Adaptive Power Supply Transient Control via PWM-PFM Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies struggle to provide a fast response to sudden changes in current demand, leading to output voltage fluctuations that can damage or shut down devices due to inadequate current supply or excessive consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-path control circuitry that switches between pulse width modulation and pulse frequency modulation modes based on error voltage analysis, utilizing a primary PID control circuitry for steady states and a secondary PD control circuitry during transient conditions to rapidly adjust output voltage and prevent overshoot or undershoot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional PID control circuitry with constant parameters is used, then the control system is simple and stable, but the response to transient load changes is slow and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static PID control parameters into dynamic parameters that adapt to operating conditions. The control circuitry switches between different parameter sets based on whether the system is in steady-state or transient conditions, enabling fast response during transients while maintaining stability during normal operation. This is achieved through mode detection circuitry that monitors system state and selectively activates appropriate control parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple operational modes (steady-state mode and transient mode) with distinct control parameters for each. During steady-state, conventional PID parameters are used for stability. During transient conditions, alternative parameters are activated to prioritize rapid response. This segmentation allows the system to optimize performance for different operating conditions without requiring a completely redesign of the control architecture.
2Reliability
If the power supply responds faster to transient changes, then output voltage stability is improved, but the risk of overshoot and undershoot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control parameters dynamically adapt based on the system state. During transient conditions, the circuitry activates parameters optimized for rapid response while incorporating limiting mechanisms to prevent excessive overshoot. The parameters are designed to provide aggressive correction initially, then transition to more conservative values as the system approaches the target voltage, thereby maintaining stability while preventing harmful voltage excursions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry detects transient conditions in advance and preemptively switches to alternative parameters before significant voltage deviation occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for the upcoming load change and respond more effectively, reducing both the magnitude and duration of voltage overshoot and undershoot by acting before the full impact of the transient is realized.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuitry can be configured to receive an error signal indicating a difference between an output voltage of the power supply and a desired setpoint for the output voltage. According to one configuration, depending on the error signal, the control circuitry initiates switching between operating the control circuitry in a pulse width modulation mode and operating the control circuitry in a pulse frequency modulation mode to produce an output voltage. Operation of the control circuitry in the pulse frequency modulation mode during a transient condition, such as when a dynamic load instantaneously requires a different amount of current, enables the power supply to satisfy current consumption by the dynamic load. Subsequent to the transient condition, the control circuitry switches back to operation in the pulse width modulation mode.