Non-isolated pulse-width modulation (PWM) full-bridge power converter with interconnected windings

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for reducing losses of a transformer and a rectifier element in a non-isolated environment.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding of a transformer and a first secondary winding of the transformer and a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer and the primary winding of the transformer is detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is operative to generate a portion of an output current based on energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer is operative to generate a remaining portion of the output current based on energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to power converters, and more particularly to non-isolated pulse width modulation (PWM) full bridge direct current (DC)-DC power converters having interconnected transformer windings.

Background Art

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 081,207, filed on September 21, 2020, entitled "NON-ISOLATED PWM FULL BRIDGE CONVERTER", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all teachings and for all purposes.

[0003] DC-DC power converters are used to convert a level of DC voltage to another level of DC voltage and deliver power to a load. Such converters typically include a transformer that provides power transfer from a primary input to a secondary output as a voltage converter. The transformer also provides galvanic isolation between the primary input and the secondary output, which is a physical and electrical separation between the primary input and the secondary output in most applications. As a result of this isolation, each of the insulated circuits (e.g., the primary input and the secondary output) has its own return reference or ground reference. In conventional topologies, the transformer is typically required for high voltage conversion ranges from the primary input to the secondary output to achieve good efficiency. However, the use of the transformer can result in significant winding losses due to the high alternating current (AC) components in the large number of primary turns and secondary windings, which increases the winding cost and the cost of the printed circuit board that houses the transformer.

[0004] Large data centers house dozens of rows of server racks, which consume a considerable amount of power at a high cost. The increasing power consumption in data centers is driving a shift from regulated power infrastructures that provide server boards with a power voltage range of 12 volts to power infrastructures that supply server boards with voltages in the 40-60 volt range. The conversion from 40-60 volts to 12 volts occurs on the server board. This voltage range has traditionally been allocated to high-quality servers.

[0005] In the majority of the low / mid-quality server market, there is a growing demand for low-cost and high-efficiency server board power solutions that adjust the incoming 40-60 volts to 12 volts. Several compromises have been made to achieve this goal. One compromise is the removal of isolation between the primary input voltage and the secondary output voltage of the DC-DC power converter. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, what is needed are systems and methods for reducing losses in transformers and rectifiers in non-isolated environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In the attached diagram, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by adding a character to the reference label that distinguishes similar components from each other. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, its description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0008] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding and a first secondary winding of a transformer, and a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of a transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate a portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0009] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system. The system includes a power converter comprising a first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding and a first secondary winding of the transformer; a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of the transformer; and a first switching element and a second switching element connected to both sides of the transformer and connected via a common ground. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and the primary winding of the transformer is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer.

[0010] The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate the portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. The system further includes a control circuitry configured to control the switching of a first switching element and a second switching element in order to adjust the output voltage of the power converter.

[0011] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method. The method includes providing a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding and a first secondary winding of a transformer, and providing a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of a transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer operates to produce a portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to produce the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0012] The subject matter is described throughout with reference to drawings where the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the invention of the subject matter. However, in some cases it is clear that the subject matter can be carried out without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of the invention of the subject matter.

[0013] Furthermore, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean an example, example, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be interpreted as being preferable or advantageous to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present a concept in a concrete form. Where used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or evident from the context, “X utilizes A or B” is intended to mean all reasonable inclusive permutations. That is, “X utilizes A or B” is satisfied in any of the above cases: X utilizes A, X utilizes B, or X utilizes both A and B. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” as used herein and in the accompanying claims should generally be interpreted as “one or more” unless otherwise specified or evident from the context. Furthermore, the word “combined” is used herein to mean a direct or indirect electrical or mechanical bond.

[0014] As used herein, the term "converter" includes, but is not limited to, any one of the following or any combination thereof: "regulator," "DC regulator," "voltage regulator," "DC voltage regulator," "DC-DC converter," "DC converter," and "converter," and also includes, but is not limited to, the obvious meaning of any of these terms.

[0015] One embodiment of the disclosure described herein relates to an electrically non-isolated DC-to-DC power converter that can be used to deliver power at a lower DC voltage from a source having a higher DC voltage. Such a power converter uses a transformer that causes a voltage level drop (or rise) depending on its turns ratio. In other words, the total transformer current on the primary side is equal to the transformer current on the secondary side. If the system is pulse-width modulated, the transformed voltages on the primary and secondary sides are averaged. Essentially, the input power is equal to the output power (minus conversion losses). For example, if the input voltage doubles, the input current is halved, but the output voltage and output current remain constant. Power circuit switching elements are used in conjunction with capacitors and inductors to produce the conversion. In alternative embodiments of the disclosure, power circuit switching elements are used in conjunction with capacitors and inductors to average the pulse-width modulated voltage. A control circuit mechanism is typically provided to drive the signal to the power circuit switching elements.

