Cross-Coupled Power Converter for Lower Input Current Ripple
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-gain power converters require large input capacitors to manage relatively large and discontinuous input current ripple, which increases the size and complexity of the power converter.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interleaved parallel connection at the output side of the power converter, utilizing two or more circuit modules with phase shift control to reduce the ripple of the input current, thereby minimizing the need for a large input capacitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large input capacitor is used to manage input current ripple, then the power converter can handle high-gain operation, but the size and complexity of the power converter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple circuit modules (at least two) connected in interleaved parallel configuration. Each module processes a portion of the input current, and their combined operation distributes the current ripple across multiple phases, reducing the total ripple magnitude and allowing for smaller input capacitor sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit modules operate with phase-shifted switching signals, creating periodic current draw patterns that are staggered in time. This interleaved periodic operation ensures that when one module is drawing peak current, another module is in a different phase of its cycle, smoothing the overall input current waveform and reducing ripple.
2Reliability
If a large input capacitor is used to manage input current ripple, then the power converter can handle high-gain operation, but the volume of the input capacitor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple circuit modules (at least two) connected in interleaved parallel configuration. Each module processes a portion of the input current, and their combined operation distributes the current ripple across multiple phases, reducing the total ripple magnitude and allowing for smaller input capacitor sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit modules operate with phase-shifted switching signals, creating periodic current draw patterns that are staggered in time. This interleaved periodic operation ensures that when one module is drawing peak current, another module is in a different phase of its cycle, smoothing the overall input current waveform and reducing ripple.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-module configuration is used, then the circuit is simpler, but the input current ripple is large and discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple circuit modules (at least two) connected in interleaved parallel configuration. Each module processes a portion of the input current, and their combined operation distributes the current ripple across multiple phases, reducing the total ripple magnitude and allowing for smaller input capacitor sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The interleaved parallel connection with phase-shifted control ensures that current flow through the input capacitor remains continuous rather than discontinuous. By coordinating the switching of multiple modules, the system maintains steady current flow through the input capacitor, improving reliability and reducing ripple without requiring overly complex circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter can include: a plurality of circuit modules coupled in parallel between a first port and a second port, where each of the plurality of circuit modules includes a switching power stage circuit having a first magnetic element coupled between a switch node of the switching power stage circuit and a first terminal of the second port, at least one switch group having first and second transistors and being coupled between a first terminal of the first port and a first terminal of the switching power stage circuit, and at least one first energy storage capacitor for providing energy to a load of the power converter; and a plurality of second energy storage capacitors configured to periodically store energy and release energy to corresponding first energy storage capacitors.