Voltage Ramp Capacitor Switching for Stable SMPS Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched mode power supplies experience voltage drops during transitions between operating modes, such as from pulse skipping mode to continuous conduction mode, due to rapid discharge of the output capacitor.
Innovation Solution
A voltage ramp generator with a configurable output capacitor, where the capacitance is higher during the initial operating cycle of a mode and lower in subsequent cycles, using multiple capacitors and switches controlled by different signals to manage energy accumulation and release phases effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the output capacitor is kept small to reduce power consumption, then energy storage capacity is improved, but voltage stability during mode transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output capacitor value variable rather than fixed. The capacitor configuration changes based on operating mode: during mode transitions, capacitors are connected in parallel to provide higher capacitance for voltage stability, while during steady-state operation, capacitors are connected in series to reduce capacitance and power consumption. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between power consumption and voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the output capacitor into multiple discrete capacitor units that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the system to selectively engage capacitor elements based on operational requirements, enabling high capacitance during mode transitions for voltage stability and low capacitance during normal operation to minimize power consumption.
2Reliability
If the output capacitor is increased to maintain voltage stability during mode transitions, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacitor reconfiguration where the total capacitance value changes based on operational phase. During mode transitions, maximum capacitance is achieved by connecting all capacitor units in parallel to ensure voltage stability. During steady-state operation, capacitance is reduced by connecting capacitors in series, thereby minimizing power consumption while maintaining adequate voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The output capacitor is divided into multiple segmentable units that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables selective connection of capacitor elements through switching circuits, allowing the system to optimize between voltage stability and power consumption by engaging only the necessary capacitor capacity for each operational phase.
3Device complexity
If a fixed capacitor value is used in the voltage ramp generator, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle mode transitions improves
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage ramp generator employs segmented capacitor units with associated switching circuits, allowing selective connection of capacitor elements based on operating mode. This segmentation enables the system to provide different capacitance values for different operational phases, improving mode transition performance while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic capacitor configuration in the voltage ramp generator, where capacitor connections are automatically adjusted based on detected operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the generator to optimize its performance for different modes without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated circuit architecture.
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 configuration minimizes voltage drops during mode transitions by ensuring adequate energy storage and release, maintaining stable output voltage and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the output capacitor of the voltage ramp generator has a first value during a first operating cycle of a first operating mode and has a second value during subsequent operating cycles of the first operating mode
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a switching power supply includes a voltage ramp generator comprising at least one output capacitor, wherein the generator is configured such that the output capacitor has a first value during a first operating cycle of a first operating mode and a second value during subsequent operating cycles of the first operating mode.