Constant Current Driving Circuit with Variable OFF Time Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional constant current driving systems experience instability and increased ripple current when the load varies, leading to decreased output current stability due to fixed OFF time of the power switch, which is not adequately controlled.

Innovation Solution

The system controls the ON time of the power switch by detecting a peak threshold value of the output current and uses the output voltage to control the OFF time, and vice versa, to maintain stable output current by adjusting the OFF time inversely proportional to the output voltage, thereby reducing ripple current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the OFF time of the power switch is fixed, then the control circuit is simple, but the output current stability deteriorates when load varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidoutput current stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the OFF time of the power switch variable rather than fixed. The OFF time is dynamically adjusted based on the output voltage level - when output voltage increases, the OFF time is extended proportionally. This dynamic adaptation allows the control circuit to maintain stable output current across varying load conditions without requiring overly complex control logic, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and output current stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If the load increases continuously, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the ripple current increases and output current stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidoutput current stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the output voltage and using it to adjust the OFF time of the power switch. The control circuit detects changes in output voltage caused by load variations and compensates by extending the OFF time when voltage rises, thereby maintaining stable output current. This feedback mechanism enables the system to handle increased power delivery requirements while suppressing ripple current and maintaining output stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the OFF time is extended to reduce ripple current, then the output current stability is improved, but the power delivery efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput current stabilityVSAvoidpower delivery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the OFF time duration based on the output voltage level. Rather than using a fixed or excessively long OFF time, the system dynamically modifies this parameter - extending OFF time only when output voltage increases, and maintaining shorter OFF times when voltage is stable. This selective parameter adjustment improves output current stability by reducing ripple current only when necessary, while preserving power delivery efficiency during normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8314600B2Constant current driving system with stable output current
Publication Date: 2012.11.20 IML HONG KONG LTD
  • US8314600B2 patent drawing
  • US8314600B2 patent drawing
  • US8314600B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Constant current driving circuit includes a latch, an ON timer, and an OFF timer. The latch outputs a switch control signal according to an ON signal and an OFF signal for controlling a power switch. The power switch is coupled between an input voltage source and an inductor. When the switch control signal controls the power switch to turn on/off, the input voltage source is able/unable to couple to the inductor through the power switch. The inductor provides an output current and an output voltage. The ON timer detects if the output current reaches a peak value for accordingly outputting the OFF signal. The OFF timer outputs the ON signal according to the output voltage and the switch control signal for control the interval of the switch control signal representing “OFF”.