DC-DC Converter in Connector for Cable Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC transmission cables experience significant voltage drops due to impedance, leading to power loss and inefficiency in supplying power to electronic devices, especially at higher power levels, which can result in device malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a DC-DC converter within a connector of the output device to convert the received DC voltage, minimizing voltage drop and power loss by adjusting the output voltage according to the device's requirements, using semiconductor elements like Si-MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs for efficient conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the DC transmission cable length is increased for convenience in use, then the cable impedance increases, but the voltage drop and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two parts: the DC transmission cable for power delivery and the connector with integrated DC-DC converter for voltage regulation. This segmentation allows the cable to be optimized for transmission while the converter handles voltage stabilization, resolving the contradiction between cable length and power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter acts as an intermediary between the DC transmission cable and the electronic device. It receives the DC voltage from the cable, regulates it to compensate for voltage drops, and provides stable output voltage to the device, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of cable impedance.
2Power
If the transmitted power is increased to meet device requirements, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the voltage drop and power loss due to cable impedance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the output voltage and adjust the conversion ratio accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the output voltage remains stable even when input voltage varies due to cable impedance, allowing high power transmission with minimal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter dynamically changes operating parameters such as switching frequency and duty cycle to optimize power conversion efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system can maintain high efficiency across different power levels and compensate for cable impedance effects.
3Reliability
If a DC-DC converter is integrated into the connector, then the voltage regulation and power loss reduction are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is merged with the connector housing to form an integrated power delivery unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate voltage regulation components at the device end, simplifying the overall system while maintaining voltage stability and reducing power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector with integrated DC-DC converter serves multiple functions: mechanical connection, power transmission, and voltage regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the system architecture while improving reliability.
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
The solution stabilizes and accurately adjusts the output voltage, reducing power loss and improving overall conversion efficiency, while eliminating the need for additional signal lines and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The DC-DC converter is enclosed in the housing and configured to convert the DC voltage to the output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An output device is disclosed herein. The output device includes a DC transmission cable and a connector. The DC transmission cable is configured to receive and transmit a DC voltage. The connector is connected to an output terminal of the DC transmission cable and configured to receive the DC voltage and output an output voltage. The connector includes a housing, a DC-DC converter and a output terminal. The DC-DC converter is enclosed in the housing and configured to convert the DC voltage to the output voltage. The output terminal includes a first node and a second node, and the first node is connected to the DC-DC converter, enclosed in the housing and configured to receive and transmit the output voltage.