Cycle-Time Phase Control in Interleaved Boost Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interleaved boost converters face challenges in maintaining a stable 180-degree phase difference between converters, especially in discontinuous conduction mode, leading to inefficiencies and loss of interleaved power output.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a phase compensator that adjusts the phase control output based on the phase difference and cycle duration, using a phase adjustment module to generate drive signals that maintain the desired phase relationship between the converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional phase control methods are used in interleaved boost converters, then the converters can operate in continuous conduction mode, but the phase difference becomes unstable in discontinuous conduction mode leading to loss of interleaved power output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduction mode adaptabilityVSAvoidphase difference stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase compensation by continuously adjusting the phase shift between interleaved converters based on real-time detection of conduction mode and cycle timing. The compensation amount varies dynamically with operating conditions, allowing stable phase difference maintenance across both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the actual phase difference and conduction mode are continuously monitored, and compensation signals are generated based on detected deviations. This closed-loop control ensures the phase difference remains stable even when transitioning between conduction modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If fixed phase control is implemented, then the control system is simple, but the phase difference cannot be maintained accurately under varying load and conduction conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidphase difference accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed phase shift to a variable phase compensation that adapts to operating conditions. By adjusting the compensation amount based on detected cycle timing and conduction mode, the system maintains accurate phase difference without requiring overly complex control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If interleaved operation is implemented to reduce input and output ripples, then the effective switching frequency doubles and component size reduces, but maintaining 180-degree phase difference becomes challenging especially in discontinuous conduction mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidphase synchronization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by having each converter detect its own cycle timing and generate appropriate phase compensation signals. The converters autonomously adjust their phase relationships based on detected operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex external synchronization circuitry while maintaining the benefits of interleaved operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4106172B1Loop gain compensation of interleaved boost converter using cylcle time
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 NXP USA INC
  • EP4106172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4106172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4106172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus are described for controlling the gain of a phase loop of an interleaved boost converter using cycle signals. In an embodiment, a phase compensator compares a duration of the power phase of a converter to a cycle duration for the converter to generate a phase compensation. A phase adjustment module receives phase feedback signals of the first and second converters, measures the phase difference, receives the phase compensation, and generates a phase control output in response. A cycle controller receives the phase control output and generates first and second drive signals to control switching of first and second gates of the respective converters, wherein times of the first and second drive signals are adjusted using the phase control output.