Current Sensing via Intermediary Voltage Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage devices required for sensing output current in power converting apparatuses are large and costly, making them difficult to integrate into semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A power converting apparatus using low voltage devices, comprising a power converter, resistors, a current controller, a sample/holder, and a switch controller, which senses output current by controlling a current less than the output current flowing through the load, allowing for the use of low voltage devices to manage the power conversion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high voltage devices are used to sense output current, then current sensing accuracy is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sampling resistor connected to the output terminal that converts the output current into a sampling voltage. This sampling voltage is then processed through a voltage divider circuit (using resistors R1 and R2) to generate a scaled-down sensing voltage that can be safely measured by low-voltage sensing circuits. The intermediary sampling resistor and voltage divider enable current sensing without requiring direct high-voltage measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct current measurement (which requires high voltage capability) to voltage measurement through a voltage divider network. By changing the resistance values of R1 and R2, the sensing voltage is scaled to a level suitable for low-voltage devices. This parameter transformation allows the use of inexpensive low-voltage sensing components while maintaining measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If high voltage devices are used to sense output current, then current sensing capability is improved, but device integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling resistor and voltage divider circuit act as intermediary elements that bridge the high-voltage output current and the low-voltage sensing circuit. This intermediary approach allows the sensing circuit to operate at low voltage levels while still measuring the high-voltage output current indirectly, thereby simplifying integration with standard low-voltage semiconductor processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly measuring the high-voltage output current, the patent creates a scaled-down copy of the current signal through the sampling resistor and voltage divider. This copied signal (sensing voltage) is a faithful representation of the original current but at a safe, low-voltage level that can be easily integrated into semiconductor devices using standard fabrication processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If low voltage devices are used for sensing, then manufacturing cost and integration ease are improved, but direct high voltage measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter transformation by converting the high-voltage current measurement problem into a low-voltage measurement problem. The sampling resistor converts current to voltage, and the voltage divider (R1, R2) scales the voltage to a level suitable for low-voltage devices. This parameter chain transformation (current→voltage→scaled voltage) enables the use of low-voltage devices while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling resistor and voltage divider network serve as intermediary components that enable low-voltage devices to indirectly measure high-voltage parameters. These intermediaries perform the necessary signal conditioning and voltage scaling, allowing inexpensive low-voltage sensing components to effectively measure high-voltage output current through a series of controlled transformations.
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
Enables the sensing of output current without the need for high voltage devices, facilitating easier integration and lower manufacturing costs for semiconductor applications.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage sensor senses a first voltage corresponding to the third current
Implementation Method 2
The sample/holder samples the first voltage, and outputs the sampled voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converting apparatus includes a power converter, a first resistor, a second resistor, a current controller, a voltage sensor, a sample/holder, and a switch controller. The power converter converts an input voltage into an output voltage. The first resistor is connected to an output of the power converter, and the second resistor is connected to the first resistor. The current controller controls a first current to make the first current that is less than a second current flowing in the first resistor flow in the second resistor, and outputs a third current corresponding to the first current. The voltage sensor senses a first voltage corresponding to the third current. The sample/holder samples the first voltage, and outputs the sampled voltage. The switch controller controls an operation of the power converter based on a voltage output from the sample/holder.