CN106059279B - A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits - Google Patents
A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN106059279B CN106059279B CN201610456958.0A CN201610456958A CN106059279B CN 106059279 B CN106059279 B CN 106059279B CN 201610456958 A CN201610456958 A CN 201610456958A CN 106059279 B CN106059279 B CN 106059279B
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- vdd
- switch
- modules
- charging time
- capacitances
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
- H02M1/36—Means for starting or stopping converters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
- H02M3/22—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac
- H02M3/24—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
- H02M3/28—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac
- H02M3/325—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
- H02M3/335—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
- H02M3/33507—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters
- H02M3/33523—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters with galvanic isolation between input and output of both the power stage and the feedback loop
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
- Y02B70/10—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
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)
Abstract
The invention discloses a kind of quick startup of Switching Power Supply and VDD self-powered circuits, including:It is set to the vdd voltage detection module of switch power controller chip interior, PWM comparator modules, PWM drive modules, VDD charging time control module, switch K1, switch K2, switch K3, VDD capacitance C2 and for electric diode D2 and start-up resistor R2, is set to the pliotron Q2 and inductive current sampling resistor R of switch power controller chip exteriorCS.The present invention is applied in Switching Power Supply, can utilize larger start-up resistor, to reduce system standby power consumption, while can also quickly start, reduce and start the time;In addition, VDD self-powered circuits can omit auxiliary winding, reduce the volume of power-supply system, while the cost of entire power-supply system can also be reduced.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to electronic circuit technology fields, quickly start and VDD self-powereds more particularly to a kind of Switching Power Supply
Circuit.
Background technology
In switch power supply system design, it is intended that the power-supply system startup time is short as possible, while needing power supply system
The stand-by power consumption of system can be small as possible, traditional start-up circuit if it is intended to start the time it is short, then the value of start-up resistor cannot
Too big, the stand-by power consumption that this may result in power-supply system is bigger than normal, thus we need on startup between stand-by power consumption into
Row compromise considers.
In addition, being constantly progressive with power-supply system, client wishes that the volume of power-supply system is the smaller the better, and outer member is got over
Few better, the cost of entire power-supply system is the smaller the better.The switch power supply system of traditional structure needs three windings, primary side around
Group, vice-side winding and auxiliary winding.Primary side winding and vice-side winding realize that the isolation of power supply and energy transmission, auxiliary winding are main
For chip VDD power supplies and part protection detection.
Fig. 1 is traditional switch power starting circuit and VDD power supply circuits.As shown in Figure 1, traditional switch power starting circuit
It is made of start-up resistor R2 and VDD capacitance C2, starting current gives the C2 chargings of VDD capacitances after directly flowing through R2, if input electricity at this time
Pressure is VIN, then starting current is
For identical input voltage and VDD capacitances, to ensure that Switching Power Supply stand-by power consumption is smaller, then the value of R1 and R2
It must all take greatly, so the starting current of conventional start-up circuit is smaller, cause the startup time can be long, if necessary to compared with little Qi
The dynamic time then needs to reduce start-up resistor R2, but this can cause the stand-by power consumption of switching system to become larger.
Tradition VDD power supply circuits shown in FIG. 1 are powered using auxiliary winding, in PWM drive modules by pliotron Q2
After shutdown, the voltage at auxiliary winding different name end becomes positive pressure from negative pressure, is powered to VDD capacitances C2 by diode D2.
Invention content
Quickly start it is an object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a kind of Switching Power Supply and VDD is confessed
The circuit is applied in Switching Power Supply by circuit, can utilize larger start-up resistor, to reduce system standby power consumption, together
When can also quickly start, reduce start the time, in addition VDD self-powered circuits can omit auxiliary winding, reduce power-supply system
Volume, while the cost of entire power-supply system can also be reduced.
