Variable Reference Potential Power Supply via AC Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face challenges in generating an electrical power supply with a variable reference potential without using disadvantageous electrical isolation components, particularly in integrated circuits where space and energy efficiency are crucial, such as in capacitive measurement systems for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an excitation source to impose an AC voltage difference between reference potentials, incorporating rectifying and filtering means to generate a supply voltage referenced to a first potential, thereby eliminating the need for electrical isolation components by using an AC voltage supply source connected to both reference potentials and an excitation source that behaves as a Thevenin generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If inductances or DC/DC converters are used to transfer power between systems with different reference potentials, then power supply is achieved, but overall dimensions increase and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of power transfer by removing the need for complex isolation components. Instead of using inductances or DC/DC converters, the patent uses a simple voltage follower circuit that replicates the reference potential from the first system to the second system, thereby achieving power supply without the bulky components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic isolation components (inductances, transformers) with an electronic solution based on voltage followers and operational amplifiers. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic fields and large physical components, reducing both size and energy consumption while maintaining the ability to supply power across different reference potentials.
2Power
If inductances or DC/DC converters are used to transfer power between systems with different reference potentials, then power supply is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage follower circuit serves itself by using the available reference potential from the first system to directly establish the reference for the second system. The operational amplifiers in the voltage followers are highly efficient and consume minimal power, allowing the system to maintain power supply capability with very low energy consumption compared to DC/DC converters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If galvanic isolation is used to separate floating parts from the ground-referenced system, then electrical interference is reduced, but signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces voltage followers as intermediary circuits between the ground-referenced system and the floating system. These voltage followers act as mediators that transfer signals and power without requiring galvanic isolation, thereby reducing electrical interference while maintaining simple signal transmission paths.
4Power
If traditional power supply methods are used in integrated circuits with variable reference potential, then power supply is achieved, but integration density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage follower circuit performs multiple functions within a compact integrated structure: it provides power supply, establishes reference potential, and isolates electrical interference. This multi-functionality allows the circuit to achieve power supply capability without requiring separate isolation components, thereby maintaining high integration density.
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 solution allows for the generation of a power supply with a variable reference potential efficiently, minimizing component count and energy consumption, suitable for integrated circuits, and enabling the integration of capacitive measurement systems in portable devices without the drawbacks of inductances or DC/DC converters.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation source connected to said first and second reference potentials so as to impose an AC voltage difference between these reference potentials
Implementation Method 2
rectifying and filtering means connected at the input thereof to said first reference potential and to said AC voltage supply source respectively, so as to generate, at an output, a supply voltage referenced to said first reference potential by rectification of a voltage at the terminals of the AC voltage supply source
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for generating a power supply voltage, referenced to a first reference potential, in an electronic system including an energizing source connected to the first and second reference potentials so as to impart an AC voltage differential between the reference potentials, wherein the device includes: (i) a source for supplying AC voltage, which is referenced to the second reference potential, connected to the first reference potential, and encompasses the energizing source; and (ii) rectifying and filtering elements connected, at the input thereof, to the first reference potential and to the source for supplying AC voltage, respectively, so as to generate, at an output, a power supply voltage (Vf) referenced to the first reference potential by rectifying a voltage at the terminals of the source for supplying AC voltage.