Wireless Charger Over-Voltage Circuit for Stable In-Band Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power systems face challenges in effectively managing over-voltage conditions, as current methods like clamping and de-tuning provide limited protection, leading to potential damage to devices and communication disruptions due to excessive power transfer.
Innovation Solution
An over-voltage protection circuit comprising differential amplifiers, a comparator, a switch, and a regulating circuit that monitors and regulates voltages at the rectifier and voltage regulator outputs, dissipating excess power to prevent overstressing individual components and ensuring proper communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard over-voltage protection is used to counteract excess power, then protection against over-voltage is improved, but excess power is dissipated solely in localized elements causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is divided into multiple functional segments: a monitoring circuit that detects over-voltage conditions, a control circuit that processes the detection signal, and a regulating circuit that executes the protection action. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the protection function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single localized protection mechanism, thereby avoiding concentration of excess power in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary regulating circuit between the power source and the load that actively manages excess power. Instead of allowing excess power to directly impact localized elements, the intermediary circuit detects over-voltage conditions and activates protection mechanisms that dissipate or redirect excess power through designated pathways, preventing localized overheating or damage.
2Reliability
If hard over-voltage protection is triggered, then over-voltage condition is addressed, but in-band communication between receiving and transmitting devices is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system employs dynamic control rather than static hard protection. The monitoring circuit continuously detects voltage levels, and the control circuit dynamically adjusts the regulating circuit's operation based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide protection when needed while maintaining normal operation and communication when voltage levels are acceptable, thus preserving in-band communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring circuit continuously monitors voltage levels and feeds this information to the control circuit. The control circuit processes this feedback and adjusts the regulating circuit accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the protection mechanism to respond appropriately to actual voltage conditions, avoiding unnecessary communication disruptions while maintaining protection when over-voltage conditions exist.
3Reliability
If clamping or de-tuning methods are used, then some protection is provided, but the system remains susceptible to large amounts of incoming power
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit continuously monitors voltage levels before dangerous over-voltage conditions develop. By detecting potential over-voltage conditions in advance, the control circuit can activate the regulating circuit proactively to prevent excess power from reaching harmful levels, rather than reacting after damage has already occurred. This preliminary action provides robust protection against large amounts of incoming power.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is self-regulating through the integrated monitoring and control circuits that automatically detect and respond to over-voltage conditions without external intervention. The regulating circuit adjusts its operation based on real-time voltage measurements, providing adaptive protection that can handle varying levels of incoming power. This self-service capability ensures the system remains protected against excess power across different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An over-voltage protection circuit and methods of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring a voltage at an output of a rectifier, a voltage at an output of a voltage regulator, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining the over-voltage condition based on the monitoring; and in response to determining the over-voltage condition, regulating the voltage at the output of the rectifier in accordance with a voltage difference between the voltage at the output of the rectifier and the voltage at the output of the voltage regulator.