Controller with variable x capacitor discharge mechanism and related method of operation

Abstract

The invention discloses a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism and a related method of operation. The controller comprises a voltage detection circuit and a discharge circuit, wherein the controller is applied to a power converter, and the X capacitor is coupled to the power converter. The voltage detection circuit determines whether to generate a discharge signal according to the change of a detection voltage, the detection voltage is generated by an input voltage input to the power converter, the input voltage is an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and the discharge signal lasts for a predetermined time. And the discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor according to the discharge signal. Therefore, the controller not only can be suitable for a power supply needing to be compatible with the alternating current input voltage and the direct current input voltage at the same time, but also can prevent the risk that the controller is damaged and the temperature is too high due to the fact that the X capacitor is continuously discharged when the direct current input voltage is generated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a controller with an X-capacitor discharge mechanism and a related operating method, and more particularly to a controller with a variable X-capacitor discharge mechanism and a related operating method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, a common X-capacitor discharge mechanism is that when the detected voltage exhibits a continuous periodic change, the controller treats the input voltage to the power converter as an AC voltage and does not actively discharge the X-capacitor. Once the voltage source providing the input voltage is removed, the detected voltage of the X-capacitor no longer exhibits a periodic change (that is, when the voltage source providing the input voltage is removed, there is a residual voltage on the X-capacitor, and the residual voltage does not exhibit a continuous periodic change), causing the controller to actively discharge the X-capacitor to release the residual voltage and meet safety requirements.

[0003] However, if the input voltage is a DC voltage, because the detected voltage does not have a continuous periodic change, the controller will continuously discharge the X capacitor, which can easily lead to controller damage and overheating. Therefore, how to design a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism has become an important issue for controller designers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a controller with a variable X-capacitor discharge mechanism, wherein the controller is applied to a power converter and the X-capacitor is coupled to the power converter, and the controller includes a voltage detection circuit and a discharge circuit. The voltage detection circuit receives a detection voltage through a pin of the controller and determines whether to generate a discharge signal based on changes in the detection voltage, wherein the detection voltage is generated by an input voltage input to the power converter, the input voltage being an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and the discharge signal lasts for a predetermined time; and the discharge circuit is coupled to the voltage detection circuit and the pin to discharge the X-capacitor according to the discharge signal.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pin is coupled to both ends of the X capacitor, and the X capacitor is coupled to a bridge rectifier included in the power converter.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detection voltage does not change periodically in a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, and the discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor through a discharge current and the pin, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the first predetermined time, the controller activates a capacitor discharge detection, a brown-out protection detection, and an overload protection detection.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. After the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection. After the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection, and after a second predetermined time, when the detected voltage is less than a first reference voltage, the controller activates a low voltage protection, wherein the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, and the discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor through a discharge current and the pin, wherein the predetermined time is greater than the first predetermined time.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the first predetermined time, the controller activates a capacitor discharge detection, a low voltage protection detection, and an overload protection detection.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. After the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection. After the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection, and after a second predetermined time, when the detected voltage is less than a first reference voltage, the controller activates a low voltage protection, wherein the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection, and after the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection, wherein during the predetermined time, the detection voltage is greater than a first reference voltage.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the predetermined time ends and at a third predetermined time, when the detected voltage is the set value and is greater than a second reference voltage, the controller restarts the overload protection detection, wherein the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the voltage detection circuit generates multiple detection signals according to the periodic change of the detection voltage, and when no detection signal is generated within a fourth predetermined time after the voltage detection circuit generates the multiple detection signals, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the fourth predetermined time.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the detection voltage reaches a peak value and then falls below a detection reference voltage, the voltage detection circuit generates a detection signal.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, after a voltage source provides an input voltage to the power converter for a fifth predetermined time and the voltage detection circuit does not generate a detection signal during the fifth predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit does not generate the discharge signal after the fifth predetermined time.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pin is coupled to the output of a bridge rectifier included in the power converter, and the X capacitor is coupled to the bridge rectifier.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value for a first predetermined time, the controller disables a capacitor discharge detection and continuously enables a low voltage protection detection and an overload protection detection, wherein the set value is greater than a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the first reference voltage being related to the low voltage protection detection and the second reference voltage being related to the overload protection detection.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value for a first predetermined time, the controller disables a capacitor discharge detection and continuously enables a low voltage protection detection and an overload protection detection, wherein the set value is greater than a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection, and the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection.

