Converter with Secondary Side Control for Low No-Load Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch-mode power supplies (SMPSs) face challenges in achieving low 'no load' power consumption without increasing system costs, as existing solutions either require additional components or introduce voltage ripple, and the controller component must remain active during switch-off periods, limiting maximum switch-off time and response to load changes.
Innovation Solution
A converter design with a transformer having a primary and secondary side circuit arrangement, where the secondary side provides output voltage or current information to the primary side to determine the state and generate switch control signals, allowing the switch circuit to be controlled independently on the secondary side, enabling efficient low-load state management without active controller components during no-load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the controller component remains active during switch-off periods to maintain response capability, then the response time to load changes is improved, but the power consumption increases and maximum switch-off time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the primary side controller and relocates it to the secondary side. The secondary side circuit arrangement independently generates switch control signals based on local sensing of output parameters, eliminating the need for the primary side controller to remain active during stand-by periods. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the energy-consuming control component from the primary side while maintaining adequate response capability on the secondary side.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary side circuit arrangement serves itself by independently monitoring output parameters and generating control signals without continuous intervention from the primary side controller. During stand-by mode, the secondary side can autonomously manage switching operations, allowing the primary side controller to enter low-power states while maintaining system functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If additional auxiliary power supply is provided to achieve low stand-by power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the system costs increase due to additional DC-DC SMPS circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary side circuit arrangement performs multiple functions: it rectifies output voltage, regulates output parameters, senses feedback signals, and generates switch control signals. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional circuit on the secondary side, the patent eliminates the need for separate auxiliary power supplies and additional DC-DC converters, thereby reducing both power consumption and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the auxiliary power supply, output regulation circuit, and control signal generator into a unified secondary side circuit arrangement. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and interconnections, directly addressing the contradiction by achieving low power consumption without increasing system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If burst mode is used to reduce average power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but voltage ripple is introduced into the output voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary side circuit arrangement continuously senses output parameters (voltage or current) and uses this feedback to regulate the output while generating switch control signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains stable output voltage even during low-power operation, preventing the voltage ripple that typically accompanies burst mode operation while still achieving reduced average power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A converter may include a transformer; a first circuit arrangement coupled to a first transformer side; a second circuit arrangement coupled to a second transformer side, wherein the second circuit arrangement is configured to provide an output voltage; a first coupler configured to provide information about the output voltage to the first circuit arrangement; wherein the first circuit arrangement is configured to determine a state of the secondary side based on the received information about the output voltage, and to generate a switch control signal dependent on the determined state; a switch circuit arranged on the second side; and a second coupler configured to provide a switch control signal from the first circuit arrangement to the switch circuit; wherein the switch circuit is coupled to the first circuit arrangement to provide a first circuit arrangement control signal to the first circuit arrangement depending on the switch control signal.