Power Converter Signal Transition Tuning for Voltage Ringing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage ringing in power converters due to parasitic LC tanks leads to increased power consumption, reduced efficiency, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), with existing mitigation methods either ineffective or degrading converter performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that program and adjust the rise and fall times of power converter control signals to reduce energy provided to the LC tank at its resonant frequency, using a tuning operation loop to minimize voltage ringing and corresponding EMI by modifying the transition time based on the frequency of voltage oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transition time of control signals is reduced to improve switching speed, then productivity increases, but voltage ringing and EMI increase due to energy coupling with the parasitic LC tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the transition time of control signals based on the detected resonant frequency of the parasitic LC tank. The controller measures the voltage oscillations at the switch node, determines the resonant frequency, and modifies the rise and fall times of control signals to avoid coupling energy at that frequency, thereby reducing voltage ringing while maintaining acceptable switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage oscillations at the switch node to detect the resonant frequency of the parasitic LC tank. This feedback information is used by the controller to adjust the transition times of control signals in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the actual resonant conditions and optimizes the trade-off between switching speed and voltage ringing reduction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the transition time of control signals is increased to reduce voltage ringing, then voltage ringing decreases, but switching speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the transition time of control signals based on the detected resonant frequency of the parasitic LC tank. The controller measures the voltage oscillations at the switch node, determines the resonant frequency, and modifies the rise and fall times of control signals to avoid coupling energy at that frequency, thereby reducing voltage ringing while maintaining acceptable switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transition time of control signals adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies the rise and fall times based on the detected resonant frequency, allowing the system to optimize performance in real-time rather than being constrained by static timing parameters.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional mitigation methods are applied to reduce voltage ringing, then voltage ringing decreases, but power converter efficiency and performance are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the power converter to automatically detect its own parasitic resonant frequency and adjust its control signal parameters accordingly. The controller measures the voltage oscillations at the switch node, identifies the resonant frequency, and modifies the transition times of control signals without requiring external intervention or additional passive mitigation components, thereby reducing voltage ringing while maintaining efficiency.
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
Effectively reduces voltage ringing and EMI emissions by optimizing the transition times of control signals, thereby improving the efficiency and reducing power losses in power converters.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage ringing may result from operations inherent to a circuit, such as switching, or other changes in state of a component or signal, and may be related to a resonant frequency of the circuit. In some examples, that resonant frequency is affected by parasitic elements, such as parasitic inductance and/or parasitic capacitance of components of the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method. In some examples, the method includes programming a rise time of a power converter control signal to a first value, programming a fall time of the power converter control signal to a second value, and executing a tuning operation loop. The tuning operation loop includes determining a first peak value of voltage ringing at a switch node of a power converter controlled according to the power converter control signal, incrementing the rise time and the fall time each by a programmed amount, determining a second peak value of voltage ringing at the switch node, comparing the first peak value to the second peak value, and responsive to the second peak value being less than the first peak value, repeating execution of the tuning operation loop.