DC Boost Converter Load Monitoring by Charge-Discharge Duty Cycle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converter circuits struggle with inaccurate load measurement due to fixed time interval-based load sensing, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in adjusting to dynamic load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A load monitoring system that measures load based on a configurable number of charge/discharge cycles, using counters and a load computation circuit to determine a duty cycle and adjust the charging/discharging frequency of the power converter circuit, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed time interval-based load sensing is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the load measurement accuracy deteriorates under dynamic load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidload measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed time interval-based load sensing to a dynamic measurement approach that synchronizes with the actual charge/discharge cycles of the power converter circuit. The measurement system now adapts its timing to match the operational cycles, improving accuracy under dynamic load conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity through structured measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the load measurement system monitors the actual charge/discharge cycles and uses this information to adjust measurement timing. The duty cycle calculation based on measured charge time and total cycle time provides continuous feedback about load conditions, enabling more accurate measurements that adapt to changing operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If load measurement is based on fixed time intervals, then the measurement system is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately track dynamic load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system implementationVSAvoidadaptation to dynamic load conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system evolves from static fixed-interval sampling to dynamic cycle-synchronized measurement. By triggering measurements on actual charge/discharge cycle events rather than fixed time markers, the system naturally adapts to varying load conditions while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through event-driven measurement logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power converter circuit's own operational cycles (charge/discharge events) serve as the measurement trigger and timing reference. The system uses its inherent operational rhythm to drive the measurement process, eliminating the need for external complex synchronization mechanisms while achieving accurate tracking of dynamic load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power converter operates with varying power needs, then it can meet different load requirements, but voltage regulation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower needs accommodationVSAvoidvoltage regulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements duty cycle measurement and monitoring that provides continuous feedback about the power converter's operational state. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of control parameters to maintain voltage regulation across varying load conditions, reconciling the need for adaptability with voltage stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static voltage regulation to dynamic regulation that adapts to varying power needs. By measuring and responding to actual charge/discharge cycle characteristics in real-time, the system can adjust its behavior to maintain stable voltage output despite changing load demands, achieving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250330088A1Direct current (DC) to DC boost converter and load monitoring circuit
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US20250330088A1 patent drawing
  • US20250330088A1 patent drawing
  • US20250330088A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique for load monitoring. The technique includes measuring a first time period indicating an amount of time for recharging and discharging the charging circuit for a predetermined number of recharge cycles. The technique also includes measuring a second time period indicating a total amount of time in the predetermined number of recharge cycles. The technique further includes determining a duty cycle based on the first time period and the second time period and adjusting an inductor peak current circuit based on the determined duty cycle.