that is connected in series to the primary winding, the series-connected circuit of the switching element and the primary winding being connected in parallel to a DC power supply and a rectifying circuit connected to the secondary winding. The switching regulator can also include a control circuit to control switching of the switching element to generate DC output voltage from the DC power supply, the DC output voltage being insulated from the DC power supply, an output voltage detecting circuit including a photo-coupler for insulated detection of the DC output voltage, the photo-coupler having a photo-transistor and a load quantity detector for detecting a state in which power consumption in the load connected to the DC output has reached a predetermined value.