High Voltage Power Supply Current Mode Slope Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage power supplies exhibit a near-vertical slope in the Current Mode region, which is undesirable for efficient and cost-effective operation, as it leads to inefficiencies and increased costs due to excessive power consumption in voltage feedback dividers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a novel technique that senses the output voltage at an earlier stage in the multiplier and utilizes a resistive voltage divider network to reduce the current feedback signal, combined with an inverting amplifier to correct the output voltage drop, resulting in a less steep slope in the Current Mode region while maintaining efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Current Mode regulation is used, then output current control is improved, but the output voltage slope becomes too steep (near vertical)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction voltage signal derived from the current feedback voltage signal. This correction signal is added to the voltage feedback signal to modify the control voltage, thereby mediating between the steep CM slope and the desired less steep slope without sacrificing current control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the control voltage by adding a correction voltage component that is proportional to the current feedback voltage. This parameter modification alters the slope characteristic of the CM region while preserving the fundamental CM regulation mechanism.
2Shape
If voltage feedback divider resistance is reduced to flatten the CM slope, then output slope control is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly modifying the voltage feedback divider resistance, the patent uses an intermediary correction voltage signal that is derived from the current feedback voltage. This correction signal compensates for the steep slope without requiring changes to the voltage feedback divider resistance, thus avoiding increased power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control voltage parameter by adding a correction component rather than changing the physical resistance values in the voltage feedback divider. This parameter modification achieves slope control without the energy loss associated with lower resistance values.
3Loss of energy
If output voltage is sensed at an earlier multiplier stage, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage regulation accuracy deteriorates due to inherent voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by utilizing the current feedback voltage signal to generate a correction voltage. This correction voltage compensates for the voltage drop inherent in sensing at an earlier multiplier stage, thereby maintaining voltage regulation accuracy while benefiting from reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by sensing the output voltage at an earlier stage in the multiplier before the full voltage is developed. This preliminary sensing point requires less power, and the correction mechanism subsequently compensates for any accuracy loss.
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 approach achieves a significantly less steep output slope in the Current Mode region, reducing power consumption and maintaining efficiency, with a slight loss in voltage regulation accuracy, and is more cost-effective than conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The current feedback signal, which may be in the range of a volt or more, is reduced with a resistive voltage divider network
Implementation Method 2
An inverting amplifier device, such an inverting op amp stage, may need to be employed if the correction signal is of the opposite polarity needed
Data Source
AI summary
A current mode output control can have a current mode (CM) region of the high voltage output curve (VI) slope controlled by component selection and arrangement in the construction of high voltage power supplies. The controlled CM current slope output, the tapped multiplier feedback network, and the subsequent output voltage correction network, yields a power supply with the desired VM and CM output characteristics that is significantly less expensive to construct and more efficient than a power supply built using conventional construction techniques.