Digitally Controlled Buck-Boost Regulator H-Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching regulators face challenges in efficiently regulating output voltage across a wide range of input and output voltage levels, particularly when the input voltage is between the buck and boost ranges, as they require multiple converters and lack efficient control mechanisms for seamless step-up/step-down operations.
Innovation Solution
A digitally controlled buck-boost switching regulator using an H-bridge configuration with a digital error amplifier and buck-boost control logic, which controls four switches to regulate output voltage by converting input voltage to the desired output voltage level, regardless of whether it's less than, equal to, or greater than the input, through proportional, integral, and derivative control methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switching regulators are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but multiple separate converters are required when input voltage ranges overlap between buck and boost modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines buck and boost converter circuits into a single integrated converter that can operate in both buck mode (when Vin > Vout) and boost mode (when Vin < Vout). This unified design eliminates the need for multiple separate converters, reducing system complexity while expanding the voltage regulation range to handle overlapping input and output voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed with universal functionality to perform both step-down (buck) and step-up (boost) voltage conversion within a single device. The control circuit automatically selects the appropriate operating mode based on the relationship between input and output voltages, making the system adaptable to a wide range of voltage conditions without requiring separate dedicated converters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switching regulators are used, then basic voltage conversion is achieved, but seamless step-up/step-down operations are lacking when input and output voltage ranges overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The converter employs dynamic control that automatically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time voltage conditions. When the input voltage is higher than the output voltage, the system operates in buck mode; when the input voltage is lower, it switches to boost mode. This dynamic adaptation ensures seamless operation across the entire voltage range without interruption or instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the input and output voltages to determine the appropriate operating mode. This feedback control enables the system to seamlessly transition between buck and boost operations, maintaining stable and reliable voltage regulation even when input and output voltage ranges overlap.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digitally controlled switching regulator is used, then efficient voltage regulation across broad voltage range is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog control mechanisms with a digitally controlled switching regulator. The digital control circuit processes voltage information and generates appropriate switch control signals, enabling efficient voltage regulation across a broad voltage range. While digital control adds some complexity, it provides superior precision, programmability, and ease of implementation compared to analog approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A buck/boost regulator controller is provided. The buck-boost regulator controller controls four switches in an H-bridge configuration to control voltage regulation. The buck/boost regulator controller includes a digital error amplifier and buck-boost control logic. The digital error amplifier provides a multi-bit digital error voltage signal that is based on the difference between the output voltage and the desired output voltage. The buck-boost control logic controls the opening and closing of the four switches in the H-bridge based, in part, on the multi-bit digital error voltage signal.