[0016] Most DC-DC power converters are designed to regulate their output voltage in response to variations in input voltage and output current. For example, a power converter might be needed to maintain a 12-volt (plus or minus a few percent) output while its input varies from 36 to 75 volts and its output current ranges from 1 to 25 amperes. This ability to achieve regulation typically arises from the power circuit topology and the manner in which its switching elements are controlled. In some cases, the regulating function is supplied (or supplemented) by a linear regulator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic circuit diagram showing the general configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, as shown in an alternative circuit design according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] This is an alternative circuit diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating a first mode of control of power circuit switching elements in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] This is an illustrative diagram showing a discharge mode for controlling a power circuit switching element in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2F] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating a second mode of control of power circuit switching elements in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This graph shows a comparison of total resistance losses between a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter and a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This graph shows a comparison of the losses per component between a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter and a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This graph shows the performance of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a graph showing control signals for a power circuit switching element for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B]A graph showing a control signal for a power circuit switching element for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] A graph showing a control signal for a power circuit switching element for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] A graph showing a control signal for a power circuit switching element for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A graph showing a switch node voltage for a power circuit switching element for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A graph showing a power circuit switching element voltage for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] A graph showing transformer winding current and output current for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] A graph showing transformer winding current and output current for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] A graph showing transformer winding current and output current for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] A graph showing transformer winding current and output current for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] A graph showing power circuit switching element current and output current for a non-insulated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] This graph shows the power circuit switching element current and output current for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] This graph shows the power circuit switching element current and output current for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10D] This graph shows the power circuit switching element current and output current for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of a method for converting voltage using a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter 100. An isolated power converter isolates the input from the output by electrically and physically dividing the circuit for the power converter into two sections that prevent the flow of DC between the input and output, which is usually achieved by using a transformer. The power converter 100 generally includes a primary side 104 which includes one or more power circuit switching elements (not shown). The primary side 104 can receive an input voltage from a voltage source Vin. The power converter 100 also includes a secondary side 108 which may include, for example, a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit and a load (not shown). The secondary side 108 outputs an output voltage Vout. The secondary side 108 is isolated from the primary side by a transformer 112 which has, for example, one or more primary windings and one or more secondary windings. The power converter 100 also includes a control circuit mechanism 116 for controlling the power converter 100 by determining when one or more power circuit switching elements are turned ON and OFF. The control circuit mechanism 116 typically senses voltage and current at the input, output, and / or within the power converter 100. In this topology of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter 100, current flowing through the primary side 104 and the secondary side 108 each have their own return or ground reference, resulting in current flowing through the primary side 104 simply circulating within the primary side 104 and current flowing through the secondary side 108 simply circulating within the secondary side 108.

[0019] In conventional topologies, transformers are typically required for the high-voltage conversion range from input to output to achieve good efficiency. However, the use of transformers can result in significant winding losses due to the large number of primary turns and high AC component in the secondary windings, which drives up winding costs and printed circuit board costs.

[0020] Figure 2A is a schematic circuit diagram showing the configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter 200 having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The power converter 200 includes a power circuit 204 including power circuit switching elements. The power circuit switching elements include two series-connected power circuit switching elements and two series-connected power circuit switching elements in parallel, i.e., X1, X2, X4, X5 arranged in a full-bridge configuration. The power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, X5 may include, for example, metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or gallium nitride (GaN) FETs. The power circuit 204 also includes an input voltage source 208 that provides a DC input voltage Vin to the power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, X5. The power circuit 204 is configured to produce a unipolar square wave voltage.

[0021] The power converter 200 also includes an output voltage 212 for providing the converted DC voltage as the output voltage Vout, a transformer TX, a rectifier circuit 220, a filter circuit 224, and a load 228.

[0022] The input capacitor Cin is coupled in parallel between the input voltage source 208 and the power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, and X5. The input capacitor Cin acts as a filter for the input voltage Vin, buffering its energy. The transformer TX includes a primary winding Np coupled to the power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, and X5, secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2 coupled to the rectifier circuit 220, and an output inductor 236Lout. The number of windings associated with each of the primary winding Np and the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2 can be any preferred value and may vary depending on the embodiment. The filter circuit 224 includes a capacitor Cout, and the load 228 is represented by a resistor R connected in parallel with the filter circuit 224. The capacitor Cout is provided to smooth the rectified voltage to the load 228. The filter circuit 224 is connected in parallel with the rectifier circuit 220.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2A, the rectifier circuit 220 includes two power circuit switching elements X3, X6, including parallel diodes arranged to provide synchronous rectification. Alternatively, the rectifier circuit 220 may include more or fewer switching devices if desired, and / or may be configured without synchronous rectification.