[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an operating method for a controller with a variable X-capacitor discharge mechanism, wherein the controller is applied to a power converter, the X-capacitor is coupled to the power converter, and the controller includes a voltage detection circuit and a discharge circuit. The operating method includes the voltage detection circuit receiving a detection voltage through a pin of the controller, and determining whether a discharge signal is generated based on changes in the detection voltage, wherein the detection voltage is generated by an input voltage input to the power converter, the input voltage being an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and the discharge signal lasting for a predetermined time; and the discharge circuit discharging the X-capacitor according to the discharge signal.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detection voltage does not change periodically within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage, discharge current, discharge signal, X capacitor discharge detection, brown-out protection detection, and over-load protection detection related to controller operation when the input voltage is AC.

[0025] Figure 3This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage, input voltage, discharge current, discharge signal, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, undervoltage protection and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller when the input voltage is a DC input voltage.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage, input voltage, discharge current, discharge signal, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller 100 when the input voltage is the DC input voltage.

[0027] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second embodiment of the present invention discloses that... Figure 1 Based on this, a timing diagram of the detection voltage, X capacitor discharge, and detection signal related to controller operation is provided.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is to explain Figure 8 Based on this, when the input voltage is the AC input voltage, a timing diagram is shown for the detection voltage, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller.

[0030] Figure 10 This is to explain Figure 8 Based on this, when the input voltage is the DC input voltage, a timing diagram is provided for the detection voltage, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller.

[0031] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a flowchart of an operation method for a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an operation method for a controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 100 controller

[0035] 102 Voltage Detection Circuit

[0036] 104 discharge circuit

[0037] 106 high voltage pin

[0038] 200 power converter

[0039] 202 Bridge Rectifier

[0040] 204 capacitor

[0041] 206 Power Conversion Circuit

[0042] 300X capacitors

[0043] 302 and 304 diodes

[0044] 400Voltage Source

[0045] BNOLEVEL First Reference Voltage

[0046] DS discharge signal

[0047] DCINLEVEL Second Reference Voltage

[0048] IHV discharge current

[0049] S1 detection signal

[0050] T0~T5 time

[0051] VHV detection voltage

[0052] VCC power supply voltage

[0053] VIN input voltage

[0054] VPK peak

[0055] VTH detection reference voltage

[0056] Steps 1100-1120 and 1200-1208 Detailed Implementation

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a controller 100 with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in a first embodiment of the present invention. The controller 100 is applied to the primary side of a power converter 200 and includes a voltage detection circuit 102 and a discharge circuit 104. The coupling relationship between the voltage detection circuit 102 and the discharge circuit 104 can be referred to... Figure 1 This will not be elaborated upon further. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, since the power converter 200 is not a key technical feature of this invention, only a bridge rectifier 202, a capacitor 204, and a power conversion circuit 206 are shown. Additionally, as... Figure 1As shown, the present invention is not limited to the controller 100 containing only the voltage detection circuit 102 and the discharge circuit 104; that is, the controller 100 may include other functional circuits (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 ).

