Power Converter Startup Control for Pre-Biased Output Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face challenges during startup when connected to a pre-biased output, as conventional PWM methods cannot accommodate negative current flow due to discontinuous conduction mode, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power converter system with an error amplifier, differential difference amplifier, multiplexer, and delay cells that control the duration of delay cells based on a reference voltage, preventing negative current flow and enabling soft startup by disabling the converter until the output voltage reaches a safe level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PWM methods are used during startup with pre-biased output, then the converter can operate, but negative current flow occurs causing potential damage and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the output voltage state before enabling PWM switching. The controller checks whether the output voltage is within a predetermined range before allowing the power converter to operate, preventing negative current flow from occurring in the first place during startup conditions with pre-biased output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the power converter and the pre-biased output. The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors the output voltage and controls the enabling of the power converter, preventing direct harmful interaction between the converter and the pre-biased output that would cause negative current flow.
2Productivity
If the power converter is enabled immediately during startup, then operation begins quickly, but components may be damaged due to uncontrolled current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary voltage detection before enabling the power converter. The controller checks the output voltage state in advance to determine whether it is within the predetermined safe range, allowing the converter to be enabled only when conditions are safe, thus preventing component damage while maintaining efficient startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the power converter from operating when the output voltage is outside the predetermined range. The controller proactively blocks the converter operation under unsafe conditions, counteracting the potential harmful effect of uncontrolled current flow before it can occur.
3Reliability
If delay cells are used to control PWM timing, then negative current flow is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller multi-functional by integrating both voltage detection and PWM control functions into a single device. The controller not only detects the output voltage to determine safe operating conditions but also generates the PWM signal and controls the timing, eliminating the need for separate delay cells and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage detection function and the PWM timing control function into a single integrated controller. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate delay cells while maintaining the ability to prevent negative current flow, thus reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to start converter into a pre-biased voltage. The disclosed methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture provide an apparatus comprising: an error amplifier including a feedback network and a differential difference amplifier (DDA), the DDA coupled to a power converter, a voltage generator, and the feedback network coupled to the third input of the DDA, the fourth input of the DDA, and the output of the DDA; a multiplexer coupled to the voltage generator, the second input of the DDA, and the first input of the DDA; a first switch coupled in parallel to the feedback network; a second switch coupled to a delay cell and an oscillator; and a trigger including an output, the trigger coupled to the voltage generator, the power converter, and the output of the trigger coupled to the multiplexer, first switch, and the second switch.