[0024] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the drain node (D) of power circuit switching element X1 and the drain node (D) of power circuit switching element X4 are connected to the input voltage source Vin. In addition, the source node (S) of power circuit switching element X1 is coupled to the drain node (D) (switch node SW1) of power circuit switching element X2. The source node (S) of power circuit switching element X4 is coupled to the drain node (D) (switch node SW2) of power circuit switching element X5. The source node (S) of power circuit switching element X2 is coupled to switch node SW2. The source node (S) of power circuit switching element X5 is coupled to switch node SW4. The drain (D) of power circuit switching element X3 is connected to switch node SW2, and the source (S) of power circuit switching element X3 is connected to ground. The drain (D) of power circuit switching element X6 is connected to node SW4, and the source (S) of power circuit switching element X6 is connected to ground.

[0025] The power converter 200 in Figure 2A includes one or more control devices 250 for generating control signals (e.g., pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals) for power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and X6. As shown in Figure 2A, control signal A controls power circuit switching elements X1 and X5, control signal B controls power circuit switching elements X2 and X4, control signal A_Inverse controls power circuit switching element X6, and control signal B_Inverse controls power circuit switching element X3. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, for control reasons (e.g., compensation for delays in the drive circuit mechanism, different modulations during startup, etc.), control signal A can be split into two control signals (A_X1 and A_X5), and control signal B can be split into two control signals (B_X2 and B_X4). The control device 250 in Figure 2A may include one or more gate drive circuits and / or other suitable drive circuits for generating control signals.

[0026] The control device 250 is adapted to change the duty cycle of the control signals (e.g., A, B, A_Inverse, B_Inverse) to adjust the output voltage Vout. Generally, the frequency is kept constant, but it can be modulated to reduce current ripple. As shown in Figure 2A, the power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, X5 are shunted or clamped by their inherent capacitance and their inherent body diodes. Also as shown in Figure 2A, the power circuit switching elements X3, X6 are shunted or clamped by their inherent output capacitance and their inherent body diodes.

[0027] In non-isolated embodiments, a common ground (e.g., GND) is provided for the entire circuit of the power converter 200. This makes the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2 part of the primary winding Np (e.g., interconnected with it). Several advantages can be achieved using this arrangement. According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, voltage regulation and the elimination of capacitive voltage divider sections are achieved. According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, in the charging phase, the primary winding Np is connected in series with both ends of the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2, depending on which phase of the power converter 200 is conducting.

[0028] According to the operation of the power converter 200 of this disclosure, in the discharge phase, when there is no energy transferred from the input Vin to the output Vout, it is suggested that all energy delivered to the output is taken from the output inductor Lout, with both power circuit switching elements X3 and X6 conducting (e.g., these power circuit switching elements are closed) and the other power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, and X5 not conducting (e.g., these power circuit switching elements are open). As a result, the voltage across the transformer TX is clamped, and half of the output current flows into the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2, respectively. Charging and discharging create a PWM pulse train with an amplitude of Vin*Ns / (Np+2*Ns) at the switch node SW5 located between the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2, where Ns=Ns1=Ns2. This pulse train is then averaged by the output inductor 236Lout and the output capacitor 224Cout. The output is modulated according to Vout = Vin * D * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where D is the duty cycle of the control signals achieved by PWM, defined as the sum of the ON times of control signals A and B, Ton, divided by the period.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the charging phase in which energy is transmitted from the input Vin to the output Vout and output inductor Lout, the primary current Ip is transmitted to the output, rather than simply circulating within the primary side of the power converter as in the case of a conventional isolated power converter. Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns).

[0030] If there is concern about voltage / time mismatch between branches A and B, a DC blocking capacitor can be added in series with the primary winding Np. Figure 2C is an alternative circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter 210 having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, capacitors Cblock1 and Cblock2 are provided to block DC currents that may occur when the A and B control signals are not equally matched. Accordingly, either capacitor Cblock1 is located at position A or capacitor Cblock2 is located at position B, thereby blocking DC currents when control signal A is not equally matched with control signal B.

[0031] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings as shown in Figure 2A, in an alternative circuit design according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this topology uses a 1:1+1 transformer, which is suitable for a power converter with 40-60 volts Vin and 12 volts Vout. Power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, and X5 behave as power circuit switching elements, while power circuit switching elements X3 and X6 are synchronous rectifier switches. When power circuit switching elements X1, X5, and X3 conduct, one-third of the output voltage Vout is observed across the primary winding Np and the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2, respectively. Similarly, when power circuit switching elements X4, X2, and X6 conduct, one-third of the output voltage Vout is observed across the primary winding Np and the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2, respectively. As can be understood, power circuit switching elements X1, X5 (controlled by control signal A), or power circuit switching elements X4, X2 (controlled by control signal B), perform a 180-degree phase shift during a duration Ton of period T, where Ton is limited to 50% of period T. Power circuit switching elements X3, X6 conduct for a duration Tsynch, which corresponds to the period T minus Ton, and further minus the dead time required to avoid mutual conduction between the ON and OFF states of X2, X3, the corresponding ON and OFF states of X5, and the ON and OFF states of X6.

