Systems and methods for adaptive dead-time control of devices integrated with soft-switching converters

Abstract

A system includes one or more sensors for determining sensor data, the sensor data including environmental parameters inside a housing; a controller including one or more sensor interfaces configured to communicate with the one or more sensors to receive the sensor data; one or more processors; and a memory storing computer instructions configured to perform: determining the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing based on the sensor data; and reducing the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms based on the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing, the reduction of dead time increasing heat in the converter circuitry to help address the presence or probability of condensation.

Description

[0001] Foreign priority This application seeks the benefit of Singapore Provisional Application 10202302679X, filed on 22 September 2023, pursuant to 35 USC §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a system and method for adaptive dead-time control in a device integrated with a converter that implements soft switching. Background Technology

[0003] Power electronics have provided a newfound resilience to energy infrastructure. For example, power electronics convert voltage and current from one voltage and / or shape to another, thus efficiently providing more flexible energy solutions. Furthermore, power electronics create frameworks by connecting distributed energy sources such as solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to other power sources such as direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power supplies. Today, 70% of electricity supply is handled by power electronics. Power electronics have created a qualitative leap in energy infrastructure by supplying energy to remote areas, transforming previously polluting infrastructure into more environmentally friendly alternatives, and effectively addressing faults and / or anomalies. At the same time, fully utilizing power electronics has presented new challenges in maintaining their lifespan and performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The claimed solution, rooted in computer technology, overcomes problems particularly prevalent in the field of computer technology, especially for the maintenance and control of equipment, to extend its lifespan and improve operational efficiency. The claimed solution can reduce, eliminate, and / or prevent switching losses under varying load conditions, as well as reduce, eliminate, and / or prevent damage caused by condensation within the equipment or other means.

[0005] The device may include converter circuitry. Converter circuitry may be housed within a housing, compartment, and / or base (hereinafter “housing”). For example, converter circuitry may include dual active bridge (DAB), half-bridge, full-bridge, various DC-DC converters, DC-AC converters, AC-DC converters, buck converters, and / or boost converters. Converter circuitry may have soft-switching mechanisms, including zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and / or zero-current switching (ZCS). A controller associated with and / or integrated with the converter circuitry may adaptively control, coordinate, or modify the switching operation of the device. For example, the controller may control the mode (sequence and / or duration) of transitioning between ON and OFF states. The controller may control the transitions of switches corresponding to different current flow paths, conduction paths, complementary pairs, power stages, and / or phase branches (hereinafter “current flow paths”) of the converter circuitry.

[0006] The controller can control the operation of the switches by adjusting the dead time corresponding to the switches across different current flow paths. Dead time can refer to a period of time during which the switches across different current flow paths are in an open state to fully release / discharge the voltage, current, and / or capacitance across the switches. Initially, the controller may have a default dead time. In some embodiments, the dead time (e.g., the default dead time) can be adjusted according to a dead time adjustment mechanism that can be adaptively implemented for different load attributes. For example, the dead time adjustment mechanism can control a sufficient dead time to discharge the output capacitance across the switches before the switches transition from an open state to an on state, based on load attributes (e.g., high current load level, low current load level, or a level in between). In particular, at low load levels, the dead time to fully discharge the output capacitor may be longer than the dead time to fully discharge the same output capacitor at high current load levels. The greater the amount of current flowing through the switches, the faster the capacitance from the output capacitor discharges. In some embodiments, the dead time adjustment mechanism may additionally determine the dead time based on one or more characteristics of the converter circuitry. These characteristics may include any one of the following: the efficiency of the converter circuit, the utilization of the converter circuit, and / or the degree of harmonic distortion of the converter circuit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller can toggle or disable the dead-time adjustment mechanism upon receiving an indication that condensation is occurring or is likely (predicted) to occur within the housing. Toggling off the dead-time adjustment mechanism restores the controller to its default dead-time. In other embodiments, upon receiving an indication of the amount or probability of condensation, the controller can modify the dead-time previously specified by the dead-time adjustment mechanism based on a determined or predicted level of condensation within the housing. By modifying the dead-time or disabling the dead-time adjustment mechanism, the controller can prevent, reduce, or eliminate condensation within the device, thereby extending the lifespan of the converter circuitry and preventing its failure. Condensation can have a more detrimental effect on the failure of electronic components than other factors such as heat. Therefore, preventing, reducing, or eliminating condensation within the device can be critical to maintaining the operation of the device, particularly the converter circuitry.

[0008] The shutdown or modification of dead time can be based on instantaneous and / or predicted sensor data, parameters, and / or properties (hereinafter “sensor data”). Sensor data may include, but is not limited to, internal temperature within the housing, external temperature outside the housing, and / or relative humidity inside and / or outside the housing. Internal temperature, humidity, and / or other internal parameters can be measured at different locations within the housing (e.g., within the heat sink, within the converter circuitry, and / or elsewhere). The controller can obtain sensor data from a sensor that detects the sensor data via an interface connected to the sensor. The controller can determine or predict the level of condensation occurring within the housing during the current or future time period (e.g., the presence, amount, and / or probability of condensation) based on the sensor data.

[0009] Disabling the dead time adjustment mechanism or modifying the dead time may involve adjusting the timing of the controller's switches to reduce the previously specified dead time. On the other hand, if condensation neither occurs nor is likely to occur, the controller may maintain the switching timing or adjust the switching timing to increase the dead time from a previously reduced dead time.

[0010] In this way, the controller can simultaneously extend the lifespan of the electronic components within the converter circuitry and improve their efficiency. Because condensation can be one of the most critical factors leading to converter circuit failure, the controller can prioritize removing or reducing any condensation present at present or likely to occur at present or in the future. The controller can also maintain soft-switching mechanisms (including ZVS) to the extent possible.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention implement a system for controlling a converter circuit system, the converter circuit system including a switch within a housing and one or more soft-switching mechanisms. The system includes one or more sensors for determining sensor data, the sensor data including environmental parameters within the housing. The system also includes a controller. The controller includes one or more sensor interfaces configured to communicate with the one or more sensors to receive sensor data. The controller includes one or more hardware processors and a memory storing computer instructions configured to perform operations when executed by the one or more hardware processors. These operations include determining the presence or probability of condensation within the housing based on the sensor data; and reducing the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms based on the presence or probability of condensation within the housing, the reduction of dead time increasing heat in the converter circuit system to help address the presence or probability of condensation. The solution may include preventing, reducing, or eliminating condensation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the switch includes a transistor. One or more soft-switching mechanisms may include a zero-voltage switch. The dead time may be based on the discharge capacitance across a capacitor connected via one or more transistors. The converter circuitry may include a dual active bridge (DAB). The converter circuitry may include one or more drivers for controlling the soft-switching mechanisms of the converter circuitry and for controlling the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms in response to a control signal from a controller. Environmental parameters may include temperature and humidity. Sensor data may also include environmental parameters outside the housing. The reduction of the dead time may be based on the presence or probability of condensation deviating from a threshold. The threshold may be based on a predetermined dew point. The probability of condensation may be the probability of condensation present inside the housing. The probability of condensation may be the probability of condensation forming inside the housing in the future. The converter circuitry may include a half-bridge. Adjusting the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms may include adaptively adjusting the dead time based on load characteristics of the load. Adaptively adjusting the dead time may include determining the range or duration of the adjustment to the dead time. The duration of the adjustment may depend on the load level. For example, the duration of the adjustment may be longer at a lower load level compared to a higher load level. Addressing the presence or probability of condensation can include preventing condensation, reducing condensation, and / or eliminating condensation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method for controlling a converter circuit system, the converter circuit system including a switch within a housing and one or more soft-switching mechanisms. The method includes: using one or more sensors to determine sensor data, the sensor data including environmental parameters inside the housing; based on the sensor data, determining the presence or probability of condensation within the housing; and based on the presence or probability of condensation within the housing, reducing the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms, the reduction of dead time increasing heat in the converter circuit system to help address the presence or probability of condensation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the converter circuitry includes a dual active bridge (DAB). Environmental parameters may include temperature and humidity. Sensor data may also include environmental parameters outside the housing. Dead time reduction may be based on the presence or probability of condensation deviating from a threshold. The probability of condensation may be the probability of condensation occurring within the housing. The probability of condensation may be the probability of condensation forming within the housing in the future. Adjusting the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms may include adaptively adjusting the dead time based on load characteristics. Adaptively adjusting the dead time may include adjusting the dead time more when the load is low and adjusting it less when the load is high.

[0015] These and other features of the systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media disclosed herein, as well as the operational methods and combinations of functions and parts of the relevant elements of the structure and the economy of manufacture, will become more apparent when considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein similar reference numerals identify corresponding parts in the various figures. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be construed as limiting the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a device with a dual active bridge (DAB) and a controller configured to control the switches in the DAB to adaptively control the dead time. According to some embodiments of the invention, adaptive control of the dead time can maintain a soft-switching mechanism to reduce power losses (such as switching losses) and / or reduce, prevent, and / or eliminate condensation in the device.

