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 devices, as they either produce excessive voltage or insufficient current when load requirements change rapidly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-path control circuitry that switches between pulse width modulation and pulse frequency modulation modes based on error voltage analysis, using a first circuit path for steady-state conditions and a second circuit path with faster response during transient conditions to maintain output voltage within a desired range.
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 controller into a dynamic one by making the control parameters (Kp, Ki, Kd) variable rather than constant. The controller adapts its parameters based on the operating mode (steady-state or transient), allowing fast response during transients while maintaining simplicity during normal operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to be simple when needed and complex only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the PID controller dynamically based on the detected operating condition. During transient modes, the controller switches to a second set of parameters optimized for fast response, while during steady-state it uses a first set of parameters for stability. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve both simplicity and fast response as needed, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If the power supply uses a conventional single-phase topology, then the device complexity is low, but the output current capability and dynamic response are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion function into multiple phases operating in parallel. Each phase has its own controller that can independently detect and respond to transient conditions. This segmentation increases the overall output current capability and dynamic response while keeping each individual phase relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
3Reliability
If the control circuitry responds quickly to transient changes, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the risk of voltage overshoot or droop outside tolerable range increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting transient conditions early and switching to a second mode with different PID parameters before the voltage can deviate significantly. This proactive parameter switching prevents voltage overshoot or droop from exceeding tolerable ranges, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the voltage error signal to detect transient conditions and trigger mode switching. The controller continuously monitors the system state and adjusts parameters based on feedback, enabling it to respond quickly while preventing harmful voltage deviations through adaptive parameter selection.
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.