[0032] Regarding the conduction of power circuit switching elements X1, X5, and X3, the currents flowing through the primary winding Np and secondary winding Ns2 proceed directly to the output section Vout when power circuit switching elements X1 and X5 conduct. This generates a current with twice the amplitude through the secondary winding Ns1, resulting in current balance in transformer TX. This suggests that a very large portion of the current flowing through the secondary windings Ns1 and Ns2 is DC. At most, it is 2 / 3 of Iout, at least 1 / 3 of Iout, and during the discharge phase, it is 1 / 2 of Iout. Another benefit is that all power circuit switching elements X1, X5, X3 or X4, X2, X6 are clamped to the input voltage Vin through their respective intrinsic diodes. Snubbering or clamping of the voltage through the synchronous rectified power circuit switching elements is unnecessary unless required to reduce noise.

[0033] Figure 2D is an illustrative diagram showing a first mode of control of power circuit switching elements in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first mode, power circuit switching elements X4, X2, X6 are OFF and power circuit switching elements X1, X5, X3 are ON. Circuit path A1 includes a current Ip from the primary winding Np, and circuit path A2 includes a current Is1 from the first secondary winding Ns1. As shown in Figure 2B, Ip is equal to one-third (1 / 3) of the output current, and Is1 is equal to two-thirds (2 / 3) of the output current.

[0034] Figure 2E is an illustrative diagram showing a discharge mode of control of power circuit switching elements in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In discharge mode, power circuit switching elements X1, X2, X4, and X5 are OFF, while power circuit switching elements X3 and X6 are also ON. Circuit path C1 includes a current Is1 from a first secondary winding Ns1, and circuit path C2 includes a current Is2 from a second secondary winding Ns2. Both Is1 and Is2 are equal to half (1 / 2) of the output current.

[0035] Figure 2F is an illustrative diagram showing a second mode of control of power circuit switching elements in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second mode, power circuit switching elements X4, X2, and X6 are ON, and power circuit switching elements X1, X5, and X3 are OFF. Circuit path B1 includes a current Ip from the primary winding Np, and circuit path B2 includes a current Is2 from the second secondary winding Ns2. Ip is equal to one-third (1 / 3) of the output current, and Is2 is equal to two-thirds (2 / 3) of the output current.

[0036] Figure 3 is a graph 300 showing a comparison of total resistive losses between a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter and a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis of graph 300 represents the input voltage in volts (V), and the vertical axis of graph 300 represents the power dissipation in watts (W). Waveform 304 represents the power dissipation of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter, and waveform 308 represents the power dissipation of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings.

[0037] Waveform 304 has a steeper slope than waveform 308 for relatively small input voltages, which corresponds to greater power dissipation in a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter compared to a non-isolated DC-DC power converter with interconnected transformer windings. Waveforms 304 and 308 have substantially the same slope for relatively large input voltages. According to Graph 300, a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter dissipates approximately 21 watts of power at a 40-volt input voltage and 20 watts at a 42-volt input voltage. These values ​​result in a slope of approximately 1 / 2 for waveform 304 between 40 and 42 volts. In contrast, a non-isolated DC-DC power converter with interconnected transformer windings dissipates approximately 16.5 watts of power at a 40-volt input voltage and 16 watts at a 42-volt input voltage. These values, between 40 and 42 volts, produce a slope of approximately one-quarter (1 / 4) for waveform 308.

[0038] Furthermore, according to Graph 300, a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter dissipates approximately 16 watts of power at a 58-volt input voltage and 15 watts at a 60-volt input voltage. These values ​​result in a slope of approximately 3 / 8 for waveform 304 between 58 and 50 volts. In contrast, a non-isolated DC-DC power converter with interconnected transformer windings dissipates approximately 14.5 watts of power at a 58-volt input voltage and 14.25 watts at a 60-volt input voltage. These values ​​result in a slope of approximately 1 / 8 for waveform 308 between 58 and 60 volts.

[0039] Figure 4 is a graph 400 showing a comparison of losses per component between a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter and a non-isolated DC-DC power converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis of graph 400 represents the input voltage in volts (V), and the vertical axis of graph 400 represents the power dissipation in watts (W). Waveform 404 represents the power dissipation of the secondary power circuit switching elements of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter, and waveform 408 represents the power dissipation of the secondary power switching elements of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Waveform 412 represents the power dissipation of the transformer of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter. Waveform 416 represents the power dissipation of the primary power switching elements of both a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter and a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Waveform 420 represents the power dissipation of the transformer in a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and waveform 424 represents the power dissipation of the secondary winding of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter. Waveform 428 represents the power dissipation of the primary winding of a conventional isolated DC-DC power converter, and waveform 432 represents the power dissipation of the secondary winding of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Waveform 436 represents the power dissipation of the primary winding of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, the slope of the waveform increases as the input voltage decreases, which corresponds to greater power dissipation at smaller input voltages and smaller power dissipation at larger input voltages.

