AC to DC Converter Circuit with Half-Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC to DC converters require numerous circuit components, leading to signal processing delays, inaccuracy, and increased costs due to continuous AC to DC conversion across both positive and negative half-cycles of the AC signal.
Innovation Solution
The proposed AC to DC converter circuit employs a control circuitry that charges a storage capacitor only during positive half-cycles of the AC signal and utilizes it as a DC power source during both positive and negative half-cycles, minimizing continuous conversion and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If continuous AC to DC conversion is performed across both positive and negative half-cycles, then complete utilization of AC power is achieved, but energy consumption increases and signal processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The converter circuit performs AC to DC conversion only during positive half-cycles of the AC input signal, utilizing periodic detection of half-cycle transitions. The control circuitry detects when the AC signal transitions to a positive half-cycle and enables conversion only during this period, rather than continuously converting during both positive and negative half-cycles. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective power conversion.
2Reliability
If numerous circuit components are used for AC to DC conversion, then conversion functionality is achieved, but signal processing delay and inaccuracy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary circuit components from conventional AC to DC converter designs. By removing components that are not essential for the core conversion function during positive half-cycles, the circuit achieves faster signal processing with reduced delay and improved accuracy. The design focuses on retaining only the critical elements needed for effective conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter circuit segments the AC input signal processing into distinct positive and negative half-cycle operations. During positive half-cycles, the circuit actively performs AC to DC conversion with optimized components. During negative half-cycles, the circuit enters a low-power standby mode without active conversion components engaged. This segmentation allows the use of fewer components during active conversion periods, reducing signal processing delay and improving accuracy.
3Power
If AC to DC conversion is performed during both positive and negative half-cycles, then maximum power utilization is achieved, but conversion cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry detects half-cycle transitions of the AC input signal and periodically enables AC to DC conversion only during positive half-cycles. During negative half-cycles, the conversion circuitry is disabled or placed in standby mode. This periodic operation reduces the overall complexity of the converter circuit by eliminating the need for components that would be required for continuous bidirectional conversion, while still achieving effective power utilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach conserves electrical energy by eliminating the need for continuous AC to DC conversion across both half-cycles, reducing signal processing delays and costs, while maintaining a regulated DC voltage output.
Implementation Method 1
a storage capacitor (107) having a first terminal coupled to a fifth node (N5) and a second terminal coupled to a ground node (NG) of the converter circuit. The storage capacitor (107) is charged by the control circuitry and configured for use as a DC power source
Data Source
AI summary
A converter circuit includes first and second input terminals, control circuitry, and a storage capacitor. The first and second input terminals are configured for connection to an AC power supply to receive an AC signal. The control circuitry is coupled to the first and second input terminals. A terminal of the storage capacitor is coupled to an output node of the control circuitry. The storage capacitor is charged by the control circuitry and configured for use as a DC power source. The control circuitry is configured to couple the first input terminal to the storage capacitor during a portion of a positive half-cycle of the input AC signal to charge the storage capacitor and to decouple the first input terminal from the storage capacitor during an entirety of each negative half-cycle of the input AC signal, to thereby prevent discharging of the storage capacitor by the input AC signal.