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, a high-voltage pin 106 of the controller 100 is coupled to both ends of an X capacitor 300, which is coupled to a bridge rectifier 202. The voltage detection circuit 102 receives a detection voltage VHV through the high-voltage pin 106 and determines whether a discharge signal DS is generated based on the change in the detection voltage VHV. The detection voltage VHV is generated by an input voltage VIN to the power converter 200, and the input voltage VIN is provided by a voltage source 400. Next, please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage VHV, discharge current IHV, discharge signal DS, X capacitor discharge detection, brown-out protection detection, and over-load protection detection related to the operation of controller 100 when the input voltage VIN is an AC input voltage. The brown-out protection and over-load protection are related to the power converter 200. Figure 2 As shown, after the voltage source 400 provides the input voltage VIN to the power converter 200 for a period of time, between time T0 and time T1, because the detection voltage VHV is generated by the input voltage VIN through diodes 302 and 304, those skilled in the art should know that the voltage detection circuit 102 can continuously detect the periodic change of the detection voltage VHV. Between time T0 and time T1, the controller 100 activates a capacitor discharge detection, a brown-out protection detection, and an overload protection detection. The capacitor discharge detection, the brown-out protection detection, and the overload protection detection are related to other functional circuits of the controller 100. For example... Figure 2As shown, at time T1, voltage source 400 is removed, so the input voltage VIN is the residual voltage on capacitor X 300. This causes the detection voltage VHV detected by voltage detection circuit 102 between time T1 and time T2 (i.e., a first predetermined time) to not change periodically. Therefore, voltage detection circuit 102 determines that input voltage VIN is off. The first predetermined time depends on actual design requirements, for example (but not limited to) 50ms. Controller 100 continuously activates capacitor X discharge detection, low voltage protection detection, and overload protection detection during the first predetermined time. Then, after time T2, voltage detection circuit 102 generates a discharge signal DS to discharge circuit 104, and discharge circuit 104 discharges capacitor X 300 through discharge current IHV and high-voltage pin 106. The discharge signal DS and discharge current IHV last for a predetermined time until time T3. This predetermined time also depends on actual design requirements, for example (but not limited to) 230ms, and is longer than the first predetermined time. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, at time T2, other functional circuits within the controller 100 will also simultaneously disable the low-voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. At the end of the predetermined time (i.e., at time T3), the other functional circuits within the controller 100 will re-enable the low-voltage protection detection and disable the X-capacitor discharge detection. At the end of the predetermined time, because the voltage source 400 is removed and the discharge circuit 104 discharges the X-capacitor 300 through the discharge current IHV and the high-voltage pin 106 during the predetermined time, the detection voltage VHV will be less than a first reference voltage BNOLEVEL, and the first reference voltage BNOLEVEL is related to the low-voltage protection detection. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, when other functional circuits re-enable the low-voltage protection detection, the overload protection detection remains disabled. Figure 2 As shown, after time T3, at a second predetermined time (i.e., at time T4), the controller 100 activates the low-voltage protection, wherein the second predetermined time depends on actual design requirements and is, for example (but not limited to), 70 ms. Then as... Figure 2 As shown, after the controller 100 activates the low voltage protection, the controller 100 enters the protection mode and shuts down. The controller 100 can be shut down in a way that, for example, the power supply voltage VCC used for the operation of the controller 100 can be turned off or removed.

