Configurable Half-Bridge Power Stage With Isolated Digital Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-the-shelf power converters lack flexibility and features for dynamic applications, leading to lengthy and costly development cycles in custom power systems.
Innovation Solution
A turnkey power system utilizing multiple Gallium nitride (GaN) filtered half-bridges with isolated interfaces and a flexible digital controller, allowing for configurable power stages without hardware or software redesign, enabling efficient energy transfer and adaptable control algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If off-the-shelf power converters are used, then development time is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability for dynamic applications are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a digitally controllable power conversion system where the converter topology and operating parameters can be dynamically reconfigured through software control. The digital controller enables real-time adjustment of conversion ratios, power flow directions, and operational modes without hardware changes, allowing the system to adapt to varying application requirements while maintaining a standardized physical platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal power conversion platform that can serve multiple applications through software configuration. The same physical hardware can be reprogrammed to perform different power conversion functions (buck, boost, bidirectional conversion) and accommodate various voltage levels and power ratings, eliminating the need for application-specific custom designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom power systems are designed for dynamic applications, then flexibility and features are improved, but development cycles become lengthy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the power conversion functionality into distinct modular components: a standardized power stage with fixed hardware architecture and a digital controller that handles application-specific logic. This segmentation allows the hardware platform to be reused across applications while only the software control algorithms need to be customized, significantly reducing development time compared to full custom designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customization through software-based parameter configuration rather than hardware redesign. Development time is reduced by modifying control parameters, gain values, and operational thresholds in the digital controller firmware, allowing rapid adaptation to different applications without the lengthy PCB design, fabrication, and testing cycles associated with hardware changes.
3Measurement precision
If narrow specialization is pursued in power applications, then technical depth is improved, but cross-disciplinary advancement and versatility are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The digital controller serves as an intermediary layer between the standardized power hardware and diverse application requirements. It provides a common interface and control architecture that can be adapted to different power conversion needs through software algorithms, allowing engineers with specialized knowledge in one area to apply their expertise to other applications by modifying control strategies rather than redesigning entire systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of a power system. The power system includes a half-bridge circuit. The half-bridge circuit includes a voltage input and at least one voltage output. The power system also includes an isolation interface, coupled to the half-bridge circuit. The power system includes control circuitry, coupled to the half-bridge circuit through the isolation interface, wherein the half-bridge circuit is configurable, and wherein the voltage input and the at least one voltage output of the half-bridge circuit are isolated from the control circuitry by the isolation interface.