DC-DC Converter Input Filter Feedback for Oscillation Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Oscillations occur in DC-to-DC converters due to mismatched impedances between the input filter and power conversion circuit, leading to undesirable ripple voltage, which existing solutions either compromise performance or increase cost and size.

Innovation Solution

Utilize an auxiliary winding of the input filter's inductor to transfer feedback signals across the galvanic isolation barrier, allowing the voltage control loop to adjust the output voltage based on input filter output voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If additional damping components are added at the output of the input filter to reduce output impedance at resonant frequency, then oscillations are prevented, but cost and size of the converter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation preventionVSAvoidconverter size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary winding serves multiple functions: it provides feedback signaling across the galvanic isolation barrier and simultaneously acts as a damping mechanism by enabling the voltage control loop to reduce output impedance at resonant frequency. This eliminates the need for separate damping components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage control loop uses the feedback from the auxiliary winding to automatically adjust and reduce the output impedance at resonant frequency, making the system self-regulating without requiring external damping components. The system serves its own stabilization needs through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If the voltage at the output of the input filter is used as feedback in the voltage control loop, then converter stability is improved, but signal transfer across galvanic isolation barrier becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter stabilityVSAvoidsignal transfer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary winding acts as an intermediary that enables signal transfer across the galvanic isolation barrier. It magnetically couples the input filter output voltage to the voltage control loop, allowing feedback without direct electrical connection and thus maintaining galvanic isolation while enabling stable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If input filter components are carefully selected and converter response is tuned to avoid impedance mismatch, then oscillations are avoided, but performance of the converter is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidconverter performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of static component selection and fixed tuning, the system dynamically adjusts the output impedance at resonant frequency through the voltage control loop. The auxiliary winding provides real-time feedback that enables the converter to adapt its response characteristics, maintaining both stability and performance across varying operating conditions.

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

Stabilizes the converter by damping oscillations without increasing cost or size, maintaining performance by using the auxiliary winding to manage impedance mismatch.

Implementation Method 1

The present disclosure is directed to using an auxiliary winding of an inductor of the input filter to transfer the required signal across the galvanic isolation barrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4633025A1Stabilization of DC-to-DC converter
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 CURTIS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • EP4633025A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4633025A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP4633025A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a DC-to-DC converter that includes an input filter. The inductor of the input filter has an auxiliary winding wound around the core element and not coupled to the input terminal. A voltage control circuit is configured to receive a first signal from the auxiliary winding of the inductor of the input filter, the first signal being indicative of an output voltage of the input filter. The voltage control circuit adjusts the desired output voltage level based on the first signal. An output terminal provides the adjusted desired output voltage level.