The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:A kind of Switching Power Supply quickly starts and VDD self-powered circuits,
Including:Be set to the vdd voltage detection module of switch power controller chip interior, PWM comparator modules, PWM drive modules,
VDD charging time control module, switch K1, switch K2, switch K3, VDD capacitance C2 and for electric diode D2 and start-up resistor R2,
It is set to the pliotron Q2 and inductive current sampling resistor R of switch power controller chip exteriorCS。
The input terminal of the PWM comparator modules passes through inductive current sampling resistor RCSGround connection, the PWM comparator modules
Output end connect respectively with the first input end of VDD charging time control module and PWM drive modules.
The input terminal of the vdd voltage detection module by VDD capacitances C2 be grounded, the vdd voltage detection module it is defeated
Outlet is connect with the control terminal of the second input terminal of VDD charging time control modules and switch K1 respectively.
The output end of the VDD charging time control module respectively with the second input terminal of PWM drive modules, switch K2
Control terminal is connected with the control terminal of switch K3.
The output end of the PWM drive modules is connect with the base stage of pliotron Q2.
One end of the switch K2 by connecing the common end of vdd voltage detection module and VDD capacitances C2 for electric diode D2,
Another termination PWM comparator modules and inductive current sampling resistor R of another termination switch K3 of switch K2, switch K3CSPublic affairs
End altogether.
The collector of the pliotron Q2 connects one end of transformer primary side winding, and the emitter of pliotron Q2 connects
The common end of switch K2 and switch K3.
The other end of a termination transformer primary side winding of the switch K1, another termination PWM drive modules of switch K1
With the common end of pliotron Q2.
In the VDD charging time control module, setting is there are three comparison voltage VDD1, VDD2 and VDD3, and VDD1<
VDD2<VDD3;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is less than VDD2, VDD charging time control modules control switch K2 and PWM driving
Module so that VDD capacitances C2 charges, after reaching the preset charging time, VDD charging time control module output signals
Make PWM drive module switch-off power triode Q2, the charging complete of this period;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is higher than VDD2, this week interim VDD capacitances C2 is without charging, in PWM comparators
When module output switching activity signal, VDD charging time control module output signals control PWM drive module switch-off power triodes
Q2;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is higher than VDD3, VDD charging time control modules, which are opened, to be counted, next
In continuous N number of period, VDD capacitances C2 does not charge;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is less than VDD1, VDD charging time control modules, which are opened, to be counted, next
In continuous N number of period, VDD capacitances C2 charges.
The beneficial effects of the invention are as follows:
(1) when the circuit in the present invention is applied to Switching Power Supply, larger start-up resistor can be utilized, is waited for reduction system
Machine power consumption, while can also quickly start, reduce and starts the time.
(2) in the present invention, VDD self-powered circuits can omit auxiliary winding, reduce the volume of power-supply system, while can also
Reduce the cost of entire power-supply system.
Description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is traditional switch power initiation and VDD power supply circuit schematic diagrames;
Fig. 2 is the electrical block diagram of one embodiment of the invention.
Specific implementation mode
Technical scheme of the present invention is described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but protection scope of the present invention is not limited to
It is as described below.
As shown in Fig. 2, a kind of Switching Power Supply quickly starts and VDD self-powered circuits, it is connect with transformer, including:Setting
When the vdd voltage detection module of switch power controller chip interior, PWM comparator modules, PWM drive modules, VDD chargings
Between control module, switch K1, switch K2, switch K3, VDD capacitance C2 and for electric diode D2 and start-up resistor R2, be set to out
Pliotron Q2 outside powered-down source controller chip and inductive current sampling resistor RCS。
The input terminal of the PWM comparator modules passes through inductive current sampling resistor RCSGround connection, the PWM comparator modules
Output end connect respectively with the first input end of VDD charging time control module and PWM drive modules.
The input terminal of the vdd voltage detection module by VDD capacitances C2 be grounded, the vdd voltage detection module it is defeated
Outlet is connect with the control terminal of the second input terminal of VDD charging time control modules and switch K1 respectively.
