Power converter, signal control method for multiple integrated modules, and integrated module

Abstract

The present application proposes a power converter, a signal control method for multiple integrated modules, and an integrated module. The power converter includes multiple integrated modules, and the multiple integrated modules include a first integrated module and a second integrated module connected in parallel; the first integrated module includes a first trigger pin, and the second integrated module includes a second trigger pin, and the first trigger pin is electrically connected to the second trigger pin; the first integrated module is used to generate a status trigger signal and a first pulse signal, and transmit the status trigger signal to the second integrated module through the first trigger pin; the second integrated module receives the status trigger signal transmitted by the first integrated module through the second trigger pin, and processes the status trigger signal to generate a second pulse signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of power converters, and in particular to a power converter, a signal control method for multiple integrated modules, and an integrated module. Background Art

[0002] Traditional power converters typically use a series connection for phase control to produce multi-phase outputs when providing multi-phase power. The control integrated module generates an output signal based on a preset reference voltage and output voltage control loop. This output pulse signal is driven sequentially by drivers and transistors based on the number of operating phases. This configuration often requires a larger number of driver and transistor components and a larger circuit board layout area. Furthermore, if both drivers and transistors are integrated into the control integrated module, the increased number of phases will lead to an increased control integrated module area, reduced output power efficiency, and difficulty in heat dissipation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to propose a power converter, a signal control method for multiple integrated modules, and an integrated module in this application to solve the above problems.

[0004] The present application proposes a power converter, which includes multiple integrated modules, and the multiple integrated modules include a first integrated module and a second integrated module connected in parallel; the first integrated module includes a first trigger pin, the second integrated module includes a second trigger pin, and the first trigger pin is electrically connected to the second trigger pin; the first integrated module is used to generate a status trigger signal and a first pulse signal, and transmit the status trigger signal to the second integrated module through the first trigger pin; the second integrated module receives the status trigger signal transmitted by the first integrated module through the second trigger pin, and processes the status trigger signal to generate a second pulse signal.

[0005] Furthermore, the first integrated module includes a first input setting pin, and the second integrated module includes a second input setting pin. The first input setting pin and the second input setting pin are used to input the operation configuration to the first integrated module and the second integrated module, respectively. The operation configuration includes the number of phases of the power converter, the mode and phase sequence of the first integrated module and the second integrated module.

[0006] Furthermore, the state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information. The voltage level information is combined with the edge rise and fall information to form the phase sequence of the integrated module. The phase sequence of the integrated module is integrated to form a signal pattern of the state trigger signal; and then the power converter performs phase control on the integrated module according to the signal pattern.

[0007] Furthermore, the first integrated module includes a first output pin and a first feedback pin, and the second integrated module includes a second output pin; the first output pin is connected to one end of the first inductor, and the other end of the first inductor is electrically connected to the capacitor; the second output pin is connected to one end of the second inductor, and the other end of the second inductor is electrically connected to the capacitor; the first feedback pin is electrically connected to the capacitor and is used to receive the output voltage of the capacitor; the first integrated module includes a first feedback module, and the first feedback module is used to receive the output voltage of the capacitor through the first feedback pin and generate a trigger signal according to the output voltage of the capacitor.

[0008] Furthermore, the first integrated module includes a first signal conversion module, which is used to receive the trigger signal generated by the first feedback module and convert the trigger signal into a state trigger signal based on the signal pattern; the second integrated module includes a second signal conversion module; the second signal conversion module receives the state trigger signal through the second trigger pin and decodes the state trigger signal based on the signal pattern to generate a second pulse signal.

[0009] Furthermore, the first integrated module includes a first pulse generating module and a first driving module, the first pulse generating module is used to generate a first pulse signal, and the first driving module is used to drive the first pulse signal output; the second integrated module includes a second pulse generating module and a second driving module, the second pulse generating module is used to receive the state trigger signal decoded by the second signal conversion module, and generate a second pulse signal according to the decoded state trigger signal, and the second driving module is used to drive the second pulse signal output.

[0010] The present application also proposes a signal control method for multiple integrated modules, the signal control method comprising: providing multiple integrated modules, the trigger pins of each integrated module being electrically connected to each other; wherein the multiple integrated modules are single-phase power converters, the multiple integrated modules are connected in parallel to form a power converter, and the multiple integrated modules include a first integrated module and a second integrated module; inputting an operation configuration to each integrated module to set the number of phases of the power converter, the mode of each integrated module and the phase sequence; wherein the mode of the first integrated module is set to the master mode, and the phase sequence is the first phase; the mode of the second integrated module is set to the slave mode, and the phase sequence is the second phase; the first integrated module generates a status trigger signal and a first pulse signal, and transmits the status trigger signal to the second integrated module through the first trigger pin; the second integrated module receives the status trigger signal transmitted by the first integrated module through the second trigger pin, and processes the status trigger signal to generate a second pulse signal.