[0041] Figure 5 is a graph 500 showing the performance of a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis of graph 500 represents output power in watts (W), the vertical axis on the left of graph 500 represents efficiency in percentage (%), and the vertical axis on the right of graph 500 represents power dissipation in watts (W). Waveform 504 represents the power dissipation of the non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, which is the input power minus the output power, and waveform 508 represents the ratio of output power to input power of the non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, expressed as a percentage.

[0042] As shown in Graph 500, and as waveform 504 shows, a non-isolated DC-DC power converter with interconnected transformer windings dissipates approximately 2.5 watts (W) of power at an output power of 0 watts (W) and approximately 20 watts (W) of power at an output power of 840 watts (W). As shown in waveform 508, a non-isolated DC-DC power converter with interconnected transformer windings has an efficiency of 96% at an output power of 120 watts (W) and an efficiency of approximately 97.7% at an output power of 840 watts (W).

[0043] Figures 6A to 6D are graphs 600 to 630 showing control signals for power circuit switching elements for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For each of graphs 600 to 630, the horizontal axis represents time in microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis represents voltage in volts (V). Waveform 604 shown in graph 600 represents control signal A for primary power circuit switching elements X1 and X5, and waveform 614 shown in graph 610 represents control signal B for primary power circuit switching elements X2 and X4. Waveform 624 shown in graph 620 represents control signal A_Inverse for secondary power circuit switching element X3, and waveform 634 shown in graph 630 represents control signal B_Inverse for secondary power circuit switching element X6. As shown, the period is T and Ton is the duration. The power circuit switching elements X3 and X6 conduct for a duration Tsynch, which corresponds to the period T minus Ton, and further minus the dead time required to avoid mutual conduction between the ON and OFF states of X2, X3, the corresponding ON and OFF states of X5, and X6.

[0044] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are graphs 700 to 720 showing switch node voltages for power circuit switching elements for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For each of graphs 700 to 720, the horizontal axis represents time in microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis represents voltage in volts (V). Waveform 704 shown in graph 700 indicates that switch node SW1 is a floating node because it does not advance to ground, and waveform 714 shown in graph 710 represents switch node SW2. Waveform 724 shown in graph 720 represents switch node SW5, which is located between switch node SW2 and switch node SW4. At time t1, the voltage at SW5 is less than half the voltage at SW1.

[0045] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are graphs 800 to 820 showing power circuit switching element voltages for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For each of graphs 800 to 820, the horizontal axis represents time in microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis represents voltage in volts (V). Waveform 804 shown in graph 800 represents the voltage related to the primary power circuit switching element X1, and waveform 814 shown in graph 810 represents the voltage related to the primary power circuit switching element X2. Waveform 824 shown in graph 820 represents the voltage related to the secondary power circuit switching element X3.

[0046] Figures 9A to 9D are graphs 900 to 930 showing transformer winding currents and output currents for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For each of graphs 900 to 930, the horizontal axis of graphs 900 to 930 represents time in microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis of graphs 900 to 930 represents current in amperes (A). Waveform 904 shown in graph 900 represents the current related to the primary winding Np, and waveform 914 shown in graph 910 represents the current related to the secondary winding Ns1. Waveform 924 shown in graph 920 represents the current related to the secondary winding Ns2. Waveform 934 shown in graph 930 represents the output current as seen from the load.

[0047] Figures 10A to 10D are graphs showing power circuit switching element currents and output currents for a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For each of graphs 1000 to 1030, the horizontal axis of graphs 1000 to 1030 represents time in microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis of graphs 1000 to 1030 represents current in amperes (A). Waveform 1004 shown in graph 1000 represents the current related to the primary power circuit switching element X1, and waveform 1014 shown in graph 1010 represents the current related to the primary power circuit switching element X2. Waveform 1024 shown in graph 1020 represents the current related to the secondary power circuit switching element X3. Waveform 1034 shown in graph 1030 represents the output current as seen from the load.

[0048] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for converting voltage using a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 11 shows the overall sequence of steps for Method 1100 for converting voltage using a non-isolated DC-DC power converter having interconnected transformer windings; however, Method 1100 may include more or fewer steps, or the sequence of steps may be adjusted differently from that shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, two or more steps may be combined into a single step. Generally, Method 1100 begins with a START operation 1104 and ends with an END operation 1120. The Method may be executed on a set of computer-executable instructions that are executed by a data processing system and encoded or stored on a computer-readable medium. In this specification, Method 1100 will be described with reference to the systems and components, modules, software, data structures, user interfaces, etc. described above.

