Current Mode Buck-Boost Converter Segmented Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional H bridge converters experience high power consumption due to frequent switching of switches, especially when the duty-cycle is 50%, resulting in the inductor current being twice that of the output current, leading to inefficient energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

A current mode buck-boost converter employing peak current control and valley current control for smooth switching between buck and boost modes, along with pulse skipping technology to extend charge or discharge times, and a power-tracking path for rapid output voltage adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the H bridge converter switches four switches in each cycle to convert input voltage to output voltage, then the voltage conversion function is achieved, but the power consumption increases significantly especially when duty-cycle is 50%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buck-boost conversion process into two distinct modes (buck mode and boost mode) with separate dedicated circuits. The buck converter handles voltage step-down while the boost converter handles voltage step-up, allowing independent optimization of each mode and eliminating the need for four-switch H-bridge configuration, thereby reducing switching losses and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between buck and boost converters based on real-time comparison of input and output voltages. The control circuit automatically selects the appropriate conversion mode to maintain efficient operation across varying load conditions, avoiding the fixed high-power consumption state of traditional H-bridge converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the duty-cycle is set to 50% for voltage conversion, then the buck-boost function is achieved, but the inductor current becomes twice the output current leading to inefficient energy transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuck-boost conversion capabilityVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By separating buck and boost functions into dedicated circuits, the patent eliminates the need for 50% duty-cycle operation required in H-bridge converters. Each converter operates independently with optimized duty cycles, reducing inductor current stress and improving energy transfer efficiency while maintaining full buck-boost versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using separate buck and boost converters with independently optimized duty cycles rather than forcing a fixed 50% duty cycle. This allows the inductor current to be better matched to output current requirements, reducing energy losses during transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If traditional H bridge converter switches are used for voltage conversion, then the basic conversion function is achieved, but the switching frequency causes high power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion functionVSAvoidswitching power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the conversion function into separate buck and boost stages, each with dedicated switching networks. This segmentation allows lower switching frequencies to be used in each stage compared to the high-frequency four-switch H-bridge, reducing switching power consumption while maintaining the voltage conversion function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary fourth switch from the traditional H-bridge configuration by using separate buck and boost converters. This removal of redundant switching elements directly reduces switching power consumption while preserving the essential voltage conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 current mode buck-boost converter achieves fast response and energy recycling during down-tracking, reducing power consumption and improving efficiency by minimizing switching times and optimizing energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a current passing through the inductor to determine an electrical energy transmitted to the output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the electric energy stored in the inductor L would be transmitted to the output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy storage: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8912769B2Current mode buck-boost converter
Publication Date: 2014.12.16 NANJING SILERGY SEMICONDUCTOR (HONG KONG) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
  • US8912769B2 patent drawing
  • US8912769B2 patent drawing
  • US8912769B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A current mode buck-boost converter has an input terminal, an output terminal, and an output capacitor coupled to the output terminal. The input terminal is used to receive an input voltage, and the output terminal is for producing the output voltage. The current mode buck-boost converter comprises a voltage converter and a control circuit. The voltage converter comprises an inductor. The control circuit is for detecting the current passing through the inductor to determine the electric energy transmitted to the output terminal by the voltage converter. Accordingly, the current mode buck-boost converter has fast response, and the electrical energy can be recycled and stored to the voltage source when the current mode buck-boost converter operates in down-tracking process.