[0017] Figure 2 The diagram shows a device with a half-bridge converter and a controller according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the controller is configured to control the switches in the converter to reduce switching losses and / or reduce, prevent and / or eliminate condensation in the device.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating details of an example gate driver 300 for controlling the switching of a switch according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating details of the controller according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an illustration of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 A block diagram showing the details of the dead-time adjustment engine within the controller.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an illustration of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 A block diagram detailing the condensation solution within the engine's controller.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an illustration of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating the details of condensation resolution within the engine's sensors.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an illustration of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 The block diagram that defines the details of engine condensation and addresses condensation issues within the engine.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an illustration of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 The diagram shows the details of the condensation adjustment, the switching of the internal circuit components of the engine, and the adjustment of the engine's internal circuitry.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating details of a method for detecting and responding to condensation within a device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating details of a computing system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the correlation between converter damage and condensation levels according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 13A is a graph illustrating the relationship between current and voltage across a transistor under ZVS conditions according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13B is a graph illustrating the relationship between current and voltage across a transistor under partial ZVS conditions according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figures 13A and 13B can be compared with... Figure 2 The circuit shown is consistent with the one shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Power electronic devices installed in a device may experience losses, such as switching losses, during the transition between on and off states of a switch. These switching losses impair the efficiency of the device. In some embodiments, a controller may be configured to control the switches in the device (particularly switches within a circuit). The control of the switches may be adaptive under different load conditions, reducing switching losses. In particular, the adaptive mode may be general enough to be implemented under both high and low load conditions. In some embodiments, the switches may operate in complementary pairs. That is, one switch is on while the other is off, except for the time interval during the dead time. The controller may be configured to implement a dead time adjustment mechanism that adaptively controls the dead time in the device based on one or more load attributes. Dead time refers to the time during which both switches in a pair of complementary switches are in the off state, such that current does not conduct across the pair of switches. In some embodiments, during the dead time period, current can still conduct in the reverse direction through a diode connected in antiparallel to the switch. This diode may be a parasitic diode inside the switch or an additional external diode. In some embodiments, a circuit system may be used to control the dead time, which measures characteristics such as voltage and / or current to control the dead time while maintaining a minimum dead time and a maximum dead time. In some embodiments, load attributes may include load level (e.g., the amount of current passing through the device), changes in load level, rate of change of load level, and / or other metrics associated with the load level over time.

[0030] Furthermore, power electronic equipment (especially if placed in outdoor installations) is at risk of damage due to condensation that forms within the casing and can threaten delicate circuitry. In some embodiments, a controller can be configured to control switching in the circuitry in a heat-generating mode, thereby reducing, preventing, or eliminating condensation in the device. Such control may require toggling or turning a dead-time adjustment mechanism on / off, or modifying a previous dead-time according to the dead-time adjustment mechanism. When the dead-time adjustment mechanism is turned off, the controller can revert to the default dead-time. When modifying a previous dead-time, the extent of the modification may depend on the level of condensation or the likelihood of condensation formation, as well as the load characteristics.

[0031] In some embodiments, the circuit includes a converter that provides electrical isolation and uses a soft-switching mechanism, such as a mechanism for controlling the transitions (e.g., activation and / or deactivation) of a switch (e.g., a transistor). The soft-switching mechanism may apply a timing pattern for the switch transitions that reduces power losses during transitions caused by the capacitance, voltage, and / or current driving across the switch. The soft-switching mechanism may include zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and / or zero-current switching (ZCS). In ZVS, the switch transitions to turn on and off when the voltage across the switch is zero or near zero. Specifically, during ZVS, the output capacitance of the switch discharges to zero or near zero before the switch turns on. The output capacitance may originate from the internal capacitance of the switch and / or a separate capacitor connected in parallel with the switch. Meanwhile, in ZCS, the switch transitions to turn on and off when the current across the switch is zero or near zero. Using soft switching, the controller implements a dead-time adjustment mechanism by providing sufficient dead time for capacitor discharge to reduce switching losses. Additionally, soft switching prevents current from flowing unintentionally from one switch, avoiding voltage or current across different switches.

[0032] In some embodiments, by implementing a dead-time adjustment mechanism, the controller is used to adaptively control the dead time to customize the ZVS under different load conditions. Adaptive control of the dead time may require controlling the timing of the switching switch's states between on and off. In particular, the controller may adaptively control the dead time to at least the duration required to fully discharge the output capacitor before switching the switch to the on state. Here, full discharge can be interpreted as complete discharge or discharging at least one capacitor (e.g., a portion of the originally stored capacitor). This duration may depend on the load level of the circuit, as higher load levels result in higher currents, which cause the capacitor to discharge faster compared to lower load levels and lower currents. For example, if the device or circuit operates within a first load range, it is assumed that the output capacitor fully discharges after 10 microseconds. Under such conditions, the controller may adaptively set the dead time to at least 10 microseconds. Meanwhile, if the device or circuit operates within a second load range above the first load range, it is assumed that the output capacitor fully discharges after 2 microseconds. Under such conditions, the controller may adaptively set the dead time to at least 2 microseconds. Setting the dead time can include setting discrete dead time durations for different load ranges, or alternatively, setting the duration of a continuous sliding scale based on different load levels of device operation. In some embodiments, this timing can be controlled by a circuitry that measures characteristics such as voltage and / or current to control the dead time while maintaining a minimum dead time (so that short circuits do not occur) and a maximum dead time.

[0033] Upon detecting condensation or the possibility of condensation formation, the controller may shut down the aforementioned dead-time adjustment mechanism or modify the dead-time according to the dead-time adjustment mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may maintain the dead-time adjustment mechanism when the condensation level is at or below a threshold condensation level, or in some embodiments, when the possibility of condensation formation is at or below a threshold possibility. On the other hand, when the condensation level or the possibility of condensation formation is above the threshold level, the controller may at least partially reduce or stop soft switching to generate heat by adaptively modifying the previous dead-time. In some embodiments, the controller may toggle or shut down the dead-time adjustment mechanism and instead restore a fixed dead-time. Such measures can be taken to extend circuit life by reducing, preventing, and / or eliminating condensation. In some embodiments, the controller may control the reduction of dead-time based on the amount of deviation of the condensation level from the threshold level or the amount of the possibility of condensation formation. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the controller may modify the timing of dead-time occurrences (e.g., moving a previously scheduled dead-time occurring during a first time range between 4µs and 5µs to a second time range between 6µs and 7µs).

[0034] In one example, when the device operates within a second load range, assume the controller previously determined the dead time to be 2 microseconds based on a dead time adjustment mechanism. The controller can determine to reduce the dead time to a first time range (e.g., between 0.5 and 1.5 microseconds) based on the level of condensation (e.g., quantity or probability). In this example, if the controller determines the quantity or probability of condensation is at a first level, the controller can determine to reduce the dead time to 1.5 microseconds by a first proportion or percentage (e.g., 25%). Simultaneously, if the controller determines the quantity or probability of condensation is at a second level higher than the first level, the controller can determine to reduce the dead time to 1 microsecond by a second proportion or percentage (e.g., 50%).

[0035] In another example, when the device operates within a first load range, assume the controller has previously determined the dead time to be 10 microseconds based on a dead time adjustment mechanism. The controller can determine to reduce the dead time to a second time range (e.g., between 2.5 microseconds and 7.5 microseconds) based on the amount or probability of condensation. In this example, if the controller determines the amount or probability of condensation is at a first level, the controller can determine to reduce the dead time by a first proportion or percentage (e.g., 25%) to 7.5 microseconds. If the controller determines the amount or probability of condensation is at a second level higher than the first level, the controller can determine to reduce the dead time by a second proportion or percentage (e.g., 50%) to 5 microseconds. In the above example, the percentage reduction of the dead time is assumed to be constant for a specific amount or probability of condensation, regardless of the load range in which the device operates. Alternatively, in other examples, the percentage reduction of the dead time may differ for specific amounts or probabilities of condensation at different load ranges.

[0036] In some embodiments that do not include adaptive dead-time control, the reduction in dead time due to the amount or probability of condensation may revert to the default dead time, and / or may be the same (regardless of load). This may occur if the dead-time adjustment mechanism is toggled or turned off. In some embodiments, the reduction in dead time may be or result in at least partial elimination of soft switching (regardless of load and regardless of deviation from any threshold).

[0037] When the controller determines that the amount or probability of condensation is at or below a threshold level (amount or probability), after a dead time reduction, the controller can increase the dead time from the previously implemented reduced dead time. The increase in dead time can restore full operation of the soft-switching process, or at least restore a portion of its previous reduction. In some embodiments, the controller can control the amount of dead time increase based on the deviation of the amount or probability of condensation from the threshold level.

[0038] In some embodiments that do not include adaptive dead-time control, the recovery of the dead time can be the same (regardless of the load). In some embodiments, the recovery of the dead time can be a complete recovery of the previously reduced dead time (regardless of the load and regardless of any deviation from any threshold).

[0039] In some embodiments, the device includes a housing that houses components including a converter and a controller. The controller may cooperate with sensors to determine the amount or probability of condensation based on sensor data. Sensor data may include parameters such as environmental parameters, including internal temperature inside the housing, external temperature outside the housing, relative humidity inside and / or outside the housing, and / or condensation level inside the housing. The controller may also cooperate with one or more sensors to sense voltage across one or more switches via a mechanism such as voltage clamping. The sensed voltage can be used to determine or verify that the circuit operates under ZVS.

[0040] The controller may include an interface for communicating with sensors (e.g., activating and acquiring sensor data). The controller can determine (e.g., predict) based on parameters whether condensation is currently occurring within the enclosure and / or is likely to form within the enclosure in the future. For example, determining the level of current or future condensation may be based on whether the internal temperature is close to (e.g., within a threshold difference of the dew point temperature) or below the dew point temperature. If the internal temperature is close to or below the dew point temperature, the controller can determine that condensation may be present or will be present in the device. If the internal temperature is at or above the dew point temperature, or is not close to the dew point temperature, the controller can determine that condensation is unlikely or will be unlikely to be present in the device. In response to the controller determining that condensation is likely or will be present, the controller can adjust the timing of switches to reduce the previous dead time between switches in one or more current flow paths. Assuming a fixed duration cycle, reducing the dead time increases the duty cycle (e.g., the period during which the current flow path within the circuit is effectively conducting) and increases switching losses, which generate heat, thereby reducing, eliminating, or preventing condensation. In some embodiments, the controller may control the amount of dead time reduction based on the amount of deviation from a threshold level.