[0059] Next, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage VHV, input voltage VIN, discharge current IHV, discharge signal DS, X capacitor discharge detection, low voltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of controller 100 when the input voltage VIN is a DC input voltage. The low voltage protection and overload protection are related to the power converter 200. Figure 3 As shown, after the voltage source 400 provides the input voltage VIN to the power converter 200 for a period of time, between time T0 and time T1, since the detection voltage VHV is generated by the input voltage VIN through diodes 302 and 304, if the voltage across diodes 302 and 304 is ignored, the detection voltage VHV can be substantially equivalent to the input voltage VIN (that is, the detection voltage VHV is a certain value). The controller 100 activates the X capacitor discharge detection, the low voltage protection detection, and the overload protection detection, and these detections are related to other functional circuits of the controller 100. For example... Figure 3 As shown, because the detection voltage VHV is a DC voltage, the detection voltage VHV detected by the voltage detection circuit 102 between time T1 and time T2 (i.e., the first predetermined time) remains unchanged. For example, the first predetermined time depends on actual design requirements and is, for example, (but not limited to) 50ms. The controller 100 continuously activates the X capacitor discharge detection, the low voltage protection detection, and the overload protection detection during the first predetermined time. Then, after time T2, the voltage detection circuit 102 generates a discharge signal DS to the discharge circuit 104, and the discharge circuit 104 discharges the X capacitor 300 through the discharge current IHV and the high-voltage pin 106. The discharge signal DS and the discharge current IHV continue for the predetermined time until time T3. The predetermined time depends on actual design requirements and is, for example, (but not limited to) 230ms, and is longer than the first predetermined time. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, at time T2, other functional circuits within the controller 100 will also simultaneously disable the low-voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection, and at the end of the predetermined time (i.e., at time T3), the other functional circuits within the controller 100 will re-enable the low-voltage protection detection and disable the X capacitor discharge detection. Figure 3 As shown, during the predetermined time (i.e., at time T4), because the voltage source 400 is removed, the detected voltage VHV will be less than the first reference voltage BNOLEVEL, and the first reference voltage BNOLEVEL is related to the low-voltage protection detection. Figure 3As shown, after time T3, at a second predetermined time (i.e., at time T5), the controller 100 activates the low-voltage protection, wherein the second predetermined time depends on actual design requirements and is, for example (but not limited to), 70 ms. Then as... Figure 3 As shown, after the controller 100 activates the low voltage protection, the controller 100 enters the protection mode and shuts down. The controller 100 can be shut down in a way that, for example, the power supply voltage VCC used for the operation of the controller 100 can be turned off or removed.

[0060] Next, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating the detection voltage VHV, input voltage VIN, discharge current IHV, discharge signal DS, X capacitor discharge detection, low voltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of controller 100 when the input voltage VIN is the DC input voltage. The low voltage protection and overload protection are related to the power converter 200. Figure 4 As shown, before time T2, the detection voltage VHV, input voltage VIN, discharge current IHV, discharge signal DS, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection are all... Figure 3 The same applies, and will not be repeated here. Next, the voltage detection circuit 102 generates a discharge signal DS after time T2 and sends it to the discharge circuit 104. The discharge circuit 104 can discharge the X capacitor 300 through the discharge current IHV and the high-voltage pin 106, wherein the discharge signal DS and the discharge current IHV continue for the predetermined time until time T3. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, at time T2, other functional circuits within the controller 100 will also simultaneously disable the low-voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection, and at the end of the predetermined time (i.e., at time T3), the other functional circuits within the controller 100 will re-enable the low-voltage protection detection and disable the X capacitor discharge detection. Figure 4 As shown, at the end of the predetermined time (i.e., at time T3), because the voltage source 400 has not been removed, the detected voltage VHV will not be less than the first reference voltage BNOLEVEL, causing the controller 100 to not activate the low-voltage protection after time T3. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, after the predetermined time ends, at a third predetermined time (that is, at time T4), because the voltage source 400 is not removed, the detected voltage VHV is also greater than a second reference voltage DCINLEVEL, causing the controller 100 to reactivate the overload protection. The third predetermined time depends on the actual design requirements, for example (but not limited to) 230ms.

