DC/DC Converter Controller for Transient Overshoot Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC/DC converters face challenges in managing operating parameter transient overshoots, undershoots, and imbalances during load changes, leading to increased component ratings and higher costs due to the need for high-rated components to prevent damage, resulting in larger and more expensive converters.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a decision maker module and a transient compression control module that switches between steady state and transient modes to limit overshoots and undershoots, using PID or PI control modules to regulate operating parameters and balance power stages, allowing operation at or near the switching frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-rated components are used to process transient overshoots and undershoots, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic component rating by switching between two control modes: a first control mode for steady-state operation and a second control mode for transient conditions. This allows components to be rated for normal operating conditions rather than peak transient conditions, reducing the required component ratings and overall system complexity while maintaining reliability during both steady-state and transient operations.
2Reliability
If high-rated components are used to cope with peak operating parameters, then reliability is improved, but converter size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between operating modes based on transient detection, allowing components to be sized for steady-state conditions rather than peak transient conditions. This reduces converter size while maintaining the ability to handle transient overshoots and undershoots through rapid mode switching.
3Reliability
If traditional control circuits are used to process transient imbalances, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mode switching between steady-state and transient control modes, eliminating the need for expensive high-rated components. The controller detects transient conditions and switches to a second control mode that actively manages transient imbalances, allowing the use of lower-cost components rated for normal operating conditions.
4Reliability
If components are rated for peak transient conditions, then reliability during transients is improved, but productivity and power density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic mode switching control system allows components to be rated for steady-state conditions while maintaining the ability to handle transient peaks through rapid control mode transitions. This enables higher power density designs without compromising transient reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a controller for a DC/DC converter of a type having N power stages, where N is a natural number greater or equal to 2. The controller comprises a decision maker module, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) or proportional-integral (PI) control module and a transient compression control module. The decision maker module determines a first steady state mode of operation and a second transient mode of operation and is configured to switch control between said first steady state mode of operation to said second transient mode of operation when an operating parameter of one of the N power stages exhibits a predetermined operating condition relative to a predetermined operating limit and/or a predetermined, calculated or selected threshold. The PID or PI module regulates the operating parameter during said first steady state mode of operation. The transient compression control module limits any overshoot, undershoot or imbalances of the operating parameter levels during said second transient mode of operation.