[0041] The controller can generate control signals or instructions and transmit them to one or more drivers that can directly control the switching of switches. In response to receiving a signal or instruction, the driver can transmit one or more control signals to one or more switches. In some embodiments, the one or more drivers can implement one or more functions previously attributed to the controller.

[0042] The above principles will be described in the foregoing figures, which illustrate different types of circuits implementing different switching mechanisms and the control of the switching mechanisms to maintain soft switching and compensate for condensation.

[0043] Figure 1A diagram depicts infrastructure 100, including an example device 105 with a controller 160 for controlling the switching behavior of transistors to maintain soft switching and compensate for condensation or potential condensation. Device 105 is partially or wholly housed within a housing 110. Device 105 includes circuitry 120 requiring protection (e.g., converter circuitry 120). Converter circuitry 120 includes transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138 operating in soft-switching mode, and may include a transformer 130. Figure 1 In this converter circuit, 120 may include a dual active bridge (DAB). For converter circuit 120, complementary switching pairs are pairs consisting of transistors 122 and 124, 126 and 128, 132 and 134, and finally 136 and 138. Converter circuit 120 may include additional circuit components (e.g., diodes and / or capacitors) to reduce reverse conduction losses and limit the voltage slew rate, respectively. The diodes shown may represent internal parasitic diodes and / or additional external diodes of transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138. The capacitors shown may represent internal capacitances and / or additional capacitances of transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138. Furthermore, the capacitance across the capacitors is fully discharged before transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138 are turned on. Specifically, converter circuit 120 may include diode 112 and capacitor 113 in parallel with transistor 122, diode 114 and capacitor 115 in parallel with transistor 124, diode 116 and capacitor 117 in parallel with transistor 126, diode 118 and capacitor 119 in parallel with transistor 128, diode 142 and capacitor 143 in parallel with transistor 132, diode 144 and capacitor 145 in parallel with transistor 134, diode 146 and capacitor 147 in parallel with transistor 136, and diode 148 and capacitor 149 in parallel with transistor 138. Power supply 101 within infrastructure 100 may be coupled to converter circuit 120 to supply power to converter circuit 120 for power conditioning. Output load 102 within infrastructure 100 may be coupled to the output of converter circuit 120. Converter circuit 120 regulates the power of the output load and regulates the output voltage (if required).

[0044] One or more drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135 control the switching on and off of transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138 by sending a control (e.g., voltage) signal to the gate of each transistor 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and 138. A controller 160 can control drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135. In some embodiments, the control signal may include pulse width modulation (PWM) pulses. If the amplitude of the control signal transmitted to the transistor exceeds a threshold voltage (e.g., gate voltage), the control signal controls the transistor to turn on. Otherwise, if the driver does not transmit a control signal, or if the amplitude or voltage of the control signal is below the threshold voltage, the transistor remains off. In other examples, drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135 may operate in the opposite manner. In some embodiments, controller 160 uses an adaptive dead-time control protocol or mode to control drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135 to control one, some, or all of the transistors belonging to different current flow paths, thereby coordinating and synchronizing the dead time.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, driver 121 can control transistors 122 and 124. Driver 125 can control transistors 126 and 128. Driver 131 can control transistors 132 and 134. Driver 135 can control transistors 136 and 138. Although... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a driver controlling two transistors, but the driver can control different numbers of transistors or different transistors at different times. For example, the driver can send a signal to the first transistor at one point in time to switch it to the on state, while avoiding sending a signal to the second transistor to keep it in the off state. In other alternative embodiments, a driver can control the switching on and off of a single transistor or any number of transistors (e.g., four or eight transistors).

[0046] Within the converter circuit 120, a first current flow path can be defined between transistor 122, path 127, and transistor 128. Transistors 122 and 128 can both be in an on or off state, as regulated by drivers 121 and 125. A second current flow path can be defined between transistor 126, path 127, and transistor 124. Therefore, transistors 126 and 124 can both be in an on or off state, as regulated by drivers 125 and 121. A third current flow path can be defined between transistor 132, path 137, and transistor 138. Therefore, transistors 132 and 138 can both be in an on or off state, as regulated by drivers 131 and 135. A fourth current flow path can be defined between transistor 136, path 137, and transistor 134. Therefore, transistors 132 and 138 can both be in an on or off state, as regulated by drivers 131 and 135. Current flow from the left bridge (e.g., components to the left of transformer 130) (e.g., current flowing through transistors 126 and 128) can be inducted to the right bridge on the other side of transformer 130. Simultaneously, current flow from the right bridge (e.g., current flowing through transistors 132 and 134) can be inducted to the left bridge. In this way, circuit 120 facilitates bidirectional energy transfer. In other embodiments with different configurations and more than two current flow paths within a single bridge, at most one current flow path is allowed to be active at a given time.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the entire loop within the left bridge can include the following operation loops. 1. First operating cycle, in which transistors 122 and 128 are in the ON state, while transistors 126 and 124 are in the OFF state. 2. First dead time, during which transistors 126, 124, 122, and 128 are all in the off state. 3. The second operating cycle, in which transistors 126 and 124 are in the ON state, while transistors 122 and 128 are in the OFF state. 4. The second dead time, during which transistors 126, 124, 122, and 128 are all in the off state. 5. Next is the first operation loop. Table 1 Similarly, the entire loop within the right bridge can include the following operation loops. 1. The third operating cycle, in which transistors 132 and 138 are in the ON state, while transistors 136 and 134 are in the OFF state. 2. The third dead time, during which transistors 136, 134, 132, and 138 are all in the off state. 3. The fourth operating cycle, in which transistors 136 and 134 are in the ON state, while transistors 132 and 138 are in the OFF state. 4. The fourth dead time, during which transistors 136, 134, 132, and 138 are all in the off state. 5. Next is the third operation cycle.

[0048] The third operating cycle corresponds to the third current flow path being active, while the fourth current flow path is inactive. The fourth operating cycle corresponds to the fourth current flow path being active, while the third current flow path is inactive.

[0049] In some embodiments, controller 160 may detect indications of current and / or voltage across one or more transistors to control the dead time according to a dead time adjustment mechanism. Voltage clamping detection circuitry may be used to detect the voltage. Additionally or alternatively, controller 160 may receive an indication when the drain-to-source voltage across one or more transistors approaches zero. Controller 160 may also use circuitry to control the minimum and maximum dead times.

[0050] In some embodiments, the operating cycles within the right bridge (e.g., the third and fourth operating cycles) may overlap with, or may not overlap with, the operating cycles of the left bridge (e.g., the first and second operating cycles). In other words, for example, the third and / or fourth operating cycles may operate dependently on or alternatively independently of the first and / or second operating cycles. The third and / or fourth operating cycles have the same or different start times, durations, and / or end times compared to the first and / or second operating cycles. In some examples, the first dead time may be offset from the third and / or fourth dead time, and the second dead time may also be offset from the third and / or fourth dead time. For example, the first dead time may occur between times t=4 microseconds and t=5 microseconds, while the second dead time may occur between times t=8 microseconds and t=9 microseconds. The third dead time may occur between times t=2 microseconds and t=3 microseconds, and the fourth dead time may occur between times t=6 microseconds and t=7 microseconds. Table 2 below provides a summary of the operating cycles within the right bridge, including whether each of transistors 136, 134, 132, and 138 is in an on or off state. Table 2 Controller 160 may include software, hardware (e.g., one or more hardware processors), and / or firmware to control the operation of converter circuit 120. These operations may include determining one or more load attributes within converter circuit 120 and implementing a dead-time adjustment mechanism based on those load attributes. An example of a dead-time adjustment mechanism is shown in Table 3 below. If the load within converter circuit 120 is within a first current load range, the dead time sufficient to discharge the capacitance of capacitors (e.g., capacitors 113, 115, 117, 119, 143, 145, 147, and / or 149) and / or the voltage across transistors (e.g., transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136, and / or 138) may be a first duration (e.g., 10 µs). If the load within converter circuit 120 is within a second current load range above the first current load range, the dead time may be a second duration (e.g., 2 µs) shorter than the first duration. If the load within converter circuit 120 is in a third current load range higher than the second current load range, the dead time can be a third duration (e.g., 1 µs) shorter than the first and second durations. If the load within converter circuit 120 is in a fourth current load range higher than the third current load range, the dead time can be a fourth duration (e.g., 0.5 µs) shorter than the first, second, and third durations. These example values ​​are merely illustrative and are used to illustrate the concept that the dead time adjustment mechanism can set different dead times for different current load ranges. In particular, the dead time can be negatively correlated with the load level of converter circuit 120. Any number of load ranges can be considered. In other embodiments, the dead time adjustment mechanism can adjust the dead time based on a continuous scale rather than based on discrete load ranges. Table 3 The controller 160 can monitor the minimum dead time clock, the current or voltage across one or more transistors, and the maximum dead time clock to determine when to start and terminate the dead time. After the minimum dead time clock terminates, the controller 160 controls the termination of the dead time based on the first discharge of the capacitor to reach a threshold level or the termination of the maximum dead time clock.

[0051] In some embodiments, controller 160 acquires sensor data, which may include conditions such as environmental conditions, represented by parameters including humidity and / or temperature inside and / or outside housing 110. Controller 160 may acquire sensor data from one or more sensors 164 and / or 166 via one or more interfaces 184 and / or 186. Although shown as two sensors 164 and 166, any number of sensors and sensors in any orientation are possible. Further, each sensor 164 and 166 may include multiple sensors, and each interface 184 and 186 may include multiple interfaces. Controller 160 may determine the presence or probability of condensation based on any or all parameters. In one example, controller 160 may determine whether the internal temperature is at or above the dew point temperature. In response to determining that the internal temperature is at or above the dew point temperature, controller 160 may determine that condensation within housing 110 or the probability of condensation is unlikely (e.g., at or below a threshold level). On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that the internal temperature is below the dew point temperature, the controller 160 can also evaluate the external temperature and humidity to determine whether condensation or the probability of condensation within the housing 110 is possible (e.g., above a threshold level).