[0061] Next, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is disclosed in a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Based on this, a timing diagram of the detection voltage VHV, X capacitor discharge, and detection signal S1 related to the operation of controller 100 is provided. Figure 5 As shown, at time T0, voltage source 400 provides input voltage VIN to power converter 200 to power it on. Between time T0 and time T1, because voltage detection circuit 102 generates M detection signals S1 based on the periodic change of detection voltage VHV, voltage detection circuit 102 determines at time T1 that voltage source 400 is an AC voltage source, where M is a positive integer and depends on actual design requirements. Additionally, when the detection voltage VHV reaches a peak value VPK and then falls below a detection reference voltage VTH, voltage detection circuit 102 can generate a detection signal S1. In one embodiment of the invention, the detection reference voltage VTH can be N times the peak value VPK (where 1 > N > 0) or equal to the peak value VPK minus a fixed voltage. Figure 6 As shown, between time T1 and time T2 (i.e., a fourth predetermined time, which also depends on actual design requirements, such as (but not limited to) 50ms), the voltage detection circuit 102 does not generate a detection signal. Therefore, the voltage detection circuit 102 determines that the voltage source 400 has been removed and generates a discharge signal DS after the fourth predetermined time (i.e., after time T2). Then, the discharge circuit 104 discharges the X capacitor 300 through the discharge current IHV and the high-voltage pin 106, causing the detection voltage VHV to gradually decrease after time T2.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, between time T0 and time T1 (that is, a fifth predetermined time, which also depends on actual design requirements, for example (but not limited to) 50ms), because the detected voltage VHV does not change periodically, the voltage detection circuit 102 will not generate any detection signal. Therefore, the voltage detection circuit 102 determines at time T1 that the voltage source 400 is a DC voltage source and will not generate a discharge signal DS. That is to say, when the voltage detection circuit 102 determines at time T1 that the voltage source 400 is the DC voltage source, the voltage detection circuit 102 disables the function of discharging the X capacitor 300.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a controller 100 with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein... Figure 8 and Figure 1 The difference lies in that the high-voltage pin 106 of the controller 100 is coupled to the output terminal of the bridge rectifier 202. Furthermore, the coupling relationships between the voltage detection circuit 102, discharge circuit 104, bridge rectifier 202, capacitor 204, power conversion circuit 206, X capacitor 300, and voltage source 400 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 This will not be elaborated upon further. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is to explain Figure 8 Based on this, when the input voltage VIN is the AC input voltage, a timing diagram is shown for the detection voltage VHV, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller 100. (See diagram for details.) Figure 9 As shown, after the voltage source 400 provides the input voltage VIN to the power converter 200 for a period of time, because the high-voltage pin 106 is coupled to the output of the bridge rectifier 202 and the capacitor 204 has a large capacitance value, the input voltage VIN can be considered as a constant value at time T1. This constant value is greater than the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage, which are related to the low-voltage protection detection and the second reference voltage, respectively. Therefore, if the detection voltage VHV detected by the voltage detection circuit 102 between time T1 and time T2 (i.e., the first predetermined time) remains at the constant value, the controller 100 will disable the X capacitor discharge detection and continuously enable the low-voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. Of course, if the detection voltage VHV detected by the voltage detection circuit 102 between time T1 and time T2 (i.e., the first predetermined time) remains at the constant value, after time T2, the controller 100 can also adjust the settings according to the specified conditions. Figure 4 Operation.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is to explain Figure 8 Based on this, when the input voltage VIN is the DC input voltage, a timing diagram is shown for the detection voltage VHV, X capacitor discharge detection, undervoltage protection detection, and overload protection detection related to the operation of the controller 100. (See diagram for details.) Figure 10As shown, after the voltage source 400 provides the input voltage VIN to the power converter 200 for a period of time after startup, because the input voltage VIN is the DC input voltage, at time T1, the input voltage VIN is a constant value, wherein this constant value is greater than the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage. The first reference voltage is related to the low-voltage protection detection, and the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection. Therefore, because the input voltage VIN is the constant value after time T1, Figure 10 Operations after time T1 and Figure 9 The operation after time T1 is the same, so it will not be described again here.

[0065] Additionally, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11A and Figure 11B ,in Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a flowchart of the operation method of a controller 100 with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The operation method is to use Figure 1 The power converter 200 and controller 100 are described in detail below:

[0066] Step 1100: Voltage source 400 provides input voltage VIN to power converter 200 to power it on;

[0067] Step 1102: The voltage detection circuit 102 determines whether the input voltage VIN is an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage based on the detected voltage VHV; if the input voltage VIN is the AC input voltage, proceed to step 1104; if the input voltage VIN is the DC input voltage, proceed to step 1106.