[0011] Furthermore, the signal control method also includes: the state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information, the voltage level information is combined with the edge rise and fall information to form a phase sequence of the integrated module, and the phase sequence of the integrated module is integrated to form a signal pattern of the state trigger signal; and then the power converter performs phase control on the integrated module according to the signal pattern.

[0012] Furthermore, the signal control method also includes: the first integrated module encodes the trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate a state trigger signal; the second integrated module decodes the received state trigger signal according to the signal pattern; the second integrated module generates a second pulse signal according to the decoded state trigger signal; and the second integrated module drives the second pulse signal output.

[0013] The present application also proposes an integrated module, which includes a single-phase power conversion circuit, and the integrated module includes an input setting pin and a trigger pin; the input setting pin is used to input an operation configuration to the integrated module; wherein the operation configuration includes the mode of the integrated module; the mode of the integrated module includes a master mode and a slave mode; when the mode of the integrated module is set to the master mode, the integrated module encodes the trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate a state trigger signal, and then the trigger pin is used to output the state trigger signal; when the mode of the integrated module is set to the slave mode, the integrated module decodes the received state trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate a corresponding pulse signal, and then the trigger pin is used to input the state trigger signal.

[0014] Furthermore, the operating configuration also includes the phase sequence of the integrated module; the state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information, the voltage level information is combined with the edge rise and fall information to form the phase sequence of the integrated module, and the phase sequence of the integrated module is integrated to form the signal pattern of the state trigger signal.

[0015] Furthermore, a plurality of integrated modules are connected in parallel to form a power converter, and the operating configuration further includes the number of phases of the power converter.

[0016] The power converter proposed in this application includes a plurality of integrated modules, each of which can be a single-phase power converter. The trigger pins of each integrated module are interconnected, and an integrated module set to master mode drives a state trigger signal to the trigger pin. Based on a specific signal pattern of the state trigger signal, each integrated module outputs a corresponding pulse signal according to a pre-set phase sequence, where the phase sequence is a combination of the voltage level and rising and falling edges of the state trigger signal. Therefore, the purpose of scalable phase number and multi-phase control can be easily achieved by paralleling a single phase control signal and based on a specific phase control signal pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1is a circuit diagram of a power converter proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the integrated module;

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of four signal patterns when the state trigger signal includes three types of voltage level information;

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal pattern when the state trigger signal includes four types of voltage level information;

[0021] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram of a four-phase power converter;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a signal waveform diagram of each signal generated by the four-phase power converter;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a signal waveform diagram of each signal generated when the load of the four-phase power converter suddenly changes;

[0024] Figure 8 It is the signal waveform diagram of each signal when the full-phase output signal appears in the state trigger signal;

[0025] Figure 9 It is a waveform diagram of each signal generated when the power converter outputs a three-phase pulse signal;

[0026] Figure 10 It is a waveform diagram of each signal generated when the power converter outputs a two-phase pulse signal;

[0027] Figure 11 It is a waveform diagram of each signal generated when the power converter outputs a single-phase pulse signal;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a signal control method for multiple integrated modules proposed in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Description of main component symbols

[0030]

[0031]

[0032] The following specific implementation methods will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules, but may optionally include steps or modules not listed, or may optionally include other steps or modules inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0036] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0037] See also Figure 1 , is a circuit diagram of a power converter 1 proposed in an embodiment of the present application. The power converter 1 may include a plurality of integrated modules ( Figure 1 The following description uses a two-phase power converter formed by two integrated modules 10a and 10b as an example. Specifically, integrated modules 10a and 10b can each be a single-phase converter, each including a single-phase power conversion circuit for generating and outputting a pulse signal. In some embodiments, the number of integrated modules in power converter 1 can be adjusted based on the specific output phase requirements. Thus, power converter 1 can function as either a single-phase converter outputting a single-phase signal or a multi-phase converter outputting a multi-phase signal, thereby achieving scalable phase efficiency.

