DC/DC Boost Converter Pulse Skipping Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC boost converters for low-power applications, such as wireless thermostat controllers and wireless light switches, face challenges in efficiently managing power usage across high and low power modes, requiring improved circuitries that can seamlessly switch between these modes while optimizing power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A DC to DC boost converter circuit with pulse skipping circuitry that adjusts pulse width based on output voltage levels, using a switching controller to generate pulse width modulated signals, allowing the converter to operate efficiently in both high and low power modes by skipping pulses when the output voltage is above a target value or at light loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pulse width is continuously adjusted to maintain precise output voltage control, then the voltage regulation precision is improved, but the power loss increases due to frequent switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pulse skipping circuitry that detects when the output voltage exceeds a target value and skips subsequent PWM pulses temporarily. This allows the output voltage to settle without continuous switching adjustments, reducing power loss while maintaining voltage regulation precision. The skipping mechanism rushes through the unnecessary switching cycles when voltage is already adequate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of the output voltage against a target value, with PWM pulses generated only when needed. The pulse width modulation operates periodically rather than continuously, adjusting the duty cycle based on voltage feedback while skipping periods when regulation is already sufficient, thereby reducing energy loss from continuous switching.
2Power
If the PWM pulse width is increased to raise the output voltage, then the output voltage level is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the PWM pulse width based on real-time output voltage feedback. The pulse width modulator continuously varies the duty cycle to match the required output voltage level, increasing power delivery only when and where needed. This dynamic adaptation ensures high output voltage when required while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback circuitry that monitors the output voltage and compares it against a target value. Based on this feedback, the control logic adjusts the PWM pulse width accordingly - increasing it only when the output voltage is insufficient and decreasing it when the target is reached, thereby optimizing the balance between output voltage level and power consumption.
3Speed
If the switching frequency is increased to improve the response time, then the control speed is improved, but the power loss from switching operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent skips unnecessary PWM switching cycles when the output voltage is already at or above the target value. By temporarily disabling the pulse generator during these periods, the system avoids high-frequency switching operations that would increase power loss, while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when voltage adjustment is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous voltage monitoring and control readiness, but suspends actual switching operations when they are not needed for regulation. This ensures the system remains prepared for rapid response while avoiding the energy waste of continuous high-frequency switching during stable operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A DC to DC boost converter circuit receives a DC input voltage and converts it to a DC output voltage at a different voltage level than the DC input voltage. The DC to DC boost converter includes a switching power converter for receiving the input voltage on an input and converting the input voltage to an output as the DC output voltage in response to pulse control signals. A switching controller generates the pulse control signals during a switching cycle. The switching controller further includes pulse skipping circuitry for generating a pulse width modulated signal to the switching power converter. A pulse width of the pulse width modulated signal is decreased responsive to a voltage level of an output voltage of the DC to DC boost converter being less than a control saw tooth waveform and the pulses width of the pulse width modulated signal is increased responsive to the voltage level of the output voltage of the DC to DC boost converter being greater than the control saw tooth waveform.