Complementary Output Generator Timing for Deadband and Blanking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional complementary output generator (COG) modules lack enhanced features for programmability and flexibility in microcontroller applications, particularly in power management and signal generation, which limits their functionality in various configurations such as switched-mode power supplies and motor control.
Innovation Solution
A COG module with configurable rising and falling event inputs, output polarity control, and advanced timing and blanking mechanisms, including rising and falling event blanking and deadband circuits, allowing for multiple operating modes like half-bridge, push-pull, and full-bridge configurations, and enabling independent control of event delays and output steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional COG modules are used, then basic signal generation is achieved, but programmability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The COG module is designed to support multiple operating modes (half-bridge, push-pull, full-bridge) and can be configured for various applications through programmable event inputs and output polarity control, making a single module serve multiple functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The module employs dynamically configurable parameters including programmable rising and falling event inputs, adjustable deadband timing, and selectable output polarity that can be modified during operation to adapt to different application requirements without requiring hardware changes
2Reliability
If output signals are generated without deadband control, then response time is fast, but shoot-through currents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deadband circuit introduces a predetermined time delay between complementary output signals before one is asserted after the other is de-asserted, proactively preventing the harmful overlap that would cause shoot-through currents in power switches
Solution Approach 2:
The blanking circuit temporarily inhibits event inputs during critical transition periods, preemptively blocking signals that could cause unwanted output transitions and potential shoot-through conditions before they can occur
3Reliability
If event inputs are not blanked, then response to events is immediate, but false triggering from noise occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The blanking circuit is activated in advance of potential noise-induced false triggering by temporarily disabling event input sensitivity during and immediately after legitimate transitions, preventing noise from causing false events while allowing genuine signals to pass through
Data Source
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AI summary
A complementary output generator (COG) module generates at least two complementary outputs determined by rising and falling event sources. In a simple configuration of the COG module, the rising and falling event sources are the same signal which is a signal having the desired period and duty cycle. The COG module converts this single signal input into dual complementary outputs. The frequency and duty cycle of the dual outputs substantially match those of the single input signal. Blanking and deadband times may be introduced between the complementary outputs, and the dual complementary outputs may also be phase delayed. In addition the COG module may provide up to four outputs for controlling half and full-wave bridge power applications.