[0038] Please also refer to Figure 2 The integrated modules 10a and 10b respectively include a trigger pin, an input setting pin, an output pin and a feedback pin.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present application, the integrated module 10a can serve as a first integrated module, that is, the trigger pin in the integrated module 10a can serve as a first trigger pin, the input setting pin in the integrated module 10a can serve as a first input setting pin, the output pin in the integrated module 10a can serve as a first output pin, and the feedback pin in the integrated module 10a can serve as a first feedback pin.

[0040] It can be understood that the integrated module 10b can be used as a second integrated module, that is, the trigger pin in the integrated module 10b can be used as a second trigger pin, the input setting pin in the integrated module 10b can be used as a second input setting pin, the output pin in the integrated module 10b can be used as a second output pin, and the feedback pin in the integrated module 10b can be used as a second feedback pin.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, the first trigger pin is electrically connected to the second trigger pin, so that the first integrated module 10a and the second integrated module 10b are electrically connected to perform phase control signal transmission.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present application, the first input setting pin is used to input an operating configuration to the first integrated module 10a, and the second input setting pin is used to input an operating configuration to the second integrated module 10b. The operating configuration includes the number of phases of the power converter 1, the mode of the integrated modules in the power converter 1 (e.g., master mode and slave mode), and the phase sequence of the integrated modules.

[0043] For example, in this embodiment, by inputting a preset operating configuration into the first integrated module 10a and the second integrated module 10b, the power converter 1 is configured as a two-phase power converter. Simultaneously, the first integrated module 10a is set to a master mode with a phase sequence of the first phase. The second integrated module 10b is set to a slave mode with a phase sequence of the second phase.

[0044] For another example, in another embodiment, the mode of the second integrated module 10b can be set to the master mode, and the phase sequence can be the first phase; the mode of the first integrated module 10a can be set to the slave mode, and the phase sequence can be the second phase.

[0045] In a specific embodiment, when the first integrated module 10a is in master mode, the first trigger pin is configured as an output pin, configured to output a state trigger signal as a phase control signal. When the second integrated module 10b is in slave mode, the second trigger pin is configured as an input pin, configured to receive the state trigger signal output by the first trigger pin of the first integrated module 10a. Thus, through the transmission of this single signal, phase control can be achieved between the first integrated module 10a and the second integrated module 10b. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, this single signal can be used to achieve phase control between more integrated modules.

[0046] Specifically, the input setting pin can input the operating configuration via a resistor divider (analog mode). For example, a voltage divider resistor can be connected in series with the input setting pin. It will be appreciated that different values ​​of the voltage divider resistor connected to the input setting pin will result in different voltages input to the input setting pin, i.e., different operating configurations.

[0047] In some embodiments, the input setting pin may also input the operation configuration in a signal input manner (digital manner), for example, by inputting a digital signal with a preset operation configuration into the input setting pin.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the first integrated module 10a outputs the first pulse signal generated by it through the first output pin, and the second integrated module 10b outputs the second pulse signal generated by it through the second output pin.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the first output pin and the second output pin are coupled to one end of a capacitor C via a first inductor La and a second inductor Lb, respectively, with the other end of capacitor C being grounded. Specifically, the first output pin is connected to one end of the first inductor La, the second output pin is connected to one end of the second inductor Lb, and the other ends of the first inductor La and the second inductor Lb are connected to the voltage output terminal of the capacitor. In the circuit of the power converter 1, the first inductor La and the second inductor Lb are used to store energy in their respective circuits and provide ripple current output. Capacitor C is used to store energy in the power converter 1 and stabilize the output voltage.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present application, the first feedback pin is connected to the output voltage end of the capacitor C and is used to receive the output voltage of the capacitor C.

[0051] See Figure 2 The first integrated module 10a further includes a first feedback module 11a, a first signal conversion module 12a, a first pulse generation module 13a, and a first driving module 14a. Correspondingly, the second integrated module 10b further includes a second feedback module 11b, a second signal conversion module 12b, a second pulse generation module 13b, and a second driving module 14b.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, when the first integrated module 10a is in master mode, the first feedback module 11a is configured to generate a trigger signal. Specifically, the first feedback module 11a receives the output voltage of the capacitor C via the first feedback pin and generates a trigger signal based on the output voltage of the capacitor C. When the second integrated module 10b is in slave mode, the second feedback module 11b is disabled, and the second feedback pin can be electrically connected to the capacitor, floating, connected to the highest potential, or connected to the lowest potential.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first feedback module 11 a includes a first triangle wave generator 111 , a first error amplifier 112 , a first compensator 113 , and a first comparator 114 .

[0054] The first triangle wave generator 111 is used to generate a triangle wave signal.

