Switching Regulator Standby Mode for Ultra-Low Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching regulators face inefficiencies at light loads, where supply currents used to maintain power control circuits become significant, leading to energy consumption issues in battery-powered devices, especially when these devices are in standby modes with almost zero load current.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a switching regulator that operates in a standby mode with minimal current draw by monitoring output voltage and controlling the regulator to disable non-essential circuits when the output is substantially at the regulated voltage, allowing the regulator to maintain readiness for increased loading with negligible supply current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage regulator operates in normal mode with all control circuits active, then the output voltage is continuously regulated, but the supply current consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that adapt the regulator's behavior based on load conditions. The system transitions between normal mode (with full control circuits active for continuous regulation) and standby mode (with minimal circuits active for ultra-low current operation), allowing the supply current consumption to be dynamically adjusted while maintaining output voltage regulation reliability through mode-appropriate control strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of the output voltage during standby mode to determine whether to remain in low-current operation or transition back to normal regulation mode. This periodic checking mechanism enables the system to maintain reliability through intermittent verification while achieving significantly reduced supply current consumption during extended standby periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage regulator enters standby mode to reduce current, then the supply current drops below 1 μA, but the response time to load changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring mechanisms that continuously track output voltage conditions even in standby mode. By detecting load changes or regulation violations in advance through periodic sampling, the system can transition from standby to normal mode proactively, reducing the effective response time while maintaining low current consumption during stable standby operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the output voltage and detect when load changes occur. This feedback information triggers transitions from standby mode back to normal regulation mode, ensuring that the system responds appropriately to changing conditions while spending maximum time in the low-current standby state
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for near zero light-load supply current in switching power supply are described. In one embodiment, a switching power supply comprises sub-circuits, a capacitor/inverter circuit, and a standby control circuit. The sub-circuits comprise a feedback resistor that supplies a fraction of an output voltage of the power supply, an integrator that provides an integrator output, a comparator that provides a pulse width modulated signal, a switching element that receives the pulse width modulated signal and modulates current such that the power supply provides a regulated voltage, and a monitoring circuit that provides a logic low signal when the pulse width modulated signal is absent over a period of time. The standby control circuit disables the sub-circuits when the logical low signal is detected permitting the switching power supply to operate at a minimum current, an re-enables the sub-circuits when an out of regulation signal from the capacitor/inverter circuit is detected.