Conversion Circuit Topology for High Voltage Ratio Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Switching Tank Converter (STC) has a complex circuit and low efficiency in terms of conversion ratio, making it inadequate for high voltage conversion requirements.

Innovation Solution

A conversion circuit with a full-bridge rectifier configuration, including a switch branch and resonant units connected to a transformer, which allows for increased voltage conversion ratios without the need for a transformer, reducing switch loss and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a traditional STC is used to achieve voltage conversion, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage conversion ratio is limited and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidvoltage conversion ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voltage conversion process into two independent stages: a first voltage conversion unit (48V to 4V) and a second voltage conversion unit (4V to 0.8V). This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific conversion ratio, achieving high overall conversion efficiency while maintaining circuit simplicity. The first stage uses a transformer-based resonant converter for high voltage ratio conversion, while the second stage uses a buck converter for low voltage ratio conversion with high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a intermediate voltage dimension (4V) between the input (48V) and output (0.8V) voltages. This two-dimensional voltage conversion approach allows the system to achieve a total conversion ratio of 60:1 by combining two smaller conversion stages (12:1 and 5:1 respectively), which is more efficient than attempting a single-stage conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If the number of processor chips in the single rack is increased to increase power, then the power of the single rack is increased, but the current through the 12V DC distribution bus is remarkably increased, reducing efficiency and increasing heat dissipation cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower of single rackVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the DC distribution bus from 12V to 48V. This parameter change reduces the current by a factor of 4 for the same power transmission, significantly reducing I²R losses in the distribution bus. The 48V-VRM converter then efficiently converts this 48V to the required low voltage for processor chips, maintaining high efficiency while enabling increased rack power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the core voltage of the processor chip is reduced to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the 48V-VRM must supply remarkably improved voltage and current for chip acceleration performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of processor chipVSAvoidvoltage and current supply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the 48V-VRM with dynamic voltage and current supply capability to meet varying processor demands. During normal operation, the VRM supplies low voltage (0.6V-0.8V) for energy-saving mode. During acceleration mode, the VRM can rapidly increase voltage to 1.1V and current to 1200A within 200μs, providing the necessary power bursts for chip acceleration while maintaining low average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 proposed circuit achieves higher voltage conversion ratios with reduced switch and transformer losses, simplifying the design and enhancing efficiency compared to traditional STC configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first resonant unit electrically connected between the first connection point and a midpoint of the first bridge arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a first transformer, comprising: a first primary winding connected in series with the first resonant unit; and a first secondary winding connected between the midpoint of the first bridge arm and a midpoint of the second bridge arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3940939B1Conversion circuit topology
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3940939B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3940939B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3940939B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~5

AI summary

The invention provides a conversion circuit for converting input voltage into output voltage, including: a full-bridge rectifier circuit including first and second bridge arms connected in parallel and electrically connected between first and second ends of the output voltage; a first switch branch electrically connected between the first end of the input voltage and the first end of the output voltage, and including first and second switches connected in series to form a first connection node; a first resonant unit electrically connected between the first connection point and midpoint of the first bridge arm; and a first transformer including a first primary winding connected in series with the first resonant unit; and a first secondary winding connected between midpoint of the first bridge arm and midpoint of the second bridge arm. The conversion circuit of the invention improves conversion efficiency while maintaining smaller voltage stress on switches.