[0055] The first error amplifier 112 is used to subtract the output voltage of capacitor C from the reference voltage of power converter 1 to obtain a voltage error and generate an error signal. It is understood that the reference voltage of power converter 1 is the voltage of a highly stable voltage source used as a voltage reference in power converter 1.

[0056] The first compensator 113 is electrically connected to the first error amplifier 112 . The first compensator 113 is configured to receive the error signal generated by the first error amplifier 112 and compensate the error signal to generate a compensation signal.

[0057] The first comparator 114 is configured to generate a trigger signal by comparing the triangular wave signal generated by the first triangular wave generator 111 with the compensation signal generated by the first compensator 113. Specifically, when the voltage levels of the triangular wave signal and the compensation signal intersect, the first comparator 114 generates a trigger signal accordingly.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, when the first integrated module 10a is in master control mode, the first signal conversion module 12a receives the trigger signal generated by the first feedback module 11a and processes the trigger signal. Specifically, the first signal conversion module 12a encodes the trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate a state trigger signal, which is then output via the first trigger pin.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, when the second integrated module 10b is in slave mode, the second signal conversion module 12b receives the status trigger signal from the first integrated module 10a via the second trigger pin and processes the trigger signal. Specifically, the second signal conversion module 12b decodes the status trigger signal and transmits the decoded status trigger signal to the second pulse generation module 13b of the second integrated module 10b.

[0060] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the structure of the second feedback module 11 b may be the same as that of the first feedback module 11 a , that is, the second feedback module 11 b includes a triangle wave generator, an error amplifier, a compensator, and a comparator.

[0061] Specifically, the state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise / fall information. The voltage level information (e.g., high level, low level, or intermediate level) combined with the edge rise / fall information (e.g., rising edge, falling edge) can be combined to form the phase sequence of the integrated modules. The phase sequence of the integrated modules is then combined to form various signaling patterns of the state trigger signal. In a specific embodiment, the power converter 1 selects a combination of voltage level information and edge rise / fall information as the signaling pattern, and the power converter 1 then performs phase control on each integrated module based on this signaling pattern.

[0062] For example, see Figure 3 As can be seen from the figure, when the state trigger signal contains three types of voltage level information, the state trigger signal can be combined to form at least four signal patterns. For example, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 The state trigger signal shown in FIG is a signal pattern formed by combining four voltage level information with edge rise and fall information. In this particular signal pattern, the rise and fall changes between the four voltage levels comprise six trigger conditions. It will be appreciated that the rise and fall changes between the voltage levels define the various trigger conditions (i.e., phase sequence), thereby defining the signal pattern of the state trigger signal.

[0063] The first pulse generating module 13a and the second pulse generating module 13b are both used to generate a pulse signal. In some embodiments, the first pulse generating module 13a and the second pulse generating module 13b are also used to adjust the pulse width of the pulse signal.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, when the first integrated module 10a is in the master mode, the first pulse generating module 13a can directly generate the first pulse signal without generating the first pulse signal based on the state trigger signal. When the second integrated module 10b is in the slave mode, the second pulse generating module generates the second pulse signal based on the state trigger signal processed by the second signal conversion module 12b.

[0065] The first driver module 14a is configured to drive a first pulse signal to be output from a first output pin. The second driver module 14b is configured to drive a second pulse signal to be output from a second output pin. Specifically, the first driver module 14a and the second driver module 14b each include a driver and a field-effect transistor. The driver is configured to drive the field-effect transistor, and the field-effect transistor is configured to drive the output of the pulse signal.

[0066] In some embodiments, each module on the integrated modules 10a, 10b is highly integrated and reasonably distributed on the integrated modules 10a, 10b, so that the integrated modules 10a, 10b occupy a small area, thereby achieving high heat dissipation efficiency, saving the area of ​​the power converter 1, and improving the power efficiency of the power converter 1.

[0067] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The power converter 1 is introduced by taking the output of four-phase pulse signal of the power converter 1 as an example. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a four-phase power converter 1, Figure 6 1 is a waveform diagram of signals generated by the four-phase power converter 1. In this embodiment, the power converter 1 includes a first integrated module 10a, a second integrated module 10b, a third integrated module 10c, and a fourth integrated module 10d.

[0068] Correspondingly, each of the four integrated modules 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d includes an input setting pin MODE, and inputs the operation configuration through each input setting pin MODE, so that the four integrated modules 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are configured to the corresponding mode and phase sequence according to the operation configuration.

