DC to DC Converter Pulse Generating Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DC to DC converters are bulky and expensive due to their complex structure and the high cost of PWM ICs, which limits their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A simplified DC to DC converter design that includes a DC voltage input terminal, first and second transistors, a transformer, and a pulse generating circuit with a sampling resistor, zener diode, and diodes, which eliminates the need for a PWM IC by using a negative pulse signal to control the transistors and stabilize the converter operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PWM IC is used to control the transistor switching, then the converter operation is stable, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter operation stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the PWM IC from the converter circuit, replacing it with a simplified control mechanism using basic electronic components. The auxiliary winding generates control signals directly to drive the transistor switching, eliminating the need for complex PWM integration circuits while maintaining stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary winding of the transformer serves a dual function: it provides feedback voltage for transistor control and generates the drive signals for switching. This self-service mechanism eliminates external control circuits, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable operation through inherent feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a PWM IC is used for pulse width modulation, then the conversion efficiency is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive PWM IC with inexpensive basic electronic components including resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. These simple components achieve the same pulse width modulation function at a fraction of the cost, making the converter economically viable for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing the PWM IC from the design, the patent eliminates the primary cost driver while maintaining conversion efficiency through the auxiliary winding control mechanism. The simplified circuit uses readily available, low-cost components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple electronic units are included in the converter, then the conversion function is complete, but the converter volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion function completenessVSAvoidconverter volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the auxiliary winding and its associated control circuitry. The auxiliary winding simultaneously provides feedback voltage, generates drive signals, and controls transistor switching, eliminating the need for separate PWM IC, feedback circuits, and drive circuits that would otherwise occupy additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary winding serves multiple purposes: it provides voltage feedback for control, generates pulse signals for transistor switching, and enables protection functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete components needed, thereby reducing the overall converter volume while maintaining complete conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 new design reduces the size and cost of the converter while maintaining efficiency by using a pulse generating circuit to control the transistors, allowing for stable operation without the need for a PWM IC, resulting in a more cost-effective and compact solution.

Implementation Method 1

The auxiliary winding 152 induces the primary winding 151, generates an operation voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

When the transistor 19 is switched off, the energy stored in the primary winding 151 of the transformer 150 transfers to the secondary winding 153. Thus an AC voltage across the secondary winding 153 is generated.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7894213B2DC to DC converter
Publication Date: 2011.02.22 INNOLUX CORP
  • US7894213B2 patent drawing
  • US7894213B2 patent drawing
  • US7894213B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary DC to DC converter includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a transformer, and a pulse generating circuit having a first capacitor, a sampling resistor, a zener diode, and a first diode. A DC voltage input terminal is configured for receiving a first DC voltage and is grounded via the primary winding of the transformer, a collector electrode and an emitter electrode of the first transistor in series. A terminal of the auxiliary winding of the transformer is grounded via the inverted first diode, the non-inverted zener diode, the sampling resistor, and the first capacitor. The other terminal of the auxiliary winding is grounded. A first transistor having a base electrode connected to the DC voltage input terminal. A second transistor includes an emitter electrode a cathode of the zener diode, a collector electrode connected to a base electrode of the first transistor, and a grounded base electrode.