[0050] Method 1100 may begin with a START operation 1104 and proceed to step 1108, where it receives energy from an input voltage source. After receiving energy from the input voltage source in step 1108, Method 1100 proceeds to step 1112, where the primary winding of the transformer operates to produce a portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer and the energy received from the first secondary winding of the transformer. After the primary winding of the transformer operates to produce a portion of the output current in step 1112, Method 1100 proceeds to step 1116, where the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to produce the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. After the second winding of the transformer operates to produce the remaining portion of the output current, Method 1100 may proceed to an END operation 1120, where Method 1100 may end.

[0051] Any of the steps, functions, and operations described herein can be performed sequentially and automatically.

[0052] Illustrative devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure are described in relation to power converters. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure, some known structures and devices are omitted in the above description. This omission should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are provided so that this disclosure can be understood. However, it should be understood that this disclosure may be implemented in various forms beyond the specific details described herein.

[0053] Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments described herein illustrate various juxtaposed components of the system, specific components of the system can be located remotely, in a distant part of a distributed network such as a LAN and / or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Therefore, it should be understood that the components of the system can be combined to form one or more devices such as servers or communication devices, or that they can be juxtaposed on specific nodes of a distributed network such as an analog and / or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switched network, or a circuit-switched network. From the above description, it should be understood that, for computational efficiency reasons, the components of the system can be placed at any location within the distributed network of the components without affecting the operation of the system.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that the various links connecting the elements may be wired or wireless links or any combination thereof, or any other known or future-developed elements capable of supplying and / or communicating data between the connected elements. These wired or wireless links may also be secure links and may be capable of transmitting encrypted information. The transmission medium used as the link may be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including, for example, coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, or it may take the form of sound waves or light waves, such as those generated during radio and infrared data communications.

[0055] While flowcharts have been discussed and described in relation to specific sequences of events, it should be understood that changes, additions, and omissions to these sequences may be made without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects.

[0056] Some modifications and variations of this disclosure may be used. It may be possible to provide some features of this disclosure without providing other features.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of the Disclosure may be implemented in conjunction with a dedicated computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, hardwired electronic or logic circuits such as individual element circuits, a programmable logic device or gate array such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, a dedicated computer, some equivalent means, or similar. In general, any device or means capable of implementing the methodologies described herein may be used to implement various aspects of the Disclosure. Exemplary hardware that may be used in the Disclosure includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, internet-based, digital, analog, hybrid, and others), and other hardware known in the Art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors), memory, non-volatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations, including but not limited to distributed processing or component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing, may also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method can be readily implemented in conjunction with object-oriented software or an object-oriented software development environment that provides portable source code usable on various computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system can be partially or completely implemented in hardware using standard logic circuit or VLSI designs. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the system relating to this disclosure depends on the speed and / or efficiency requirements of the system, its specific functions, and the specific software or hardware system or microprocessor or microcomputer system being used.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method may be partially implemented in software that is stored on a storage medium and can be executed on a general-purpose computer, dedicated computer, microprocessor, etc., programmed in cooperation with a control device and memory. In these cases, the system and method of the disclosed may be implemented as a program such as an applet, Java® or CGI script embedded on a personal computer, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system or system component, etc. The system may also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and / or method into a software and / or hardware system.

[0060] This disclosure describes components and functions implemented in embodiments with reference to specific standards and protocols, but is not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein exist and are deemed to be included in this disclosure. Furthermore, the standards and protocols mentioned herein, as well as other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein, may be replaced from time to time with faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functionality. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functionality are deemed to be equivalents included in this disclosure.

[0061] This disclosure includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatus, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, substantially as described and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. A person skilled in the art will understand how to manufacture and use the systems and methods disclosed herein by understanding this disclosure. In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, this disclosure includes providing devices and processes in the absence of things not described and / or described herein or in any of its various embodiments, configurations, or aspects, including in the absence of things that may be used in prior devices or processes, for example, to improve performance, achieve ease of implementation, and / or reduce costs.

[0062] The considerations described above in this disclosure are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. The above is not intended to limit this disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. For example, in the above “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” various features of this disclosure are combined into one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of brevity. Features of embodiments, configurations, or aspects of this disclosure may be combined into alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, an inventive aspect consists of features less than all of the single embodiments, configurations, or aspects disclosed above. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated herein into these “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” and each claim stands on its own as a distinct preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

[0063] Furthermore, while the descriptions in this disclosure include descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, as well as specific changes and variations, other changes, combinations, and variations are within the scope of this disclosure, and may, for example, be within the scope of the art and knowledge of those skilled in the art after understanding this disclosure. Whether or not alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are disclosed herein, the intention is to obtain rights to alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects, including such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps, to the extent permitted, and not to make public any patentable subject matter.

[0064] The embodiment includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding and the first secondary winding of the transformer, and a second circuit path including the second secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate the portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0065] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes a plurality of switching elements capable of operating to propagate energy from a voltage source to the primary winding of a transformer.

