Electronically Adjustable Inductor Circuit Using Auxiliary Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductors in circuit applications often have unacceptably large variance in physical inductance, leading to inductance mismatch issues when used in parallel, which can result in imperfect current ripple cancellation and increased noise, and existing methods for correction are costly, time-intensive, or insufficiently precise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit with auxiliary inductors inductively coupled to primary inductors, where oscillating voltages are applied to the auxiliary inductors to adjust the effective inductance of the primary inductors, either increasing or decreasing it by varying the phase and amplitude of the voltages relative to the primary inductor voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional inductors are used without adjustment, then the circuit is simple and cost-effective, but the inductance variance is unacceptably large leading to mismatch issues
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary inductor is introduced as an intermediary element that is inductively coupled to the primary inductor. This auxiliary inductor serves as a mediator to adjust the effective inductance of the primary inductor through magnetic coupling, allowing precise inductance matching without directly modifying the primary inductor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective inductance of the primary inductor is adjusted by changing the parameters of the auxiliary inductor circuit, specifically the amplitude and phase of the oscillating voltage applied to the auxiliary inductor. By varying these parameters, the effective inductance can be precisely tuned to match required values.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sorting and matching methods are used, then inductance mismatch can be reduced, but the process is costly and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical sorting and matching process is replaced with an electronic adjustment system. Instead of physically sorting inductors during manufacturing, the system uses electronic circuitry to automatically adjust the effective inductance of each inductor by controlling the auxiliary inductor voltages, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting inductance values and adjusting the auxiliary inductor parameters accordingly. The control circuitry continuously monitors and adjusts the effective inductance without requiring external manual intervention, enabling rapid automated matching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed inductance inductors are used, then the circuit is simple, but the inductance cannot be adjusted to reduce mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The inductance of the primary inductor is made dynamically adjustable through the auxiliary inductor coupling. The effective inductance can be changed in real-time by modifying the oscillating voltage parameters applied to the auxiliary inductor, transforming a static component into a dynamically adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary inductor circuit serves multiple functions: it adjusts the effective inductance of the primary inductor, compensates for manufacturing variations, and can adapt to different operating conditions. This multi-functional approach adds adjustability without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each function.
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 allows for precise electronic adjustment of inductance, reducing inductance mismatch and improving current ripple cancellation, thereby minimizing input ripple noise and enhancing circuit performance.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary inductor inductively coupled to the primary inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits and methods for electronically adjusting an effective inductance of one or more primary inductors in a circuit. The circuit may include a plurality of sub-circuits connected in parallel between an input and an output of the circuit. Each sub-circuit may include a primary inductor and an auxiliary inductor inductively coupled to the primary inductor. The circuit may further include first circuitry coupled to the primary inductor, wherein the first circuitry configured to introduce an oscillating first voltage across the primary inductor; and second circuitry coupled to the auxiliary inductor, wherein the second circuitry is configured to introduce an oscillating second voltage across the auxiliary inductor. The amplitudes of the second voltages may be selected to reduce a difference between effective inductances of the primary inductors.