Buck-Boost Converter Mode Transition Control for Stable Output Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Buck-boost power converters experience overshoots and undershoots during transitions between operation modes due to abrupt changes in voltage conversion ratios and discontinuities in the error signal, leading to unstable output voltage regulation.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that manages transitions between buck, buck-boost, and boost modes by using a timer and peak current events to synchronize the duty cycle adjustments, ensuring smooth mode transitions without overshoots or undershoots by matching error signal boundaries across modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power converter transitions between operation modes using conventional control methods, then the voltage conversion ratio can be adjusted to match different battery voltage levels, but overshoots and undershoots occur during mode transitions causing unstable output voltage regulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion ratio adjustmentVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting peak current events and starting timers in advance to predict when mode transitions should occur. The control unit prepares for mode transitions by monitoring the timer signals and clock signals, ensuring that transitions happen at optimal moments (at peak current events) to minimize output voltage disturbances. This proactive approach allows the system to anticipate and prepare for mode changes before they fully occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the output voltage, detecting peak current events, and comparing timer signals with clock signals. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine whether to transition between operation modes and to adjust the duty cycle accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that mode transitions are based on actual system conditions, preventing premature or inappropriate transitions that could cause instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the duty cycle is adjusted abruptly to accommodate changing battery voltage during mode transitions, then the power converter can respond quickly to voltage changes, but discontinuities in the error signal cause unstable output voltage regulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to voltage changesVSAvoiderror signal continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary actions by detecting peak current events and starting timers before mode transitions occur. This allows the system to prepare duty cycle adjustments in advance, ensuring that transitions happen smoothly at predetermined moments rather than abruptly. The timer mechanism ensures that duty cycle changes are coordinated with the switching cycle, preventing discontinuities in the error signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the duty cycle adjustable and variable based on operating conditions. The control unit dynamically modifies the duty cycle during operation, transitioning between fixed duty cycle values as needed when changing between operation modes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing battery voltage levels while maintaining continuous and stable error signals throughout the transition process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables stable and automatic mode transitions in buck-boost power converters, minimizing output voltage fluctuations and ensuring consistent voltage regulation across varying battery discharge states.

Implementation Method 1

In the IN state the input node of the power converter is coupled with the reference node of the power converter via an energy conversion element (notably via an inductor)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductor: Inductor

Data Source

PatentUS20250385607A1Control unit and method for transitioning a power converter between a buck mode and a buck-boost mode
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 RENESAS DESIGN (UK) LTD
  • US20250385607A1 patent drawing
  • US20250385607A1 patent drawing
  • US20250385607A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A control unit for transitioning a power converter between a buck mode and a buck-boost mode is provided. The control unit is configured to, detect a peak current event within a switching cycle while the power converter is operated in the buck mode, and upon detecting the peak current event, start a timer for generating a timer signal. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the clock signal for starting a subsequent switching cycle occurs prior to the timer signal, and to operate the power converter in the buck-boost mode within the subsequent switching cycle, if the clock signal occurs prior to the timer signal.