Switching Converter Detection Circuit Eliminates Auxiliary Windings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching converters require auxiliary windings for output voltage detection, increasing control complexity and circuit area and cost, while also reducing system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit is coupled in parallel with the output capacitor of the switching converter, providing a detection branch during a first period of the switching cycle to detect output voltage, and generating a detection signal during a second period, eliminating the need for auxiliary windings and simplifying circuit design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If auxiliary windings are used for output voltage detection, then detection function is achieved, but device complexity and circuit area increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage detectionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the traditional auxiliary winding approach and implements it through a detection circuit connected to the switching node. This separates the detection function from the power transfer function, eliminating the need for auxiliary windings while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching node, which originally served only for power switching, is made multi-functional by connecting it to the detection circuit. This allows the same node to serve both power conversion and voltage detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary windings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If auxiliary windings are used for output voltage detection, then detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is extracted from the auxiliary winding structure, allowing the use of simpler, lower-cost components. The detection circuit uses standard electronic components rather than requiring additional magnetic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive auxiliary windings with a detection circuit that uses cheaper electronic components such as capacitors, diodes, and resistors, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving the same detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If auxiliary windings are used for output voltage detection, then detection function is achieved, but system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage detectionVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switching node is made multi-functional, serving both power conversion and detection purposes. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary windings that would draw additional power, thereby improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit uses the existing switching node voltage directly for detection purposes, rather than requiring separate power and signal windings. This self-service approach eliminates additional energy losses associated with auxiliary winding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11606037B2Detection circuit and switching converter
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 SILERGY SEMICON TECH (HANGZHOU) CO LTD
  • US11606037B2 patent drawing
  • US11606037B2 patent drawing
  • US11606037B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detection circuit for a switching converter, whereby: the detection circuit is coupled in parallel with an output capacitor of the switching converter, and is configured to provide a detection branch coupled in parallel with the output capacitor during a first period of a switching cycle, in order to detect an output voltage of the switching converter; and an output voltage detection signal is generated according to the detected output voltage during a second period of the switching cycle. A switching converter can include the detection circuit and an integrated circuit.