Single-Inductor Bipolar Power Supply Switching Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuits face challenges in optimizing power efficiency, particularly in saving power loss when converters switch between heavy and light loads, and in achieving enhanced positive and negative output voltages.
Innovation Solution
A novel operation method for a single inductor bipolar output (SIBO) power supply circuit, which includes three operation phases, allowing for the increase of both positive and negative output voltages through the inductor energizing mode. This method reduces redundant power loss by minimizing switching cutover transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional switching operation is used in power supply circuit, then the circuit can operate with simple control, but redundant power loss occurs during switching cutover transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching control adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the switching signals based on real-time voltage levels detected at the first and second inductor nodes. This allows the system to optimize power efficiency by minimizing redundant switching transitions while still achieving the desired bipolar output voltages, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing power loss and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using voltage detection circuits to monitor the voltage levels at the inductor nodes and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to intelligently determine when switching transitions are necessary and when they can be avoided, thereby reducing redundant power loss during switching cutover while maintaining simple overall control architecture.
2Power
If single inductor energizing mode with three operation phases is used, then both positive and negative output voltages can be increased, but circuit operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power conversion process into three distinct operation phases within the single inductor energizing mode. Each phase corresponds to a specific switching state that achieves a particular voltage transformation objective. This segmentation allows the system to systematically generate both positive and negative bipolar output voltages using a single inductor, avoiding the need for multiple complex circuits while still achieving the desired voltage enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the single inductor to perform multiple functions across the three operation phases. The same inductor component is used for different voltage transformation purposes in different phases, and the same switching network is reused to achieve both positive and negative voltage outputs. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity compared to using separate circuits for each voltage generation task.
3Loss of energy
If switching transitions are minimized to reduce power loss, then power efficiency improves, but voltage regulation flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive switching control that responds to real-time voltage conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of switching transitions based on feedback from voltage detection circuits. This allows the system to maintain voltage regulation flexibility and adaptability while minimizing unnecessary switching transitions that would cause power loss, thus resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and voltage regulation versatility.
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 proposed operation method effectively enhances the positive and negative output voltages, achieving improved power efficiency and reducing redundant power loss in power supply circuits, thereby making it beneficial for various load current requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a single inductor bipolar output (SIBO) power supply scheme, in which both a positive output voltage and a negative output voltage can be increased through the inductor energizing mode including three operation phases
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a power supply circuit which is provided with an input voltage to generate a positive output voltage and a negative output voltage is proposed. The power supply circuit includes five switches and is electrically connected with an inductor through a first inductor node and a second inductor node. The disclosed operation method includes determining the power supply circuit to operate in a mode, which includes three operation phases, a first, second and third phase. Energizing currents can be generated and provided both to enhance the positive output voltage and negative output voltage by employing the proposed operation method. Since there is no transition of the voltage level of the second inductor node during the second phase to third phase transition, it is believed that the present invention effectively achieves in suppressing redundant power switching loss and providing optimized output power efficiency.