Oscillation-damping firmware for low-cost digital power
This technology is a smarter way to control the power supply inside electronic devices, specifically a type called a switched voltage regulator. Normally, using a low-cost, low-precision digital controller causes unwanted oscillations in the output voltage, which degrade performance. Instead of eliminating those oscillations with expensive, complex hardware, this approach deliberately allows them but keeps them small and controlled by feeding a digitized ripple signal back into the controller. The result is stable, accurate voltage regulation using cheap, simple digital components running at much lower speeds than competing approaches.
What you could build
A low-cost digital power management IC or firmware module for consumer electronics, industrial power supplies, or IoT devices, sold to hardware OEMs and chipmakers who need tightly regulated power without premium component costs.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense electronics contractors and semiconductor firms in Northern Virginia, as well as data center power supply vendors in the Ashburn corridor, would have direct interest in cost-efficient digital power regulation.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Jian Li, Yang Qiu, Ming Xu, Fred C. Lee
- Granted
- April 27, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7705577
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.