[0068] Step 1104: Controller 100 disables the discharge detection of capacitor X;

[0069] Step 1106: Does the voltage detection circuit 102 detect a periodic change in the detection voltage VHV?

[0070] If yes, proceed to step 1108; if no, skip to step 1110.

[0071] Step 1108: Controller 100 activates the X capacitor discharge detection, the low voltage protection detection, and the overload protection detection, and then jumps back to step 1106;

[0072] Step 1110: The voltage detection circuit 102 generates a discharge signal DS to the discharge circuit 104, and the controller 100 shuts down the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection;

[0073] Step 1112: The voltage detection circuit 102 stops generating the discharge signal DS, and then the controller 100 restarts the low voltage protection and turns off the X capacitor discharge detection;

[0074] Step 1114: Voltage detection circuit 102 detects whether the detection voltage VHV is less than the first reference voltage;

[0075] If yes, proceed to step 1116; if no, skip to step 1118.

[0076] Step 1116: Controller 100 is turned off;

[0077] Step 1118: Voltage detection circuit 102 detects whether the detection voltage VHV is less than the second reference voltage;

[0078] If yes, jump back to step 1116; if no, jump to step 1120.

[0079] Step 1120: Controller 100 re-enables the overload protection detection.

[0080] The execution order of steps 1100 (corresponding to time T0), 1102), 1106 (corresponding to times T1 to T2), 1110 (corresponding to times T2 to T3), 1112 (corresponding to time T3), 1114 (corresponding to times T3 to T4), and 1116 (corresponding to time T4) can be referred to Figure 2 The relevant instructions and the execution order of steps 1110, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1112, 1114, and 1116 can be found in the following references. Figure 3 The relevant instructions and the execution order of steps 1110, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1112, 1114, and 1118 can be found in the following instructions. Figure 4 For related instructions, the execution order of steps 1110, 1102, and 1104 can be found in the following instructions. Figure 9 The relevant instructions, as well as the execution order of steps 1110, 1102, and 1104, can also be found by referring to... Figure 10 The relevant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0081] Additionally, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 ,in Figure 12This is a flowchart of the operation method of a controller 100 with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism disclosed in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 The operation method is to use Figure 1 The power converter 200 and controller 100 are described in detail below:

[0082] Step 1200: Voltage source 400 provides input voltage VIN to power converter 200 to power it on;

[0083] Step 1202: Does the voltage detection circuit 102 detect a periodic change in the detection voltage VHV?

[0084] If yes, proceed to step 1206; if no, proceed to step 1204.

[0085] Step 1204: Controller 100 disables the discharge detection of capacitor X;

[0086] Step 1206: The voltage detection circuit 102 generates M detection signals based on the periodic change of the detection voltage VHV, and then checks whether a detection signal S1 has not been generated within a predetermined time after that.

[0087] If yes, proceed to step 1208; if no, proceed to step 1206 again.

[0088] Step 1208: The voltage detection circuit 102 generates a discharge signal DS, and then the discharge circuit 104 discharges the X capacitor 300.

[0089] The execution order of steps 1200, 1202, 1206, 1206, 1206… can be referred to Figure 5 For related instructions, the execution order of steps 1200, 1202, 1206, and 1208 can be found in the following instructions. Figure 6 For related instructions and the execution order of steps 1200, 1202, and 1204, please refer to... Figure 7 The relevant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0090] In summary, compared with the prior art, the controller with a variable X capacitor discharge mechanism provided by the present invention is not only applicable to power supplies that need to be compatible with both the AC input voltage and the DC input voltage, but also prevents the controller from being damaged or overheated due to the continuous discharge of the X capacitor when the DC input voltage is applied because the discharge signal lasts for a limited time.

[0091] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A controller with a variable X-capacitor discharge mechanism, wherein the controller is applied to a power converter and the X-capacitor is coupled to the power converter, characterized in that... Include: A voltage detection circuit is used to receive a detection voltage through a pin of the controller, and to determine whether a discharge signal is generated based on the change of the detection voltage. The detection voltage is generated by an input voltage input to the power converter, which is either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and the discharge signal lasts for a predetermined time. A discharge circuit, coupled to the voltage detection circuit and the pin, is used to discharge the X capacitor according to the discharge signal.

