Ultra-Low Power Converter

• US 20130027986A1
• Filed: 07/03/2012
• Published: 01/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/04/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Triune Systems, LLC (Semtech Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Triune Systems, LLC (Semtech Corporation)
• Inventors: Atrash, Amer, Chen, Wayne, Teggatz, Ross, Smith, Brett
• Granted Patent: US 8,964,418 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 363/21.07
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/0032 Control circuits allowing low power mode operation, e.g. in standby mode
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/33507 with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters H02M3/33561, H02M3/33569 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/2176 comprising a passive stage to generate a rectified sinusoidal voltage and a controlled switching element in series between such stage and the output
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/10 Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes

Abstract

An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with a communication circuit designed for sensing output indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The system is configured to operate using ultra-low power.

Claims

1. An ultra-low power converter comprising:

a primary side having an ultra-low power regulator adapted to turn on in response to rectified incoming power (CONT) and regulate its output (VCC), the ultra-low power regulator being adapted for the use of dynamic ultra-low (nano-amps or lower) bias current; and

a secondary side communication circuit configured to signal the primary side ultra-low power regulator in response to a load condition;

whereby the ultra-low power regulator allows the converter to operate in an ultra-low power mode such that the device state is not lost and regulation is maintained with a low power loss overhead.

2. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the communication circuit further comprises an optical element.

3. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable electronic apparatus.

4. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable communications apparatus.

5. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable imaging apparatus.

6. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable display apparatus.

7. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable audio apparatus.

8. An ultra-low power converter according to claim 1 wherein the DC output is operably coupled with portable computing apparatus.

9. An AC to DC converter system comprising:

an input configured for receiving an AC power input signal;

a conversion circuit for converting the AC input signal to a DC output signal, the conversion circuit operably coupled with the input, and also coupled with an output for outputting the DC output signal; and

a communication circuit configured to signal the conversion circuit in response to a load condition;

whereby the conversion circuit is configured to selectably operate in a conversion mode and in an ultra-low power standby mode.

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the communication circuit further comprises an optical device.

11. The system according to claim 9 further comprising a capacitive coupling configured for providing power from the AC input to the communication circuit.

12. The system according to claim 9 further comprising a capacitive circuit coupling a primary side of the converter system and the communication circuit, the capacitive coupling circuit further comprising a Zener diode operably coupled between the enabling circuit, a capacitor element, and ground, in a configuration for limiting the voltage which may be provided from the primary side of the conversion circuit to the communication circuit.