[0052] If controller 160 determines that the amount or probability of condensation is above a threshold level, controller 160 may transmit one or more control signals to one or more of drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135 to disable a dead-time adjustment mechanism that establishes a default dead time. Alternatively, controller 160 may reduce the dead time from previous dead times (e.g., durations shown in Table 3) between switches in different current flow paths. The previous dead times are derived from the dead-time adjustment mechanism. For example, controller 160 may transmit one or more control signals to drivers 121 and 125 to reduce the dead time (e.g., a first dead time and / or a second dead time) and / or increase the duration of a first operating cycle and / or a second operating cycle. Additionally or alternatively, controller 160 may transmit one or more control signals to drivers 131 and 135 to reduce the dead time (e.g., a third dead time and / or a fourth dead time). By reducing dwell time, controller 160 can increase the internal temperature toward the dew point temperature via drivers 121, 125, 131 and / or 135, thereby eliminating, reducing or preventing condensation within device 105.

[0053] Table 4 below illustrates an example of addressing condensation by reducing the previous dead time. If the converter circuit 120 operates within a first current load range and the condensation level has been determined to be within a threshold level (e.g., at or below a threshold level), the dead time can be left unadjusted from the previous dead time according to a dead time adjustment mechanism (e.g., as shown in Table 3). However, if the amount or probability of condensation is above the threshold level, the dead time can be adjusted from the previous dead time. The adjustment range can be based on the amount of deviation of the amount or probability of condensation from the threshold level. If the condensation level is within a first condensation level above the threshold level, the controller 160 can determine, based on whether the load of the converter circuit 120 is in a first load range, a second load range, a third load range, or a fourth load range, to reduce the dead time by a first proportion (e.g., by 25%) (e.g., to 7.5µs, 1.5µs, 0.75µs, or 0.375µs). If the condensation level is within a second condensation level higher than the first condensation level, the controller 160 can determine, based on whether the load of the converter circuit 120 is in the first load range, the second load range, the third load range, or the fourth load range, to reduce the dead time by a second proportion (e.g., 50%) (e.g., to 5µs, 1µs, 0.5µs, or 0.25µs). If the condensation level is within a third condensation level higher than the second condensation level, the controller 160 can determine, based on whether the load of the converter circuit 120 is in the first load range, the second load range, the third load range, or the fourth load range, to reduce the dead time by a third proportion (e.g., 75%) (e.g., to 2.5µs, 0.5µs, 0.5µs, 0.25µs, or 0.125µs).

[0054] Table 4 is for illustrative purposes only: depending on the condensation level and load range, the controller 160 can modify the dead time from a previous dead time (e.g., based on a dead time adjustment mechanism). Any number of load ranges and / or condensation levels can be implemented. In other embodiments, the modification of the dead time can be based on a continuous scale rather than on a discrete load range. Table 4 In some embodiments, after reducing the previous dead time, when controller 160 determines that the condensation level is below a threshold level, controller 160 may transmit one or more control signals to one or more of drivers 121, 125, 131, and 135 to increase the dead time (e.g., a first dead time, a second dead time, a third dead time, and / or a fourth dead time). Therefore, controller 160 may lower the internal temperature to prevent heating of the converter circuit 120 and to recover any soft switching (e.g., ZVS) lost due to the reduction of the previous dead time.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 160 transmits signals to and / or receives signals from one or more interfaces 184, 186, 141, 145, 151, and / or 155. In some examples, interfaces 184, 186, 141, 145, 151, and / or 155 constitute circuit interfaces and / or client interfaces. Figure 1 Interface 184 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and sensor 164. Interface 186 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and sensor 166. Interface 141 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and driver 121. Interface 145 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and driver 125. Interface 151 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and driver 131. Interface 155 can receive and transmit signals between controller 160 and driver 135. Other configurations including different numbers and / or arrangements of interfaces are also considered.

[0056] In some embodiments, interfaces 141, 145, 151, and / or 155 can convert commands from controller 160 into signals (e.g., switching a transistor to an ON state by generating an electrical pulse with an amplitude at least equal to the gate voltage). Interfaces 141, 145, 151, and / or 155 can receive feedback signals from drivers 121, 125, 131, and / or 135, such as whether the transistor has been successfully switched to the ON state. Interfaces 184 and 186 can transmit sensor signals (e.g., operating signals such as temperature and / or humidity values) and / or any status information (e.g., whether sensor data was successfully acquired) from sensors 164 and 166 to controller 160. Interfaces 184 and 186 can receive activation signals from controller 160.

[0057] In some examples, interfaces 184, 186, 141, 145, 151, and / or 155 can be configured as needed via control signals and / or a user interface. Controller 160 can store data in data storage device 170, which can be used to evaluate historical performance information, perform machine learning, and configure dead-time control based on it.

[0058] Device 105 may also include a heat sink 175 therein, on, or near the device. Heat sink 175 can be operated to remove heat from housing 110 (and / or add heat to housing 110). However, it is worth noting that heat sink 175 may be designed to provide more global protection for the entire device 105, while any further modification or shutdown of the dead time adjustment mechanism and dead time may provide more local protection for converter circuitry 120.

[0059] Figure 2This is a diagram of an infrastructure 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention, the infrastructure 200 having a device 205 including circuitry 220 (e.g., a converter) and a controller 260 configured to control the switches in the circuitry 220 to reduce, prevent and / or eliminate condensation in the device 205. Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 A similar or related concept, but using a half-bridge converter circuit 220 instead of DAB 120. Figure 1 The relevant principles described in [the text] can also be applied to [the text]. Figure 2 At least a portion of device 205 may be housed within housing 210. Circuitry 220 may include transistors 204 and 206 (which are switches in a complementary pair operating in soft-switching mode) and an inductive load 227. In some embodiments, transistor 204 may be a high-side transistor, while transistor 206 may be a low-side transistor. Additional circuitry components (e.g., diodes and / or capacitors) may be connected in parallel with transistors 204 and 206 to improve reverse conduction losses and limit voltage slew rate, respectively. In particular, circuitry 220 may include diode 214 and capacitor 224 connected in parallel with transistor 204, and diode 216 and capacitor 226 connected in parallel with transistor 206. Power supply 202 may supply power to transistors 204 and 206. Capacitors 224 and 226 will be fully discharged before transistors 204 and 206 are switched on to maintain ZVS.

[0060] One or more drivers 234 and 236 can control the switching of transistors 204 and 206 between off and on by sending control signals to the gate of each of transistors 204 and 206. Figure 1 As shown, the control signal may include a PWM pulse. If the amplitude of the control signal transmitted to the transistor exceeds a threshold (e.g., gate voltage), the control signal can signal the transistor to switch it from the off state to the on state. Otherwise, if the driver does not transmit a control signal, or if the control signal transmitted by the driver is below the threshold, the transistor can switch to the off state. In other examples, the driver may operate in the opposite manner. For example, the driver may transmit a control signal to signal the transistor to switch from the on state to the off state, although for simplicity, it is assumed that the control signal signals the transistor to switch from the off state to the on state.

[0061] Within circuit 220, a first current flow path can be defined through transistor 204 and inductive load 226. Herein, transistor 204 can be in the ON state as regulated by driver 234, while transistor 206 can be in the OFF state as regulated by driver 236. A second current flow path can be defined through transistor 206 and inductive load 227. Herein, transistor 206 can be in the ON state as regulated by driver 236, while transistor 204 can be in the OFF state as regulated by driver 234. Therefore, drivers 234 and 236 will, at any given time, prevent at most one of transistors 204 and 206 from being ON.

[0062] The operating cycles within converter circuit 220 may include a first operating cycle, a first dead time, a second operating cycle, and a second dead time. In the first operating cycle, transistor 204 is on and transistor 206 is off. In the first dead time, both transistors 204 and 206 are off. In the second operating cycle, transistor 206 is on and transistor 204 is off. In the second dead time, both transistors 204 and 206 are off. The first operating cycle follows the second dead time. The first operating cycle corresponds to a first current flow path being active and a second current flow path being inactive. The second operating cycle corresponds to a second current flow path being active and a first current flow path being inactive. Table 5 below provides a summary of the operating cycles within the left bridge (including whether each of transistors 204 and 206 is on or off). Table 5 Controller 260 may include software, hardware (e.g., one or more hardware processors), and / or firmware to control the operation of circuit 220. These operations may include determining one or more load attributes within circuit 220 and implementing a dead-time adjustment mechanism based on those load attributes. The principle of the dead-time adjustment mechanism can be related to the above description... Figure 1The explained principles are the same or similar. If the load within circuit 220 is within a first current load range, the dead time sufficient to discharge the capacitance of the capacitors (e.g., capacitors 224 and / or 226) and / or the voltage across the transistors (e.g., transistors 204 and / or 206) can be a first duration (e.g., 10 µs). If the load within circuit 220 is within a second current load range above the first current load range, the dead time can be a second duration (e.g., 2 µs) shorter than the first duration. If the load within circuit 220 is within a third current load range above the second current load range, the dead time can be a third duration (e.g., 1 µs) shorter than the second duration. If the load within circuit 220 is within a fourth current load range above the third current load range, a sufficient dead time can be a fourth duration (e.g., 0.5 µs) shorter than the first, second, and third durations. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, controller 260 may detect and / or otherwise receive indications of voltage across one or more transistors to set and / or verify the dead time according to a dead time adjustment mechanism. Voltage clamping detection circuitry can be used to detect voltage. Additionally or alternatively, controller 260 can receive an indication when the drain-to-source voltage across one or more transistors approaches zero.

