Transformer LC Oscillator With Feedback Voltage Limiting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators fail to efficiently boost ultra-low voltage inputs while maintaining high efficiency and safety, leading to potential damage to control circuits due to excessive output voltage amplitudes.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator design incorporating a transformer, a first capacitor forming an LC resonant circuit, a depletion or native transistor, and a current control circuit that adjusts the control voltage to limit the output voltage amplitude, ensuring safe operation and efficient energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing oscillators are used to boost ultra-low voltage inputs, then voltage boosting function is provided, but output voltage amplitude becomes excessive causing potential damage to control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output voltage is fed back to the control terminal of the first transistor. This feedback loop automatically regulates the oscillation amplitude by adjusting the transistor's conductivity based on the output voltage level, thereby preventing excessive voltage amplitude that could damage control circuits while maintaining effective voltage boosting.
2Reliability
If ultra-low voltage is boosted to drive control circuits, then power supply requirement is met, but efficiency decreases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs depletion or native transistors which have unique electrical characteristics that allow them to operate efficiently at ultra-low voltages. By changing the transistor type and its electrical parameters, the system achieves both safe operation of control circuits and maintained conversion efficiency, avoiding the energy losses associated with conventional transistor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit acts as an intermediary between the ultra-low voltage generation unit and the control circuit. It transforms the ultra-low voltage into a regulated oscillating signal with appropriate amplitude, serving as a buffer that protects the control circuit from voltage extremes while maintaining efficient power transfer.
3Productivity
If conventional oscillators are used in auxiliary step-up unit, then basic oscillation function is provided, but output voltage regulation and high efficiency cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback connection from output to control terminal enables automatic voltage regulation. As output voltage changes, the feedback signal adjusts the transistor's operating point, maintaining optimal efficiency across varying load conditions while providing stable regulated output voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator operates dynamically with its output automatically adjusting to load variations through the feedback mechanism. The transistor's operating characteristics change dynamically based on the instantaneous output voltage, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency across different operating points rather than being fixed at a single operating condition.
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 proposed oscillator effectively boosts ultra-low voltage inputs while preventing damage to control circuits by limiting output voltage amplitude, enhancing power management efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor configured to form an LC resonant circuit together with the secondary winding to cause oscillation operation
Implementation Method 2
a transformer including a primary winding configured to receive an input voltage and a secondary winding configured to boost the input voltage to generate an output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes a transformer, a first capacitor, a first transistor, a depletion or native second transistor, and a current control circuit. The transformer includes a primary winding configured to receive an input voltage and a secondary winding configured to boost the input voltage to generate an output voltage. The first capacitor is configured to form an LC resonant circuit together with the secondary winding to cause oscillation operation, the first transistor is connected in series with the primary winding, and the output voltage is applied to a control terminal of the first transistor. The depletion or native second transistor is connected in series with the primary winding and the first transistor, and the current control circuit is configured to adjust a control voltage applied to a control terminal of the second transistor to control a current flowing through the first winding.