[0069] Specifically, the first integrated module 10a obtains an operating configuration from the first input setting pin MODE-a, and then configures the mode of the first integrated module 10a to be the master mode based on the operating configuration, with the phase sequence of the first integrated module 10a being the first phase. The second integrated module 10b obtains an operating configuration from the second input setting pin MODE-b, and then configures the mode of the second integrated module 10b to be the slave mode based on the operating configuration, with the phase sequence of the second integrated module 10b being the second phase. The third integrated module 10c obtains an operating configuration from the third input setting pin MODE-c, and then configures the mode of the third integrated module 10c to be the slave mode based on the operating configuration, with the phase sequence of the third integrated module 10c being the third phase. The fourth integrated module 10d obtains an operating configuration from the fourth input setting pin MODE-d, and then configures the mode of the fourth integrated module 10d to be the slave mode based on the operating configuration, with the phase sequence of the fourth integrated module 10d being the fourth phase.

[0070] Correspondingly, the first integrated module 10a, the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d respectively include a first trigger pin ST-a, a second trigger pin ST-b, a third trigger pin ST-c, and a fourth trigger pin ST-d. Specifically, the first trigger pin ST-a, the second trigger pin ST-b, the third trigger pin ST-c, and the fourth trigger pin ST-d are electrically connected to each other.

[0071] Correspondingly, the first integrated module 10a, the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d each include a first output pin OUT-a, a second output pin OUT-b, a third output pin OUT-c, and a fourth output pin OUT-d. Specifically, the first output pin OUT-a, the second output pin OUT-b, the third output pin OUT-c, and the fourth output pin OUT-d are electrically connected to the first inductor La, the second inductor Lb, the third inductor Lc, and the fourth inductor Ld, respectively. Furthermore, the first inductor La, the second inductor Lb, the third inductor Lc, and the fourth inductor Ld are electrically coupled to one end (the output voltage end) of the capacitor C. The other end of the capacitor C is grounded.

[0072] Correspondingly, the first integrated module 10a includes a first feedback pin FB-a, a first feedback module 11a, a first signal conversion module 12a, a first pulse generation module 13a, and a first drive module 14a. Specifically, the first feedback pin FB-a is connected to the output voltage terminal of the capacitor C. The first feedback module 11a receives the output voltage of the capacitor C via the first feedback pin FB-a. The first feedback module 11a generates a triangular wave signal and a compensation signal. The first feedback module 11a then generates a trigger signal based on the triangular wave signal and the compensation signal.

[0073] Furthermore, the first signal conversion module 12a of the first integrated module 10a generates a state trigger signal based on the trigger signal and transmits the state trigger signal to the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d via the first trigger pin ST-a. Furthermore, the first pulse generation module 13a generates a first pulse signal and drives the first pulse signal output via the first driver module 14a.

[0074] Correspondingly, the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d include a second signal conversion module 12b, a third signal conversion module 12c, and a fourth signal conversion module 12d, respectively. Specifically, the second signal conversion module 12b, the third signal conversion module 12c, and the fourth signal conversion module 12d receive status trigger signals via the second trigger pin ST-b, the third trigger pin ST-c, and the fourth trigger pin ST-d, respectively, and process the status trigger signals.

[0075] Correspondingly, the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d include a second pulse generation module 13b, a third pulse generation module 13c, and a fourth pulse generation module 13d, respectively. Specifically, the second pulse generation module 13b receives the status trigger signal processed by the second signal conversion module 12b and generates a second pulse signal based on the status trigger signal processed by the second signal conversion module 12b. Correspondingly, the third pulse generation module 13c and the fourth pulse generation module 13d generate a third pulse signal and a fourth pulse signal, respectively.

[0076] Correspondingly, the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d include a second driver module 14b, a third driver module 14c, and a fourth driver module 14d, respectively. Specifically, the second driver module 14b drives the second pulse signal to be output from the second output pin OUT-b, the third driver module 14c drives the third pulse signal to be output from the third output pin OUT-c, and the fourth driver module 14d drives the fourth pulse signal to be output from the fourth output pin OUT-d. Thus, the power converter 1 outputs four-phase pulse signals.

[0077] In this embodiment, the trigger pins of each integrated module are connected together, and the integrated module in the master mode (e.g., the first integrated module 10a) uses a single signal to control the phase. That is, the trigger pin of the integrated module in the master mode (e.g., the first integrated module 10a) is set as an output, while the trigger pins of the integrated modules in the slave mode (e.g., the second integrated module 10b, the third integrated module 10c, and the fourth integrated module 10d) are set as inputs.