[0066] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes a transformer that provides serial connectivity between a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0067] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes the operation of a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding of a transformer to generate an output voltage based on energy propagated to the primary winding of the transformer.

[0068] The above-described embodiment of the device includes the fact that the output voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

[0069] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes a primary winding that is a flying primary winding.

[0070] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes an inductor connected between the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0071] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus is based on the output current Iout being the current of either the first or second secondary winding of the transformer and the current of the primary winding of the transformer, defined as Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), wherein Ns is the first or second secondary winding of the transformer, Np is the primary winding of the transformer, Is is the current of Ns, and Ip is the current of Np.

[0072] The above embodiment of the device includes the fact that the output voltage Vout is defined as Vout = Vin * D * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where Vin is the input voltage, D is the duty cycle, Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and Np is the primary winding of the transformer.

[0073] The above-described embodiment of the device includes a plurality of switches connected to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0074] The above-described embodiment of the apparatus includes the fact that the primary winding, the first secondary winding, and the second secondary winding each have the same number of turns.

[0075] The embodiment includes a system. The system includes a power converter, which includes a first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding and a first secondary winding of the transformer, a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of the transformer, and a first switching element and a second switching element connected to both sides of the transformer and connected via a common ground. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and the primary winding of the transformer is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer.

[0076] The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate the portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. The system further includes a control circuit mechanism configured to control the switching of a first switching element and a second switching element in order to adjust the output voltage of the power converter.

[0077] The above embodiment of the system includes a transformer that provides a series connection between a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0078] The above-described embodiment of the system includes the operation of a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding of a transformer to generate an output voltage based on the energy propagated to the primary winding of the transformer.

[0079] The above-described embodiment of the system includes the fact that the output voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

[0080] The above-described configuration of the system device includes the fact that the primary winding is a flying primary winding.

[0081] The above-described embodiment of the system includes an inductor connected between the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0082] The above-described embodiment of the system is based on the output current Iout being the current of either the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and the current of the primary winding of the transformer, defined as Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), wherein Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, Np is the primary winding of the transformer, Is is the current of Ns, and Ip is the current of Np.

[0083] The above configuration of the system includes the following: the output voltage Vout is defined as Vout = Vin * D * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where Vin is the input voltage, D is the duty cycle, Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and Np is the primary winding of the transformer.

[0084] Embodiments include a method. The method includes providing a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding and a first secondary winding of a transformer, and providing a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of a transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first and second secondary windings of the transformer, and is also detachably coupled to each of the first and second secondary windings of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate a portion of the output current based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer, and the second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer.

[0085] The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and / or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0086] The term “one (a)” or “one (an)” entity refers to one or more such entities. Therefore, the terms “one (a)” (or “one (an)”), “one or more,” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably in this specification. Note also that the terms “equipped with,” “contain,” and “have” may be used interchangeably.

[0087] The term “automatic” and its variations, as used herein, refers to any process or action that is typically continuous or semi-continuous and performed without significant human input. However, a process or action can be automatic if the performance of that process or action involves significant or unsignificant human input, provided that such input is received before the performance of the process or action. Human input is considered significant if it influences how the process or action is performed. Human input is not considered “significant” if it consents to the performance of the process or action.

[0088] The embodiments of this disclosure may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which may be generally referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media.

[0089] Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More detailed examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include, namely, electrical connectors having one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this document, computer-readable storage media may be any tangible medium that contains or can store programs used by or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0090] A computer-readable signal medium may include propagated data signals in which computer-readable program code is embodied, for example, in the baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signals can take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any preferred combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium may not be a computer-readable storage medium, but any computer-readable medium capable of communicating, propagating, or transferring programs used by or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any preferred combination thereof.

[0091] "Determine," "calculate," "operate," and their variations, as used herein, are interchangeable and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

[0092] In various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, the Disclosure includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatus, substantially as described and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations, subcombinations, and / or subsets thereof. A person skilled in the art will understand, upon understanding the Disclosure, how to manufacture and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations. In various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, the Disclosure includes providing devices and processes in the absence of things not described and / or described herein or in any of its various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, including the absence of things that may be used in prior devices or processes, for example, to improve performance, achieve ease of implementation, and / or reduce costs.