[0063] To maintain zero-voltage switching, as shown in graph 1300 of Figure 13A, the voltage V across each of transistors 204 and 206 during the turn-on and turn-off of the transistor is... ds1 and V ds2 They can be maintained at zero or near zero, respectively. In contrast, Figure 13B, graph 1350, illustrates a quasi-resonant switch scenario where switching on and off occurs at a non-zero voltage V. ds1 and V ds2 .

[0064] The controller 260 may include software, hardware, and / or firmware to control the operation of the circuit 220. These operations may include determining or predicting (hereinafter “determining”) the amount or probability of condensation within the device 205, and based on that determination, selectively transmitting one or more control signals or instructions to either or both of the drivers 234 and 236 via interfaces 244 and 246.

[0065] In some embodiments, controller 260 monitors sensor conditions, such as environmental conditions, represented by parameters such as humidity and / or temperature inside and / or outside housing 210. Controller 260 can monitor environmental conditions by acquiring sensor data from one or more sensors 264 and / or 266 via one or more interfaces 254 and / or 256. Although shown as two sensors 264 and 266, any number of sensors and sensors in any orientation are possible. Further, each sensor 264 and 266 may include multiple sensors, and each interface 254 and 256 may include multiple interfaces. Controller 260 can determine the presence or probability of condensation based on any or all parameters. In one example, controller 260 can determine whether the internal temperature is at or above the dew point temperature, or close to the dew point temperature. In response to determining that the internal temperature is at or above the dew point temperature, or not close to the dew point temperature, controller 260 can determine that condensation within housing 210 or the probability of condensation forming within housing 210 is unlikely (e.g., at or below a threshold level). On the other hand, if the controller 260 determines that the internal temperature is below or close to the dew point temperature, the controller 260 can also evaluate the external temperature and humidity to determine whether condensation inside the housing 210 or the probability of condensation inside the housing 210 is possible (e.g., above a threshold level).

[0066] If controller 260 determines that the amount or probability of condensation is higher than a threshold level, controller 260 may transmit one or more control signals to one or more of drivers 234 and / or 236 to turn off / close the dead-time adjustment mechanism, or alternatively, reduce the dead time from previous dead times between switches in different current flow paths. For example, controller 260 may transmit one or more control signals to drivers 234 and / or 236 to reduce the dead time (e.g., a first dead time and / or a second dead time) and / or increase the duration of the first operating cycle and / or the first operating cycle. By turning off the dead-time adjustment mechanism or reducing the dead time, controller 260 may increase the internal temperature towards the dew point temperature via drivers 234 and / or 236, thereby eliminating, reducing, or preventing condensation within device 205.

[0067] Regarding Table 4 and Figure 1 The principle shown regarding reducing previous dead time also applies. Figure 2 If the load within the converter circuit 220 is within the first current load range, and the amount or probability of condensation has been determined to be within a threshold level (e.g., at or below a threshold level), the dead time can be left unchanged from the previous dead time according to the dead time adjustment mechanism. However, if the amount or probability of condensation is higher than the threshold level, the dead time can be adjusted from the previous dead time. The adjustment range can be based on the deviation of the amount or probability of condensation from the threshold amount or probability of condensation.

[0068] When controller 260 determines that the amount or probability of condensation is below a threshold level, controller 260 may transmit one or more control signals to one or more of drivers 234 and / or 236 to increase the dead time (e.g., a first dead time, a second dead time). Therefore, controller 260 may reduce the internal temperature to prevent heating of circuit 220 and recover any soft switching (e.g., ZVS) lost due to the previous reduction in dead time. In some embodiments, controller 260 transmits and / or receives signals from one or more interfaces 254, 256, 244 and / or 246. In some examples, interfaces 254, 256, 244 and / or 246 constitute circuit interfaces and / or client interfaces.

[0069] In some embodiments, controllers 160 and / or 260 may be implemented in conjunction with different types of circuitry. For example, controllers 160 and / or 260 may be implemented in conjunction with a buck converter. The buck converter may include a downstream or output (hereinafter “output”) inductor. A clamp switch may be connected across the output inductor. During the dead time, closing the clamp switch (e.g., switching the clamp switch to the ON state) may cause a current circulation in the output inductor. This current circulation may establish a zero or near-zero voltage difference across the transistor. The end of the dead time may coincide with the reopening of the clamp switch and the transition of the transistor from the OFF state to the ON state. Therefore, in this scenario of a buck converter, adjusting the dead time may include regulating the switching state of the clamp switch, particularly regulating the duration of the clamp switch being on.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating details of an example gate driver 300 for controlling a switch to achieve dead-time control according to some embodiments of the present invention. The gate driver 300 can be used... Figure 2 Equipment 205 and / or Figure 1 The device 105 is used for implementation (specifically, receiving logic-level input signals from controllers 160 and / or 260). The gate driver 300 has the additional capability to detect and respond to reverse conduction, which occurs when current flows in the opposite direction from the low-side gate 336 to the high-side gate 346. The gate driver 300 can detect the reverse conduction state via a reverse conduction sensing circuit 320. Such a reverse conduction state can occur at zero voltage across the low-side gate 336. Upon receiving a signal regarding the reverse conduction state from the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320, the low-side switch 322 can immediately switch the low-side gate to the ON state. Immediately switching the low-side gate at that time promotes ZVS without incurring additional conduction losses due to reverse conduction.

[0071] Gate driver 300 operates to implement dead-time control. Gate driver 300 can receive logic-level input signals 301 from controllers 160 and 260. Logic-level input signals 301 can indicate the state transition of the high-side gate 346 or the low-side gate 336. More specifically, logic-level input signals 301 can indicate the dead-time control measure to be implemented, and / or the timing or interval of the dead time to be implemented. Logic-level input signals 301 can indicate whether the dead-time adjustment mechanism is on or off based on load conditions and / or condensation levels. Dead-time generator 312 can interpret and / or convert logic-level input signals 301 into specific dead-time control measures to be implemented. (See below for details.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific dead time control measures explained may include a dead time adjustment mechanism, a modified version of the dead time adjustment mechanism, a default dead time, or any other dead time control measures.

[0072] Next, the output from the dead-time generator 312 can be fed to level shifter predrivers 310. Level shifter predrivers 310 can convert and / or transform the signal from the dead-time generator 312 to provide compatible control signals to the drivers (e.g., high-side driver 342, low-side driver 332). Specifically, level shifter predrivers 310 can accommodate high-side driver 342 and / or low-side driver 332 operating at higher voltages, currents, power ratings, and / or using different signaling methods (compared to other elements within the gate driver 300). For example, level shifter predrivers 310 can convert logic signals from one voltage level to another (e.g., from 1.8 volts to 5 volts). Next, the output from level shifter predrivers 310 can be fed to the high-side level shifter 308 and / or low-side driver 332. The output from level shifter 308 can be fed to the high-side driver 342. The high-side driver 342 can provide a signal (e.g., a PWM signal) to turn on the high-side gate 346, while the low-side driver 332 can provide a signal to turn on the low-side gate 336. The high-side gate 346 can be connected to the switching node 347 of the switch 338, which can belong to a different or secondary circuit.

[0073] The output from the level shifter pre-driver 310 can be fed to a domino logic pre-enable sensing integrated circuit (IC) 322, which may have or be connected to an enable pin that transmits a signal to the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320. This signal triggers the activation of the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320. In other words, dead-time control measures generated by the dead-time generator 312 cause the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320 to be activated. Herein, the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320 is a feedback mechanism that will turn off or terminate the dead time when reverse conduction across the low-side gate 336 is detected. More specifically, the signal from the reverse conduction sensing circuit 320 can be fed into a level shifter 318 for conversion and / or transformation. The level shifter 318 can transform the signal from one voltage level to another (e.g., from 5 volts to 1.8 volts). The output from level shifter 318 can be fed to time-to-digital converter 316 to record the timing of the reverse conduction sensing circuit detecting reverse conduction and / or the duration of the ongoing dead time. State machine 314 can switch the state of gate driver 300 upon receiving a reverse conduction indication from time-to-digital converter 316 to cancel the ongoing dead time due to the detection of reverse conduction. State machine 314 can also transmit an indication to dead time generator 312 to cancel the ongoing dead time.

[0074] Additionally, the gate driver 300 includes a capacitor 306 (e.g., an internal bootstrap capacitor) connected to the high-side driver 342 and one or more bias currents 340 and 330 respectively provided to the high-side driver 342 and the low-side driver 332. In some embodiments, functions assigned to controllers 160 and / or 260 may be delegated to the gate driver 300.

[0075] Figure 4 Is it showing the controller (e.g., in) Figure 1 , Figure 2 A block diagram showing details of controller 160, 260 in different embodiments, which coordinates the converter circuit (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The switches within circuits 120 and 220 (e.g., in different embodiments, are...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The operation of transistors 132, 134, 136, 138, 204, and 206 in the controller. Controllers 160 and 260 include a dead-time adjustment engine 402, which implements, for example, the previously mentioned... Figure 1The dead-time adjustment mechanism is described. The dead-time adjustment engine 402 implements the dead-time adjustment mechanism to maintain or sustain soft switching (such as ZVS). Controllers 160, 260 also include a condensation resolution engine 404, which selectively modifies the dead-time duration obtained from the dead-time adjustment engine 402. In some embodiments, modifying the dead-time duration may involve reducing the range of soft switching when the dead-time duration is reduced to generate heat to reduce, eliminate, or prevent condensation.

