Bootstrap Circuit for BULK-BOOST Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bootstrap circuits for voltage converters face challenges in maintaining a stable charge voltage for bootstrap capacitors and detecting voltage values, leading to potential damage from negative voltage generation and short voltage change periods.

Innovation Solution

A bootstrap circuit incorporating a stable current module, current mirror module, cascode transistor module, and detection module to generate and control a stable conduction voltage for the bootstrap capacitor, while simultaneously monitoring terminal voltage differences to manage operational modes and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional bootstrap circuit is used for voltage conversion, then the circuit can perform basic voltage modulation, but the terminal point LX may generate relatively negative voltage values that can damage the bootstrap capacitor and the circuit cannot respond immediately to voltage changes due to short voltage change periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebootstrap capacitor protectionVSAvoidnegative voltage generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection module continuously monitors the voltage at terminal point LX before negative voltage can develop. When a downward voltage trend is detected, the control module preemptively activates the charge module to charge the bootstrap capacitor, counteracting the potential negative voltage generation before it occurs. This preliminary protective action prevents capacitor damage while maintaining basic voltage modulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the detection module continuously monitors terminal point LX voltage and feeds this information to the control module. The control module adjusts the charge/discharge operation of the bootstrap capacitor based on real-time voltage feedback, ensuring the voltage remains within safe operating ranges and preventing negative voltage generation that could damage the capacitor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the voltage change period at terminal point LX is extremely short, then the circuit can respond quickly to voltage changes, but the bootstrap circuit cannot immediately output control signals to control the charge condition of the bootstrap capacitor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage change response speedVSAvoidcontrol signal delay
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection module operates continuously in advance to monitor voltage trends at terminal point LX, preparing the control module for upcoming voltage changes. When the detection module identifies a voltage change trend, it triggers the control module to immediately adjust the bootstrap capacitor charge condition, eliminating delays. This preliminary monitoring and preparation enable the circuit to respond to extremely short voltage change periods without control signal delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the bootstrap circuit uses simple voltage modulation, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the circuit cannot maintain stable charge voltage for the bootstrap capacitor under varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge voltage stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection module continuously monitors the charge voltage of the bootstrap capacitor and provides feedback to the control module. Based on this feedback, the control module dynamically adjusts the charge/discharge operation to maintain stable charge voltage under varying operating conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability while adding minimal complexity through the use of standard electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module dynamically changes operating parameters (charge/discharge current, timing duration) based on detected voltage conditions and control signals. By adjusting these parameters in response to operating conditions, the circuit maintains stable bootstrap capacitor charge voltage without requiring a fundamentally complex circuit structure, achieving stability through adaptive parameter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures stable voltage modulation and prevents damage by maintaining a fixed voltage source for the bootstrap capacitor, allowing adaptive control of conduction conditions and expanding the voltage converter's operational capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a stable current module for generating a stable output current according to a stable output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a charge module including a cascode transistor module comprising a plurality of transistors serially connected and a charge resistor for generating a conduction voltage according to the current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8779733B2Bootstrap scheme for BULK-BOOST converter
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 ANPEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
  • US8779733B2 patent drawing
  • US8779733B2 patent drawing
  • US8779733B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bootstrap circuit for a voltage converter includes a bootstrap capacitor, a stable current module for generating a stable output current according to a stable output voltage, a current mirror module having a first branch circuit for generating a current signal according to the stable output current, and a charge module including a cascode transistor module including a plurality of transistors serially connected and a charge resistor for generating a conduction voltage according to the current signal, and an output circuit coupled to the current mirror module and the cascode transistor module for outputting the conduction voltage to charge the bootstrap capacitor.