The output end of the VDD charging time control module respectively with the second input terminal of PWM drive modules, switch K2
Control terminal is connected with the control terminal of switch K3.
The output end of the PWM drive modules is connect with the base stage of pliotron Q2.
One end of the switch K2 by connecing the common end of vdd voltage detection module and VDD capacitances C2 for electric diode D2,
Another termination PWM comparator modules and inductive current sampling resistor R of another termination switch K3 of switch K2, switch K3CSPublic affairs
End altogether.
The collector of the pliotron Q2 connects one end of transformer primary side winding, and the emitter of pliotron Q2 connects
The common end of switch K2 and switch K3.
The other end of a termination transformer primary side winding of the switch K1, another termination PWM drive modules of switch K1
With the common end of pliotron Q2.
In Fig. 2, being partially integrated in switch power controller chip in dotted line frame, switch K1 is detected mould by vdd voltage
Block controls, and when detecting that vdd voltage is less than the startup voltage of inner setting, switch K1 is closed, and switch K2 and switch K3 are by VDD
The control of charging time control module, in startup stage, switch K2 is closed, and switch K3 is disconnected.Starting current flows through start-up resistor
R2 flows into the ground level of pliotron Q2 later, is flowed out by emitter after the amplification of pliotron Q2 forward directions, is switched at this time
K2 is closed, and starting current gives the C2 chargings of VDD capacitances after diode D2.If input voltage is VIN at this time, start-up resistor is flowed through
The electric current of R2 isAfter the amplification of pliotron Q2 forward directions, from the electricity of the emitter of pliotron Q2 outflow
Stream isβ is the forward current amplification factor of pliotron Q2 in formula.
Quick starting current shown in the present embodiment can pass through external power in the case where not increasing system standby power consumption
The amplification of triode realizes the starting current of bigger, to reduce the charging time of VDD capacitances, realizes and quickly starts.
In Fig. 2, after vdd voltage reaches controller chip inner setting value, switch power supply system starts to work normally, this
When vdd voltage detection module output signal switch K1 is disconnected, after each PWM turn-on cycles start, switch K3 is closed, and is switched
K2 is disconnected, and transformer inductance electric current is followed by pliotron Q2, switch K3 and current sampling resistor RCS, with inductive current
Gradually increase, sampling resistor RCSOn voltage also gradually increase, when voltage be more than PWM comparator modules setting comparison voltage
When, PWM comparator modules can output signals to VDD charging time control modules, switch K3 be disconnected, while switch K2 being closed
Close, inductive current flows successively through pliotron Q2 and switch K2 and gives VDD capacitances C2 chargings at this time, the length in charging time by
VDD charging time control modules are set.
In VDD charging time control modules, setting is there are three comparison voltage VDD1, VDD2 and VDD3, and VDD1<VDD2
<VDD3.When detect the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 be less than VDD2 when, then VDD charging time control modules control switch K2 with
PWM drive modules allow inductive current to give the C2 chargings of VDD capacitances within a set time, when reaching the charging of inner setting
Between after, VDD charging time control module output signals make PWM drive module switch-off power triode Q2, the charging complete of this period;
If detect that the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is higher than VDD2, this period will not charge, in PWM comparator module output switching activities
When signal, output signal allows PWM drive module switch-off power triodes Q2 to VDD charging time control module immediately.The electricity of VDD in this way
Pressure will always maintain near VDD2 voltages.But in some cases, vdd voltage may rapidly rise, and work as vdd voltage
When rising to VDD3, VDD charging time control module can open counting, not charge in next continuous N number of period, so as to
Vdd voltage can rapidly drop near VDD2.Similarly, when detecting that vdd voltage is less than VDD1, the VDD charging time controls
Module can allow next continuous N number of period to carry out VDD chargings with the maximum charge time, to enable the fast quick-recovery of vdd voltage
To near VDD2.