[0076] Any engine mentioned may include software, hardware (such as processors and / or circuit systems), and / or firmware to perform and / or coordinate operations. While engines are described separately to illustrate different concepts, it is conceivable that the engines described separately do not necessarily constitute different or separate physical processors or circuits. Rather, any engine may be integrated or combined into a single processor and / or a single circuit.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing details of a dead-time adjustment engine 402, which determines and implements a dead-time adjustment mechanism to maintain ZVS (e.g., in...) within the circuit. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In different embodiments, circuits 120 and 220 are used. Dead-time adjustment engine 402 may include load determination engine 502 to determine instantaneous and / or predicted future load attributes within the circuit. Load attributes may include the current level flowing through the circuit, changes in the current level, and / or the rate of change of the current level. In some examples, load attributes may additionally include either the efficiency of the converter circuit and / or the utilization of the converter circuit. Load determination engine 502 may obtain load attributes via one or more load determination interfaces 503 connected to one or more sensors that obtain the load attributes.

[0078] Dead time adjustment engine 402 may also include dead time adjustment mechanism implementation engine 504, which, based on load attributes obtained from load determination engine 502, implements or sets a capacitance sufficient for use across the capacitor (e.g., in different embodiments, for...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The discharge of capacitors 113, 115, 117, 119, 143, 145, 147, 149, 224, 226 in the transistor and / or the voltage across the transistor (e.g., in different embodiments, ). Figure 1 , Figure 2The dead time of discharge for transistors 132, 134, 136, 138, 204, and 206 in the diagram is specified. Under low load levels, the dead time may be longer than under high load levels. An example of a dead time adjustment mechanism is described in Table 3. The dead time adjustment engine 402 implements a dead time sufficient to maintain ZVS or close to ZVS based on the load level. The dead time adjustment engine 402 can confirm that the voltage across the transistors is zero or negligible (e.g., sufficiently close to zero) via a voltage clamping detection circuit and / or a trigger detection mechanism based on drain-to-source voltage, which triggers an alarm when the voltage across the transistors is sufficiently close to zero.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing details of the condensation solution engine 404, including its coordinating converter circuitry (e.g., in different embodiments, for...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The switches within circuits 120 and 220 (e.g., in different embodiments, are...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 Transistors 132, 134, 136, 138, 204, 206 and / or Figure 3 The operation of the gate switch 338 in the device. The condensation resolution engine 404 obtains environmental conditions from sensor data, such as internal and / or external temperature and / or internal and / or external humidity in the device. The condensation resolution engine 404 can determine the level of condensation (e.g., amount and / or probability) and adjust the switching behavior of the switch (e.g., the time, duration and / or mode of on and / or off states) to adjust the previous or indicated dead time from the dead time adjustment engine 402.

[0080] The condensation solution engine 404 may include a driver capable of transmitting one or more control signals to a transistor (e.g., Figures 1-2 The hardware, software, and / or firmware enable secure and efficient communication with the drivers 121, 125, 131, 135, 234, 236 in the system. The condensation resolution engine 404 may include a sensing engine 602, a condensation (quantity or probability) determination engine 604, and a circuit component switch adjustment engine 606.

[0081] The sensing engine 602 can determine or obtain ambient conditions from sensor data, including external humidity, external temperature, internal humidity, and / or internal temperature. In this document, "internal" can refer to the area within the converter circuitry (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Circuits 120, 220 in the circuit) and / or within a housing that accommodates circuits 120, 220 (e.g., in different embodiments) Figure 1 , Figure 2The housings 110 and 210 in the middle). The sensing engine 602 can be transmitted via one or more interfaces (e.g., in different embodiments, for example, housings 110 and 210). Figure 1 , Figure 2 Interfaces 184, 186, 254, and 256 in the interface (e.g., in different embodiments, ) receive signals from one or more sensors (e.g., ) Figure 1 , Figure 2 Sensors 164, 166, 264, and 266 in the sensor module acquire sensor data. Details of the sensing engine 602 will be provided later. Figure 7 Further details are provided below.

[0082] The condensation determination engine 604 can determine the circuit (e.g., in different embodiments for...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The amount or probability of condensation within circuits 120 and 220. The condensation determination engine 604 can determine the amount or probability of condensation based on whether the internal temperature is at or above the dew point. In some embodiments, the condensation determination engine 604 can determine the condensation level based on a predicted or actual (hereinafter “predicted”) dew point value, as shown in Table 6 below. Table 6 For example, according to Table 6, the dew point at an external temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 10% is approximately -20.3 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the condensation determination engine 604 may determine the amount or probability of condensation based on modified predicted dew point values ​​that deviate from those in Table 5 (e.g., modified values ​​deviating from + / -10%, + / -5%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or any suitable percentage between + / -0.1% and + / -20%). For example, if the external temperature is 10 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity is 10%, a modified value with a 10% deviation might be approximately -20.097 degrees Celsius or -20.603 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, each modified value may deviate from a number rather than a percentage, such as a deviation from + / -0.1 degrees Celsius, + / -0.5 degrees Celsius, + / -1 degrees Celsius, + / -2 degrees Celsius, or any suitable percentage (including endpoints) between + / -0.1 degrees Celsius and + / -5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the condensation determination engine 604 may determine the condensation level based on one or more machine learning components, models, or techniques (hereinafter “components”) 603. For example, one or more machine learning components 603 may be trained using historical data indicating whether condensation occurs under certain environmental conditions. Training of the machine learning components 603 may involve multiple stages and / or multiple training datasets, such as a first dataset and a second dataset, the first dataset including example scenarios (including contextual information associated with the occurrence or non-occurrence of condensation), and the second dataset including example scenarios (including contextual information of erroneous predictions by the machine learning components 603). Erroneous predictions may include false positives and / or false negatives. For example, a false positive may include the machine learning component 603 predicting the presence of condensation when condensation is not actually present. Similarly, a false negative may include the machine learning component 603 predicting the absence of condensation when condensation is actually present. One or more machine learning components 603 may obtain feedback based on the actual presence or absence of condensation, such as that detected by a condensation sensor. One or more machine learning components 603 may be updated based on this feedback. Details of the condensation determination engine 604 will be provided later. Figure 8 Further details are provided below.

[0083] In some embodiments, if the condensation determination engine 604 determines that the internal temperature is at or above the dew point, then the condensation determination engine 604 may determine that the amount or probability of condensation does not exceed a threshold amount or probability. On the other hand, if the condensation determination engine 604 determines that the internal temperature is below the dew point, then the condensation determination engine 602 may determine that the amount or probability of condensation does indeed exceed a threshold level, and the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 will implement a modification of the dead time to address the condensation. The modification of the dead time may result in a reduction in soft switching and / or ZVS.

[0084] The circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can be accessed via one or more interfaces (e.g., in different embodiments, for example). Figure 1 , Figure 2 Interfaces 141, 145, 151, 155, 244, and 246 in the interface provide power to one or more drivers (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The drivers 121, 125, 131, 135, 234, and 236 in the driver library transmit whether to modify the switching transistor (e.g., in different embodiments, for...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The timing of transistors 122, 124, 132, 134, 204, and 206 in the circuit is indicated to modify the dead time determined by the dead time adjustment engine 402. In some examples, if the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 receives an instruction to implement dead time adjustment, the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 may indicate a specific timing, mode, and / or sequence for when to turn the transistors on or off. Additionally or alternatively, the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 may transmit an instruction to enable an adaptive dead time condensation modification mechanism (e.g., specifically designed to address condensation, separate from and following the adaptive dead time adjustment mechanism).

[0085] In some examples, if the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 indicates a specific timing, it can determine the range of timing modifications based on the amount of deviation between the internal temperature and dew point (e.g., a predicted dew point) and / or the amount or probability of condensation deviating from a threshold amount or probability. For example, a larger deviation may indicate a higher level of urgency in addressing condensation. Therefore, a larger deviation might require a greater degree of timing modification. As a specific illustrative example, if the internal temperature deviates from the dew point temperature by 0.1 degrees, the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can determine to reduce the dead time between switches in different current flow paths by a small duration (e.g., 0.1 microseconds). However, if the internal temperature deviates from the dew point temperature by 5 degrees, the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can determine to reduce the dead time between switches in different current flow paths by a larger duration (e.g., 0.5 microseconds). In other examples, the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can iteratively reduce the dead time between switches in different current flow paths until the internal temperature does not exceed the dew point.

[0086] In some embodiments, if the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 indicates whether toggling of the adaptive dead-time condensation modification mechanism is activated, the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 can select from a plurality of possible adaptive dead-time condensation modification mechanisms based on the internal temperature and / or the aforementioned deviation (e.g., the deviation between the internal temperature and the dew point). For example, a first adaptive dead-time control mechanism can be implemented for a first deviation range between the internal temperature and the dew point (e.g., between 0.1 degrees Celsius and 0.5 degrees Celsius, including the endpoints). A second adaptive dead-time control mechanism can be implemented for a second deviation range between the internal temperature and the dew point (e.g., above 0.5 degrees Celsius and up to 1 degree Celsius), which adjusts the dead time over a larger range (compared to the first adaptive dead-time control mechanism). Details of the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 will be provided in [the following text is missing from the original extract]. Figure 9 Further details are provided below.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating details of a sensing engine 602. The sensing engine 602 includes components capable of interacting with sensors (e.g., in various embodiments, [missing information]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hardware, software, and / or firmware for secure and efficient communication with sensors 164, 166, 264, 266, and one or more other sensors, including a condensation sensor. Sensing engine 602 includes an atmospheric temperature sensing engine 702, an atmospheric temperature sensing interface 704, a humidity sensing engine 708, a humidity sensing interface 710, a circuit component temperature sensing engine 712, a circuit component temperature sensing interface 714, and a prediction acquisition engine 716. Atmospheric temperature sensing engine 702 can acquire atmospheric temperature via atmospheric temperature sensing interface 704, for example, from a converter circuit (e.g., Figure 1 The casing of circuit 120 (e.g.) Figure 1 The ambient temperature outside the housing 110. In different embodiments, the atmospheric temperature sensing interface 704 can be implemented as... Figure 1 Interface 186 Figure 2 Interface 256. In different embodiments, the atmospheric temperature sensing interface 704 can be obtained from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Sensors 166 and / or 277 in the sensor obtain sensor data of atmospheric temperature. Humidity sensing engine 708 can obtain data from the housing (e.g., in different embodiments, via humidity sensing interface 710). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The humidity sensing interface 710 can be implemented as the ambient humidity outside and / or inside the housing 110 and / or 210. Figure 1 Interfaces 186 and / or 184, Figure 2The humidity sensing interface 710 can be obtained from either interface 254 or 256. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Sensors 164, 166, 264, and / or 264 within the circuit obtain sensor data on ambient humidity. Simultaneously, the circuit component temperature sensing engine 712 can obtain data from the interior of the housing (e.g., a heatsink) via the circuit component temperature sensing interface 714. Figure 1 The internal temperature of the heat sink 175. In different embodiments, the circuit component temperature sensing interface 714 can be implemented as... Figure 1 184 and / or Figure 2 Interface 254. Circuit component temperature sensing interface 714 can be accessed from... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Sensors 164 and / or 264 in the system obtain sensor data indicating the internal temperature.

