Innovation

Many people are unsure what a switching power supply is, often assuming it’s similar to a linear one without understanding the differences or underlying principles. Additionally, when a switching power supply malfunctions, they may not know where to find specialized repair vendors. Below, we’ll explain the basic principles of a switching power supply.

 

What is a Switching Power Supply?

The commonly heard term “switch mode power supply” (SMPS) refers to a switching power supply. Essentially, it converts power into the necessary voltage and current through various forms. The input power can be divided into two types: alternating current (AC), like household electricity, and direct current (DC), like car chargers.

 

Switching power supplies operate by using pulse width modulation (PWM) control. They store and convert power through magnetic components by switching between saturation and cutoff states. This results in favorable electrical characteristics; in terms of size and weight, switching power supplies are lighter and more compact than linear power supplies, making them highly portable.

 

Switching Power Supply vs. Linear Power Supply

Category Switching Power Supply Linear Power Supply
Efficiency High Low
Stability Moderate High
Hold-up Time About 16ms About 1ms
Circuit Design Complex Simple
Size & Weight Small & Light Large & Heavy

 

Applications of Switching Power Supplies

Switching power supplies are now widely used in the SMPS market and can be broadly categorized into six sectors:

  1. Computing Industry: Laptops and peripherals
  2. Telecommunications: Network, data, and communication devices
  3. Consumer Electronics: Consumer devices like smartphones
  4. Industrial and Test Instruments: Medical and industrial-related equipment
  5. Military and Aerospace: Upgrading outdated equipment
  6. Other Related Sectors: Outdoor lighting equipment, car chargers

 

Switching Power Supplies|Development Trends and Current Status in Taiwan

Domestically manufactured switching power supplies (SMPS) are mainly applied to communications, computers, and related accessories. With Taiwan’s advancing information industry, SMPS production has reached a global leading position. Raw materials primarily consist of ICs, semiconductors, magnetic components, capacitors, electronic components, casings, and printed circuit boards.

 

The U.S. and Japan supply ICs and power semiconductors, while Taiwan can produce other materials domestically. With downstream industries like PCs, electronics, and communications, switching power supplies are tapping into extensive commercial and application opportunities. As demand for portability grows, the trend is toward reducing the size of switching power supplies to enhance product value and competitiveness.

 

Do you have a deeper understanding of switching power supplies after this explanation? Founded in 1972, PHIHONG is a world-renowned leader in power supply manufacturing, trusted by prominent clients worldwide. PHIHONG remains dedicated to developing and producing high-efficiency power products that meet stringent quality and safety standards. Contact us to explore partnership opportunities and learn more about our power supply solutions.

 

Electric Bicycle Charging Basic Structure and Principles
Traditional chargers mostly utilize analog circuit design concepts. Even for key features like Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) modes, analog circuitry is still widely used. This increases circuit complexity and component count, which can, to some extent, reduce product reliability. However, Phihong Technology’s new generation of electric bicycle chargers have fully adopted digital control, using software design principles and a single MCU to replace traditional analog circuit designs. This technology can also be applied to battery-related products like drones and robots.

The digital control design offers numerous advantages, including intelligent charging features and protection mechanisms, which enhance charging efficiency and improve battery performance and lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of these features:

 

Digital Temperature Control:
Phihong’s electric bicycle chargers incorporate a digital control software developed in-house, allowing for temperature monitoring of critical components. Through a unique software algorithm, the charger adjusts the charging current and overall output power to control casing temperature, keeping it within a safe range of ambient temperature fluctuations (e.g., ΔT of 35°C).

 

Constant Power (CP) Charging Mode:
While traditional CC and CV charging modes are adequate for general battery charging applications, fast charging has become increasingly important in today’s efficiency-driven era. To address this, Phihong developed the Constant Power (CP) charging mode, which saves about 9% charging time compared to conventional methods without causing overheating. This technology was successfully patented in October 2019.

 

Battery Management System (BMS) Design Concept:
An effective BMS includes features such as State of Charge (SoC) detection, State of Health (SoH) management, balanced charging, and issue monitoring to avoid poor battery charging/discharging practices (particularly overcharging and deep discharging), thus preventing damage to both the battery and the charger, while minimizing system application loss.

Note: Balanced charging control is mostly used in batteries over 20 Ah (e.g., power batteries). This requires hardware and software integration to achieve optimal balancing control, ensuring each cell in the battery pack maintains similar charge levels.

