Current Mode Regulator with Isolated Feedback for AC-DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power conversion systems face inefficiencies, high costs, and reliability issues when converting AC to DC power, particularly in regulating current for electronic systems like LED back-lighting, due to complex circuitry and lack of effective feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a current mode regulator circuit with a primary and secondary side, utilizing a resonant LLC regulator and isolated communication links, such as optical, inductive, or capacitive signaling, to rectify and regulate the input signal while providing feedback for efficient power conversion and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional AC to DC power conversion systems are used with boost converters and multiple converters, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but circuit complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power conversion functions (rectification, LLC resonance, voltage regulation, current mode control) into a single integrated circuit. This merging of previously separate converters and control circuits into one unified device reduces overall circuit complexity while improving reliability by eliminating interconnections and synchronization issues between multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power conversion device performs multiple functions simultaneously: AC rectification, LLC resonant conversion, voltage regulation, and current mode control. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate boost converters and alternative converters, reducing device count and complexity while maintaining comprehensive power conversion capability.
2Reliability
If isolated communication links are implemented for feedback, then reliability and regulation precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an isolated communication link as an intermediary mechanism to transfer feedback signals from the secondary side to the primary side while maintaining galvanic isolation. This intermediary approach enables reliable feedback transmission across the isolation barrier without requiring direct electrical connection, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through standardized isolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements current mode regulation with feedback from the secondary side to the primary side through the isolated communication link. This feedback mechanism enables precise regulation of output current and voltage by continuously monitoring output conditions and adjusting primary side switching accordingly, improving regulation precision while using established feedback control theory.
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
This solution reduces circuit complexity, increases reliability, and lowers costs by enabling efficient AC to DC power conversion and current regulation, while minimizing radiated emissions and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A resonant LLC regulator or alternative regulator spans the primary and secondary sides in a configuration by which the input signal may be rectified and thereafter provided to the output node as an output signal
Implementation Method 2
The isolated communication from the secondary side to the primary side uses an optical communication signaling method and associated apparatus
Implementation Method 3
exemplary preferred embodiments include communication from the secondary side to the primary side using inductive communication circuitry and signaling
Implementation Method 4
exemplary alternative embodiments include communication from the secondary side to the primary side using capacitive communication circuitry and signaling
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits, systems, and methods of current mode regulation include a primary side for receiving an input signal and a secondary for outputting an output signal. A regulator spans the primary and secondary sides in a configuration by which the input signal may be rectified and thereafter provided to the output node as an output signal. A current monitor is provided at the output node for comparing the output signal to a reference. A communication link is included for providing feedback to the primary side of the regulator for use in regulating the signal.