Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter Circuit With Shared Auxiliary Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bi-directional DC-DC converters face complexity and high cost due to the need for separate primary and secondary side auxiliary power supplies that operate in series, leading to a complex system architecture.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional DC-DC converter circuit design that includes a first and second input terminal, switches controlled by control interfaces, and a common secondary winding, with a control unit powered by the DC output terminal, allowing for efficient operation in both forward and reverse modes by selectively powering and controlling the switches and controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate primary and secondary side auxiliary power supplies are used, then the converter can operate in both forward and reverse modes, but the system complexity increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebi-directional operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the primary and secondary side auxiliary power supplies into a single integrated auxiliary power supply system. The first and second auxiliary power supplies share common components including a common rectifier circuit, common filtering capacitors, and a single controller that manages both sides. This integration eliminates the need for separate auxiliary power supply systems on each side, reducing system complexity while maintaining bi-directional operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary power supply system is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The common rectifier circuit processes input from both primary and secondary sides, the shared capacitors provide filtering for both auxiliary power outputs, and the single controller manages power conversion in both forward and reverse modes. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate primary and secondary side auxiliary power supplies are used, then bi-directional power conversion is achieved, but the component count increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforward and reverse mode operationVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple auxiliary power supply components into shared resources. The first and second auxiliary power supplies share a common rectifier circuit, common filtering capacitors (first and second capacitors), and a single controller. This merging significantly reduces the total component count compared to having completely separate auxiliary power supplies for each side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed as a universal device that can manage power conversion in both forward and reverse modes, replacing the need for separate controllers. The common rectifier and filtering capacitors serve both auxiliary power outputs, reducing the quantity of components needed while maintaining full bi-directional operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution increases power density, reduces system size and weight, and lowers costs by minimizing components while maintaining efficient operation in both forward and reverse modes.

Implementation Method 1

a first primary winding coupled in series with the first switch between the first input terminal and a common terminal, a second primary winding coupled in series with the second switch between the second input terminal and the common terminal, and a common secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12395089B2Circuit for bi-directional converter, bi-directional converter and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US12395089B2 patent drawing
  • US12395089B2 patent drawing
  • US12395089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit for a bi-directional DC-DC converter, a bi-directional DC-DC converter and a method for operating a bi-directional DC-DC converter are disclosed. The circuit comprises: a first input terminal and a second input terminal configured to receive a DC input; a DC output terminal; a first switch and a second switch; a first control interface configured to control the first switch to be switched on and off; a second control interface configured to control the second switch to be switched on and off; a first primary winding coupled in series with the first switch between the first input terminal and a common terminal; a second primary winding coupled in series with the second switch between the second input terminal and the common terminal; and a common secondary winding with one end coupled to the DC output terminal.