 

Software Communication Interface Applications:
Higher-end batteries often have integrated communication platforms (e.g., CANBus/I2C/SMBus, etc.), through which chargers communicate with the battery. Phihong’s electric bicycle chargers utilize these communication platforms to access relevant battery data (e.g., internal battery temperature) and adjust the charger’s output current, enhancing battery performance and lifespan.

 

 

How to Use an Electric Bicycle Charger

Phihong electric bicycle chargers are designed for simplicity—just select the compatible plug and socket, and charging will begin seamlessly. Higher-end chargers also come with software communication networks, enabling battery charging through mutual authentication once connected to an appropriate communication interface platform (e.g., CANBus/I2C/SMBus).

Before charging, please verify that the charger specifications match your battery’s, especially its rated voltage, to avoid overcharging or incomplete charging.

 

Phihong’s Electric Bicycle Charging Technology in Various Applications

 

Application Scenario 1: Electric-Powered Vehicles
This includes applications for electric cars, electric motorcycles, forklifts, electric boats, and drones. In essence, any vehicle using a power battery requires such charging products.

 

Application Scenario 2: Green Energy & Energy Storage Equipment Charging
As green energy becomes a global trend, energy generated from sources like solar, wind, or hydrogen fuel cells must be stored in batteries, with a charging system needed to convert and supply this energy to electric vehicles.

Using digital control technology, Phihong’s chargers can be used with various battery products, primarily lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Despite differing charge curves, Phihong strives to meet customer needs through customization.

Our mission and responsibility are to design products that provide “safety protection, fast charging, and intelligent monitoring,” delivering comprehensive and professional battery charging solutions.

What is QC Fast Charging? How is it different from PD Fast Charging?

Before comparing the strengths and weaknesses of QC and PD fast charging technologies, it’s essential to understand their principles. Only then will we know how these two technologies perform when applied to products.

Fast Charging Technology 1: QC Fast Charging

QC (Quick Charge) is a fast-charging technology developed by Qualcomm. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon mobile platform dominates the smartphone market, so the QC fast charging technology supported by this platform also enjoys high visibility. The early versions of QC focused primarily on increasing current, but with the evolution of the technology, dynamic adjustments to current and voltage were introduced. Currently, QC has reached version 4+, which incorporates QC 4, based on the USB PD 3.0 PPS protocol, and combines QC 3.0/2.0 protocols.

Any charger that supports QC technology and has been certified will display its logo on the casing.

Fast Charging Technology 2: PD Fast Charging

PD Fast Charging stands for USB-PD (USB Power Delivery). Although USB-PD chargers have not yet surpassed Qualcomm’s QC chargers in market share, PD Fast Charging is gaining momentum due to its support for a wide range of chargers. With the iPhone and iPad now supporting USB-PD, the trend is rising.

USB-PD is a power transmission specification defined by the USB-IF organization. It encompasses not only PD 2.0/PD 3.0 but also the PD 3.0 PPS fast charging feature. According to the specification, all chargers supporting USB-PD can begin charging once they establish communication with the system through a USB Type-C port and activate the output switch.

PD charging can deliver a maximum power of 100W (20V * 5A). However, the power required for charging is determined by the communication between the CC pin of the Type-C cable and the system. The applications for PD fast charging are extensive and commonly used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, medical equipment, and power tools. Even Qualcomm’s QC4+ references PD 3.0 PPS, indicating promising developments for PD fast charging in the future.

Once a product passes USB-PD certification, the USB CHARGER xx W logo will be displayed.

Phihong’s Application of Fast Charging Technology

Phihong offers a range of PD products from 15W to 60W, all certified under PD 3.0, including a 27W product that has received fast charging certification. For more information on the products and their applications, please refer to the table below.

Fast Charging Technology Watt Applications
 

 

 

PD2.0/3.0 Protocol

18W Mobile / VR
25W  

Mobile

27W
30W
45W
27W Power tool
45W Medical device
QC4+ Protocol 24W Video game console

As explained above, do you now understand QC Fast Charging and PD Fast Charging? Established in 1972, Phihong is one of the world’s leading power supply manufacturers, widely recognized by renowned global customers. Phihong focuses on developing and manufacturing high-efficiency power supply products, continuously innovating while maintaining compliance with high-quality and safety standards. Feel free to contact us for more information or to inquire about collaboration opportunities in power supply solutions.