Boost PFC Single Pin Measurement Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Boost PFC circuits require multiple pins for measuring various parameters, leading to increased circuit complexity and potential isolation needs, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a single pin of an ASIC circuit to detect multiple measurement signals at different times, incorporating a reference for combined parameter acquisition and eliminating the need for potential isolation coupling elements, by measuring current through the switch and accounting for input or output voltage values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple pins are used for measuring various parameters in boost PFC circuits, then measurement accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases and isolation components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions (current measurement, voltage measurement, zero-crossing detection) into a single pin of the ASIC circuit. The control circuit sequentially performs different measurements through the same pin at different times, eliminating the need for multiple separate pins and isolation components while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pin of the ASIC circuit is designed to perform multiple measurement functions including current measurement, voltage measurement, and zero-crossing detection. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware resource to serve multiple purposes, reducing overall circuit complexity while preserving measurement capabilities.

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

2Reliability

If multiple pins and isolation components are used for parameter measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but the number of components and potential failure points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple measurement functions into a single pin, the patent reduces the number of isolation components needed. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, thereby maintaining or even improving reliability while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages sequential access to the single pin for different measurement functions. This centralized control eliminates the need for multiple isolation barriers while ensuring reliable measurement through proper timing and signal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single pin is used for multiple measurement signals, then circuit complexity is reduced, but measurement timing and signal isolation become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidsignal detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit implements periodic sequential measurement cycles, switching between different measurement functions (current, voltage, zero-crossing) at predetermined time intervals. This periodic approach allows the single pin to handle multiple signals without interference, as each measurement is performed in its designated time window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit preliminarily determines the measurement sequence and timing before actual measurements are taken. By pre-planning which measurement to perform at each stage, the system avoids signal conflicts and ensures proper timing, reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring multiple parameters through a single pin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2011217B1Boost power factor correction circuit (boost PFC)
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2011217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2011217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2011217B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a power factor correction circuit (PFC) comprising a charging coil, the discharge current of which is used to charge a storage capacitor using a controlled circuit. The switch is switched on and off by means of an electronic control and regulating unit, the current through the switch is directly or indirectly detected in time periods at the input during which the switch is closed, and an additional operational parameter of the boost PFC circuit is detected in time periods during which the switch is open. When the current flowing through the switch is detected, the actual value of the input voltage VIN or the output voltage Vout is taken into account.