Coreless Isolated DC-DC Converter Feedback via ASK Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC converters face challenges in managing feedback signals across galvanic isolation while maintaining high conversion efficiency, leading to increased size, cost, and potential electromagnetic interference due to separate power and signal transmission channels.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter design incorporating a coreless transformer with integrated primary and secondary control circuits, utilizing Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) modulation to transmit feedback signals through the transformer without additional communication channels, and a receiver demodulator to manage the feedback signal efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical channels are used for power and signal transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and feedback signal transmission into a single physical channel using the transformer. The primary coil transmits both power and modulated feedback signals, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication across the galvanic isolation barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides galvanic isolation, transmits power from primary to secondary side, and simultaneously transmits feedback signals from secondary to primary side. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If separate physical channels are used for power and signal transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and feedback signal transmission into a single physical channel using the transformer. The primary coil transmits both power and modulated feedback signals, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication across the galvanic isolation barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides galvanic isolation, transmits power from primary to secondary side, and simultaneously transmits feedback signals from secondary to primary side. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If dedicated channels are used for feedback signal transmission, then feedback signal transmission is achieved, but conversion efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and feedback signal transmission into a single physical channel using the transformer. The primary coil transmits both power and modulated feedback signals, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication across the galvanic isolation barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the secondary side monitors output voltage and modulates this information onto the primary coil signals. The primary side demodulates these signals to adjust the driving of the transformer, optimizing power conversion efficiency while maintaining accurate feedback signal transmission
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
The solution achieves high efficiency power transfer across galvanic isolation with minimal area consumption by integrating feedback signal transmission, reducing electromagnetic interference and design complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with a primary and secondary coil... transmitting power from the primary coil to the secondary coil... galvanic isolation
Implementation Method 2
The receiver demodulator circuit receives and demodulates a feedback signal from the secondary to the primary. This process is accomplished by comparing an instantaneous value of an envelope (which indicates voltages at the primary coil) to the average value of the envelope, subsequently producing a reset signal
Implementation Method 3
The circuit then connects a capacitance between the secondary coil and the ground in response to the assertion of the intermediate feedback signal, modulating and sending the feedback signal from the secondary to the primary side
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converter includes a primary-side control-circuit having an oscillator driving a transformer in response to assertion of a PWM-signal to transmit power from the primary to the secondary and ceasing in response to deassertion of the PWM-signal, and a receiver demodulator circuit receiving/demodulating a feedback signal sent from the secondary to the primary by comparing an instantaneous value of an envelope indicative of voltages at the primary-coil to an average-value of the envelope to produce a reset-signal. A PWM circuit asserts the PWM-signal in response to a set-signal and deasserts the PWM-signal in response to assertion of the reset-signal. A secondary-side control-circuit rectifies the received power, asserts an intermediate feedback-signal if feedback indicative of the output voltage is greater than a reference-voltage, and connects a capacitance between the secondary and ground in response to assertion of the intermediate feedback-signal to modulate and send the feedback to the primary.