Coupled Inductor Current Modeling for Multiphase Phase Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring inductor current in multiphase power converters with coupled inductors are inaccurate due to non-linear models, leading to difficulties in phase balance and output voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing linear inductor current modeling for coupled inductors using a controller to generate accurate linear models based on output voltage, phase currents, and inductor characteristics, including coupling factors, to predict the overall inductor current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-linear models are used for measuring inductor current in multiphase power converters with coupled inductors, then the measurement can be implemented, but the measurement precision deteriorates leading to inaccurate inductor current prediction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the non-linear inductor current model into a linear model by changing the mathematical parameters and relationships. Specifically, it uses the relationship between phase currents and inductor currents through linear equations involving coupling factors, replacing complex non-linear models with simplified linear relationships that maintain accuracy while reducing computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex non-linear measurement system with a simplified linear modeling approach. By substituting the non-linear model with a linear model that uses phase current measurements and coupling factors, it achieves the same measurement function with reduced complexity and improved precision
2Productivity
If non-linear models are used for inductor current measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but the processing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mathematical parameters from non-linear to linear relationships, enabling faster computation. The linear model uses simple proportional relationships between phase currents and inductor currents, significantly reducing processing time and power consumption while maintaining or improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex non-linear measurement problem into simpler linear components. By dividing the inductor current measurement into separate linear relationships for each phase based on coupling factors, it enables parallel processing and reduces overall computational burden
3Productivity
If coupled inductors are used in multiphase power converters, then the power density is improved, but the phase balance control becomes more difficult due to non-linear modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from non-linear to linear relationships, making phase balance control easier. By using linear models that directly relate phase currents to inductor currents through coupling factors, the control system can more easily adjust and balance phases without dealing with complex non-linear calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the difficult non-linear control system with a simpler linear control approach. By substituting non-linear models with linear models, it enables easier phase balance control while maintaining the benefits of coupled inductors for high power density
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for implementing linear inductor current modeling of coupled inductors is generally described. The method for operating a multiphase power converter comprises measuring an output voltage being provided by a multi phase power converter to a load. The multi phase power converter comprises a plurality of phases. The method further comprises measuring a plurality of phase currents of the plurality of phases. The method further comprises generating a plurality of linear inductor current models for the plurality of phases based on at least one of the output voltage, the plurality of phase currents and a plurality of inductor characteristics of output inductors in the plurality of phases.