[0088] The predictive acquisition engine 716 can acquire one or more predictions (including predicted environmental and / or internal conditions at future times). For example, the predictive acquisition engine 716 can acquire predicted ambient temperature, predicted ambient humidity, and / or predicted internal temperature, which can be based on predicted utilization levels and / or predicted load levels of the converter circuitry. For example, the condensation determination engine 604 and / or the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 can utilize these predictions to proactively address potential condensation that is likely or may occur, thereby proactively avoiding failure of electronic components within the converter circuitry.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating details of the condensation detection engine 604. The condensation detection engine 604 includes components capable of communicating with the sensing engine 602 and / or electrical infrastructure (e.g., Figure 1 The hardware, software, and / or firmware for secure and efficient communication with other entities within the infrastructure 100. The condensation determination engine 604 includes an instantaneous condensation determination engine 802, which determines the converter circuitry (e.g., in different embodiments, for...). Figure 1 Converter circuit 120 Figure 2 The amount of condensation within the converter circuit 220. The condensation determination engine 604 also includes a future condensation prediction engine 804 for predicting the probability of condensation formation.

[0090] The instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 can determine the presence of condensation. This determination can be based on whether the internal temperature is at or above the dew point. As previously mentioned, the dew point can be obtained or predicted based on Table 6 or other values ​​that deviate from those in Table 6. For other dew points not directly indicated in Table 6, the instantaneous condensation determination engine 702 can derive the dew point using interpolation, other models, and / or machine learning techniques.

[0091] If the instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 determines that the internal temperature is at or above the dew point, then the instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 can determine that the condensation level does not exceed a threshold level. In such a scenario, compared to the dead time previously obtained according to the dead time adjustment mechanism, the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can determine the dead time between switches without modifying different current flow paths, thereby maintaining ZVS. Otherwise, if the instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 determines that the internal temperature is below the dew point, then the instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 can determine that the condensation level does indeed exceed the threshold level. In such a scenario, the circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 can determine that the dead time will be reduced from the previously obtained dead time.

[0092] The future condensation prediction engine 804 can obtain one or more predictions and predict whether the internal temperature at a future time has a probability of falling below a predicted dew point exceeding a threshold. Such predictions may be caused by changes in the predicted ambient temperature and / or ambient humidity (which cause changes in the predicted dew point) and / or a reduction in the utilization or load of the converter circuitry (which can lead to a decrease in the internal temperature). The future condensation prediction engine 804 can thus calculate the probability of condensation formation.

[0093] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating details of a circuit component switch adjustment engine 606. The circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 includes interfaces capable of communicating with a sensing engine 602, a condensation determination engine 604, converter circuitry, and one or more drivers (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 Interfaces 141, 145, 151 and / or 155, Figure 2 Interfaces 244 and / or 246) and / or other entities within the electrical infrastructure (e.g., Figure 1 Infrastructure 100 Figure 2 The infrastructure 200) provides hardware, software, and / or firmware for secure and efficient communication. The circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 includes a dead-time reduction engine 902, which is activated when it is determined that the amount or probability of condensation exceeds a threshold amount or probability. The dead-time reduction engine 902 can reduce the dead time at the current time relative to a previously obtained dead time from the dead-time adjustment engine 402, or it can schedule the reduction at a future time. The scheduling of dead-time reduction can, for example, be in response to input from the future condensation prediction engine 804 and / or the prediction acquisition engine 716. The range of dead-time reduction can be based on the amount of deviation from the threshold amount or probability and / or the load level, such as, for example, regarding... Figure 1 As described in Table 4.

[0094] When the amount or probability of condensation is determined to be higher than a threshold amount or probability, the dead time reduction engine 902 can reduce the dead time between switches in different current flow paths. For example, refer to Figure 1 The dead-time reduction engine 902 can reduce the duration for which all transistors (e.g., transistors 122, 124, 126, and 128) are off on one side of the transformer 130 in the left bridge. Therefore, the duration of the first operating cycle in which transistors 122 and 128 are on while transistors 126 and 124 are off can be increased. Additionally or alternatively, the duration of the second operating cycle in which transistors 126 and 124 are on while transistors 122 and 128 are off can be increased. Similarly, the dead-time reduction engine 902 can reduce the duration for which all transistors (e.g., transistors 132, 134, 136, and 138) are off on the opposite side of the transformer 130 in the right bridge. Therefore, the duration of the third operating cycle in which transistors 132 and 138 are on while transistors 136 and 134 are off can be increased. Additionally or alternatively, the duration of the fourth operating cycle in which transistors 136 and 134 are on while transistors 132 and 138 are off can be increased.

[0095] As previously mentioned, the reduction range of the dead time may depend on the amount of deviation between the internal temperature and the predicted dew point, and / or the amount of deviation between the condensation level and the threshold level. In some embodiments, the greater the deviation, the greater the reduction range. In other embodiments, the dead time reduction engine 902 may iteratively reduce the dead time by a fixed duration (e.g., 0.1 microseconds) until the internal temperature does not exceed the predicted dew point.

[0096] The circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 also includes a dead-time maintenance or increase engine 904. In some examples, instead of reducing the duration of the dead time from the dead time previously obtained from the dead-time adjustment engine 402, the dead-time maintenance or increase engine 904 can maintain the duration of the dead time but adjust the timing of the dead time. For example, the adjustment of the dead-time timing may coincide with certain cycles where condensation is unlikely to occur. In other examples, after the reduction of the dead time (e.g., implemented by the dead-time reduction engine 902), the transistor may no longer operate within the full ZVS. The instantaneous condensation determination engine 802 can continuously determine the condensation level within the housing (e.g., in different embodiments, for example...). Figure 1 and Figure 2(In the casings 110, 210). If instantaneous condensation is determined by engine 802 to be below a threshold level, the dead time can be maintained or increased. Engine 904 may increase the dead time to at least partially restore ZVS. The range of increase in dead time may depend on and be related to the internal temperature, such as the rate of increase of the internal temperature and / or the range by which the internal temperature within the casing exceeds a threshold temperature (e.g., dew point). For example, the higher the internal temperature, the greater the range of increase in dead time.

[0097] The circuit component switch adjustment engine 606 also includes a driver communication interface 905 for communicating with a driver (e.g., in different embodiments, for...). Figure 1 Drives 121, 125, 131 and / or 135, Figure 2 The drivers 234 and / or 236 communicate with transistors (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 Transistors 122, 124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136 and / or 138, Figure 2 The transistors 204 and / or 206 directly transmit pulses to control the switching on and off of the transistors. The driver communication interface 905 can be implemented as... Figure 1 Interfaces 141, 145, 151 and / or 155 and / or Figure 2 Interfaces 244 and / or 246.

[0098] The solution described herein extends the lifespan of the converter circuit by prioritizing condensation prevention and overheating through controlled switching. Furthermore, the solution maintains efficiency and extends the lifespan within the converter circuit system by preventing or minimizing switching losses in soft-switching implementations such as ZVS. Specifically, ZVS can occur under conditions requiring sufficiently high energy stored in a tanking inductor to charge and discharge the output capacitor of a power semiconductor device, with the current polarity through the power device during switching in the direction of simultaneous charging and / or discharging of the device capacitor, and sufficient dead time. Maintaining sufficient dead time is challenging due to its dependence on load current and device capacitance, leading to switching losses. This challenge is particularly amplified under light loads. Given these challenges, an adaptive dead-time adjustment mechanism can be implemented to maintain ZVS under varying load conditions. However, when condensation occurs or is likely to occur, the duration and / or timing of the dead time determined by the dead-time adjustment mechanism can be modified based on the load level and condensation level.

[0099] The solution described herein is superior to other potential technologies, such as placing the enclosure in locations with minimal temperature fluctuations, ventilation, air conditioning, dehumidifiers, heaters, filling the enclosure with dry nitrogen, and / or using desiccants such as silica gel. These aforementioned potential technologies have limitations (including transportation infeasibility, requirements for additional hardware, and the need for a sealed enclosure, which limits heat dissipation and thermal management).

[0100] Figure 10 It controls a converter circuit that includes one or more soft-switching mechanisms (e.g., in different embodiments, ...). Figure 1 Converter circuit 120 Figure 2 The flowchart of method 1000 (converter circuit 220) is shown below. In this flowchart and other flowcharts and / or sequence diagrams, the flowchart illustrates a series of steps by way of example. It should be understood that these steps may be reorganized to be performed in parallel, or reordered as applicable. Furthermore, some steps that may have been included may have been removed to avoid providing too much information (for clarity), and some steps that were included may have been removed but may have been included (for clarity).

