Average Current Balancing Circuit for Uneven Inductor Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power conversion systems, differences in inductance between inductors can lead to uneven distribution of power between different circuits, causing imbalances in average current.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of average current balancing circuitry, which adjusts the compensation signal based on current feedback signals from both inductors, ensures that the average current through each inductor is balanced, thereby distributing power more evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductors with different inductance values are used in power conversion circuits, then the circuits can handle different power requirements, but the average current distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidaverage current distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the modulator continuously monitors the current through each inductor via current sensors and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly. The feedback signal from the current sensor is fed to the modulator, which modifies the control signal to balance the average current distribution across inductors with different inductance values, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and current distribution stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control signal parameters (duty cycle, switching frequency) are made dynamic rather than fixed. The modulator dynamically adjusts the duty cycle based on real-time current measurements, allowing the system to adapt to different inductor characteristics while maintaining balanced average current distribution. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to handle various power requirements while preserving current balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If inductors with different inductance values are used, then power conversion flexibility is improved, but power distribution evenness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion flexibilityVSAvoidpower distribution evenness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The modulator uses feedback from current sensors to continuously monitor and adjust the power distribution. By feeding the current information back to the control circuit, the system can dynamically modify the switching parameters to ensure even power distribution across all inductor branches, even when the inductors have different values, thus maintaining power conversion flexibility while achieving balanced power distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters (duty cycle ratio, switching timing) to compensate for differences in inductor values. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves even power distribution despite using inductors with different inductance values, thereby maintaining both flexibility and power balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simple control without current balancing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution stability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidpower distribution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based control mechanism where current sensors monitor the inductor currents and feed this information to the modulator. This feedback loop automatically adjusts the switching duty cycle to maintain stable power distribution, achieving stability without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-adjustment based on real-time current measurements. The modulator automatically modifies the control signals to balance power distribution without external intervention, allowing the system to maintain stability through self-regulation rather than requiring complex external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250141333A1Controller with average current balancing circuit

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A circuit includes a compensation terminal, a current feedback terminal, a voltage feedback terminal, a reference voltage terminal, a modulator, an error amplifier, and average current balancing circuitry. A first input of the modulator is coupled to the current feedback terminal. A first input of the error amplifier is coupled to the voltage feedback terminal. A second input of the error amplifier is coupled to the reference voltage terminal. An output of the error amplifier is coupled to the compensation terminal. A first input of the average current balancing circuitry is coupled to the output of the error amplifier and the compensation terminal. A second input of the average current balancing circuitry is coupled to the current feedback terminal. An output of the average current balancing circuitry is coupled to a second input of the modulator.