Adaptive Pull-Up Resistance for SMPS Start-Up Overshoot

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Solution Overview

Problem

In isolated DC-DC converters using switching mode power supplies, there is a challenge in preventing output voltage overshoot during start-up, particularly at extremely light load conditions where the shunt regulator compensation loop can become unstable, leading to inaccurate voltage sensing and increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a circuit that adaptively sets the pull-up resistance at the feedback node based on a comparison between time-controlled and voltage-controlled frequencies, allowing the oscillation frequency to be set as either time-controlled or voltage-controlled, thereby minimizing overshoot during start-up and maintaining loop stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed pull-up resistance is used at the feedback node, then the circuit is simple to implement, but output voltage overshoot occurs during start-up at extremely light load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pull-up resistance is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable value that varies with operating conditions. The controller selectively sets different resistance values based on whether the power supply is in start-up mode or steady-state mode, allowing the circuit to adapt to different operating conditions and prevent overshoot during start-up while maintaining simplicity in steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the oscillation frequency is set to be high to improve response speed, then the response time is reduced, but output voltage overshoot increases during start-up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation frequency is changed from a fixed high value to a time-varying frequency that follows a periodic pattern during start-up. The controller uses a sawtooth wave signal to periodically adjust the oscillation frequency, creating a ramp-up effect that gradually increases frequency over time. This periodic modulation prevents abrupt frequency changes that cause overshoot while still achieving fast response once the frequency stabilizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If complex fine-tuning of shunt regulator compensation RC networks is implemented to prevent overshoot, then output voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidcompensation circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex compensation RC networks are extracted and removed from the circuit. Instead of using traditional analog compensation components, the invention implements overshoot prevention through digital control mechanisms - specifically by dynamically adjusting the pull-up resistance and oscillation frequency through firmware logic. This extraction eliminates the need for complex analog fine-tuning while maintaining output voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If adaptive pull-up resistance control is implemented to prevent overshoot, then output voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs self-service by automatically detecting its own operating state (start-up vs. steady-state) and autonomously adjusting the pull-up resistance accordingly. The system uses internal state machine logic to determine when to switch between resistance values without requiring external intervention or complex additional control circuits. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while achieving adaptive overshoot prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10861639B2Adaptive control loop gain for switching mode power supply
Publication Date: 2020.12.08 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US10861639B2 patent drawing
  • US10861639B2 patent drawing
  • US10861639B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for controlling a switching mode power supply includes a regulation module, a feedback node, and a resistance module. The regulation module is adapted to cause a switching module to selectively couple, based on an oscillation frequency, a primary side winding of a transformer and a supply to control a voltage, current, or power output at a secondary side winding of the transformer. The feedback node is adapted to receive an indication of a voltage at the secondary side winding of the transformer. The resistance module is adapted to selectively set a pull-up resistance based on a comparison between a time-controlled frequency and a voltage-controlled frequency that is generated based on a voltage at the feedback node, wherein the regulation module is adapted to set the oscillation frequency as the time-controlled frequency or the voltage-controlled frequency.