The technical solution of the present embodiment is applied in Switching Power Supply, larger start-up resistor can be utilized, to reduce system
Stand-by power consumption, while can also quickly start, reduce and starts the time.In addition, VDD self-powered circuits can omit auxiliary winding, subtract
The volume of small power supply system, while the cost of entire power-supply system can also be reduced.
The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to described herein
Form is not to be taken as excluding other embodiments, and can be used for other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be at this
In the text contemplated scope, modifications can be made through the above teachings or related fields of technology or knowledge.And those skilled in the art institute into
Capable modifications and changes do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, then all should be in the protection domain of appended claims of the present invention
It is interior.
Claims (1)
1. a kind of Switching Power Supply quickly starts and VDD self-powered circuits, it is characterised in that:Including:It is set to Switching Power Supply control
The vdd voltage detection module of device chip interior, PWM drive modules, VDD charging time control module, is opened PWM comparator modules
K1, switch K2, switch K3, VDD capacitance C2 and for electric diode D2 and start-up resistor R2 are closed, switch power controller core is set to
Pliotron Q2 outside piece and inductive current sampling resistor RCS;
The input terminal of the PWM comparator modules passes through inductive current sampling resistor RCSGround connection, the PWM comparator modules it is defeated
Outlet is connect with the first input end of VDD charging time control module and PWM drive modules respectively;
The input terminal of the vdd voltage detection module is grounded by VDD capacitances C2, the output end of the vdd voltage detection module
It is connect respectively with the control terminal of the second input terminal of VDD charging time control modules and switch K1;
The control with the second input terminal, switch K2 of PWM drive modules respectively of the output end of the VDD charging time control module
End is connected with the control terminal of switch K3;
The output end of the PWM drive modules is connect with the base stage of pliotron Q2;
One end of the switch K2 is by connecing the common end of vdd voltage detection module and VDD capacitances C2 for electric diode D2, switch
Another termination PWM comparator modules and inductive current sampling resistor R of another termination switch K3 of K2, switch K3CSCommon end;
The collector of the pliotron Q2 connects one end of transformer primary side winding, and the emitter of pliotron Q2 connects switch
The common end of K2 and switch K3;
The other end of a termination transformer primary side winding of the switch K1, another termination PWM drive modules and work(of switch K1
The common end of rate triode Q2;
In the VDD charging time control module, setting is there are three comparison voltage VDD1, VDD2 and VDD3, and VDD1<VDD2<
VDD3;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is less than VDD2, VDD charging time control modules control switch K2 and PWM drive module,
So that VDD capacitances C2 charges, after reaching the preset charging time, VDD charging time control module output signals make PWM
Drive module switch-off power triode Q2, the charging complete of this period;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is higher than VDD2, this week interim VDD capacitances C2 is without charging, in PWM comparator modules
When output switching activity signal, VDD charging time control module output signals control PWM drive module switch-off power triodes Q2;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is higher than VDD3, VDD charging time control modules, which are opened, to be counted, in next continuous N
In a period, VDD capacitances C2 does not charge;
When the voltage on VDD capacitances C2 is less than VDD1, VDD charging time control modules, which are opened, to be counted, in next continuous N
In a period, VDD capacitances C2 charges.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201610456958.0A CN106059279B (en) | 2016-06-22 | 2016-06-22 | A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201610456958.0A CN106059279B (en) | 2016-06-22 | 2016-06-22 | A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CN106059279A CN106059279A (en) | 2016-10-26 |
CN106059279B true CN106059279B (en) | 2018-08-14 |
Family
ID=57168757