[0078] Therefore, the power converter 1 proposed in the embodiment of the present application can achieve multi-phase control using a single signal connection, thereby easily realizing the expansion of the number of phases.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the load of the power converter 1 changes suddenly, the compensation signal generated by the first compensator 113 will be temporarily boosted, causing the generation rate of the trigger signal in the first comparator 114 to be temporarily accelerated, thereby causing the state change rate of the state trigger signal to be temporarily accelerated. Figure 7 ,It can be seen from the figure that when the compensation signal ,temporarily increases in voltage, the generation rate of the trigger signal ,temporarily accelerates, and the state change rate of the state ,trigger signal also temporarily accelerates.

[0080] In some embodiments, in order to solve the problem of voltage drop caused by sudden load changes in the power converter 1, a trigger condition in the state trigger signal can be pre-set as multi-phase output control, that is, when multi-phase output control appears in the state trigger signal, multiple phases in the power converter 1 are turned on at the same time, that is, some phases in the power converter 1 are turned on (for example, 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the total number of phases are turned on at the same time), and the power converter 1 simultaneously sends out multi-phase pulse signals.

[0081] It is understandable that in order to solve the above problem, a trigger condition in the state trigger signal can be pre-set as full-phase output control. When the full-phase output control appears in the state trigger signal, all phases in the power converter 1 are turned on at the same time, and the power converter 1 outputs full-phase pulse signals at the same time. For example, refer to Figure 8 , the state trigger signal is pre-set to rise from the middle voltage level to the high voltage level as the trigger condition for the full-phase output. When the trigger condition for the full-phase output appears in the state trigger signal, all phases in the power converter 1 are turned on at the same time.

[0082] In some embodiments, the number of phases generated by the power converter 1 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0083] For example, see Figure 9 , which is a waveform diagram of each signal generated when the power converter 1 outputs a three-phase pulse signal. In some embodiments, the power converter 1 may include multiple integrated modules, one of which operates in master mode. The state trigger signal generated by the master mode integrated module may include three signal patterns. The other integrated modules operate in slave mode, thereby enabling the power converter 1 to output a three-phase pulse signal.

[0084] For another example, see Figure 10 , which is a waveform diagram of each signal generated when the power converter 1 outputs a two-phase pulse signal. In some embodiments, the power converter 1 may include multiple integrated modules, one of which operates in master mode. The state trigger signal generated by the master mode integrated module may include two signal patterns. The other integrated modules operate in slave mode, thereby enabling the power converter 1 to output a two-phase pulse signal.

[0085] For another example, see Figure 11 , which is a waveform diagram of various signals generated when the power converter 1 outputs a single-phase pulse signal. In some embodiments, the power converter 1 may include multiple integrated modules, one of which operates in a master control mode. The integrated module in the master control mode does not output a state trigger signal, and thus the power converter 1 can output a single-phase pulse signal.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the integrated module is in the master mode, the integrated module may not output phase according to the state trigger signal. It is understood that when the integrated module is in the master mode, the state trigger signal may not include the trigger condition when the integrated module generates a pulse signal.

[0087] In some embodiments, after the power converter 1 completes a cycle of pulse output, no additional input control signal is required to reset the power converter 1 before the next cycle of pulse output. The power converter 1 can directly perform the next cycle of pulse output.

[0088] See also Figure 12 , which is a flow chart of a signal control method for multiple integrated modules according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the signal control method for multiple integrated modules is described using two integrated modules (a first integrated module 10a and a second integrated module 10b) as an example. The signal control method may include the following steps:

[0089] Step S1201: provide multiple integrated modules and connect trigger pins of each integrated module.

[0090] Specifically, the electrical connection between the trigger pins enables the electrical connection between the integrated modules to perform signal transmission.

[0091] Step S1202 : Inputting the operation configuration to the integrated modules to set the number of phases of the power converter 1 , the mode of each integrated module, and the phase sequence.

[0092] The phase sequence of each integrated module is formed by combining voltage level information with edge rise and fall information, and is integrated to form a corresponding signal pattern.

[0093] Specifically, in this embodiment, the power converter 1 is configured as a two-phase power converter by inputting a preset operating configuration into the first integrated module 10a and the second integrated module 10b. At the same time, the first integrated module 10a is set to a master mode with a phase sequence of the first phase. The second integrated module 10b is set to a slave mode with a phase sequence of the second phase.

[0094] Step S1203: the first integrated module 10a generates a status trigger signal, and transmits the status trigger signal to the second integrated module via the first trigger pin.

