Power Converter Feedback Circuit Eliminates DAC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power conversion apparatuses face inefficiencies due to the need for digital-to-analog converters to feed load status information from digital back-end controllers to analog front-end controllers, increasing design costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion apparatus utilizing a voltage converter-based feedback circuit that converts digital feedback signals to analog signals using a transformer, switch, analog controller, and voltage converter, eliminating the need for a digital-to-analog converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a digital-to-analog converter is disposed between the back-end stage controller and front-end stage controller to feed back load status information, then the feedback control mechanism can be implemented, but the design costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback control mechanismVSAvoidcircuit design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the digital-to-analog conversion function from a separate DAC component and integrates it into the existing voltage converter circuit. The voltage converter, which already exists in the power conversion apparatus, is made to perform the additional function of digital-to-analog conversion for the feedback signal, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated DAC component and reducing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: its original voltage conversion function plus the additional function of digital-to-analog conversion for the feedback signal. By making the voltage converter multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for a separate DAC component while maintaining the feedback control mechanism.

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

2Loss of information

If a digital-to-analog converter is used to convert the digital feedback signal, then the signal can be transmitted between digital and analog controllers, but the conversion accuracy is limited and additional conversion components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal conversion accuracyVSAvoidconversion components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the digital-to-analog conversion function from a separate DAC component and integrates it into the existing voltage converter circuit. This eliminates the need for additional conversion components and maintains signal accuracy by using the existing high-performance voltage converter infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: its original voltage conversion function plus the additional function of digital-to-analog conversion for the feedback signal. This multi-functionality approach maintains conversion accuracy while eliminating the need for separate conversion components.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the PFC circuit provides constant high voltage to the DC-to-DC conversion circuit under all load conditions, then the front-end stage operates stably, but power loss increases during light load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput voltage stabilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the PFC circuit's output voltage based on the actual load conditions. The feedback control mechanism allows the PFC circuit to vary its output voltage from constant high voltage to a lower, load-appropriate voltage, transitioning from a static operation mode to a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the digital controller monitors the actual load conditions and adjusts the PFC circuit's operation accordingly. The digital feedback signal is converted to analog form and used by the analog controller to regulate the PFC circuit, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes power delivery and reduces losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration improves signal feedback accuracy and simplifies the circuit design by directly converting digital feedback signals to analog signals for controlling the power factor correction circuit, reducing power loss and enhancing overall conversion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage converter-based feedback circuit is coupled to the analog controller and receives the digital feedback signal, and is configured to convert the digital feedback signal to the analog feedback signal according to a voltage conversion characteristic thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The transformer has a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side of the transformer is coupled to an input voltage, and the secondary side of the transformer is coupled to an output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The switch is configured to intermittently transmit the input voltage to the primary side of the transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeriodic switching:

Data Source

PatentUS9356524B2Power conversion apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.05.31 SPI ELECTRONICS
  • US9356524B2 patent drawing
  • US9356524B2 patent drawing
  • US9356524B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power conversion apparatus, including a transformer, a switch, an analog controller, a digital controller, and a voltage converter-based feedback circuit, is provided. The primary side of the transformer is coupled to an input voltage, and the secondary side of the transformer is coupled to an output voltage provided to a load. The switch intermittently transmits the input voltage to the primary side of the transformer. The analog controller is disposed at one of the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer and configured to control the operation of the switch in response to an analog feedback signal. The digital controller is disposed at the other one of the primary side and the secondary side and configured to generate a digital feedback signal. The voltage converter-based feedback circuit is configured to convert the digital feedback signal to the analog feedback signal based on a voltage conversion characteristic thereof.