Interleaved Boost Converter Phase Control Using Ringing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interleaved boost converters face challenges in maintaining a 180-degree phase difference between converters, especially in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), which affects the interleaving of power phases and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using cycle ring time to control the phase of an interleaved boost converter, where the master ringing phase time is determined by counting valleys in the first cycle signal, and the slave ringing phase time is adjusted accordingly to maintain phase alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phase control methods are used in interleaved boost converters, then the converters can operate in continuous conduction mode, but maintaining a 180-degree phase difference becomes difficult in discontinuous conduction mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase control by using a phase control circuit that continuously measures the actual phase difference between converters and adjusts the on-time of drive signals in real-time. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to maintain the 180-degree phase difference across varying operating conditions including both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes, resolving the contradiction between reliability in phase difference maintenance and adaptability to different conduction modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the phase control circuit measures the actual phase difference between the first and second converters and uses this measurement to adjust the on-time of the drive signal. This closed-loop feedback control ensures that the phase difference is maintained at the desired 180 degrees regardless of whether the converters are operating in continuous or discontinuous conduction mode, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.
2Productivity
If converters operate in discontinuous conduction mode, then power phase interleaving can be improved, but phase synchronization between converters becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The phase control circuit continuously measures the actual phase difference between converters operating in discontinuous conduction mode and adjusts the on-time of drive signals accordingly. This feedback control ensures that even when converters operate in DCM with varying duty cycles, the phase synchronization is maintained, allowing both improved power phase interleaving and reliable phase synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the on-time parameter of the drive signal based on the measured phase difference. By adjusting this critical timing parameter in real-time, the system achieves proper phase synchronization while allowing converters to operate in discontinuous conduction mode for improved power phase interleaving and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the on-time of drive signals is adjusted to maintain phase difference, then phase synchronization is improved, but the complexity of the control circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a feedback-based phase control circuit that measures the actual phase difference and automatically adjusts the on-time of drive signals. While this improves phase synchronization reliability, the feedback mechanism itself adds control circuit complexity. The patent balances this by implementing a practical measurement and adjustment mechanism that achieves reliable synchronization without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are described for controlling the phase of an interleaved boost converter using cycle ring time. In an embodiment, a cycle controller generates a first drive signal to control switching of a first converter and a second drive signal to control switching of a second converter, the controller receives a first cycle signal from the first converter and a second cycle signal from the second converter, wherein the first cycle signal and the second cycle signal have a power phase time and a ringing phase time. The cycle controller determines a master ringing phase time of the first cycle signal and applies the master ringing phase time to the second cycle signal to determine a slave ringing phase time. The cycle controller generates the second drive signal in accordance with the slave ringing phase time.