Configurable IC Power Switches for Multi-Topology Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion circuits require specific controllers tailored to particular topologies, limiting flexibility and adaptability in power converter applications.
Innovation Solution
Integrated circuits (ICs) with configurable control and configuration circuits that sense circuit conditions to implement various power converter topologies such as buck, boost, low dropout, and hot-swap converters by connecting series transistors to external circuitry, allowing for dynamic configuration based on sensed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific controllers tailored to particular topologies are used, then control precision for each topology is improved, but device complexity and lack of flexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with a reconfigurable architecture that can adapt to multiple power converter topologies (buck, boost, buck-boost, etc.) through a single device. The controller includes configurable control circuits and configuration circuits that can be programmed via I2C interface to implement different control algorithms and switching patterns, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers for different topologies while maintaining precise control for each specific application
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated controllers for different topologies are used, then adaptability to various power converter configurations is improved, but device complexity and system integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a universal design that supports multiple power converter topologies through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation. The I2C interface allows programming of control parameters, switching frequencies, and operational modes to match different topology requirements, enabling a single controller to replace multiple dedicated controllers and simplifying system integration
Solution Approach 2:
The controller employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where control circuits can be programmed and adjusted during operation or at startup based on the detected topology. Configuration circuits enable real-time adaptation of control parameters, switching patterns, and protection thresholds to match the specific power converter configuration, providing both versatility and ease of integration
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed topology controllers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flexibility and reusability across different applications decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is manufactured as a universal platform with integrated configuration circuits and I2C programming capability. This allows a single manufacturing process to produce controllers that can be software-configured for different applications and topologies, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while maximizing application flexibility through post-manufacturing programming rather than requiring different hardware variants
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed examples include integrated circuits configurable according to sensed circuit conditions to provide configurable power converter topologies with externally connected circuitry to implement buck, boost, buck-boost, low dropout and/or hot-swap power converters. The ICs include one or more sets of series connected high and low side transistors connected with corresponding IC pads to allow connection to external circuitry to form a particular power converter configuration. The IC includes a control circuit and a configuration circuit to sense a circuit condition of the IC and to configure the control circuit to provide switching control signals to the transistors to implement one of a plurality of power converter topologies.