[0095] In a specific embodiment, when the mode of the first integrated module 10a is the master control mode, the first feedback module 11a is used to generate a trigger signal. Figure 2 Taking the integrated module shown as an example, the first feedback module 11 a in the first integrated module 10 a receives the output voltage of the capacitor C through the first feedback pin and generates a trigger signal according to the output voltage of the capacitor C.

[0096] Specifically, the first triangular wave generator 111 in the first feedback module 11a generates a triangular wave signal. The first error amplifier 112 in the first feedback module 11a subtracts the output voltage of the capacitor C from the reference voltage of the power converter 1 to obtain a voltage error and generate an error signal. The first compensator 113 in the first feedback module 11a receives the error signal generated by the first error amplifier 112 and compensates the error signal to generate a compensation signal. The first comparator 114 in the first feedback module 11a compares the triangular wave signal generated by the first triangular wave generator 111 with the compensation signal generated by the first compensator 113 to generate a trigger signal.

[0097] Furthermore, the first signal conversion module 12a in the first integrated module 10a receives the trigger signal of the first feedback module 11a and processes the trigger signal to generate a state trigger signal. In this embodiment, the first integrated module 10a includes a first trigger pin, and the second integrated module 10b includes a second trigger pin. The first trigger pin of the first integrated module 10a is electrically connected to the second trigger pin of the second integrated module 10b. It is understood that the power converter 1 may also include other integrated modules, for example, the power converter 1 may also include a third integrated module and a fourth integrated module (such as Figure 5 shown) etc.

[0098] Therefore, the first integrated module 10 a can output the state trigger signal to the second integrated module 10 b through the first trigger pin of the first integrated module 10 a .

[0099] Specifically, the state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise / fall information. The voltage level information and edge rise / fall information are combined to form the phase sequence of the integrated modules. The phase sequence of the integrated modules is then combined to form the signal pattern of the state trigger signal. Furthermore, when the state trigger signal is input to each integrated module in the power converter 1, the power converter 1 performs phase control on each integrated module based on the signal pattern of the state trigger signal.

[0100] Step S1204: the second integrated module 10b receives the state trigger signal and processes the state trigger signal to generate a pulse signal.

[0101] In a specific embodiment, the second signal conversion module 12b of the second integrated module 10b receives the status trigger signal transmitted by the first trigger pin of the first integrated module 10a through the second trigger pin of the second integrated module 10b, processes the status trigger signal, and then transmits the processed status trigger signal to the second pulse generation module 13b of the second integrated module 10b.

[0102] Furthermore, the second pulse generating module 13b generates a pulse signal according to the state trigger signal processed by the second signal converting module 12b.

[0103] Step S1205: the second integrated module 10b outputs a pulse signal.

[0104] Specifically, after the second pulse generating module 13b generates the pulse signal, the second driving module 14b drives the second pulse signal to be output from the second output pin OUT-b.

[0105] The above signal control method is particularly applicable to the phase control of the power converter 1. With such a design, the present application can achieve multi-phase control with a single signal connection, thereby easily realizing the expansion of the number of phases.

[0106] In summary, the integrated modules in the power converter 1 proposed in this application are connected in parallel, and the integrated module configured in master mode controls the output pulse signals of the integrated modules configured in slave mode using a single state trigger signal. As a result, each integrated module outputs a phase signal according to the signal pattern of the state trigger signal, enabling the power converter 1 to generate multi-phase pulse outputs. Furthermore, each module and component within the integrated modules of the power converter 1 is highly integrated and rationally arranged, resulting in a small footprint and high heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, after the power converter 1 completes a cycle of pulse output, it can directly proceed to the next cycle of pulse output without requiring a reset.

[0107] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. As long as they are within the spirit of the present application, appropriate changes and modifications to the above embodiments should fall within the scope of protection claimed in the present application.

Claims

1. A power converter, characterized in that: The power converter includes a plurality of integrated modules, wherein the plurality of integrated modules include a first integrated module and a second integrated module connected in parallel; The first integrated module includes a first trigger pin, the second integrated module includes a second trigger pin, and the first trigger pin is electrically connected to the second trigger pin; The first integrated module is used to encode the trigger signal to generate a state trigger signal, and the first integrated module is also used to generate a first pulse signal and transmit the state trigger signal to the second integrated module through the first trigger pin; The second integrated module receives the state trigger signal transmitted by the first integrated module through the second trigger pin, and decodes the state trigger signal to generate a second pulse signal; The state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information, and the voltage level information is combined with the edge rise and fall information to form a signal pattern of the state trigger signal; The power converter then performs phase control on the integrated module according to the signal pattern.