[0101] Method 1000 begins at step 1002, where controller 160 (specifically sensing engine 602) acquires sensor data. The sensor data can be obtained via connections to one or more sensors (e.g., Figure 1 The interface of the sensor 164, 166) (e.g., Figure 1 The sensor data is obtained through interfaces 184 and 186. The sensor data indicates a first temperature inside the housing, atmospheric temperature, internal humidity inside the housing, and / or atmospheric humidity. In step 1004, the condensation determination engine 604 can determine the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing based on the sensor data. For example, this determination can be based on a comparison of the first temperature and a predicted dew point, which can be based on atmospheric temperature and atmospheric humidity (outside and / or inside the housing). In step 1006, the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 can reduce the dead time of one or more soft-switching mechanisms based on the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing. For example, if the condensation determination engine 604 predicts that the condensation level (e.g., the presence, amount, and / or probability of condensation) exceeds a threshold level, the circuit component switching adjustment engine 606 can reduce the duration of the dead time. Dead time can refer to the time when all switches from different current flow paths are switched or transitioned to the off state, allowing the capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel with the switches to fully discharge, and / or the voltage across the switches to fully discharge.

[0102] Figure 11This is a block diagram of computing device 1100. Any of the controllers 160 and / or engines described herein may include instances of one or more computing devices 1100. In some embodiments, the functionality of computing device 1100 is enhanced to perform some or all of the functions described herein. Computing device 1100 includes a processor 1102, a memory 1104, a storage device 1106, an input device 1110, a communication network interface 1114, and an output device 1112 communicatively coupled to a communication channel 1108. Processor 1102 is configured to execute executable instructions (e.g., programs) and may be implemented as controllers 160, 260, and / or 460 or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, processor 1102 includes a circuitry capable of processing executable instructions or any processor.

[0103] Memory 1104 stores data. Some examples of memory 1104 include storage devices such as RAM, ROM, RAM cache, virtual memory, etc. In various embodiments, working data is stored in memory 1104. Data in memory 1104 can be erased or eventually transferred to storage device 1106.

[0104] Storage device 1106 includes any storage device configured to retrieve and store data. Some examples of storage device 1106 include flash drives, hard disk drives, optical disk drives, cloud storage devices, and / or magnetic tapes. In some embodiments, storage device 1106 may include RAM. Each of memory 1104 and storage device 1106 includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions or programs executable by processor 1102.

[0105] Input device 1110 can be any device for inputting data (e.g., a mouse and keyboard). Output device 1112 can be any device for outputting and / or processing data (e.g., a speaker or a monitor). It should be understood that storage device 1106, input device 1110, and output device 1112 can be optional. For example, a router / switch may include processor 1102 and memory 1104, as well as devices for receiving and outputting data (e.g., a communication network interface 1114 and / or output device 1112).

[0106] The communication network interface 1114 can be coupled to a network (e.g., network 162) via link 1108. The communication network interface 1114 can support communication via Ethernet, serial, parallel, and / or ATA connections. The communication network interface 1114 can also support wireless communication (e.g., 802.11a / b / g / n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi). Clearly, the communication network interface 1114 can support many wired and wireless standards.

[0107] It should be understood that the hardware components of computing device 1100 are not limited to those depicted. Computing device 1100 may include more or fewer hardware, software, and / or firmware components (e.g., drivers, operating systems, touchscreens, biometric analyzers, etc.) than those described. Furthermore, hardware components may share functionality and remain as described in the various embodiments herein. In one example, encoding and / or decoding may be performed by processor 1102 and / or a coprocessor located on a GPU (i.e., NVIDIA).

[0108] It should be understood that "engine," "system," "data storage device," and / or "controller" can include software, hardware, firmware, and / or circuitry. In one example, one or more software programs including processor-executable instructions can perform one or more of the functions of the engine, system, data storage device, and / or controller described herein. In another example, a circuitry can perform the same or similar functions. Alternative embodiments can include more, fewer, or functionally equivalent engines, systems, data storage devices, or databases, and remain within the scope of this embodiment. For example, the functions of various engines, systems, data storage devices, and / or controllers can be combined or divided differently. Data storage devices may include cloud storage devices. It should also be understood that the term "or," as used herein, can be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. Furthermore, multiple instances can be provided for a resource, operation, or structure described herein as a single instance. It should be understood that the term "request" should include any computer request or instruction, whether permissive or mandatory.

[0109] The data stores described in this article can be any suitable structure (e.g., active database, relational database, self-referencing database, table, matrix, array, flat file, document-oriented storage system, non-relational No-SQL system, etc.), and can be cloud-based or otherwise.

[0110] The systems, methods, engines, data storage, and / or controllers described herein may be implemented at least in part by processors, where one or more specific processors are examples of hardware. For example, at least some operations of the method may be performed by one or more processors or an engine implemented by a processor. Furthermore, one or more processors may also support the execution of related operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) operation. For example, at least some operations may be performed by a group of computers (as an example of a machine including processors), where these operations are accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more suitable interfaces (e.g., application programming interfaces (APIs)).

[0111] The execution of certain operations may be distributed across processors (not only residing within a single machine, but also deployed across multiple machines). In some example embodiments, the processor or processor-implemented engine may reside in a single geographic location (e.g., in a home environment, office environment, or server farm). In other example embodiments, the processor or processor-implemented engine may be distributed across multiple geographic locations.

[0112] Throughout this specification, multiple instances can be implemented as components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. While individual operations of one or more methods are shown and described as separate operations, one or more individual operations may be performed simultaneously, and it is not required that they be performed in the order shown. Structures and functions presented as separate components in the example configuration can be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single components can be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of this document's subject matter.

[0113] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout this specification and the claims, the word “comprise” and its variations shall be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense (i.e., as “including but not limited to”). Throughout this specification, descriptions of numerical ranges of values ​​are intended to serve as abbreviated notations for each individual value falling within the range of values ​​that include the defined range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as it is separately described herein. The reference to “approximately” may be interpreted as including values ​​within a certain range of the specified values ​​(e.g., within 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or any other applicable value). Furthermore, unless the context expressly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents. Phrases such as “at least one of…,” “at least one selected from the group of…,” or “at least one selected from the group consisting of…” shall be interpreted in disjunction (e.g., not as at least one of A and at least one of B).

[0114] As shown in Figure 12, since condensation poses a greater threat to circuitry than heat, reducing, eliminating, or preventing condensation may be considered a higher priority than keeping the circuitry cool and avoiding power loss. Specifically, Figure 1200 shows the normalized failure rate (NFR) of wind turbines at a specific location over a one-year period. Official climate data (including wind speed, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperature) from the Generation V European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Global Climate Atmosphere Reanalysis (ERA5) were obtained at the same location of the wind turbines within the same year. In Figure 1200, the correlation between relative humidity and the NFR of wind turbines is higher than other correlations between other climate factors and the NFR.

[0115] The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and other embodiments can be used without departing from the broader scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover these and other variations with respect to the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a converter circuit system, the converter circuit system including a switch within a housing and one or more soft-switching mechanisms, the system comprising: One or more sensors are used to determine sensor data, the sensor data including environmental parameters inside the housing; The controller includes: One or more sensor interfaces, the one or more sensor interfaces being configured to communicate with the one or more sensors to receive sensor data; One or more hardware processors; and A memory storing computer instructions configured to execute when executed by the one or more hardware processors: Based on the sensor data, the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing is determined; and The dead time of the one or more soft-switching mechanisms is reduced based on the presence or probability of condensation within the housing. Reducing the dead time increases the heat in the converter circuitry to help address the presence and probability of condensation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a transistor.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more soft-switching mechanisms include zero-voltage switching.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the dead time is based on discharging the capacitor through one or more of the transistors.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the converter circuit system includes a dual active bridge, i.e., a DAB.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the converter circuitry includes one or more drivers for controlling the soft-switching mechanism of the circuitry and controlling the dead time of the one or more soft-switching mechanisms in response to a control signal from the controller.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the environmental parameters include temperature and humidity.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor data further includes environmental parameters outside the housing.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein reducing the dead time is based on the deviation of the presence or probability of condensation from a threshold.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the threshold is based on a predetermined dew point.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the probability of condensation is the probability of condensation existing inside the housing.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the probability of condensation is the probability of condensation occurring within the housing at a future time.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the converter circuitry comprises a half-bridge.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Adjusting the dead time of the one or more soft-switching mechanisms includes adaptively adjusting the dead time based on the load characteristics of the load.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, Adaptively adjusting the dead time includes adjusting the dead time more when the load is low and adjusting the dead time less when the load is high.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Addressing the presence or probability of condensation includes preventing the condensation.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Addressing the presence or probability of condensation includes reducing the condensation.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Addressing the presence or probability of condensation includes eliminating the condensation.

19. A method for controlling a converter circuit system, the converter circuit system including a switch within a housing and one or more soft-switching mechanisms, the method comprising: One or more sensors are used to determine sensor data, which includes environmental parameters inside the housing; Based on the sensor data, the presence or probability of condensation inside the housing is determined; and The dead time of the one or more soft-switching mechanisms is reduced based on the presence or probability of condensation within the housing. Reducing the dead time increases the heat in the converter circuitry to help address the presence and probability of condensation.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the converter circuit system comprises a dual active bridge, i.e., a DAB.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the environmental parameters include temperature and humidity.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the sensor data further includes environmental parameters outside the housing.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The reduction of the dead time is based on the deviation of the presence or probability of condensation from a threshold.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the probability of condensation is the probability of condensation existing inside the housing.

25. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The probability of condensation is the probability of condensation occurring within the casing at a future time.

26. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Adjusting the dead time of the one or more soft-switching mechanisms includes adaptively adjusting the dead time based on the load characteristics of the load.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, Adaptively adjusting the dead time includes adjusting the dead time more when the load is low and adjusting the dead time less when the load is high.

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