Converter Circuit Controller Common Ground High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage applications in switched mode power supplies (SMPS) face increased costs due to the need for high-voltage tolerant components and isolated drivers, which complicate the driving of switches and voltage isolation.
Innovation Solution
A converter circuit design that couples a switch, an inductive element, and a diode, with a controller that determines a switching signal based on an output signal, allowing the controller to drive the switch without an isolated driver or floating power supply by sharing a common reference node, thereby reducing component count and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage tolerant components and isolated drivers are used, then high voltage operation is enabled, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage element that decouples the high voltage side from the low voltage control side. The capacitor stores energy during the switch on-state and releases it during the off-state, enabling the controller to operate at low voltage while the switch handles high voltage, thus resolving the contradiction between high voltage capability and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter of the controller by using a capacitor to provide local energy storage, allowing the controller to operate at a lower voltage level than the switch. This parameter separation enables standard low-voltage controllers to be used in high-voltage applications, reducing system cost while maintaining high voltage operation capability.
2Reliability
If isolated drivers and floating power supplies are used, then voltage isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the power supply system and places it in a dedicated capacitor on the high voltage side. This allows the controller to share a common ground reference with the load while still achieving proper voltage isolation through the capacitor's energy storage capability, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the overall circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves multiple functions: it provides energy storage for the switch, enables voltage isolation, and allows the controller to share a common ground reference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate isolated power supplies and drivers, reducing device complexity while maintaining voltage isolation.
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
This design reduces system cost by eliminating the need for isolated drivers and floating power supplies, enabling efficient high voltage operation while maintaining accurate output voltage regulation.
Implementation Method 1
power conversion is performed by controlled charging and discharging of the inductor or transformer
Implementation Method 2
a diode coupled between the first output terminal and the input terminal
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a switch coupled between a first reference terminal and a first output terminal, an inductive element coupled between an input terminal and a second output terminal, and a diode coupled between the first output terminal and the input terminal. The circuit further includes a controller coupled to a control terminal of the switch. The controller is configured to determine a switching signal based on an output signal at the second output terminal and provide the switching signal to the control terminal of the switch.