2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein: The first integrated module includes a first input setting pin, and the second integrated module includes a second input setting pin. The first input setting pin and the second input setting pin are used to input an operation configuration to the first integrated module and the second integrated module, respectively. The operation configuration includes the number of phases of the power converter, the mode of the first integrated module and the second integrated module, and the signal pattern.

3. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein: The first integrated module includes a first output pin and a first feedback pin, and the second integrated module includes a second output pin; The first output pin is connected to one end of a first inductor, and the other end of the first inductor is electrically connected to a capacitor; The second output pin is connected to one end of a second inductor, and the other end of the second inductor is electrically connected to the capacitor; The first feedback pin is electrically connected to the capacitor and is used to receive the output voltage of the capacitor; The first integrated module includes a first feedback module, which is configured to receive the output voltage of the capacitor through the first feedback pin and generate the trigger signal according to the output voltage of the capacitor.

4. The power converter according to claim 3, wherein: The first integration module includes a first signal conversion module, the first signal conversion module is used to receive the trigger signal generated by the first feedback module, and encode the trigger signal into the state trigger signal according to the signal pattern; The second integrated module includes a second signal conversion module; the second signal conversion module receives the state trigger signal through the second trigger pin, and decodes the state trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate the second pulse signal.

5. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein: The first integrated module includes a first pulse generating module and a first driving module, wherein the first pulse generating module is used to generate the first pulse signal, and the first driving module is used to drive the first pulse signal to output; The second integrated module includes a second pulse generating module and a second driving module. The second pulse generating module is used to receive the state trigger signal decoded by the second signal conversion module and generate the second pulse signal according to the decoded state trigger signal. The second driving module is used to drive the second pulse signal output.

6. A signal control method for multiple integrated modules, characterized in that: The signal control method comprises: A plurality of integrated modules are provided, wherein trigger pins of the integrated modules are electrically connected to each other to transmit a status trigger signal; wherein the plurality of integrated modules are single-phase power converters, the plurality of integrated modules are connected in parallel to form a power converter, and the plurality of integrated modules include a first integrated module and a second integrated module, the first integrated module includes a first trigger pin, and the second integrated module includes a second trigger pin; Inputting an operation configuration to each of the integrated modules to set the number of phases of the power converter, the mode of each of the integrated modules, and the signal pattern; wherein the mode of the first integrated module is set to a master mode corresponding to a first phase of the signal pattern; and the mode of the second integrated module is set to a slave mode corresponding to a second phase of the signal pattern; The first integrated module encodes the trigger signal to generate the state trigger signal, and the first integrated module is further used to generate a first pulse signal and transmit the state trigger signal to the second integrated module through the first trigger pin; The second integrated module receives the state trigger signal transmitted by the first integrated module through the second trigger pin, and decodes the state trigger signal to generate a second pulse signal; The state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information, and the voltage level information is combined with the edge rise and fall information to form the signal pattern; The power converter then performs phase control on the integrated module according to the signal pattern.

7. The signal control method for multiple integrated modules according to claim 6, wherein: The signal control method further includes: The first integrated module encodes the trigger signal according to the signal pattern to generate the state trigger signal; The second integrated module decodes the received state trigger signal according to the signal pattern; The second integrated module generates the second pulse signal according to the decoded state trigger signal; The second integrated module drives the second pulse signal output.

8. An integrated module comprising a single-phase power conversion circuit, characterized in that: The integrated module includes an input setting pin and a trigger pin; The input setting pin is used to input an operation configuration to the integrated module; wherein the operation configuration includes a mode and a signal pattern of the integrated module; The mode of the integrated module includes a master mode and a slave mode, wherein one of the master mode and the slave mode is input into the integrated module through the input setting pin to set the mode of the integrated module; When the mode of the integrated module is set to the master control mode, the integrated module encodes the trigger signal to generate a state trigger signal, and then the trigger pin is used to output the state trigger signal; When the mode of the integrated module is set to the slave mode, the trigger pin is used to input the state trigger signal, and the integrated module decodes the received state trigger signal to generate a corresponding pulse signal; The state trigger signal includes voltage level information and edge rise and fall information. The voltage level information is integrated with the edge rise and fall information to form the signal pattern.

9. The integrated module according to claim 8, wherein: A plurality of the integrated modules are connected in parallel to form a power converter, and the operating configuration further includes the number of phases of the power converter.

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