[0093] The above considerations are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. The above is not intended to limit the disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. For example, in the above “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” various features of the disclosure are combined into one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations for the purpose of brevity. Features of the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations other than those considered above. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, an inventive aspect consists of features less than all of the single aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations disclosed above. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated herein into these “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” and each claim stands on its own as a distinct preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

[0094] Furthermore, this description includes descriptions of one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, as well as specific changes and variations, but other changes, combinations, and variations are within the scope of this disclosure, for example, they may be within the scope of the art and knowledge of those skilled in the art after understanding this disclosure. Whether or not alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are disclosed herein, the intention is to obtain rights to alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, including such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps, to the extent permitted, and not to make publicly available any patentable subject matter. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 100 Isolated DC-DC power converter, 104 Primary side, 108 Secondary side, 112 Transformer, 116 Control circuit mechanism, 200 Non-isolated DC-DC power converter, 204 Power circuit, 208 Input voltage source, 210 Non-isolated DC-DC power converter, 212 Output voltage, 220 Rectifier circuit, 224 Filter circuit, Output capacitor, 228 Load, 236 Output inductor, 250 Control device, 300 Graph, 304 Waveform, 308 Waveform, 400 Graph, 404 Waveform, 408 Waveform, 412 Waveform, 416 Waveform, 420 Waveform, 424 Waveform, 428 Waveform, 432 Waveform, 436 Waveform, 500 Graph, 504 Waveform, 508 Waveform, 600 graph, 604 waveform, 610 graph, 614 waveform, 620 graph, 624 waveform, 630 graph, 634 waveform, 700 graph, 704 waveform, 710 graph, 714 waveform, 720 graph, 724 waveform, 800 graph, 804 waveform, 810 graph, 814 waveform, 820 graph, 824 waveform, 900 graph, 904 waveform, 910 graph, 914 waveform, 920 graph, 924 waveform, 930 graph, 934 waveform, 1000 graph, 1004 waveform, 1010 graph, 1014 waveform, 1020 graph, 1024 waveform, 1030 Graph, 1034 Waveform, 1100 Method, 1104 START operation, 1120 END operation, SW1 Switch node, SW2 Switch node, SW4 Switch node, SW5 Switch node, X1 Power circuit switching element, X2 Power circuit switching element, X3 Power circuit switching element, X4 Power circuit switching element, X5 Power circuit switching element, X6 Power circuit switching element.

Claims

1. A first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the first secondary winding of the transformer, A second circuit path including the second secondary winding of the transformer and Equipped with, The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is detachably coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer, The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate a portion of the output current that is based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer. The second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. Each of the primary winding, the first secondary winding, and the second secondary winding has the same number of turns. The output current Iout is based on the current of either the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and the current of the primary winding of the transformer, defined as Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, Np is the primary winding of the transformer, Is is the current of Ns, and Ip is the current of Np. An apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of switching elements capable of operating to propagate energy from a voltage source to the primary winding of the transformer.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transformer provides a series connection state between the first secondary winding of the transformer and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer operate to generate an output voltage based on the energy propagated to the primary winding of the transformer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the output voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inductor connected between the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output voltage Vout is defined as Vout = Vin * D * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), and in the above formula, Vin is the input voltage, D is the duty cycle, Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and Np is the primary winding of the transformer.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of switches connected to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

9. It is a system, It is a power converter, A first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the first secondary winding of the transformer, A second circuit path including the second secondary winding of the transformer, A first switching element and a second switching element are connected to both sides of the transformer and connected via a common ground. Includes, The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is detachably coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer, The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate a portion of the output current that is based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer. The second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. Each of the primary winding, the first secondary winding, and the second secondary winding has the same number of turns. Power converter and A control circuit mechanism configured to control the switching of the first switching element and the second switching element in order to adjust the output voltage of the power converter. Equipped with, The output current Iout is based on the current of either the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and the current of the primary winding of the transformer, defined as Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, Np is the primary winding of the transformer, Is is the current of Ns, and Ip is the current of Np. A system characterized by the following features.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the transformer provides a series connection state between the first secondary winding of the transformer and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer operate to generate the output voltage based on the energy propagated to the primary winding of the transformer.

12. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the output voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

13. The system according to claim 9, further comprising an inductor connected between the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein the output voltage Vout is defined as Vout = Vin * D * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), and in the above formula, Vin is the input voltage, D is the duty cycle, Ns is the first secondary winding of the transformer or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and Np is the primary winding of the transformer.

15. To provide a first circuit path including a series combination of the primary winding of a transformer and the first secondary winding of the transformer, To provide a second circuit path including the second secondary winding of the transformer. Includes, The primary winding of the transformer is magnetically coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer is detachably coupled to the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding of the transformer, The primary winding of the transformer operates to generate a portion of the output current that is based on the energy received from the primary winding of the transformer. The second secondary winding of the transformer operates to generate the remaining portion of the output current based on the energy received from the second secondary winding of the transformer. Each of the primary winding, the first secondary winding, and the second secondary winding has the same number of turns. The output current Iout is based on the current of either the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, and the current of the primary winding of the transformer, defined as Is = Iout * (1 - Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns)) and Ip = Iout * Ns / (Np + 2 * Ns), where Ns is the first secondary winding or the second secondary winding of the transformer, Np is the primary winding of the transformer, Is is the current of Ns, and Ip is the current of Np. A method characterized by the following features.

Images