Active Clamp Power Supply Intermittent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching power supplies using active clamp systems face inefficiencies, particularly at light load conditions, where existing technologies struggle to optimize power consumption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a transformer, switching elements, a capacitor, and a control unit that alternately repeats switching operations and stop periods, using feedback voltage to control switching elements and detect current and voltage, enabling continuous or intermittent control to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching operation is continuously performed to maintain output voltage, then power supply stability is improved, but power consumption increases and efficiency deteriorates at light load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent control where the switching operation is performed alternately with a stop operation. The control unit switches between continuous control (first period) and intermittent control (second period) based on feedback voltage thresholds. During intermittent control, the switching operation is stopped for a predetermined period, reducing power consumption while maintaining output voltage within acceptable ranges through periodic replenishment of energy.
2Speed
If switching frequency is increased to improve response speed, then power supply responsiveness is improved, but switching losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces switching losses by implementing intermittent control that stops switching operations for predetermined periods. This periodic cessation of switching actions directly reduces the number of switching events, thereby decreasing switching losses while maintaining adequate power supply responsiveness through the alternating pattern of active and inactive periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active clamp circuit is used to reduce voltage spikes, then component stress is reduced, but additional switching elements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamp circuit function with the existing switching elements. The clamp circuit includes a capacitor and a switching element that is integrated into the primary side circuitry, sharing components with the main switching operation. This merging approach reduces the need for entirely separate clamp circuit components, thereby reducing device complexity while still achieving voltage spike suppression.
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 solution enhances power supply efficiency by reducing resistance losses and switching times, particularly at light load conditions, thereby improving overall power efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor connected in series with the second switching element and connected in parallel with the primary winding of the transformer together with the second switching element
Data Source
AI summary
The power supply apparatus includes a current detection unit configured to detect a current that flows through a first switching element of a transformer, and a control unit controls a turn-on time of the first switching element based on a feedback voltage from a secondary side of the transformer, controls a turn-on time of a second switching element based on a detection result of the current detection unit, and performs switching between a continuous control and an intermittent control based on the feedback voltage, the continuous control being a control to perform an operation of continuing a first period, the intermittent control being a control to perform an operation of alternately repeating the first period and a second period.