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CN201610456958.0A Active CN106059279B (en) | 2016-06-22 | 2016-06-22 | A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CN (1) | CN106059279B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107482932A (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2017-12-15 | 深圳市芯茂微电子有限公司 | A kind of self-powered double pole triode drive circuit and switching power circuit |
CN108631555A (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2018-10-09 | 成都启臣微电子股份有限公司 | A kind of overpower constant circuit of double winding Switching Power Supply |
CN108282096A (en) * | 2018-04-04 | 2018-07-13 | 深圳市必易微电子有限公司 | No auxiliary winding primary side feedback constant pressure and flow device and control chip |
CN112311218B (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2022-05-24 | 坦帕科技(北京)有限公司 | Enabling control method of floating switch power supply |
CN112152429A (en) * | 2019-09-30 | 2020-12-29 | 深圳市芯茂微电子有限公司 | Switching power supply device and power supply driver suitable for same |
CN115589156B (en) * | 2022-10-27 | 2023-12-01 | 深圳市力生美半导体股份有限公司 | Switching power supply, self-powered circuit, self-powered method and chip thereof |
CN115498891B (en) * | 2022-10-27 | 2023-09-19 | 深圳市力生美半导体股份有限公司 | Flyback switching power supply and self-powered circuit, method and chip thereof |
CN115395795B (en) * | 2022-10-27 | 2023-03-24 | 深圳市力生美半导体股份有限公司 | Switching power supply, DCM-based self-power supply circuit and CCM-based self-power supply circuit |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7636246B2 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2009-12-22 | Active-Semi, Inc. | Start-up time reduction in switching regulators |
CN102510207B (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2014-05-21 | 广州金升阳科技有限公司 | Short-circuit protection method for buffer output of DC/DC (Direct-Current/Direct-Current) power supply converter and buffer output circuit |
CN102412718A (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2012-04-11 | 刘万乐 | Electronic equipment and switching power supply starting circuit thereof |
CN102802318B (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-09-17 | 绍兴光大芯业微电子有限公司 | Flyback-type quick-start LED (Light-Emitting Diode) drive circuit structure |
-
2016
- 2016-06-22 CN CN201610456958.0A patent/CN106059279B/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN106059279A (en) | 2016-10-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CN106059279B (en) | A kind of Switching Power Supply is quick to be started and VDD self-powered circuits | |
CN109327044B (en) | Power conversion circuit, inverter circuit, photovoltaic power generation system and control method thereof | |
CN104124878B (en) | Power supply module, switching power source chip and switch power supply system | |
CN104600963B (en) | Switching power supply output voltage dual-mode detection circuit | |
CN204886263U (en) | Super capacitor control circuit that discharges | |
US9577632B2 (en) | Wireless switching circuit | |
WO2024088014A1 (en) | Bms sleep wake-up circuit and method, bms and electric device | |
CN103379698B (en) | There is the LED constant-current drive circuit of short-circuit protection | |
WO2022057762A1 (en) | Charging device | |
CN103219893A (en) | Switch power supply controller and switch power supply circuit | |
US9954431B2 (en) | Starting circuit of power management chip, and power management chip | |
WO2018133484A1 (en) | Control circuit compatible with battery power supply and external power supply | |
CN105471231B (en) | A kind of Flyback ac-dc converter circuit and inverse-excitation type electric pressure converter | |
CN108110835A (en) | A kind of low power consumpting controling circuit for high-voltage battery system | |
CN109194126B (en) | Power supply switching circuit | |
CN207706059U (en) | A kind of constant voltage constant current control circuit, chip and Switching Power Supply | |
WO2024109359A1 (en) | Bms sleep wake-up circuit and method, and bms and electric device | |
CN207588827U (en) | A kind of self-locking power switch device | |
CN106341048B (en) | A kind of constant pressure Switching Power Supply | |
CN107465257B (en) | Automatic switching circuit for main power supply and standby power supply | |
CN111048055B (en) | Display and display standby power consumption control method | |
CN101106040A (en) | Relay electrical control circuit arrangement | |
CN206992680U (en) | Undervoltage protection circuit | |
JP2008306878A (en) | Dc power switch | |
CN105471248A (en) | Switching power supply startup circuit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
C06 | Publication | ||
PB01 | Publication | ||
C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
GR01 | Patent grant | ||
GR01 | Patent grant |