2. The controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The pin is coupled to both ends of the X capacitor, and the X capacitor is coupled to a bridge rectifier included in the power converter.

3. The controller as described in claim 2, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detected voltage does not change periodically within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, and the discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor through a discharge current and the pin, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

4. The controller as described in claim 3, characterized in that... During the first predetermined time, the controller activates a capacitor discharge detection, a low voltage protection detection, and an overload protection detection.

5. The controller as described in claim 4, characterized in that... During the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. After the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection. After the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection, and after a second predetermined time, when the detected voltage is less than a first reference voltage, the controller activates a low voltage protection, wherein the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection.

6. The controller as described in claim 2, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, and the discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor through a discharge current and the pin, wherein the predetermined time is greater than the first predetermined time.

7. The controller as described in claim 6, characterized in that... During the first predetermined time, the controller activates a capacitor discharge detection, a low voltage protection detection, and an overload protection detection.

8. The controller as described in claim 7, characterized in that... During the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection. After the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection. After the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection, and after a second predetermined time, when the detected voltage is less than a first reference voltage, the controller activates a low voltage protection, wherein the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection.

9. The controller as described in claim 7, characterized in that... During the predetermined time, the controller disables the low voltage protection detection and the overload protection detection, and after the predetermined time ends, the controller re-enables the low voltage protection detection and disables the X capacitor discharge detection, wherein during the predetermined time, the detection voltage is greater than a first reference voltage.

10. The controller as described in claim 9, characterized in that... After the predetermined time has elapsed, at a third predetermined time, when the detected voltage is the predetermined value and is greater than a second reference voltage, the controller reactivates the overload protection detection, wherein the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection.

11. The controller as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The voltage detection circuit generates multiple detection signals based on the periodic change of the detection voltage, and if no detection signal is generated within a fourth predetermined time after the voltage detection circuit generates the multiple detection signals, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the fourth predetermined time.

12. The controller as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that... When the detected voltage reaches a peak value and then falls below a detection reference voltage, the voltage detection circuit generates a detection signal.

13. The controller as described in claim 2, characterized in that... If a voltage source provides an input voltage to the power converter and a fifth predetermined time has elapsed since the power converter was powered on, and the voltage detection circuit does not generate a detection signal during the fifth predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit will not generate the discharge signal after the fifth predetermined time.

14. The controller as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that... The pin is coupled to the output of a bridge rectifier included in the power converter, and the X capacitor is coupled to the bridge rectifier.

15. The controller as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value for a first predetermined time, the controller disables a capacitor discharge detection and continuously enables a low voltage protection detection and an overload protection detection, wherein the set value is greater than a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection, and the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection.

16. The controller as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value for a first predetermined time, the controller disables a capacitor discharge detection and continuously enables a low voltage protection detection and an overload protection detection, wherein the set value is greater than a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the first reference voltage is related to the low voltage protection detection, and the second reference voltage is related to the overload protection detection.

17. A method of operating a controller with a variable X-capacitor discharge mechanism, wherein the controller is applied to a power converter, the X-capacitor is coupled to the power converter, and the controller includes a voltage detection circuit and a discharge circuit, characterized in that... Include: The voltage detection circuit receives a detection voltage through a pin of the controller and determines whether a discharge signal is generated based on the change in the detection voltage. The detection voltage is generated by an input voltage to the power converter, which can be an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and the discharge signal lasts for a predetermined time. The discharge circuit discharges the X capacitor according to the discharge signal.

18. The operating method as described in claim 17, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the AC input voltage and the detected voltage does not change periodically within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

19. The controller as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that... When the input voltage is the DC input voltage and the detection voltage is a certain value within a first predetermined time, the voltage detection circuit generates the discharge signal after the first predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

Images