Voltage-regulating circuit with switch and comparing circuits for rapid power delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-supply modules struggle to rapidly deliver a low output voltage after turn-on while minimizing internal power dissipation, especially when connected to high input voltages, which is critical for equipment requiring immediate power, such as safety functions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage-regulating circuit with a switch, voltage regulator, and comparing circuits that control the switch based on input and output voltage deviations, allowing for rapid output voltage delivery and minimizing power dissipation by opening the switch when deviations exceed a threshold and closing it when deviations are within set limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a linear power supply is used to deliver a very low DC voltage and low power, then the output voltage regulation is good, but the power dissipation becomes excessive due to the large voltage deviation between input and output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching action where the switch alternates between open and closed states. During the open state, the capacitor charges from the high-voltage input; during the closed state, the capacitor discharges to provide the low-voltage output. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve both low power dissipation (switch is open most of the time) and reliable output voltage delivery (capacitor provides continuous power during closed state).
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is charged in advance during the switch open period before the switch closes. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the switch closes and the linear regulator activates, the capacitor already contains sufficient energy to immediately provide the required output voltage without delay, solving the reliability concern.
2Loss of energy
If the switch is closed only when input voltage is low to limit power dissipation, then energy loss is reduced, but the output voltage cannot be delivered rapidly after turn-on
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged to the output voltage level before the switch closes. This preliminary charging ensures that when the switch closes and the linear regulator activates, the capacitor immediately provides the required output voltage without delay, enabling rapid power delivery for safety functions while maintaining low power dissipation during the extended open period.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switch timing based on real-time monitoring of input voltage levels and capacitor charge state. The switch closes precisely when needed to deliver output voltage rapidly, and opens when the capacitor is sufficiently charged, optimizing both speed of response and power dissipation based on dynamic system conditions.
3Power
If a switch-mode power supply is used to transmit high power with high efficiency, then power transmission capability is improved, but the cost becomes disproportionate for low-power applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a linear regulator instead of a complex switch-mode regulator, and by introducing a capacitor to store energy. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high efficiency (comparable to switch-mode) and adequate power transmission capability while using simpler, lower-cost components suitable for low-power applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the high-voltage input and the low-voltage output. It absorbs energy during the switch open period and releases it during the switch closed period, enabling the simple linear regulator to achieve performance characteristics previously requiring complex switch-mode topology, thereby reducing cost while maintaining power capability.
4Loss of energy
If prior-art power supply circuits are used, then power dissipation is reduced, but they cannot deliver output voltage rapidly after turn-on for safety-critical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is charged in advance to the required output voltage level before the switch closes and the linear regulator activates. This preliminary charging action ensures that when power is needed (e.g., for safety functions), the output voltage is immediately available without delay, eliminating the time loss present in prior-art circuits while maintaining low power dissipation during the extended switch open period.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit incorporates feedback monitoring of the capacitor charge state and input voltage levels. This feedback mechanism ensures the switch closes at the optimal moment when the capacitor is sufficiently charged to provide immediate output voltage, minimizing delivery time while keeping the switch open as long as possible to reduce power dissipation.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage-regulating circuit comprising:a voltage regulator,a switch,a first comparing circuit for comparing the amplitude deviation between the input voltage and the output voltage to a first threshold,a second comparing circuit for comparing the amplitude of the output voltage to a second threshold, anda control circuit for commanding the switch to open or close depending on the comparisons made by the first comparing circuit and by the second comparing circuit.Also disclosed is a regulated power-supply module comprising such a voltage-regulating circuit.